I have been keeping you waiting for a very long time.
The two carriages entered Granado Castle when the sun was at its zenith.
Led by Sir Cyrus and Sir Rui Feng, the Shaduran family alighted. The first to cheer was the six-year-old boy, Cedric.
"Wow... such a huge castle! It's so cool!!"
"It's big, isn't it? Granado Castle was the strongest fortress in the kingdom."
For some reason, Sir Rui Feng, who seemed proud, led Cedric by the hand into the castle. In contrast, Father had a stern look, and Mother seemed to be overwhelmed by the imposing white castle.
"Could... could Marie really be working in a place like this...?"
"She's not being forced to work; she's living happily."
Sir Cyrus immediately corrected her, but Mother still seemed unconvinced. She ground her teeth and glared at Sir Cyrus.
"The Earl will surely regret putting that girl here...!"
Sir Cyrus frowned. During the past three days of traveling together in the carriage, Mother had been a calm noblewoman. But the moment Marie Shaduran's name was mentioned, she transformed into a witch-like figure.
"Madam Elvira... why do you wish for your own daughter's unhappiness...?"
Mother did not answer.
At that moment, from behind the gate, where I was hiding...
"Is it time yet?"
Mio confirmed. I nodded and signaled to Thomas, the gatekeeper on the opposite side. Thomas nodded slightly and, as planned, moved the horse aside. He tugged at his baton twice—a signal that the target was in position. I acknowledged this and signaled to everyone present.
Three, two, one...—let's go!
—Pon! Ponponponponpon!—
"Ah!"
"Wh-what!?"
The sound of gunpowder exploding was accompanied by a large number of fireworks decorating the castle gate. Of course, they were celebratory fireworks, so there was no danger, but they were quite impressive up close. Both parents and Cedric jumped like rabbits. The servants then rushed out to add to the surprise.
"Welcome, Baron Shaduran and family! Welcome to the engagement ceremony of Lord Cyrus Granado and Lady Marie Shaduran!"
There were about fifty of them. Including the stable boys and cleaners, all the servants of Granado Castle were present.
"......What?"
Father, still stunned, was approached from behind by Thomas, who gently sprinkled petals on his head.
"Such... such a thing, why? The engagement ceremony was supposed to be a few days from now... I didn't even give permission..."
"Heh, you brought this on yourself for not coming when called. Since you might try to run away before the actual day, we decided to get it over with while the Shaduran family is all here!"
Thomas said this brightly and cheerfully. With the petals he scattered, Father looked like he was wearing a pink wig. I slowly approached him. The servants parted to either side, kneeling around me. A red carpet led from the hall to the gate, and my even more vivid red hair and emerald green dress sparkled with rainbow hues. I walked straight ahead, my glass slippers clicking on the ground.
"M... Marie, is that you?"
Cedric whispered, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. His parents were still speechless, their mouths agape at the sight of me.
"Could... could it be...?"
"...Is it really... Marie...?"
To their murmurs, I smiled warmly.
"It's been a while, Father, Mother. Welcome to my Granado Castle."
"Your... your castle...!? What do you think you're doing!?"
Mother trembled and glared at me. I didn't back down. Wearing glass slippers and standing tall, I was taller than both Father and Mother. Looking up at me, Mother seemed like a very small middle-aged woman.
"Is something wrong? This is my home. As of today, I am Lady Cyrus Granado's wife."
I turned to face Sir Cyrus, who was leading the way.
He also seemed a bit dazed. It had been about three months since I came to this castle, and the only difference from yesterday was my outfit, yet he was wide-eyed.
I lifted my skirt and bowed to my fiancé. I pretended to kiss his cheek and whispered in his ear.
"It's a rehearsal..."
He looked surprised for a moment, then grinned.
"Ah, I see, killing two birds with one stone. ...You're quite resourceful."
I nodded silently.
Inviting Father and Mother to a mock engagement ceremony—this idea wasn't mine but came from Lady Ryu Ryu and the servants. They all seemed to have noticed my anxiety about the real engagement ceremony.
—Since we're here, let's make good use of it. This, the trial of my parents—
Sir Cyrus and Sir Rui Feng exchanged glances and grinned together. I've always thought they get along well. In the end, they're both mischievous boys.
