It was a decision made in the heat of the moment, driven by emotion, but Maion’s words were final. As a viscount’s decree, both Sophia and Tina had no choice but to obey.
Thus, Sophia, the elder sister, found herself engaged to the Margrave of Appelci in place of her younger sister.
◇◆◇◆
Five days after leaving the royal capital by carriage, the scenery changed. The brick-paved roads gave way to dirt paths, and sparse trees turned into dense forests. Yet, as she observed the changing landscape, Sophia neither trembled with fear nor sank into despair.
“I’ll be fine as long as someone is willing to marry me,” she thought.
Sophia, who had no talents or skills beyond managing the viscountcy’s affairs, worried about what would happen if the margrave didn’t like her. However, since he had already expressed willingness to accept widows, older women, or those with circumstances, surely he would make some compromise for a 19-year-old bride with no prior marriages.
Her only focus was on ensuring she didn’t do anything to make the Margrave of Appelci dislike her.
“Welcome, my lady!”
Amidst fields and mountains stretching as far as the eye could see stood a grand mansion unlike anything Sophia had ever seen. As she stepped down from the carriage, the entire household of the Margrave of Appelci gathered to greet her.
At the center of the group stood a man, and it was immediately clear to Sophia that this was Julius Appelci, the master of the house.
“You’ve come a long way. You must be tired from your journey.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sophia,” she replied.
The moment she faced him, anxiety overwhelmed her. Sophia had no experience in social situations, let alone confidence. She hadn’t even needed formal dresses before and only owned a simple wardrobe of plain dresses meant for home use. Though she was wearing her one visiting dress, it couldn’t compare to the elegant attire her sister Tina would don for tea parties.
“Sophia, I am Julius, the master of this house. For now, please rest in the annex and take your time recovering from your journey. I’ll assign you two personal maids, so feel free to rely on them.”
At his words, two maids stepped forward. They introduced themselves as Mari and Mira and then guided Sophia to the annex.
At least it seems like I’m being welcomed, Sophia thought.
Though she had been too nervous to really look at Julius’s face, his voice was kind. She was also surprised by the assignment of two personal maids close to her age. Back at the viscountcy, there had been only one maid who looked after both her and Tina.
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