Chapter 38

It's a lifetime disgrace not to understand something in Oswald's words.

And Ignatz, despite knowing Charlotte's bad reputation, smiled without a single frown.

"Well, well. To be recognized by Lord Charlotte is truly delightful. I will accompany you perfectly until Oswald returns."

(Oh, that's good. Lord Oswald! Please rest assured. I'm keeping a good watch!)

She waved her hands vigorously in her heart, but Oswald had a somewhat displeased look on his face.

"………………"

(Oh? Lord Oswald looks terribly displeased... Did I make a wrong choice!? But, that face is truly wonderful...!!)

In response to Oswald's stern expression, Ignatz said with a light, frivolous laugh.

"Oswald. Go on."

"……Hmph"

(I did it! This way, my presence won't be a hindrance to Lord Oswald. Besides, Lord Ignatz is Lord Oswald's friend! I might hear something valuable!)

After a sigh, Oswald said:

"I'll be back soon."

"Alright. Go on, then."

(Farewell, Lord Oswald!!)

While sending him off with all her heart, she kept a composed face on the surface. Then, Oswald started walking towards the girls.

The delicate expressions of the girls brightened up instantly.

In response, the participants around Charlotte quickly distanced themselves.

(Oh...)

Charlotte looked around at the empty space that had opened up around her.

(It seems everyone has suddenly distanced themselves from me.)

"Hehe, they all run away so fast. Are you upset, Lord Charlotte?"

"No? Not at all."

Because Charlotte is a villain. Even without her memories, she can't escape that fact.

It's only natural that others would fear and avoid her.

(Of course, it makes me sad...)

She felt down inside, but she didn't have the right to feel that way.

Regaining her composure, she looked at Oswald, who was talking to the women from a distance. Oswald and the others were facing the women with polite, expressionless faces, explaining something.

The three girls were beautifully and delicately dressed.

Although they all had pouting expressions, their shining eyes clearly showed that they were in love with Oswald.

As she watched them, Ignatz spoke.

"Please don't think badly of Oswald. Even though he hasn't revealed your marriage, he can't go to apologize with you."

"Apologize?"

"Oh, I messed up. You didn't know about that?"

Ignatz covered his mouth, but then removed his hand as if it was too late.

"Really, that guy, hiding things like this often causes more problems... Anyway, those three sisters were Oswald's potential brides."

"…Oh. Is that so?"

"He declined all the marriage proposals due to his marriage with you, but he hasn't revealed the reason. So, for the other side, it's like he declined the proposals without a clear reason, which requires an apology."

"…………"

"Though, those weren't the only candidates. He's quite popular, you know. Hehe... Hehe, hehe..."

"…………"

"…………"

Seeing Charlotte's composed face, Ignatz let out an awkward, dry laugh.

"……I'm really sorry, Lord Charlotte!! I apologize for my thoughtless words...!!"

(No, I want to hear more...!!)

While trembling with excitement inside, Charlotte desperately maintained her expressionless face.

(Because, the Lord Oswald I don't know...!! I want to know what kind of person he likes and what points he likes...!! I want to talk about it with the same passion...!! Oh, if I talk to those women, they'll be scared...! Could you at least talk about Lord Oswald where I can hear...?)

As she held back her emotions, Ignatz became increasingly uncomfortable.

"I really messed up. I'm sorry. I'll remain silent and accompany you, so please forgive me..."

(Ah, it's a big crisis! If this continues, I won't be able to hear anything from Lord Ignatz!)

At that moment, Charlotte decided to use one of the social skills she learned from Haidemarie.

(The technique called, 'reconstruct the information you just got as if you already knew it well'!)

It was a difficult method, but Charlotte would do anything for Oswald. She desperately thought and said with a haughty expression:

"Lord Ignatz, that's fine. I understand. Although I didn't hear it directly from Lord Oswald, I can imagine that the Gmyul family would want Lord Oswald. ...And that those women are infatuated with him."

"Lord Charlotte..."

Ignatz's eyes widened, then he let out a sigh.

"Phew, that's a relief... I'm glad you said that. As expected of Lord Charlotte! Even though you've lived in the temple for a long time, you understand the world well."

(I did it!! I can probably hear about Lord Oswald now!)

She wanted to raise her hands and jump for joy. Charlotte continued to guide the conversation.

"Have you known Lord Oswald for a long time?"

"Yes. Since we entered the magic academy at ten, it's been about ten years. He was raised in a baron's family, discovered to have immense magical power, and was adopted by the Langheim Duke's family. At first, he was much more prickly and mischievous, a bit of a troublemaker. Can you imagine?"

"……Yes."

Holding a fan to her mouth, Charlotte lowered her eyes. It looked graceful from the outside, but inside, it was different.

(Ten-year-old... Lord Oswald...!!)

Just those words made her imagine an angelic figure.

"He used to bully upperclassmen and defy teachers. The upperclassmen were tough on the underclassmen, and the teachers gave inhumane guidance. But Oswald was strong in fights and academically excellent, so eventually no one could complain."

(He was so prickly even as a child...! How hard he must have worked...!! It's fine to be mischievous. I'm glad he grew up healthy. -- And the result of ten years is the wonderful Lord Oswald we see now!?)

"He was very popular with girls, though he didn't seem to enjoy it much."

"……"

While her heart was in turmoil, Charlotte remained silent. Ignatz then asked:

"However, Lord Charlotte. You don't seem jealous at all."

"Jealous?"

"Yes. ...From your behavior, it seems you didn't just follow orders because your divine power was sealed, but you really like Oswald."

"!"

At that moment, Charlotte hesitated.

She wasn't sure what the correct behavior would be for the 'former Charlotte.'

Maybe she should have said, "No, I don't." Maybe she should have mocked Ignatz and told him he was mistaken.

But there was one thing she couldn't deny.

"……That... is..."

"……"

Then, Ignatz smiled.

Ignatz's face was very handsome. Even the few women watching from a distance were captivated.

"So, Lord Charlotte has the qualities of a normal eighteen-year-old woman."

His charming smile was directed straight at Charlotte.

But Charlotte's thoughts were on his words.

(I'm eighteen...!)

She learned another fact. She didn't care about her age, but it was good to know things other than Oswald.

Otherwise, she might cause trouble for Oswald, like with her maiden name earlier.

"Still, you seem to have the tolerance to allow your husband, Oswald, to talk to other women."

Hearing that, Charlotte smiled.

"No? -- There's nothing to forgive."

Then, Charlotte told Ignatz something.

"………………"

Those words were Charlotte's true feelings.

But Ignatz's eyes widened, and he looked at Charlotte with genuine surprise.