In the kingdom, even the nobles keep their dinners simple. They have their most lavish meal at lunch and dedicate the evening to resting their bodies.
It seems the same is true for the earl's household. The three dishes—rye bread, bouillon soup, and a pork cutlet with white sauce—were no different from those of the Chaderan family. Of course, the quality of the ingredients and the taste were incomparable.
Lord Cyrus said nothing until everything was laid out on the tea table. I waited silently for the meal to be served.
I took a bite of the food.
"Delicious..."
I murmured involuntarily. Lord Cyrus spoke.
"This isn't a political marriage."
The fork stopped.
"......What do you mean?"
"Originally, I proposed to you. To the red-haired girl I met in the courtyard that night. The letter to Anastasia... it was meaningless. I just got the names mixed up."
"......I am honored."
"......You don't believe me, do you?"
His green eyes stared at me intently. I smiled wryly.
"It's fine even if you worry about it, Lord Cyrus. You are a kind person, after all."
"You still don't believe me, do you?"
Lord Cyrus sighed in exasperation.
It's really fine if you don't worry. It's a political marriage as planned. As a noble's child—though I've never lived a life of luxury—I've been prepared for this for a long time. The same goes for Lord Cyrus, if not more so, as he has carried this responsibility.
After we are married, you will probably take a concubine soon. I won't bear any children, and I might even work harder than the Chaderan family, wearing those tattered work clothes.
That's fine. It won't change anything from before.
The meal ended in silence.
Lord Cyrus was still silent.
He didn't even touch the tea after the meal, just sitting there facing me in silence.
"......Is there something you want to tell me?"
I asked. He said,
"I like Marie."
......
......It was the most incomprehensible thing I had ever heard.
My mind went blank.
After waiting for my response for a while, Lord Cyrus finally stood up.
"Understood. The engagement is official. You will be living in this castle from now on."
"......Yes, I understand."
"The engagement ceremony will be in three months. Unlike a solemn wedding, it will be a grand banquet with guests from both families. We will prepare the attire, so you don't need to worry about anything, Marie."
"I understand. I will do my best to ensure that Lord Cyrus is not embarrassed in front of the guests."
"......Relax and enjoy your life here until then. If you come to like this castle—"
"Wait, please!"
I hurriedly stopped him. He flinched and turned around.
"W-What is it?"
"Please let me go home once."
"To the Chaderan family? That's fine, but why?"
"Before I came here, my father strongly told me to return immediately after I was no longer needed."
Lord Cyrus frowned.
"......Needed, for what?"
"My father never expected the engagement to be finalized. He planned for me to comfort the earl for one night and then be dismissed once the family connection was established."
"Whaaat?"
The voice, like an earthquake from the netherworld, was Mio's.
"I also didn't expect this turn of events. I don't know what my father is thinking. I need to go home and get his instructions..."
Lord Cyrus fell silent. His lips trembled for a moment.
But in the end, he said nothing and left the room.
Mio followed him and returned shortly.
"Marie-sama, I must inform you that a visit to your family home is prohibited."
"Wh-Why?"
"It's Lord's instruction. If the Chaderans visit, any meeting must be approved by Lord and must be accompanied by either Lord or me."
Mio's words were stern.
I couldn't say anything and looked down.
For the first time, Mio furrowed her brow and spoke with genuine curiosity.
"Why do you believe you are ugly?"
"......Why? Why...?
It's because... Father and Mother.
Sister. The fact that my tattered hair, nails, and work clothes—my reflection in the mirror..."
"Of the things you mentioned, only the mirror is here. Please, face the mirror fully."
...Face the mirror.
What will that accomplish?
Mio also left the room.
A luxurious but empty room. Only I and the reflection of someone I didn't know remained.
I spent the night aimlessly, and late at night, I received hot water to remove my makeup.
The bed was incredibly comfortable. But I couldn't sleep. Despite being exhausted from the day's events. The bed was soft and warm, like a dream.
—Yes, it was like a dream.
Perhaps it really was a dream from the moment I was put in the carriage.
Tomorrow, everything... the white castle, the dress, the shoes, the tea, the sweets... the strong maid, the green-eyed earl... everything will disappear.
And I'll be back in the dim storage room, alone, in tattered clothes.
Thinking about it, I felt a strange sense of relief. I let out a small laugh.
That's right, this must be a dream.
Then everything makes sense. In a dream, that beautiful woman is really me. The expressionless, overly strong maid isn't strange in a dream. And Lord Cyrus being my fiancé and saying he likes me—
If it's a dream, I can honestly be happy.
Suddenly, my cheeks flushed.
Oh no, how embarrassing!
Just because the gentleman I met that night was charming, to have such fantasies. It's lewd, embarrassing, what has come over me?
"I like Marie. I want to marry Marie. She's beautiful."