For a moment, he looked puzzled, but then he opened the door to his room. We entered together. Standing there, I fidgeted, trying to gather my words, but they wouldn't come together. No, it wasn't about gathering words; I just needed to repeat what I had said earlier. I knew this, but I couldn't make a sound. After being prompted several times, I finally managed to speak.
"Um... w-why did you chase after me?"
Ah, no! That's not what I meant to say... But it's fine. I think Sir Cyrus chased after me to stop me. If that's the case, he'll surely say something sweet, and I can just agree with "me too," and that will be it. I don't need to repeat my earlier confession. Okay, I took a deep breath. Sir Cyrus, however, did not pull me into his arms.
"Ah, I have something to tell you—about 'Arthur.'"
Huh? I was taken aback by this unexpected line. He spoke in a low, almost groaning voice, as if trying to convince me.
"If you're leaving, I thought maybe it would be better not to say anything. But I decided to tell you anyway. —He ran away."
"Ran away? Lady Anastasia!?"
I couldn't help but exclaim loudly. Sir Cyrus looked troubled.
"I'm not entirely sure that Arthur is Anastasia. After all, he disappeared before we met. According to Norman, he had always disliked the nobility, even before he was sold into servitude. Even though Norman brought him here, he might have run away after seeing Granado Castle."
"Is that so? Then Anastasia's survival is still uncertain..."
I felt a chill again. Sir Cyrus took my trembling fingers in his large, warm hands, melting my fear.
His hands were very gentle, but his voice was stern.
"Mary, listen. Arthur is not Anastasia. —Even if Anastasia had escaped and disguised herself as a man to live in the artisan district, she would still be Arthur, not Anastasia."
"What do you mean?"
"Unlike the blind Norman, Arthur can read. He could see the wanted posters plastered all over the capital and could have gone to the Shaduran family or Granado Castle on his own. If Anastasia had wanted to do that, she would have."
"But... but... your sister doesn't know about you..."
"Don't underestimate your sister."
His hand, holding mine, was gentle. I stared at his fingers.
"Mary, listen. Anastasia is an adult. As you well know, a strong-willed woman would choose her own path in life, regardless of what others think. ...There are many people living in that city. Assuming that she would choose the status of a countess over that of a craftsman is an insult to them and a negation of your sister."
"Negation... of my sister..."
"People can choose their own way of life. I want you to understand that."
With each word, I pondered. Yes... that's right. I know that the servants in this castle work with enthusiasm and joy. I loved learning about the cultures and customs of different countries and the various ways people live. I had even been envious of different lifestyles. Yet, I had forgotten all of that and was imposing my own preferences on my sister...
"...Yes, I understand. Thank you..."
When I nodded, he sighed in relief and smiled, glad that I understood. He released my hand and instead gently pinched a strand of my hair.
"Like Anastasia, who didn't choose the castle, I might not fall in love with her. There are men who are more attracted to bronze than gold."
If I had heard these words three months ago, I wouldn't have believed them. No, even if I had been told, I wouldn't have understood. Now, I can accept them easily. I also like his bewitching and cursed eyes.
Sir Cyrus's fingers, pinching my hair, transmitted his warmth even though they hadn't touched me anywhere else. ...Could he caress my cheek?
"I... I..."
My heart racing, I closed my eyes...
"Mary, you should live freely. Marriage to me isn't the only path to happiness."
—Huh?
"Even if you were born into a noble family, there are other ways to live. I can even provide you with a different name. Even if it's not in Granado, I will definitely help you. You can be assured of that."
Huh?
"I think it's also a good choice to return to that house once. See it with your own eyes, think about it, and make your choice. I won't lock you up again."
Um... I looked up at Sir Cyrus. His eyes, narrowed with sorrow, were fixed on me. What should I do? The awkward silence was unbearable. After wasting a lot of time, I tentatively raised my hand.
"Um... does that mean I can come back to Granado Castle...?"
"Of course, I intend to keep your room permanently."
Sir Cyrus answered immediately. I slumped in relief, and he finally seemed to understand. He grabbed my shoulders and shouted loudly.
"Could it be that you really came back!?"
"H-hai! I'm sorry, my return was unexpectedly early and ruined everything, I'm sorry!"
"What's ruined! Mary!"
He pulled me into a tight embrace. My face buried in his chest, I groaned.
"It's good. Thank you..."