Sir Rui Feng picked up Cedric and put him on his shoulder, shouting loudly.
"Thank you for inviting us! Prince Rui Feng Sandalquia Dilts of the Diltz Kingdom sends his heartfelt congratulations on this fine day!"
Riding on the prince's shoulders, my brother clapped and laughed.
"Huh? Ha, is this a wedding? Marie, are you getting married!?"
"Yes, but it's an engagement ceremony, not a wedding."
"That's good, it's not a public execution. Yay, Marie, you look beautiful! Marie, you look beautiful!"
Father glared at Cedric, who was bouncing on Sir Rui Feng's shoulder.
"Stop it, Cedric! I haven't approved the marriage! What engagement ceremony? This is a loveless political marriage. Are you selling your sister for money and status? If Marie becomes unhappy, it will be your fault!"
Shouted at, Cedric turned pale.
"S-Sorry... I'm very sorry..."
Seeing him with teary eyes, I felt a sense of déjà vu.
Ah—yes, this is how my parents always silenced me.
Heh... it's funny. I couldn't argue back when I was being shouted at, but now, stepping back and looking objectively... it's so unreasonable, so absurd, it's laughable.
Sir Cyrus seemed to think the same, chuckling as he patted Cedric's head. Then he knelt before me, took my hand...
"Marie, you're really beautiful. ...From the first day we met to this moment, and until the end of my life, I truly love you."
"Me... me too..."
I blushed and threw myself into his arms. Hugging him tightly, he kissed my cheek. I blushed and returned the favor. We did this a few times... and finally, our lips met.
Father and Mother, who had been skeptical, were speechless. They couldn't say this was just an act. It was obvious that we were genuinely affectionate.
After parting our lips, we turned to the Baron and Baroness, still holding each other's waists.
"—Do you believe that we truly"
"Love each other?"
They were stunned for a while... then, at the same time, they made very unpleasant faces.
"Come, come, Baron and Baroness, please come inside! The engagement ceremony venue is in the garden beyond the salon. Please enjoy the scenery along the way."
More fireworks went off. The 'boy' who set off the hand fireworks spread his arms wide.
"O-oh...?"
Pushed by the servants, my parents entered the castle. I walked beside Sir Cyrus, occasionally looking back. Mother had a stern look, and Father was eyeing every opportunity to escape. However, as they walked, their mouths dropped open.
The entire Granado Castle was decorated with colorful flowers and treasures. Though originally a simple fortress, the white castle had a unique charm. Just decorating with flowers from the garden and some items from the Granado Trading Company's warehouse turned it into a paradise.
When we reached the garden, another beautiful scene unfolded. The endless flower garden was lined with tables covered in white cloths. The tables were filled with mountains of flowers and gourmet dishes from all over the world. No matter where you looked, it was a beautiful sight.
The chef, Topo, approached the stunned parents.
"Welcome to Granado Castle, Madam. It's lunchtime, aren't you hungry?"
"Huh?"
Mother turned around and immediately blushed. She quickly turned away from the tall, slender man, hiding behind a fan and whispering.
"Wh-what? You... you're the castle's chef? ...What a... beautiful face..."
Topo smiled gently.
"I'm honored by your praise, Madam. ...I've just lost some weight recently."
"R-really... your voice is so wonderful too."
"Please, help yourself to whatever you like. Here's a plate, hold it properly, Madam. How about a glass of rosé before the meal?"
Mother, half-forced to hold the glass, took a tentative sip.
"It's delicious..."
"Please, enjoy. Today is a wonderful day!"
He shouted loudly and, as he left, stole a terrine from the table.
The servants took turns piling Father's plate with food, all his favorite meat dishes. They were all trial dishes... Topo's first attempts at foreign cuisine and dishes he was considering for the actual event... but since they were Topo's, they were bound to be delicious.
"Hmph, this is nothing!"
Father bit into the confit de canard. He had looked unimpressed until that moment, but his eyebrows drooped as he chewed.
"Delicious... no, it's not good! This level of food can be found in any cheap restaurant in the Shaduran territory... what is this sauce..."
After that, he silently started on his second helping.