Chapter 42

"What? You even went as far as to set up soundproofing. What were you talking about?"

As he rudely entered the soundproofed area, the silver-haired man, Randolph, laughed when he saw Oswald.

"Quite the loving couple, aren't you, Oswald?"

"…I apologize, Your Highness."

After bowing to Randolph, Oswald calmly explained.

"I was performing the final seal check before presenting it to Your Highness. To avoid unnecessarily stirring up everyone's anxiety, I conducted it here out of sight."

"…Hmph."

Randolph made a face that clearly showed his displeasure.

"As always, you're as eloquent as I dislike. …Well, never mind. The one you're hiding behind you is the Holy Maiden, right?"

"I would never hide her. It's out of concern for Your Highness."

"Stop making excuses. Bring out that woman quickly."

"……"

The air tensed.

As Randolph said, Charlotte was hiding behind Oswald. Even so, it felt as if unpleasant gazes were piercing her.

(But, this gentleman…)

Charlotte stretched up and whispered to Oswald.

"O-Oh, Lord Oswald…"

"Don't worry. No danger will come to you…"

"No! That's not it!"

Unable to contain her excitement, her whispered conversation grew heated.

"…This gentleman just called us a 'couple' and 'loving'…!! Could he be a very good person…!?"

"I understand. Please be a bit quieter."

"Yes! I'll be a bit quieter!"

Following Oswald's instructions, she pressed her hands over her mouth.

It seemed Randolph couldn't hear the content, but he seemed to realize they were whispering and let out a displeased voice.

"Quite at ease, aren't you, Oswald? Didn't you hear me? I said to bring out the Holy Maiden."

"Yes, as you command. Let's return to the hall, Prince Randolph. The Holy Maiden's appearance should be done in the light."

"…Your brothers must have put some ideas into your head."

Randolph's voice became even more displeased.

Charlotte, though interrupted by Oswald, organized the information from the conversation.

(Since he's called 'Your Highness,' Randolph must be a prince.)

So, he is one of the royal family members who ordered the sealing of Charlotte's divine power.

"That's irrelevant. Oswald, I'm telling you to show me the Holy Maiden standing there. …Or are you defying my orders?"

(Lord Oswald is clearly protecting me. But by doing so, his position might become precarious.)

It was only a matter of time.

Charlotte made this judgment and stepped out from behind Oswald without hesitation.

"…It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Randolph."

"Charlotte…"

Oswald frowned, but Charlotte maintained a composed face and stood before Randolph as she had before.

"Hmm. You finally show yourself."

Randolph smiled and took a step forward.

"You're even more beautiful than the rumors. I've seen vague images through surveillance magic, but the real thing is even more stunning."

"No, that's not true…"

"There's no need to be modest. And you look so intelligent, too."

Randolph seemed quite satisfied.

"You were called a cruel Holy Maiden, but after your divine power was sealed, you seem to be a very noble and calm woman. —Your demeanor conveys your essence, doesn't it, Oswald?"

"……"

"……"

"……Hey. Why are you both silent…?"

"Excuse me, my throat is a bit sore."

After clearing his throat, Oswald stood beside Charlotte.

"Prince Randolph, as you can see, the Holy Maiden is stable. There's no need to worry; she poses no threat to this country, let alone the royal family."

"What are you saying? Do you think I came to see the Holy Maiden just to worry about such a small matter?"

Randolph's well-featured face twisted into a grin as he opened his hands.

"I wanted to meet you, the Holy Maiden of our country!"

"……"

Charlotte smiled at this.

"I've always wanted to apologize to the royal family. I feel deeply ashamed for my selfish behavior for so long."

"Hahaha, why? There's no need for you to apologize. In the previous war, you used your power to great effect, contributing to our country's victory."

Spikes could be felt in Randolph's words. They were certainly not meant to be taken at face value.

(Carefully, carefully… I must not anger him and must act in a way that benefits Lord Oswald…)

"I've been looking forward to thanking you directly."

"Your words are too kind, Your Highness. The victory in the war was due to everyone who fought on the battlefield and, ultimately, the leadership of the royal family. However…"

While saying this, Charlotte's thoughts raced.

At the tea party the other day, the young ladies had told her about what they would do if they met the royal family at a 'thousand and one night' gathering.

"There are rules. When you meet someone in society, they will always praise you."

One of the young ladies, Irene, had told Charlotte this.

"The royal family will also praise you. So when you receive the praise, you should not only humble yourself but also emphasize your patriotism."

"Patriotism, right…!"

Recalling this, Charlotte chose her words carefully.

"I am honored by your praise."

She placed her hand on her chest and continued with a gentle smile.

"Though it is a small power, I am proud to have used it for the sake of my beloved homeland."

"——!"

At that moment, Oswald's eyes widened.

(…?)

Randolph stared at Charlotte with a frozen smile.

His lips were smiling, but his eyes were cold.

The atmosphere in the room clearly changed, and Charlotte held her breath.

(…No. I must have said something wrong…!)

"Haha… Haha, ha!!"

Randolph pressed his hand to his eyes and began to laugh, his shoulders shaking.