His name is Lord Cyrus Granado. I have heard that he is twenty-four years old, six years older than me.
That is all the information I have. He probably has no interest in me. After all, I am only a substitute for my sister.
My sister, Anastasia, was beautiful. Although we were a poor baronial family, many nobles and wealthy men lined up to marry her.
It was decided that Lord Granado would be the one she would marry. Even though she had never met him, as a noblewoman, she could not refuse the marriage her parents arranged. She meekly got into the carriage her father had prepared—and died in an accident on the way.
As soon as I heard the news, my father dressed me in a dress.
The wedding veil, made especially for Anastasia.
"It's impossible! I can't be a substitute for my sister!"
I screamed. But my parents wouldn't listen.
"Don't worry, Marie. We know you're not pretty."
"That's right, Anastasia was special. We know very well that Lord Granado won't love you."
Their tone was the same as always.
"Then... why?"
"We have already received treasure as a dowry. If we break the engagement, we have to return the treasure."
"Well, we could just return it. I haven't even worn the dress..."
"We sold everything."
My mouth dropped open.
Literally, I stood there with my mouth agape, speechless.
Father was irritated and stomped the floor aimlessly.
"To buy them back, we would need more money than we got from selling them. The Chaderan family doesn't have that kind of money anymore."
"Then, let's borrow money and pay it back gradually?"
"There's no one to borrow from. We are already in debt and have no credit."
My mouth dropped open again.
Even my father seemed to be affected by my reaction. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed deeply.
"Anyway, we are going to Lord Granado's castle. He is grieving over the loss of Anastasia. We need to take advantage of that. Even if it's just for one night, if we can form a connection, it will be ours."
"One night of... comfort—"
That means... it's not about getting married... it's about making me a prostitute...
"Don't look at me like that, Marie. You should be able to live well, even if it's just for a short time. Think of it as a trip."
"That's right, you won't be able to marry anyone anyway. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"…But… But, I—"
"Are you still complaining? The survival of the Chaderan family is at stake!"
"If the family goes bankrupt, it will be your fault!"
I flinched at the shouting.
I didn't agree. I thought of many counterarguments.
But my throat trembled, and I couldn't speak.
I clenched my fists and just stared at the ground, silent.
And today, I am to go to Lord Granado. No, I am to be sold to him.
The iron carriage travels through the wilderness. For about four days, my father sat right next to me, as if watching over me.
I can't run away anymore.
—How did it come to this?
The dress tightens around my chest, making it hard to breathe. Anastasia's old dress doesn't fit me at all. Just sitting in it makes my head feel fuzzy.
There is still a long time until we reach the capital where the Granado family resides. I looked up at the ceiling of the carriage and recalled old memories.
...Two months ago. My eighteenth birthday...
The events of that night, when he first took an interest in my sister, flashed through my mind like a slideshow.
This is a new series! I would be very happy to receive your support and feedback. Thank you.