Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

That day, Granado Castle was bustling nonstop from early morning.

Most of the people were common citizens, enjoying the feast laid out in the courtyard, singing and dancing with delight.

Unlike last time, the number of attendees had multiplied many times over. My parents were absent, and numerous foreign nobles and royals occupied the guest seats.

Summer—the day of the engagement ceremony itself.

At the recent “rehearsal,” the hastily arranged decorations were nothing compared to today’s lavishness. Under Johan’s direction, Granado Castle was adorned with flowers of every color.

The feast prepared for this day was in a volume incomparable to before. Head chef Toppo and his team of cooks carried plates one after another, satisfying the guests' stomachs and hearts.

Thomas, the gatekeeper standing at the main gate, was extremely busy handling over a hundred guests.

Mio was running around all morning as well. The nobles first exchanged greetings with Lady Ryuu-Ryuu, who sat solemnly in the castle salon, and Duke Alfred Granado. Mio took care of their luggage, coats, and gifts, while tunics attended to any noble ladies who wished to have their hair arranged.

Afterward, they proceeded to the courtyard... to the highly decorated main seat in front of the mansion.

Under the hanging bell, men and women dressed in pure white stood lined up—today’s bride and groom, newly engaged. They bowed deeply in the kingdom’s style of courtesy.

“Thank you for inviting us today. Count Kyros Granado and Countess Marie Shadelan Granado. We sincerely congratulate you on your wedding.”

Ah, Countess Granado...

Every time those words were spoken, my heart skipped a beat momentarily. My fiancé standing beside me chuckled softly each time, and as soon as the guests left, he tugged at my sleeve.

“How many times has that been now? You should get used to it, my lady.”

“But... it still feels like a dream. Me, marrying Kyros—right, darling?”

I pouted playfully, and Kyros blushed even harder than I did, crouching down. When I asked what was wrong, he groaned, clutching his head.

“I’ve finally gotten used to being called by my given name without honorifics... but you’re still cheating...”

Oh? I crouched down beside Lord Kyros and whispered into his ear.

“What’s wrong, you? Why are you so shy? We’re already husband and wife.”

“Well, yeah, that’s true... but...”

“Then don’t hide your face, look at me. Hey, Kyros... I love you.”

Steam practically rose from Kyros’s head. I found him so cute and dear that I laughed. He covered his chuckling mouth with his hand, and on his left ring finger shone a ring with a red stone.

A Red Diamond engagement ring, the same color as my hair. On his right pinky, a small emerald ring, resembling his eyes, sparkled.

After all the guests were welcomed, we greeted them at the main seat... then the real festival began.

The bride and groom took each other’s hands and performed a dance.

Thanks to lots of practice, we didn’t stumble once and received thunderous applause from the audience.

What followed was a magnificent dance party! The number of participants was astonishing. Not only noble gentlemen and ladies but also commoners danced freely. Even using the entire courtyard and the castle’s salon hall wasn’t enough; people danced in hallways, staircases, and landings throughout the castle.

As the night deepened, the dancing shifted to a moodier tone.

Not only couples and spouses but also men and women who met there invited each other to dance, holding hands. The servants who had finished their duties and meals were sometimes invited, too.

“Hey, you there! When you finish that apple pie, would you dance a song with me?”

“Of course, madam. If I’m acceptable.”

“Oh... what a handsome cook...”

“Miss, you smell great, and your skin is so beautiful. What foundation do you use?”

“Hehe, I don’t use foundation.”

“Did your grandpa grow flowers? Amazing! As a reward, I’ll dance for you.”

“...Thank you.”