His voice came from above my head. Ah... Sir Cyrus's voice, warmth, and scent filled me completely. I was happy. I wanted him to hold me tighter, to melt me completely. I sighed and tried to wrap my arms around his back—when I was suddenly pulled away.
"Now that it's decided, I need to tell everyone!"
Sir Cyrus stood up. Ah, ah, ah, I tried to catch up, but I missed his arm and fell forward. I quickly got up.
"Um, Sir Cyrus, before that..."
"What is it? If we don't hurry, Ryu-Ryu will drink all the secret wine."
"Well, wine is good for beauty, and Mio will probably take care of it."
Sir Cyrus tilted his head and tried to leave. Ah, no, no, wait, don't go!
I ran ahead of Sir Cyrus, stood in front of the door, and spread my arms.
"What's wrong, Mary? Ha ha ha, I can't leave unless you let me through."
He grabbed my sides and moved me to the side. As he ducked through the door, I grabbed the back of his shirt to stop him.
"I'm not playing a blocking game. There's something I need to say first."
"...? Is there something else you need to talk about? I'm sorry. What is it?"
"It's not really a talk, but... just come over here..."
I went to the back of the room and beckoned him. He came in, tilting his head. I beckoned him further, and he followed.
"Close the door. Over here..."
We went even further. Finally, with only the bed behind me, I beckoned him. He closed the door and sat on the bed. I spread my arms.
"P-please come here..."
He frowned. Standing, he didn't come closer. He sighed, holding his head.
"Mary, just to confirm... our engagement has been renewed, right...?"
"Huh? Y-yes... Huh, is it over already!?"
Tears welled up in my eyes. Sir Cyrus rushed over, knelt by the bed, and wiped my tears, patting my head and back rapidly.
"It's not over, it's not over at all. It's just that... well, because of that, your approach is a bit... inappropriate."
"What's inappropriate?"
"Well, my self-control. ...I mean, we should probably wait until the wedding to... you know..."
"Eh! You won't cherish me until the wedding!?"
"No, no, no!"
He pounded the bed with his hands and writhed in agony. After a while, he muttered.
"...It's not like anyone is forbidding us. If you want to..."
"That's right. I've never heard of a ban on hugging until the wedding."
"Eh, hugging? Just hugging?"
Sir Cyrus's eyes widened. Hmm? Are we misunderstanding each other again? I should say it out loud.
So... until now, I had kept my feelings to myself and endured. Since coming to this castle, I've finally been able to express them.
From now on, I need to communicate more clearly. I need to tell him what I want...
I took a deep breath, calmed my heartbeat, and told him.
"Sir Cyrus... I like you."
He never mocked me. He listened sincerely, without even a shy smile.
"I like you. I want to marry you."
"..."
"I want to live with you. I love this castle. I want to live here as your family."
"..."
"I will dedicate my life to you. Do you... love me?"
He took my hand. Still kneeling, he kissed my still bare ring finger, as a knight would to a queen. He whispered solemnly.
"I swear to dedicate this love to you forever."
"Thank you..."
I stroked his chin with my fingertips. His beautiful eyes always looked at me directly.
I placed my hands on his cheeks and leaned in. My first kiss, initiated by me, was a bit of a failure. My eyes were closed, and I hit his teeth, making a small clicking sound. He pulled back with a wry smile but was quickly pulled back by his arm. This time, Sir Cyrus gave me a gentle kiss. I was so happy that I kissed him again, changing the angle, twice, three times—each kiss deepening.
After losing count, I felt a chill on my shoulder. My body temperature had risen, making the air feel cold.
I searched for Sir Cyrus's hand with my melted eyes. He was leaning forward, supporting himself with his hands on the bed. I placed my fingers on his palm and tickled it.
I called his name. He responded with a sound, and I whispered.
"I want you to hold me..."
A few seconds of silence—then Sir Cyrus pulled me closer. With a light thud, I was easily flipped over, and my back hit the bed.
...Huh? Oh? Hmm?
It felt different from what I had imagined.
—After being confused for a while, I realized I was eighteen. I had read a couple of romance novels and had some basic medical knowledge.
Ah, that's what it is... I understood. But... um, what should I do now?
What should I do from here...? Eh, do I not need to do anything? Is it okay?
It seems okay. There's no reason it shouldn't be. ...It's okay. Yes.
It's okay...
After that, Sir Cyrus confirmed my intentions twice.
I didn't know how to respond, so I nodded silently. Worried that a single nod