There was a large mirror that reflected the entire body, very expensive, and the Shadelan family only had one. Of course, it was in my sister's room.
I had entered a few times to clean, but I always averted my eyes. Even with a small mirror, it was the same. My messy, matted hair, my unevenly tanned, ugly skin, my unattractive face, and my tattered work clothes—no matter which part was reflected, it was unbearable to look at.
I hated mirrors.
And now—there it was, right in front of me.
In one corner of the guest room, an entire wall was a large mirror, much larger and clearer than the one in Anastasia's room.
There was a woman there.
…Who is that?
Beautiful. A stranger I've never met—yet somehow, she resembles me.
…Who is this…?
As I stared blankly, there was a knock on the door. When I responded, Mio entered.
Cyrus-sama was behind her. Before he could open his mouth, I immediately bowed my head.
"Cyrus-sama, I was terribly rude just now."
"Hmm—rude? What do you mean?"
Cyrus-sama stumbled as if his momentum had been thwarted. I continued to bow my head and apologize.
"Just now, I was taken aback and lost my composure… I am very sorry."
"Oh, ah. No, I should be the one to apologize. Please raise your head, Marie."
Following Cyrus-sama's command, I raised my face and met his gaze.
Instantly, he turned his face away. I thought, "Ah, so I am still disliked"—but then Mio stepped on Cyrus-sama's foot.
He didn't scream or anything, but he turned back to me with a serious expression.
"Marie, I'm sorry. I rushed ahead without confirming your intentions."
"…Intentions?"
"I assumed you came to this castle of your own will, that you had agreed to the engagement—without checking, I made various decisions on my own. I'm sorry."
Saying that, he really bowed his head.
…? I don't understand what he is apologizing for. Unable to react, he continued.
"There was a big misunderstanding between us. I want to clear it up. First of all—I don't dislike you, Marie. I really want to welcome you as my wife…"
Ah, I understood. I nodded as I was.
"Yes, I appreciate it."
Cyrus-sama let out a surprised voice. Mio, standing behind him, also widened her eyes.
So, the misunderstanding was about that. I hurried to explain.
"The words 'impossible' just slipped out because I was really surprised. I didn't mean to be stubborn and refuse the engagement."
"…Huh. Uh…"
"I calmed down after resting in the room. I am deeply honored. I sincerely thank you for your kindness, Cyrus-sama."
"Marie-sama? Does that mean you accept the engagement with Cyrus-sama?"
For some reason, Cyrus-sama fell silent, and Mio confirmed it for him. Her tone seemed to lack energy, almost anticlimactic. I nodded three times.
"Yes, of course. I was just so surprised because it was completely unexpected."
"Wait, unexpected? That's strange. Didn't your father bring you here as my fiancée?"
"I thought I would be turned away."
That's why I was really surprised at the time.
But after calming down and thinking about it, I understood the intentions of Cyrus-sama… the Count of Granado.
He had originally wanted the "daughter of the Shadelan family."
"After my sister's marriage was decided, I did some research on you. The need to marry to inherit the dukedom, the requirement that it be a noble daughter, and the difficulty in finding a bride, to the point of being rumored to dislike women."
"…That's… true."
"Isn't that why you came to the birthday party of a poor baron in a remote village? You were originally looking for a suitable match for a political marriage. It just so happened that the beautiful Anastasia was there—"
Both of their faces froze. I apologized for using such strong words and continued.
"Due to an unfortunate accident, the flawed younger sister appeared… I am deeply grateful that you have accepted someone like me. I am well aware of my place. Please treat me as you see fit, my lord…"
"Wait! Wait, wait, wait!"
Cyrus-sama seemed flustered. Did I say it too bluntly? But I didn't think I was wrong. With confidence, I asked, "What is it?" and Cyrus-sama held his head. Mio behind him also had a troubled look.
"No, you're not wrong. You're right. …I did indeed accept the invitation with that intention and brought a proposal letter to the party. But it was originally for Marie."
"…?…"
"I tore it up. After returning home, I proposed to Anastasia again. That was because I changed my mind after seeing 'Marie' and 'Anastasia' that night. So the proposal letter that arrived later was my true intention."
"…I see. I understand. After meeting me in the courtyard, you met Anastasia in the salon, and you were impressed by her."
"No! That's what was wrong!"
…? I don't understand.
"Ah, it's complicated. Just wait, let's start over…"
"…Yes. Please. I'm waiting."
Cyrus-sama held his chin and paused. We stood there, motionless.
Then, there was a knock on the door, and a cart with food arrived. It seemed to be dinner.
Mio whispered while setting the table.
"Normally, we would prepare it in the dining room, but today, please have your meal here while you talk."
There was no objection. I sat across from Cyrus-sama.