Chapter 2

In the dazzling party venue, the nobles, dressed in their finest, were enjoying lively conversations—but now, their gazes were fixed on us.

Their eyes seemed to be a mix of curiosity and pity... perhaps a blend of various emotions. However, their eyes also seemed to be saying that they did not want to get involved with us.

Prince Ignatius sighed and looked at me.

"You were my fiancée until today—have we finally reached our limit?"

The words he muttered were devoid of any warmth. His gentle eyes and calm voice were all directed at Emilia, who stood beside him. To him, I was nothing more than a troublesome presence.

But what had I done, really?

Before my consciousness awakened, Charlotte was, despite being the villainess, rather quiet and lived a reserved life.

***

The Cocolara Duke's family, where Charlotte was born, was, in a way, a peaceful household that disliked factional disputes. It was precisely because they maintained a neutral stance that Charlotte became Prince Ignatius's fiancée.

There was no particular problem with the family.

But what about Charlotte?

She was so busy with the education required to become a queen that she had no time to play. That was undoubtedly true.

From morning till night, tutors came to teach her the manners of a lady, state affairs, and the politics and specialties of other countries. Even during meals, she was corrected on her etiquette, and her bath was attended by maids. The only place she could be alone and at peace was in bed.

What a tough childhood.

In short, she had no time to act like a villainess.

Charlotte had managed the social scene, but she had no close friends. To me, she seemed... lonely, sad, and someone who had never known happiness.

Her lack of smiles was not entirely her fault.

If only Prince Ignatius understood this, but his self-centered nature made it impossible for him to care about Charlotte. I often thought that if Prince Ignatius became king, the country would be doomed.

However, it wasn't all hopeless. Some of the young ladies who had some interaction with Charlotte knew that she rarely changed her expression, so they didn't mind and treated her kindly. They were like angels.

The reason she was a villainess was simply because... she was Prince Ignatius's fiancée. In short, she was just a scapegoat.

***

Thus, Charlotte, who had spent her childhood in such an unhappy way, is now also me, though I don't quite understand how this works. For now, I'll just think of it as my past life's memories.

Prince Ignatius looked at me and continued, "I remember."

"Charlotte's profession was the 'Dark Mage,' right?"

"Yes."

That was correct, so I nodded honestly.

In this game, there are several professions—roles for combat—that can be obtained as you grow. I am a 'Dark Mage,' a profession that fits the villainess perfectly.

The 'Dark Mage' specializes in weakening opponents. While it is advantageous in combat and useful to have in a party, it is not well-regarded by Prince Ignatius and some of the nobility due to its name and skills.

"On that note, Emilia's profession is the 'Healer.' Her ability to heal everyone's wounds makes her a suitable profession for a queen, don't you think?"

"You flatter me, Prince Ignatius..."

As Emilia blushed at Prince Ignatius's words, I felt a strange sensation. Of course, I also felt strange about Prince Ignatius choosing his partner based on their profession.

"Indeed... as a 'Dark Mage,' you should at least pray for world peace. Even if you don't smile and are a boring woman, it would be better to do something that benefits the country."

With that, Prince Ignatius laughed along with Emilia.

"..."

I was speechless.

No matter how much he liked Emilia, to say such things to his fiancée... I felt very disappointed.

"A queen who is not loved by the people is unnecessary. Besides... Charlotte, you have been bullying Emilia behind her back, haven't you? I will declare the annulment of our engagement and your exile!"

"Your Highness, that—"

"I will not listen to your excuses."

While it was indeed the same scenario as in the game, it was not a decision that Prince Ignatius could make on his own. An engagement formed between two families cannot be simply ended by one of the parties saying, "I quit!" Does he not understand this?

However, the prince seemed to think that I would be against the annulment of our engagement. This conversation was not going to go anywhere. The prince believes he is the best.

Prince Ignatius continued with a smug smile.

"Even if you still have feelings for me, it's too late. Shall I ask you to leave?"

"I understand."

"Even if you resist, the decision is made—what!?"

When I nodded obediently, Prince Ignatius's eyes widened. He probably didn't expect me to be so compliant. Emilia, standing beside him, also blinked in surprise.

"W-Well, if you cry and beg for forgiveness, I might consider reducing your punishment..."

"That won't be necessary. I will leave this country."

"Wait, no... Charlotte, really—"

Ignoring the flustered Prince Ignatius, I turned around and started walking towards the exit. As I walked, people parted to make way for me, but most of the nobles at the party looked puzzled, and it was clear that most of them supported Prince Ignatius. They probably didn't want to make an enemy of the crown prince.

—Well, I just made an enemy of him...

I walked to the door and turned to look around the venue. I might never see this place again, where I first appeared in the game.

"Excuse me."

With those words, I left the venue.

As soon as I stepped out, I started running. I wanted to get away from here as quickly as possible. However, I was wearing heels, so I couldn't run very fast.

Despite almost tripping due to the heels, I made it to the carriage stop. This was a place where servants would come, so it was quite surprising to see a young lady like me there. But I couldn't afford to waste time calling for a carriage from the entrance hall.

"Ha, ha—!"

I caught my breath and looked ahead, gasping.

With the castle behind me, I saw a sky full of stars and the faint glow of the city. There were streetlights set up with magical devices, but they were far fewer than in Japan. The world here was much, much more beautiful and fantastical than what I had seen in the game. I genuinely wanted to see more of this world.

"But now is not the time for that."

I quickly looked around and called out to the waiting coachman.

"Please get the carriage ready immediately!"

"Wh-What? Yes, yes!"

Since I had been exiled, I needed to decide my next move as quickly as possible. I hurriedly left the castle.