Chapter 39

※This is the second update of the day. If you haven't read the previous update from 7:00 AM, please start from the previous story.

"......Is that so?"

"Yes. --So, there's no need to be jealous."

Then Charlotte turned to look at Ozvalt.

The beautiful women seemed to have cheered up by now. They were touching Ozvalt's arm and smiling, chatting with him about many things.

Ozvalt had his back turned to her, and his expression was hidden.

But Charlotte thought absently to herself.

(...Beautiful women really do suit a handsome man...)

"......"

Ignatz, who seemed to have something to say, glanced up at the ceiling and then spoke to Charlotte.

"Hey... Lord Charlotte. If you ever have any trouble with that dullard, feel free to consult me anytime."

"With me?"

Probably, Charlotte would never have any trouble with Ozvalt. He was so handsome that it often caused problems, but that was about it.

But Ignatz smiled, showing his double teeth, and said in a very bright voice.

"Yes. I might be able to provide some useful information. For example, the type of woman he likes--..."

"......!!"

"Whenever you need a substitute guard for the Holy Lady, just let me know."

"S......Sure. Maybe, someday......"

"---What are you talking about?"

"!!"

At that moment, Charlotte tried to turn around with all her might.

But she forced herself to turn back gracefully. There, Ozvalt had returned at some point and was looking at Ignatz with a half-lidded, stern gaze.

(Ozvalt-sama...!!)

"Ignatz, you're not filling Charlotte's head with nonsense, are you?"

"Rude, Ozvalt. I was just telling Lord Charlotte about how you beat up a hundred seniors with your magic alone right after you enrolled in the magic academy."

"That's bad enough!! And I didn't go that far."

In response to Ozvalt's words, Ignatz shook his head at Charlotte.

Charlotte resisted the urge to tremble at the cuteness of ten-year-old Ozvalt and smiled gracefully.

"Hehe, it was a delightful conversation. ...Lord Ignatz, please do so again."

"Sure, anytime. See you, Ozvalt, at the castle tomorrow."

After waving to Ozvalt, Ignatz bowed to Charlotte. She returned the bow and waved as he left.

"......"

Then, Ozvalt, standing next to her, looked at her with the same frown as before.

"......Ignatz is a cat person."

"???"

Ozvalt then pressed his forehead and muttered in a small voice.

"Damn. What am I even saying...?"

(By the way, if I were asked whether I'm a dog person or a cat person, I would say I love Ozvalt-sama! ...Anyway, it seems Ozvalt-sama is troubled about something...)

She began to worry that he might be unwell.

This worry wasn't new. Charlotte had been concerned about something for a few days now.

Just then, Ozvalt said,

"Never mind, I feel like getting some fresh air. ...Charlotte, to the garden."

"Yes, Ozvalt-sama."

This must mean he wanted to take a break. Perhaps he wasn't feeling well, and she became worried.

Ozvalt and Charlotte stepped out onto the terrace through the open door.

They descended into the garden, guided by the moonlight and the glowing flower lamps at their feet.

Stopping in front of the fountain, Ozvalt unfolded a magic circle at his feet.

"This is... a soundproofing magic circle, right?"

"It's a very weak one. Completely blocking sound would be unnatural, but this level of soundproofing is less likely to be noticed."

In other words, Charlotte could now speak normally without maintaining her previous attitude.

"Are you feeling well!? Ozvalt-sama...!"

Her first words were a hurried inquiry to Ozvalt.

"Do you have a cold!? Do you have a fever, or a headache!?"

Ozvalt's eyes widened for a moment before he looked down at Charlotte with a resigned expression.

"...You don't need to get so worked up."

"But...!"

"I'm not feeling unwell. I just thought you should rest."

"!!"

Surprised by his unexpected words, Charlotte was taken aback.

"Me?"

"It wouldn't do to keep you under strain throughout the ball. ...Actually, from the preparations before the ball. Women's preparations for a ball take a lot of time, so you probably haven't had much rest."

"———...!!"

Her heart warmed at his consideration.

Not only during the ball but also thinking about the effort she put into preparing for it, Ozvalt was indeed very kind.

"Thank you. But, Ozvalt-sama, I'm fine!"

"Are you sure?"

Then he looked down at her and said,

"Since the Fenrir incident, you've seemed troubled."

"......!"

Her shoulders twitched slightly.

Ozvalt must have noticed.

Feeling defeated, Charlotte resigned herself.

"......I've been having a wonderful time until today."

"......?"

She looked up at his puzzled gaze and said,

"Since our honeymoon began with Ozvalt-sama, every day has been thrilling, and the world has been shining with a rainbow glow! At the center of it all, there was always Ozvalt-sama. Your voice, your expressions, your words, and then..."

She remembered the warmth of his embrace, and her chest tightened.

"......Ozvalt-sama"

She bowed her head once, took a deep breath, and then looked up again.

"Isn't your magic power depleted?"

"———..."