My father hurried forward and bowed before the count, pulling my arm and forcing me to bow my head.
"This time, the engagement with my eldest daughter Anastasia was unfortunately interrupted by an accident, which is very regrettable for both sides. I am sure you are also deeply saddened. Therefore, we have brought her younger sister, Marie, here today."
It seemed that Father’s words did not reach the count. He just stared at me with a dazed look.
"Marie... You are Marie? So, you are Anastasia’s sister?"
I nodded in response to his question.
"Yes, I am Marie."
Count Granado gasped, his eyebrows drooping as he fell silent—then suddenly, he glared at my father.
What an intense gaze! His mysterious green eyes were so sharp, it felt like an arrow had pierced my heart. My father, I, and even the gatekeeper jumped. It was terrifying.
I remembered what Anastasia had said... Count Granado was very strict and feared by his servants. But Mio, the head butler, remained expressionless as always. He tugged at his master’s cloak and said in a cold tone:
"Sir, your face looks very frightening."
"Huh? S, so it does?"
"Even Lady Marie is afraid. Please be more considerate."
"Hm. U, um..."
"Your natural gaze needs to be controlled."
"That’s too much to ask."
"Also, to be forward, Shaduran is not only a father who has just lost his eldest daughter but also the head of the family, struggling to protect it. We should be considerate of him."
"..."
"Moreover, Thomas the gatekeeper has done nothing wrong. It’s not fair to yell at him like that."
"U..."
Admonished by Mio, the count gradually became silent. He bowed his head for a long time, deep in thought, then looked around at us before turning back to the gatekeeper.
"I’m sorry, Thomas. I took my frustration out on you."
Then he turned away abruptly.
"I’ve shown you an unseemly side. Please rest comfortably in the castle tonight."
With that, he left. Mio said he would prepare a room immediately.
Even my father, who was usually quite bold, did not suggest that his daughter stay in the count’s bedroom.