And so, within the day, the hellish training of a bride began. Anastasia was so busy she could hardly take a deep breath, being drilled in the manners of the upper nobility, the proper use of language and letter writing, as well as singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Outings were strictly forbidden to prevent any injury, and she was not allowed to meet her six-year-old brother, nor was she permitted to step out onto the balcony, even for a moment, to avoid getting sunburned.
One night, I was called to Anastasia's room. It was three times larger than mine, with lavish furnishings. In the corner of the large room, my sister seemed to have shrunk.
"…I am to get married, to someone I don't even know. The talks are progressing so quickly, and I can't even grasp the reality of it, it's terrifying…"
"Don't worry. The person you will marry will surely—no, no matter who it is, they will surely treat you well, my lady."
I couldn't say that he would be a good person. I, too, knew nothing about a man named Cyrus. My sister shuddered again.
"…I had heard rumors about him in society. The Count of Granado—people said he was very difficult to please and a misogynist."
"A misogynist…?"
"Yes. He rarely attends social events and turns down any dance invitations, no matter how beautiful the lady. He is as strict as a demon, and the count's household has only a few servants."
A few servants… I thought it might be comfortable. Our family, the Chaderan, is a poor noble family and doesn't have the usual servants to take care of everything. I, who am considered 'not cute,' even mend my own socks. I've been doing it since I was born, so I'm more used to it than sad. Life in the count's household might not change much.
The idea of a comfortable life was more appealing than a luxurious marriage… I shook my head. It was Anastasia who was going to be the bride.
"He will surely be strict with his wife. Oh, I don't think I can handle it. The training is already so difficult."
"It will be fine. Even if you make a few mistakes, my lady, you will be forgiven with a smile. You can continue your studies even after the marriage…"
"I hate studying! Instead of that—wait, look at this, Marie!"
My sister took my hand and led me to the closet, which was as large as my room. Inside, colorful dresses lined the walls. From the back, she pulled out a wooden box. Inside were various outfits that resembled knight's uniforms.
"W-What is this? Surely, my lady, these are men's clothes!?"
"No, they are 'women's men's clothing.' I made them. Look, this one has a dignified yet elegant touch, isn't it beautiful?"
As she said this, she held the outfit against my body. Narrowing her eyes, my sister let out a delighted squeal.
"Beautiful! Marie, you're tall, so it suits you. Beautiful!"
"What is this all about?"
"Hehe, perhaps it's a case of wanting what one doesn't have. I love, love, love women who dress like men, beautiful in men's clothing!"
Hugging the outfits, Anastasia looked up to the sky. I whispered weakly,
"My lady, you have such a hobby…"
"I keep it a secret from Father and Mother. They found out before and threw everything away. They said it was a strange and disgusting hobby and gave me boring lace and embroidery. It was so boring!"
Anastasia was laughing. She looked so happy that I suggested, "Shall I try it on?" Anastasia was delighted—then she closed her eyes.
"Once I get married, I won't be able to play these games anymore. I will be a countess."
"…My lady…"
"…If the Chaderan family were to fall apart and I had to work… I wanted to open a shop in the capital."
She stuffed the outfits back into the box and hid them deep in the closet, closing the door, and said,
"Marie, use your talents and do the job you love."
My beautiful, bright, and beloved sister, who was loved by everyone, died before she could go to the Granado family. The carriage fell off a cliff.
I was heartbroken. I loved my sister too.
…But I never imagined that I would be the one to take her place. Anastasia must be surprised in heaven.
"Be obedient, Marie."
In the iron carriage, Father repeatedly instructed me.
"Stay huddled and try to appear shorter. Try not to be seen with that ugly face."
"Yes, I will."
"Forget your studies. It's impolite for a woman to count numbers."
"Yes, I will."
"Whatever you are told, answer that you don't understand. If you clap your hands and say, 'Oh, you know so much,' most men will be pleased. And never let anyone know about your studies of the… barbarians in the East. It's a bad taste."
"Yes, I will."
"If the count divorces you, come back home quickly. Don't even think about looking for a job in the capital. There is no place for a woman like you, with a big head and an ugly face, to work."
"Yes, I understand."
"I am doing this for your own good, Marie. To help a failure like you live a normal life—"
"Yes, I understand. Thank you."
I nodded and smiled at Father. He frowned and sighed deeply.
"…Even your smile is not cute, Marie. I wish it had been you who died, not Anastasia…"
I didn't let my smile falter.
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Prologue ends here.
The story begins from here. Thank you for your continued support.