Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Hearing the commotion, the other servants quickly gathered around.

"Madam! What happened?"

"Lady Marie, are you alright? Who is that? An enemy!?"

Covered in dust, I hurriedly explained the situation to calm everyone down upon seeing me and the unfamiliar intruder.

Tunica and Mio worked together to remove the leaves stuck in my hair.

"Ah, I just got you all cleaned up. Do you want to take another bath?"

"No, I’m fine..."

When I declined, Tunica glanced over at Anastasia.

To blend into the Artisan District, her short hair was wild and dirtied further by the dust, and her work clothes were covered in mud. Tunica rudely stared her up and down, seeing only a boy.

"Is that the rumored Anastasia elder sister? Eh, she’s not as pretty as they say, right? Lady Marie is way more beautiful..."

"Tunica, stop it."

I immediately scolded her. It wasn’t that I was belittling myself out of modesty—I just hated hearing my sister spoken ill of.

Tunica understood and apologized properly.

Meanwhile, Lord Cyrus, still crouching, was being scolded by Johan and Wolfgang. They said things like, "I understand your feelings, but you shouldn’t be so blunt with her," and "Lady Marie would be embarrassed in front of her family." Lord Cyrus also apologized sincerely.

Anastasia watched all this, blinking and turning her head, looking around curiously.

"…Is that really Cyrus Granado? Are all these people just servants…?"

Now that I think about it, before her marriage, Anastasia had heard bad rumors about Count Granado—the man was said to be misogynistic, stubborn, and brutally strict with his servants.

—I see, so that’s how it is. Understanding Anastasia’s behavior, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Lord Cyrus, seeming to have recovered, stood up.

"Well, for now, let's have a talk. It seems there are many misunderstandings between us. I also want to hear about the Shadelan Family and how you’ve spent these past three months."

"…That’s right. I also have things I want to ask you. Depending on the answers, I will do whatever it takes to take Marie back, so be prepared..."

Anastasia glared at Lord Cyrus. I snapped my fingers.

"Wait! I want to show Anastasia around the castle. Before talking, let’s let her enjoy Granado Castle!"

"Eh!?"

Anastasia screamed. The men looked puzzled, while Mio and Tunica made excited faces.

"Nice idea! Then I’ll make it up to you by giving your elder sister a full course like I always do for Lady Marie."

"I’ll bring some clothes for her. Lady Marie’s won’t fit, so I’ll pick some from the castle storage."

"Toppo will cook delicious meals! You must be starving, right?"

I interrupted.

"Aren’t you all basically staying up all night? Please rest. I’ll guide Anastasia around."

"You too, Marie."

Lord Cyrus chided me, placing his hand gently on my head and stroking it.

"Indeed, both Anastasia and we should rest. After a sleepless night, even if you feel calm, your mind and speech don’t work properly. Let’s talk after a nap... It can take some time. Let’s talk properly... so such foolish misunderstandings won’t happen again..."

Lord Cyrus... I nodded deeply.

Anastasia hesitated for a while but murmured softly, "Then... that’s fine..."

The servants dispersed to their duties and rooms.

Tunica led Anastasia, who was meek, to the bath. After a while—

"Wow, Anastasia-sama’s breasts are so flat and cute!"

"Marie! What’s with the servants here!?"

I heard Anastasia’s scream.

I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Lord Cyrus pulled me close.

"Let Anastasia rest in your room. It’s your first reunion and her first time in the castle; it would be unsettling for her to sleep alone."

"…Yes, that was the plan."

I nodded and glanced at him. For some reason, he turned away with a slightly sulky expression. I asked,

"Lord Cyrus, aren’t you lonely sleeping alone?"

"Lonely. That’s why I woke up right away."

He answered immediately. I laughed in relief. Lord Cyrus kissed the corner of my eye and gently pecked my cheek. We leaned on each other, whispering sweet words like a secret between us.