I don't know what's going on. But anyway, we've been granted permission to enter the castle.
Father quickly improved his mood and marched through the garden with high spirits, talking condescendingly to the maid leading the way.
"Well, well, it was quite a commotion, but now I can breathe a sigh of relief. I wasn't that angry, you know. My best clothes got a bit dirty, but it's just a matter of washing them."
"Miss Marie, is your dress dirty? I'll prepare a new one for you."
"Ah, no. It's fine... The dirt can be brushed off. I brought a change of clothes just in case..."
"I am a baron, and if I were to make a big fuss over a minor mistake by a servant, I couldn't call myself a true noble. Once, one of my maids spilled water on a vase, but I only docked her pay for two years. Being tackled was a first, though."
"I should have introduced myself earlier. My name is Mio. Though I am just a maid, I have served this ducal family since I was a child, and I currently serve as the head of the servants in this baronial castle. I take care of Lord Cyrus and also handle his personal security."
"Security? That's impressive. So, Lady Mio, that's why you're so strong."
"Please just call me Mio. And speak more casually."
"Mio, that's a rather cute name, isn't it? Ha ha ha."
"Um... Well. If I don't, will Mio be scolded by the master?"
When I asked, Mio's lips curved into a slight smile. Oh, this person can smile...
"That's not the case. I just thought it would make Miss Marie more comfortable."
"Is that so? Well... then, I feel more at ease with a mix of polite language. Is it okay if I use that?"
"Then, let's do that. —You are a kind person. And very intelligent..."
"Anastasia was even cuter, though!"
Sometimes, Father is noisy. But Mio completely ignores him, so I can also ignore him without worrying.
Mio is somehow mysterious. Despite her almost expressionless face and formal tone, a gentle aura emanates from her.
Is it because of her plump, soft-looking cheeks? Or her clear, round eyes?
I stared at Mio and suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
"Oh? I feel like I've met Mio before..."
"Yes, it's natural that you don't remember. It was pitch dark that night."
She smiled, and the déjà vu turned into certainty.
This person, yes, that night—next to that person—.
After a long, long corridor, we finally reached the central hall of the Granado Baronial Castle.
As soon as we opened the door, a man's angry shout pierced the air.
"Are you kidding? Send her away!"
I stiffened.
He was yelling at the gatekeeper.
His brown skin was flushed, and his black hair stood on end in anger.
"U-um, but Lord Cyrus, Lady Mio said that—"
"What? I don't need to see her. Marie? I only saw her once, and she had no charm at all. She's not my type at all!"
"B-but, um, she may be plain and slow, but she seems—"
"I proposed to Anastasia. I don't need anyone else! Send Marie Chedelain away!!"
"L-Lord Cyrus..."
The gatekeeper was caught between the head of the servants and the lord, looking utterly helpless. Poor thing. I'm sorry. It's my fault.
The baron clutched his head and bowed his head.
"Anastasia... why did you die? If things were going to turn out like this, I should have taken you away that night...!"
...Now he's in agony...
"It's okay, Miss Marie. Please come in."
Even though Mio urged me, my legs wouldn't move. Even Father, who was usually bold, seemed hesitant to enter the tense atmosphere. Reluctantly, Mio went in alone and spoke to the master.
The baron frowned when the maid whispered something to him. I could hear him exclaim, "What!?"
Then he turned his gaze to us for the first time.
"Po-kan..." If I had to describe his expression with a sound, it would be that.
His mouth was half-open. ...? I couldn't read his emotions... but at least the sobbing had stopped.
I lifted the hem of my dress and performed a ladylike curtsy.
"Um... Hello. I'm sorry to intrude, Lord Baron...
My name is Marie. It's an honor to meet you..."
The prepared greeting for a first meeting couldn't be used.
Cyrus Granado, the baron. When I remembered Mio, I also realized who her master was.
That night—on my 18th birthday party, in the garden, I had spoken to that person.