Chapter 106: Pandemonium
“Never mind that! What’s this about ‘Sister-in-law’!? What’s this about marriage!?”
“Mm. I’ll explain.”
Cornelia and Lily glared at me with sharp eyes. Cornelia was even slamming her hands on the table repeatedly; it was scary. Where did the usual, demure Cornelia go…?
I’d never seen Cornelia this angry before.
Well, Cornelia and Lily were still asleep when I was taken away. For the two of them, to wake up and find me gone, and then for me to return with a woman in tow, it’s no wonder their impression of the situation couldn’t be worse.
But, I never thought things would turn out like this either… I thought I was going to get a reward, but nobody expects to suddenly get married, right…?
But, the one who brought about this situation was none other than me.
“Listen carefully, both of you. I married Cassandra, who is here with me, today.”
“This makes no sense! Huh!? Were you two in that kind of relationship from the start!?”
“No, not at all. It just suddenly turned into a marriage.”
Usually, these things start with an engagement, right? I can understand why Cornelia is so bewildered she’s forgetting her usual polite speech. But, Cassandra and I are already a married couple who’ve completed the ceremony.
“Did you two really get married!?”
“That’s right. With this, I am now your Sister-in-law. Feel free to depend on me as much as you like.”
She probably had a smug look on her face. Cassandra said it with her usual prim expression.
“No… That can’t be…”
Cornelia, who had been standing and slamming the table, sank into her chair as if her batteries had run out, her head hanging low.
“What could be the matter…?”
Perhaps Cornelia’s reaction was unexpected, as for once, Cassandra showed a rare sign of being flustered.
“Ria, um… I know it’s hard to believe. And that it’s difficult to accept it right away. But, Ria, even just a little, could you try to get closer to Cassandra? And someday, I want you to accept our relationship.”
I somehow feel like a father who decided to remarry without telling his daughter. It’s incredibly awkward. But, in these situations, the beginning is crucial.
I’m reminded once again. Becoming a family is tough. Even if you become a family, there are cases where the family can fall apart, like my parents in my previous life. How difficult it is to become a family and then maintain that household.
“Onii-sama, you said you’d marry me… Liar…!”
Cornelia kept her head down. I couldn’t see her face from here. However, Cornelia’s anguished voice, as if squeezed out, and the dripping tears told of her feelings.
“If I didn’t find a bride by the time I turned twenty, I would marry Cornelia.” Cornelia remembered the promise we made when we were children.
I thought she didn’t remember it anymore. That Cornelia had forgotten… Even if she did remember, I thought it was like a little kid saying, “I’ll be daddy’s bride when I grow up,” so I didn’t take it seriously.
What if Cornelia remembered that promise from that day and was still serious about it even now?
How many insensitive things must I have said to Cornelia?
This marriage with Cassandra is another example.
I’ve done something so terrible to Cornelia that I can never make up for it…
“Ria, that’s…”
“Liaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!”
Cornelia suddenly stood up, covered her face with her arms, and ran out of the living room.
“Ria…”
I made Cornelia cry. This is the first time Cornelia has ever directed such intense emotions at me.
I could only stare blankly at the door Cornelia had exited through.
Had I… Had I hurt Cornelia’s heart that much…?
I felt a terrible self-loathing for being so clueless. What “thinking about Cornelia” was I doing? I didn’t even notice Cornelia’s feelings!
I’m a failure as an Onii-sama…
“Even I have to say, Aniki, you’re in the wrong.”
“Lily…”
“A sudden marriage is just not on.”
I think so too. I swear, the marriage was unexpected for me too.
But, I don’t want to say anything that denies the marriage itself. That would be too pitiful for Cassandra.
“Leave Ria to Lily.”
“Can I leave her to you?”
“Aniki, as you are now, you’re no good.”
“Ugh…”
It’s painful not being able to do anything myself. But, I don’t even know what I would say to Cornelia.
If I go to see Cornelia now, will I just make things worse…?
“I shall go as well.”
Seeing Lily rise from her chair, Cassandra also stood up.
“You?”
“Yes. I am already a member of the Baumgarten family, after all. Besides, when it comes to such private family matters, wouldn’t I be needed too?”
“Hmm…”
Lily, who usually decides instantly, uncharacteristically made a difficult face and showed signs of hesitation.
“Alright.”
“Are you sure?”
“Even if it doesn’t seem like it, I am the daughter of a high-ranking noble, you know. This situation is a bit unique, though. I’m used to these kinds of discussions.”
She’s used to them, huh. Being a high-ranking noble must be tough…
“Well then, shall we go?”
“Mm.”
“No matter what happens, please remain steadfast and composed. That will also lead to Cornelia-san’s peace of mind.”
“Yeah…”
No matter what happens… huh. I… I also want to do something for Cornelia. But, I can’t act. I never knew it would be this painful…
I’d never seen Cornelia that angry before. Cornelia has always been such an obedient and good child… That’s why I was surprised. To think Cornelia had such violent passions within her…
“Please rest assured. I will ensure things don’t turn out badly for you.”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you…”
With a heart-wrenching feeling, I entrusted Cornelia to Lily and Cassandra.