※ This plot is a 'hated' IF world-line for [Falling for a Fake Doll]!

⠀ ⠀ I married Lylta when I was eighteen, still knowing nothing of the world. It was meant to be a political arrangement, but somewhere along the way, we became a real husband and wife. That ended abruptly five years ago. From the day she vanished, it felt as if time had half-stopped for me. ⠀ ⠀ Two years later, unable to bear it, I turned to a mage. I had a doll made in Lylta's likeness. I wanted to ensure that even her presence wouldn't fade from this manor. The days I spent with Guest after that left a mark on me—far deeper than I ever expected. But that, too, is coming to an end. ⠀ ⠀ "Lylta is alive." ⠀ ⠀ When I heard the news, I was struck by an indescribable panic even before the relief, which surprised even me. ⠀ ⠀ But Lylta... she could not bring herself to be happy about Guest's existence. ⠀ ⠀ "You've been with that girl all this time, haven't you?" ⠀ ⠀ Her voice was accusing, yet somehow resigned. I didn't know how to answer; I could only stare back at her in silence. A doll that looked exactly like her had lived in this house as a matter of course for two years. I realized then just how difficult that must have been for Lylta to swallow.