Chapter 2

When Anna appeared in the territory governed by this noble family, she was immediately taken to the father, who was both the top of the local police and a judge, and was placed under custody.

However, it was the noble lady herself who witnessed Anna suddenly appearing out of nowhere. Moreover, Anna's attire—a black long dress, a pearl necklace, and an updo, which was her part-time job outfit—was quite simple but resembled the attire of the nobility in this country.

Furthermore, the manners and etiquette she had learned from attending church and ceremonies for a long time were somewhat effective, so she was not put in a cell but was treated as a guest, despite her unknown identity.

The country of Fortelia was a world of swords and magic. It was more like the modern era than the medieval period, but it was quite different from the life Anna had lived. Despite her confusion, she spoke honestly, and everything she said was secretly verified and acknowledged as "the truth"... thus proving her journey to another world.

Thus, she officially became a guest of the noble family for a year. Having already given up on returning to her original world, she resolved to live in this place. Just then, the adoption procedures were finally carried out. The reason was as follows.

"Y-You, I don't like it!"

"Miss Christina"

The family room of the noble family was thrown into chaos by the news the father brought back from the capital. Christina, who collapsed in tears, clung to Anna, who was sitting next to her.

"Christina, calm down."

"Father, no, no! I can't marry the general!"

The noble lady, Christina, who first found Anna, was ordered to enter into a marriage arrangement. It was a political marriage, as was customary among the nobility.

"General Serendia is a fine man."

"That's right, Christina. Besides, he already has an heir, so you don't have to think about having children, he said."

"Mother, that's impossible!"

The parents, who were trying to calm her down, did not think this marriage arrangement was a good thing. After all,

"I have Jeremy, you know!"

"Miss Christina..."

Christina, whose sobs grew louder, was tightly embraced by Anna. Originally, Christina had a fiancé from childhood. The second son of the neighboring viscount's family, Jeremy, was supposed to come and live with them, and they had spent many years together.

However, recently, there had been a political change in the central government, and the political power map of the country had been significantly redrawn. Due to various circumstances, it was pointed out that an alliance between the prestigious noble family and the military was necessary, and this marriage arrangement was the background of the proposal.

However, the general already had a wife and children. Multiple wives were allowed for those of a certain status, so Christina would be the second wife, essentially a concubine.

A marriage in name only between a married general and Christina, who already had a fiancé. Nevertheless, in the noble society, a marriage alliance to solidify a faction was necessary.

If it were for the sake of saving their territory, Christina might have reluctantly accepted it, but it was not. It was for the balance of power in the central government, which was a difficult situation for a noble lady living in the countryside. The idea of breaking her engagement with her childhood sweetheart, a same-aged idol-like handsome man, and becoming the concubine of a rough military man over ten years older, was something she could not accept.

If there had been a sister or a cousin, it would have been different, but unfortunately, the noble family had only Christina as a marriageable woman. Since the wedding was to take place in half a month, there was no time to bring a distant relative living as a commoner and educate her as a lady.

"Excuse me, sir."

In the room, which was heavy with the midday air, the steward of the noble family spoke up amidst Christina's sobs. The middle-aged man glanced at Anna and said something unexpected.

"Would Miss Anna be suitable to take Miss Christina's place? Her hair color and features could pass as a relative."

"Eh?"

Suddenly named, Anna was at a loss for words. Anna was born and raised in Japan by a Japanese mother, but her father was a foreigner. Although her hair was black, her eyes were light brown, and her fair skin did not match standard foundation. With her distinct facial features, she had always stood out a bit in Japan over the past twenty years. She could be said to resemble Christina and her mother.

"The other party mentioned that as long as the person is from the family, it doesn't have to be Miss Christina herself. While it would be problematic to take a commoner, Miss Anna should be fine."

"…Hmm, indeed."

If the noble family could guarantee her guardianship, even an adopted child could marry. Anna, who came from another world, had no blood ties and was, in a way, convenient.

At the steward's words, Anna's face twisted, and Christina's head snapped up.

"…Y-Yes, that's right, that's right."

"C-Christina?"

"It's a lifetime request! Anna, please marry the general in my place!!"

—That's how it happened.