Waking up in a warm bed, eating delicious food, and donning a dazzling dress.
I no longer have any doubts about the day that begins this way.
When I first came to this castle, it was strange that it wasn't a dream.
Every night as I fell asleep, I thought that surely the magic would be undone by morning, and everything would turn out to have been a dream, and I would be back in my tattered clothes.
Lord Cyrus Granado often whispered to me that this was not a political marriage, that he was happy I had come to this castle.
At first, I couldn't even process those words.
Now, I'm gradually starting to believe them.
That I might be beautiful, that he might like me... it might not be flattery. When he looks at me with those shining green eyes, I almost start to believe he's serious.
No, even if it is flattery, that's fine. It means he's treating me well, welcoming me here. I belong here.
With each passing morning, I understood more, and I was genuinely happy.
...But.
'Lady Anastasia, the eldest daughter of the Shadelan family. I would like to welcome the beautiful noblewoman to the Granado family as soon as possible, to become the wife of Cyrus Granado.'
He wrote that letter. I wrote back, saying I would be delighted. Anastasia received it and was placed in that carriage.
The place where I stand now, this was Anastasia's place.
No matter how much I get used to this castle and am welcomed here, that doesn't change.
Anastasia's body was never found.
But there's no way she could still be alive. The circumstances made survival impossible, and most importantly, if she were alive, she would be the one here.
If you were brought back to life by a miracle of God... if you were living somewhere... come back. I'll give everything back to you.
This is really a comfortable and wonderful home.
I'll be fine. I'm prepared for it.
—Life in this castle is enjoyable, and I have no worries. Because I'm prepared.
If Anastasia comes back alive, I'll leave quietly.
Hey, Anastasia.
Where is your soul now?
I hope you come back soon. If you come now, we can pass the baton with a smile.
If you wait a little longer, I might end up crying.
Knock, knock, the sound of a knock on the door.
I wiped the corner of my eye.
"Marie, can I come in?"
"Lord Cyrus? Y-Yes, please!"
As I replied, the door opened immediately. The tall, handsome man who appeared was the lord of this castle and my... former fiancé of my sister.
Lord Cyrus, who had been away on business for a long time, finally managed to take a vacation. He seemed to have had a good rest last night, looking well and refreshed.
I smiled and bowed, asking about the purpose of his visit. Lord Cyrus said in a lively voice,
"While Mio is away, I'll be Marie's maid from today. Nice to meet you."
... ...What?
I couldn't understand what he was saying and looked up at him in confusion.