Instead of My Stepsister, I Have Become Engaged to the Son of a Marquis, Who Is Said to Only Have a Year Left to Live - Chapter 9

Chapter 9
Fiance’s siblings

　The carriage arrived at the Marquis de Granvelle residence, slowing down as it left the large outer gate and rattled along the cobblestone road that led to the mansion. As the carriage stopped in front of the mansion, Lionel’s father gently shook his son’s shoulders.

“We’ve arrived at the mansion, Lionel.”

　Lionel opened his eyes slightly and blinked several times before nodding at his father’s words and smiling gently at Edith, who was sitting across from him.

“I got totally used to your kindness, but thanks to you, I’m feeling much better now. Thank you.”
“That’s all the more important, Lord Lionel.”

(I’m glad. Lord Lionel, your complexion seems to have improved a bit.)

　Edith sighed in relief, and together with his servant, she helped Lionel out of the carriage and helped him into a wheelchair. He then looked up at the magnificent mansion before her. The mansion, with its elegant appearance and sense of history, was so much larger than the Earl of Oak Ridge house that Edith gasped softly. Several servants were already lined up in front of the mansion, and just then a young man came running out of the front door. The young man came running up to the carriage with a light step, and smiled at Lionel and his father.

“Brother, Father! Welcome home. Ah, you are…”

　The young man, who appeared to be about the same age as Edith, had the same black hair as Lionel but eyes that were more purple than Lionel’s. He smiled amiably at Edith and extended his right hand.

“Welcome to the Marquis of the Granvelle family, Lady Edith. I’m Craig, Lionel’s younger brother.”

　Craig had a handsome, elegant face, somewhat similar to Lionel’s. Edith, realizing that the two were indeed brothers, smiled back at Craig and, feeling a little nervous, shook his right hand.

“Nice to meet you, Craig-sama. I’m Edith from the Oak Ridge Earl House. I look forward to working with you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lady Edith. And over there…”

　When Craig turned around, she saw a young girl of about seven or eight years old with lustrous black hair and reddish-purple eyes, half hidden by the front door, staring at Edith.

“This is my younger sister, Arche. Arche, this is your brother’s fiancee, Lady Edith. Please say hello.”

　Arche remained motionless from her spot and silently bowed deeply, and Edith politely returned the bow.

“My name is Edith. Hello, Arche-sama.”

　When Edith saw Arche staring at her with those big eyes like a wary small animal, she could not help but smile.

(How adorable…!)

　Edith couldn’t help but smile and wave to Arche. As an only child, Edith had always longed for siblings, so she was a little jealous that Lionel had a younger brother or sister.

　Lionel gave a wry smile as he saw Arche showing no signs of coming out from behind the door, then he began to speak to Edith.

“I’m sorry, Edith. Maybe it’s because we lost our mother a few years ago, Arche is extremely shy.”
“No, Lord Lionel. I had heard that you had a younger brother, but you also have a cute younger sister.”

　Lionel smiled with relief when he noticed Edith squinting her eyes at Arche.

“Oh, that’s right. Arche is much younger than me and my brother, but she’s quite a mature girl. I believe she will open up to Edith eventually, but I hope you will be patient while you wait.”
“Yes. I would be delighted if we could become close friends someday, Arche-sama.”

　Arche continued to look at Edith with a searching gaze, but she still thought she was adorable. Hoping that one day she would be able to see Arche’s smile, which would make her look like a little fairy, Edith bowed to the servant who carried the small bag she had brought with her and entered the mansion of the Marquis de Granvelle with Lionel and the others.