Chapter 36

The hall, so vast that one could not see the faces of those at the far end, was bustling with many guests. Most of them were men, and it seemed that many were of advanced age.

(Lord Oswald mentioned this last night.)

Most of the guests this time were heads of noble families or their heirs. In addition, there were ladies whose families held titles of count or higher, and nobles who held important positions in the royal castle.

(In other words, only the most representative figures in the noble society are here.)

Elvira and the others, of course, were not present, nor were any young ladies of Charlotte's age. Under the glittering chandeliers, the first person to approach was a middle-aged man who had just entered the hall.

"Pleased to meet you, Holy Lady."

He was a person with a pleasant smile, but his gaze was sharp and not to be underestimated. This prompted the previously casual glances from the surroundings to become direct and unreserved.

"My name is Thomas Gotthardt Marx Brauer."

(Ah! This is the gentleman who was at the transfer point earlier.)

"To meet you in person is an honor beyond measure. Not only His Majesty, but we have all been eagerly awaiting the day when we could see the Holy Lady."

But he had said something different earlier.

'Now that her divine power is sealed, she is no more than a mere girl. For someone of such status to appear before His Majesty is a disgrace.'

(The difference between what he said earlier and now is quite significant...)

But Charlotte steeled herself.

(Alright, I have to try my best! What I need now is a 'proud, cold, and distant attitude'! I need to act like I did before, as shown in the scene in the diary...)

She steeled herself and spoke.

"...I am Charlotte. Charlotte Reia..."

At that moment, Charlotte realized something.

(My maiden name! I don't remember my maiden name!)

She couldn't use the 'Langheim' surname because she was married to Oswald.

(Ah, what should I do...!)

She instinctively looked at Oswald, who seemed to have a 'darn it' expression on his face.

But this was probably just her imagination, as Oswald didn't know that Charlotte had amnesia.

(I can't ask Lord Oswald, 'What is my name?'!)

"Ah... Lord Brauer. You already know her name, don't you..."

Despite not knowing Charlotte's situation, Oswald spoke as if he was trying to help.

(Should I leave it to Lord Oswald...? No, that won't do!)

Heidemarie's teachings flashed through Charlotte's mind.

"Understand, Charlotte. As I've said before, a ball is a battlefield. And in a battlefield, 'use whatever you can, even if it's trash.'"

"Even trash?"

Heidemarie, holding a teacup, stroked the nose of the little Fenrir by her side and said,

"A petal that fell from a vase, a dress stained with wine from a collision, an impolite remark from an enemy, vanity. Use these negative elements to your advantage."

"Use negative elements...?"

"---You're good at that, aren't you?"

Heidemarie then smiled gently.

(I don't have that kind of confidence...! But I must do whatever it takes to be of use to Lord Oswald! Whether I'm good or bad at it, I have to do it!)

So, Charlotte gently pulled Oswald's hand.

"...Charlotte?"

She looked up at him, and with a dignified and sly smile, just like the old Charlotte.

"I don't want to, Lord Oswald."

Then, with a refined gesture, she said haughtily,

"I don't wish to greet this person."

"Wh-What!? Holy Lady!!"

The nobleman's face turned red and twisted. The people around them began to whisper.

"Lord Brauer... It seems you've offended the Holy Lady."

"How foolish. Her influence will undoubtedly affect the changing power dynamics in the future."

"Grr..."

But Charlotte's goal was not to refute the insults he had said. So, she pleaded with Oswald beside her.

"Please, will you forgive me?"

"..."

Charlotte wondered if she was acting like the old her. Oswald looked surprised. She stared at him, and without letting anyone else know, she moved her lips to say,

(Lord Oswald...)

---'Scold me.'

"!"

Oswald seemed to understand just from that.

"...No, Charlotte."

When Oswald said this, the people around them gasped.

"I won't allow it. ...Introduce yourself to Lord Brauer as Charlotte Reia Eynsworth."

(Lord Oswald's 'I'...!)

She almost choked on the words but quickly regained her composure.

(No, 'Eynsworth'! 'Eynsworth', Lord Oswald!!)

With the information she had, she pretended to be sulking.

"...I will comply. If you, Lord Oswald, command it."

Then, she turned to the man again.

She gave a seductive smile, and the man gasped.

Charlotte let out a soft sigh and then performed a deep, yet casual bow.

"I am Charlotte Reia Eynsworth. Please remember me."

"...Ah, ah..."

"Is this acceptable, Lord Oswald?"

Charlotte, still looking only at Oswald, made him sigh. But it didn't seem like a sigh of true exasperation.

"I apologize, Lord Brauer. The Holy Lady's divine power is sealed, but it seems my training is still lacking."

"No, no..."

"Excuse me. ---Let's go, Charlotte."

He offered his arm, and she took it obediently. As Charlotte and the others started walking again, the people around them whispered.

"Did you see? The Holy Lady is as haughty as the rumors suggest, but she only obeys Lord Langheim..."

"Truly, Lord Oswald, the genius magician known as the best in the continent! The Holy Lady, who was defeated and had her divine power sealed by him, seems to understand that he is an unbeatable opponent."

"It seems that as long as Lord Langheim is here, there's no need to overly fear the Holy Lady."

Hearing these words, she sighed in relief internally.

(A huge success...! I acted like the old me and managed to hide my amnesia! This proves that I am safe... and more, more, more!)

On the surface, she remained composed, but she couldn't help but look up at Oswald.

(More! It seems that everyone understands how truly amazing and wonderful Lord Oswald is...!!)

Her eyes sparkled, and only Oswald noticed.

But when he moved his lips to say 'good girl,' she almost died from happiness.

(Ugh, I'm so happy...! During my 'training' last night, Lord Oswald was reading 'How to Train Wolf-Type Monsters,' which said, 'To establish the hierarchy within the pack, it's effective to show the others that you are scolding and to make the power dynamics clear to everyone.' )

"...So, I'm supposed to be escorting a human, not a puppy, right?"

Oswald muttered in a small voice. It seemed he was also remembering the book, and they were on the same wavelength.