I'm my sister's substitute bride.

My sister's fiancée is Earl Cyrus Granado. I hear he's 24 years old, six years older than me.

My sister Anastasia was beautiful. My family is poor, but all the country's nobles and rich merchants lined up to court her.

It was Earl Granado who was chosen as my sister's fiancée. Although they don't know each other, a noble daughter can't refuse a marriage arranged by her parents.

But, life has the final word.

My sister ridiculously died on the road, while traveling to the marriage location.

Immediately after hearing the news, my father dressed me as her.

The wedding veil tailored for Anastasia covered my head.

"No!

I can't replace my sister!"

I screamed at the end of my lungs. But my parents closed their ears to my statement.

"Don't worry Marie. We know you're not cute."

"Anastasia is a special extremely beautiful child. But the earl hasn't seen her before."

My parents tone was the same as usual.

"Why do you insist on this marriage father?"

"We received a treasure from the Earl. If we just destroyed this engagement, I would have to return it."

"Then return it!!!!!"

"All has been sold."

My open mouth has been blocked.

No words come as my surprise took over me.

My father irritated walked towards me.

"To buy it back, we need more money than what we receive when it's sold. You know the situation of our family. From where will I take this money from?

I can't borrow money. We're covered in debt already."

My mouth was still open without words. It seems that my father expected such a reaction. 

I wipe the sweat from my forehead and sigh.

"Anyway, I'm now heading to the earl's mansion. The earl is saddened for the lost. First, I'll take care of that. And as comfort, I'll propose a new marriage with you."

"As comfort…"

This is not a marriage… I'm a sacrifice for my family… 

" Marie, don't make such a face. You'll live a good life. Anyways, it would be very difficult for you to get married. This is an once-in-lifetime opportunity."

"Yeah…" That's a lie… how can I become happy with someone who doesn't love me nor I love?

"Why do you have that face?? Do you still have complaints??"

"Marie, if you don't take this compromise, our family will be ruined and it will be all your fault!!"

I cried…

I wasn't convinced… I came up with thousands ideas about how to object it. My life wouldn't be for sale.

But… not all ends as we want…

The next day, I rode an iron carriage with bars like a cage, towards the Earl's mansion. On the road, my father sat next to me, watching constantly my every step.

I can't escape anymore.

Why did this happen?

The dress squeezes my stuffy chest. Anastasia dresses doesn't suit my body.

Just sitting makes my vision blurry and head hurt.

There's still a lot of time left to reach the capital where the Granado family is located. I recall my old memories and look at the ceiling of the carriage.

… Two months ago, was my 18th birthday …

That's the night when the Earl began to ask for my sister's hand in marriage.