Chapter 15

One side was densely covered with many trees.

Despite the outside being a snowy landscape, this place was very warm. The ceiling and walls were made of glass, and a soft light, seemingly created by magic, poured down.

(A greenhouse, right?)

A blue butterfly fluttered past Charlotte. In the center of the greenhouse, a white round table was set up, with sweets and tea arranged on it.

"Sit down."

"Yes!"

She sat down at the table with high spirits, placing her hands on her lap. She thought Hyde Mary would join her for tea, but she didn't sit down.

"Ms. Hyde Mary?"

"As you know, your husband, Langheim, is in a complicated position at the royal castle."

Charlotte blinked her light blue eyes.

Of course, this was the first she had heard of it. However, since Hyde Mary said "as you know," it must be something she should have known.

"Yes! That's right!"

"There are three types of people who will approach you at the ball. Those who have you as their target, those who want to get close to Langheim through you, and those who want to use you to bring down Langheim."

"!!"

The last one was something she couldn't miss.

"Does that mean there are enemies of Lord Ozvalt? To such a wonderful person!?"

"Do you understand? The ball is a battlefield. Your defeat means a disadvantage for Langheim."

Hearing those words, Charlotte steeled herself.

"I really underestimated the ball! It's not just a space where I can see the beautifully dressed Lord Ozvalt and enjoy a glittering time...!!"

"...In the past, it had a different aspect as well..."

A hint of nostalgia mixed with Hyde Mary's stern voice.

"People in high society are often quite lonely. That's why gatherings of people of similar status, where they could share their recent news, were invaluable times for each of them."

"That sounds wonderful. I want friends to talk about my husband's greatness, too!"

"Friends? You?"

(Ah! That's right.)

Charlotte is feared as the "Cruel and Wicked Saint." It's not good to want friends when she is either hated or despised.

"Perhaps, Ms. Hyde Mary, you want to return the royal ball to what it used to be?"

"A girl who can't even protect herself should not think about unnecessary things."

"Yes! I won't think about unnecessary things!"

She was sharply and coldly rebuked and straightened her back.

(But, really?)

While she was thinking this, Hyde Mary spoke.

"There are several ways to navigate the world. I believe it's better to develop the abilities you already have rather than learn methods you can't use."

"Yes! What should I do?"

"We will try that now. From now on, you must be especially careful not to reveal whose wife you are."

"Ms. Hyde Mary?"

"—They're here."

At that moment, a light bell rang.

"Please come in."

"Excuse me."

Four women stood on the other side of the opened door. They were about the same age as Charlotte, and all were elegantly dressed. One of them, a girl with blue hair, stepped forward as if representing the group.

"How are you, Ms. Hyde Mary?"

"Thank you for your concern. I'm glad to see you all are well."

"Please have a good week. —Oh?"

The blue-haired girl smiled at Charlotte.

"Is there a new guest?"

"Nice to meet you. I am..."

"..."

Charlotte, looking down at Hyde Mary, somehow understood and fell silent. Hyde Mary placed her hand on Charlotte's shoulder and said:

"This girl is staying with me for a short while due to certain circumstances. I'm sorry, but could you include her in your tea party?"

"Of course, if Ms. Hyde Mary says so."

The girl spoke, and the other three nodded one after another. All four were beautiful, but the blue-haired girl, who seemed to be the leader, was the most striking.

"Where does this young lady come from?"

She looked Charlotte up and down. Her face was elegant, but her eyes were appraising. Hyde Mary lowered her eyes and replied:

"She has had a very difficult life. Due to certain circumstances, I am teaching her some manners for a short while."

"Oh. Then she must be a very pitiful young lady."

The girl smiled faintly.

"Please leave it to me, Ms. Hyde Mary. I have been told since childhood that I can treat country girls and commoners without discrimination, with kindness."

(Charlotte thought: Oh dear. It seems she's freely imagining my circumstances?)

The blue-haired girl pinched her dress and made an elegant bow.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Elvira Cassandra... Kallenberg."

There seemed to be a long pause before she said her last name. However, Charlotte didn't pay much attention and stood up to return the bow.

"Pleased to meet you, Elvira! I am... um... um... Nameless Honiyarara..."

"Just 'Charlotte.'"

"Yes! I am just Charlotte!"

This name didn't seem particularly unusual. After introducing herself as Hyde Mary did, she inwardly bit back her sadness.

(...I learned her full name, but the opportunity to introduce myself didn't come...!! I want to say it out loud. A name with 'Langheim' like Lord Ozvalt... *giggle* 'Charlotte Rea Langheim'...!!)

Thinking of the wonderful name made her face naturally smile. On the other hand, Elvira looked surprised.

"Did you not bow your head when you heard the name Kallenberg...?"

The three girls behind her whispered to each other. Elvira's face twisted, and she spoke:

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you clearly. Again, I am Elvira Cassandra Kallenberg."

"Just Charlotte. Thank you for your politeness! Nice to meet you."

"..."

At that moment, Elvira glared at Charlotte with great intensity.

"Don't you know the name Kallenberg?"

"Ahh..."

Of course, Charlotte had no memory of it.

After all, she couldn't even remember her own name, let alone the name and face of her beautiful husband. However, since she was hiding her memory loss, she couldn't explain it.

"Indeed! You must have come from a very remote place!"

"Yes, Charlotte! If you're coming all the way to the capital, you should have studied the name Kallenberg."

"Normally, a poor commoner shouldn't be able to speak directly to someone like Elvira."

The three girls spoke one after another. One of them said to Charlotte:

"The Duke of Kallenberg. He is the second most powerful noble in the capital, after the Duke of Langheim!!"

"..."

Charlotte pressed her lips together and looked at Hyde Mary with a troubled expression.