Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

The guest room I was shown into was magnificently luxurious.

“...Where is Father?”

I looked up at Mio as I sat on the sofa.

Earlier, she had briskly kicked Father out of the room, leaving him to the other servants, and now she said casually,

“He’s having a meeting with Master. Master had quite a few things to discuss.”

“Oh... um, I’m really sorry for suddenly barging in like this.”

“You were just brought here, weren’t you?”

“No, we’re equally at fault. I have nothing to say to apologize to the count...”

Even if I apologized, I doubted I would be forgiven. With no money to offer, I had nothing else to make amends with.

I wished, in fact, to be punished.

As I silently hoped for that, Mio blinked at me.

“...Apologizing for what exactly?”

“For what—my lack of courtesy. Of course, for barging in, but also for deliberately causing confusion and forcing myself into the castle with such a thoughtless plan. Taking advantage of the count’s grief and even insulting the late Anastasia... I knew it all along, yet I couldn’t stop myself. I am truly, truly sorry.”

Mio didn’t respond. I lifted my gaze.

...Huh? Mio was gone.

Turning my neck around, I saw her near the door, pulling a wagon into the room.

“Lady Marie, would you like some sweets?”

“Huh?”

“I think the meeting will take some time. Let’s have some tea until it’s over.”

“Uh? Well—...yes. Thank you. I’ll have some...”

I followed Mio’s lead and sat at the table. I didn’t think the apology issue was resolved, but trying to resist her guidance felt like bad manners. Surely, any punishment would come from her master, the count.

For now, I thought it only polite to gratefully accept what was offered as a guest.

I sat down. A gentle aroma rose, and I couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Wow, what a wonderful smell!”

I blurted out loudly, then hastily covered my mouth. Blushing, I glanced sideways to see Mio somehow smiling.

Ah, how embarrassing... I’m such an idiot.

But it really looked delicious. Freshly baked cookies wafted an exquisite buttery aroma. Three different kinds, two pieces each.

I first tried a simple one.

Wow... it’s delicious!

Moist and soft, with a milky flavor. The scent of butter and grains spread in my mouth. Not flashy, but you could tell both the ingredients and preparation were carefully chosen.

Another, topped with green nuts... also delicious! The sweet cookie combined with a slight salty smoked nut flavor was addictive.

One more, crunchy enough to hear a snap, sweet and satisfying. This too was incredibly tasty.

Amazing, as expected of the count’s household. Even the snack cookies were on another level.

Oh no, I can’t stop eating. I never considered myself greedy, yet I might finish them all in no time.

“I’m glad they suit your taste.”

Mio poured tea.

While waiting for the tea leaves to steep, I looked around restlessly.

...Looking again, this room is truly incredible.

White walls, red carpet, wooden cabinets polished so smoothly they reflected faces. Much larger than the Shadelan Family’s main guest room. The sofa was like a dream to sit in. The writing desk and dressing table dressed in white and gold, lavish yet refined.

If the Self-Proclaimed Baron’s room was like this, I wondered how impressive the main guest room would be. I couldn’t even imagine the count’s personal quarters.

Amazing. Really, it’s a different world...

Just then, the tea was served. Nervous about etiquette, I sipped and exclaimed aloud.

“Is this... Ipsandros tea?”

“That’s right. You know it well. I don’t think it’s available on the market.”

“It’s my first time drinking it. I read in books that in the Eastern Republic, medicine and spices are closely related, and in Ipsandros they often drink this tea for health. It has a unique aroma... I wonder what’s in it...”

“Ginger and cinnamon. The tea leaves are from the kingdom, but they blend well.”

“...Ah, it’s delicious... Ipsandros is amazing, to create such tasty tea.”