Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Over time, Granado Castle grew increasingly crowded.

Civilians poured in through the wide-open castle gates. This was because the notice posted early that morning in the royal capital had gradually spread.

“Is this really free food? It looks so delicious…”

“So this is what the inside of Granado Castle looks like.”

“Ah, it’s the bride and groom! Congratulations!”

People of all ages came and went, approaching us one after another.

Lord Cyrus and I stood side by side at the center of the courtyard, at the high seat reserved for the bride and groom. But it wasn’t so formal—we simply raised a hand and said things like, “Here’s to your happiness!” and “Thank you!”

Some brought gifts, but most just greeted us with “Thank you for the feast!” Of course, that was perfectly fine. After all, this had been announced as both a rehearsal and a tasting event to attract guests.

The peaceful citizens of the royal capital all loved a festival. They enjoyed the food, admired the courtyard flowers and the majestic presence of the ancient city, and simply passed the time happily.

Around the rose-blooming fountain, noblewomen danced. They weren’t aristocratic young ladies, just commoners from the royal capital. They had simply rented clothing and accessories from the granado trading company for a small fee. Even so, when they danced together, the spectacle was overwhelmingly glamorous.

When I turned toward the laughter, Cecilie in a pink dress was running around with children her age… Wait, Cedric was there too!?

“Everyone looks so happy,” Lord Cyrus said.

I nodded and whispered softly.

“…I’m really looking forward to the actual ceremony too.”

Lord Cyrus smiled with genuine relief.

Before I knew it, hundreds of people were coming and going in a grand banquet. The scale was incomparable to the “Marie Shadelan’s Eighteenth Birthday Party” held at the Shadelan Family estate.

My mother muttered in astonishment.

“…H-How much money is being spent on this…?”

“It’s pocket change, really. With the financial power of the granado trading company.”

The woman who spoke was a beautiful lady with dark skin.

Against the backdrop of the rose obelisk, she gracefully sipped wine—the duchess of Granado.

Father, who had been eating greedily, suddenly snapped to attention upon seeing Lady Ryuu-Ryuu. Hastily setting his plate aside, he strode over to her table. Even though she was a high-ranking noble well above his status, perhaps because she was younger or a foreigner, Father spoke to her with an arrogant tone.

“Lady Granado! What is the meaning of this? To force such an elaborate engagement ceremony without our consent!”

“Oh? It’s not forcing anything. We have sent invitations to the engagement ceremony many times.”

“We never responded. Ignoring the bride’s father and holding the engagement ceremony is outrageous!”

Lady Ryuu-Ryuu laughed loudly.

“Outrageous? How amusing! Baron, you brought Marie here hoping to marry her off to us, didn’t you?”

“Th-That was only… as a consolation for Anastasia…”

Father faltered mid-sentence. Lord Cyrus frowned beside me—but before he could speak, Lady Ryuu-Ryuu’s laughter rang out again.

“Hohohohoho! Oh yes, that’s right! You squandered the betrothal gift we sent and sold your daughter off, didn’t you? —When I heard that from Marie herself, I almost thought of destroying the Shadelan Territory… but now, I must thank you.

Thank you very much, Baron Shadelan. From now on, the daughter you gave us will be cherished as part of our family!”

“!? No… th-this—!”

Father lunged to grab Lady Ryuu-Ryuu.

Oh, how I wished he’d learned his lesson by now.

Suddenly, a white object flew across my line of sight and hit Father’s forehead with a light pop, bursting on impact.

“Gah!?”

Father clutched his face in surprise. From his hand dripped a sticky transparent slime and yellow jelly-like substance in strings.

“W-What is this… raw egg?”

Father turned toward the source. Far away—behind some bushes near the outdoor kitchen along the castle walls stood the expressionless maid. Without bowing, she bounced the egg lightly in one hand and said: