Chapter 50

When her mentor appeared in the room, Charlotte abruptly lifted her face.

Behind Haidemarie, there was a small Fenrir and another, larger one that surpassed Haidemarie's height.

It was the Fenrir that had caused trouble in town the other day and was healed by Charlotte. Wagging its tail, it approached Charlotte and rubbed its cheek against hers.

"Hehe, good job, Fenrir. You've been so well-behaved."

"Charlotte... Were you writing a letter to your husband, Langheim, again?"

"Yes!"

When Charlotte nodded energetically, Haidemarie's lips twitched.

"You were writing a letter as soon as you arrived last night, weren't you?"

"Yes, I did!"

"After breakfast, you were writing something to Langheim, right?"

"Yes! That was a letter to Ozvalt-sama too!"

"......How many letters are there now?"

"Hehe, this is the seventh one...!"

"......"

Seeing Haidemarie's face contort, Charlotte fidgeted.

"Ah, but...! I'm still unsure about sending the six letters I've already written. I wanted to write them with more beautiful handwriting if I were to show them to Ozvalt-sama, and I felt like I might have chosen the wrong words... But, but, even if I use all the words I can, they aren't enough to express Ozvalt-sama's greatness or my joy at meeting him...!"

"I understand. Let's have some tea, Charlotte."

"Uh...! But, the feelings that surge for Ozvalt-sama...!!"

"These tea leaves were once favored by Langheim too."

"I'll have some!!"

Quickly clearing the table, Charlotte's eyes sparkled. After a sigh, Haidemarie efficiently and elegantly prepared the tea.

When she took a sip from the teacup, a fragrant aroma filled her chest, making her feel vibrant inside.

"It's delicious, Haidemarie-sensei! This is the taste of the tea that Ozvalt-sama also enjoyed...!"

With the wonderful taste, she also savored the thought of Ozvalt drinking it. On the other hand, Haidemarie remained calm.

"After years of making tea, this is only natural. Anyway, Charlotte, about your... letters to Langheim..."

"The letters!?"

"No, not that. What about the accessory-making?"

"!!"

Asked this, Charlotte's shoulders stiffened.

"Um, well..."

Charlotte took something from the pile she had gathered earlier and presented it.

"I've more or less completed it..."

It was a male earring made of a silver chain with blue and red stones attached.

The blue matched Ozvalt's coat, and the red matched his eyes. Following his preference for cool colors, the blue stone was larger.

Charlotte herself had embedded the stones in their settings and connected them with tools.

This was the reason she had been working in secret, as suggested by the old man in the garden. The old man had said to her:

"---Why don't you give an accessory to your beloved?"

"An accessory..."

At the frozen lake's edge, Charlotte blinked.

"It doesn't have to be an expensive gem. If you pour your heart into it and make it yourself, then..."

(Ah...!)

She was struck by the old man's indirect words.

(An accessory made by a woman with healing powers, infused with divine power!)

Divine or magical power can be infused into special stones, which can serve as protective charms when worn.

(Those who can make such accessories are primarily holy women and women with healing abilities. I don't remember doing it myself, but I can recall the knowledge.)

Infusing divine power would protect the wearer, making them less susceptible to illness and accelerating recovery. The stronger the maker's healing ability, the more powerful the effect.

"Grandpa! I'll work hard to make an accessory for Ozvalt-sama!!"

"Hahaha, I'll support you, young lady."

Thus, she completed the earring she presented to Haidemarie.

Before taking the earring, Haidemarie put on thin gloves. She then carefully placed it in her palm and inspected it in front of the nervous Charlotte.

"How is it...?"

After narrowing her eyes, Haidemarie said:

"...It's excellent."

"Really!?"

At those words, Charlotte's face lit up.

"The metalwork is well done, and surprisingly, the craftsmanship is meticulous. The size of the stones and the length of the chain have been thoughtfully considered to create a beautiful silhouette when worn."

"Thank you...!"

First, she felt relieved. But there was another point of tension.

(I wanted to make a protective charm infused with divine power. I have almost no divine power now, and I'm unsure how to use it... I might have failed!)

She couldn't ask anyone for help because she was hiding her lack of memory. Haidemarie observed the earring intently in front of the nervous Charlotte.

"...The divine power is..."

"Yes...!!"

Haidemarie furrowed her brow.

(No, it must be no good...!)

Just as she was about to hang her head, an unexpected evaluation came.

"---It seems to be quite well infused."

"Whaa...!!"

Overjoyed, she raised both hands, and Haidemarie looked puzzled.

"What's with the celebration? This is something you often did at the temple, right?"

"Ah, well, yes!! But, this is the first time I've made something for someone I really like!!"

Though she said it hurriedly, it was also true. It was one thing to make practice pieces, but making something for Ozvalt made her especially nervous.

(I'm relieved! Even without my memories, my body seems to remember. Haidemarie-sensei has also praised my posture and manners before...)

She was able to use the tools for making and securing accessories without much hesitation. Her fingertips seemed to remember everything from before.

"I hope this earring can be of some help to Ozvalt-sama... and I must return the lost tag too!"

"Lost tag?"

She nodded energetically and showed Haidemarie the necklace she wore around her neck. A blue stone, the same color as her eyes, was attached to a gold chain, the same color as her hair. Haidemarie examined it closely and then widened her eyes in surprise.

"Is this stone...?"

"It's my prized lost tag!"

Charlotte proudly puffed out her chest and explained to Haidemarie with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Ozvalt-sama gave it to me! If I wear this, he can find where I am!"

"......Was that all Langheim explained?"

"?"

Charlotte tilted her head, and Haidemarie cleared her throat.

"I understand, never mind. So? Charlotte."

Haidemarie put the teacup and saucer on the table and turned to face her again.

"I've lived to this age without ever marrying."

"......?"

Charlotte tilted her head but looked up into Haidemarie's eyes.

"I became a holy woman in my teens and took pride in fulfilling my healing duties. I was absorbed in it, and those days were enjoyable. After my divine power declined due to a serious illness, I retired as a holy woman but continued to assist in lady education and the care of creatures like Fenrir. I've had a busy but fulfilling life."

"Sensei, you've always been so busy... But it seems you've enjoyed it very much!"

"Is that so? ...But, many people consider me unhappy."

Charlotte's eyes widened at those words.

"Unhappy because I never married. Unhappy because I experienced a serious illness. Unhappy because I lost my holy woman's power... None of these people know what makes me unhappy."

"Haidemarie-sensei..."

"What did Langheim tell you about what makes a life happy?"

Thinking about it, Charlotte shook her head gently.

"Ozvalt-sama's opinion is not included in my actions."

"That's right."

Nodding coolly, Haidemarie's words stung.

"Charlotte? What you did was to decide and impose Langheim's happiness on your own. Isn't that impolite, not just as a lady but as a person?"

"...Yes..."

Haidemarie, holding her teacup, sternly said:

"You shouldn't be the one to decide Langheim's happiness."

Charlotte nodded, fully understanding the truth in those words.

However, even if she understood it intellectually, her emotions were still conflicted.

(If this were just a one-sided love, it would have been better...)

Then, Ozvalt would have had the option to refuse.

But Charlotte and Ozvalt were married as a couple.

This was a royal decree, a contract that Ozvalt couldn't refuse.

(Becoming married to Ozvalt-sama is a stroke of luck for me now. But for the former me and Ozvalt-sama, it must have been something they didn't want... If I indulge in this fate and bind Ozvalt-sama beyond the marriage contract...)

Haidemarie must have seen through Charlotte's thoughts. She sighed deeply and stood up.

"Well, that's fine. If you want to stay away from Langheim and cool your head, you can stay in this mansion as long as you like. ---However, no men are allowed in this mansion. Since no one will come to pick you up, you'll have to return on your own, right?"

"It's fine! I already know that Ozvalt-sama won't come to pick me up...!!"

Charlotte hurriedly said this, then stood up and bowed to Haidemarie.

"Thank you for the tea, Sensei. After I clean up, I'll think about what you said..."

Haidemarie sighed again and said, "Try your best," to the dejected Charlotte.

***

Charlotte was staring blankly at the ceiling in the usual greenhouse at Haidemarie's house.

The sky, seen through the glass, was covered with gray clouds.

Snowflakes gently fell, accumulating on the greenhouse, then slowly melted from the transmitted heat.

The image that came to mind was of the person she loved.

(I wonder if Ozvalt-sama is working now...)

She sighed and thought:

(He must be working diligently as usual, with his usual dignified appearance! Ozvalt-sama must look so wonderful when he's working...)

She truly wished to see him.

But at the same time, she felt she shouldn't meet him. She didn't want to be a burden to Ozvalt, yet her heart ached with longing, making the world seem to wobble.

Still, if she had to prioritize one, she should choose not to be a burden to Ozvalt.

(Ugh... This won't do! My thoughts are just going around in circles!!)

She slapped her cheeks and reproached herself.

(I need to make a decision, me! My only strength now is my affection for Ozvalt-sama! If so, I should firmly adhere to 'Ozvalt-sama's happiness'!)

But as soon as she made this resolution, Haidemarie's words pierced her.

"You shouldn't be the one to decide Langheim's happiness."

(Ozvalt-sama...)

Charlotte pressed her lips tightly together.

(What does Ozvalt-sama consider happiness?)

She closed her eyes and asked the important person in her heart.

(My happiness is Ozvalt-sama's happiness. ...But, I shouldn't be the one to decide what to do for that, right...)

In that case, she would have to ask.

(Strange. It was so easy to decide and act on my own...)

Charlotte had decided to run away on her own.

But if Ozvalt had told her to "leave," she probably wouldn't have recovered.

(...Ozvalt-sama also said. I'm fine with approaching Ozvalt-sama, but I reject him coming near me. ...That's true...)

She took a deep breath.

Then, Charlotte decided to go see Ozvalt.

(I'll ask Ozvalt-sama! That's what I can do... Ah?)

The greenhouse door opened, and Charlotte blinked.

There stood a certain person.

"Irene-sama!"

One of the friends she made in this house, the red-haired young lady Irene, looked at her with slightly trembling eyes.

"...Charlotte-san. I didn't know you were here with Haidemarie-sensei."

"Yes, it's been a while! I haven't seen everyone since the night of the ball when you styled my hair!"

Charlotte ran over to her.

"Irene-sama, how is your hand injury?"

"Yes, it's completely healed... Thanks to you for healing it in this greenhouse that time."

"I'm glad to hear that! Why are you here today? It's not your practice day, is it?"

"...Actually, I might be moving soon."

Charlotte's eyes widened at this revelation.

"I might be moving into the dormitory at the magic academy."

"Ah! Is that so?"

This might be a fortunate turn of events for Irene.

(Irene-sama's beloved is a classmate living in the dormitory at the magic academy! If she moves in, she'll have more time to be with the person she loves... ...But...)

Charlotte was puzzled by Irene's expression.

(Why does she look so tense?)

She seemed to have a bad complexion, but this had been the case for a while.

"Irene-sama, are you perhaps troubled by something...?"

"..."

When Charlotte peered at her face, Irene's thin shoulders twitched.

"Irene-sama...?"

"...Charlotte-san. You..."

Her eyes met Charlotte's, and she clearly said:

"---Are you the holy woman, Charlotte?"

"!!"

Immediately, a green magic circle appeared at Charlotte's feet.

(This is a teleportation circle...!!)

"I absolutely cannot believe it. That you are that wicked woman with a cruel nature...!"

The magic circle was still somewhat clumsy.

It had activated, but it would take some time before the actual teleportation began.

Realizing this, Charlotte had no choice but to wait.

(Since it has already activated... I can't leave this circle until the teleportation is complete!)

She tried to escape, but her body felt as heavy as lead. Charlotte couldn't stand and ended up kneeling.

(Oh, it's so hard...)

"Isn't that so, Charlotte-san...?"

Irene, with a pale face, looked down at Charlotte.

"If you were the real holy woman Charlotte, you wouldn't have nodded so easily when I suggested 'patriotism to the royal family'... Because the holy woman Charlotte isn't from this country...!"

Charlotte, of course, remembered clearly.

(...The suggestion that angered Prince Randolph. It was indeed Irene-sama who gave me that advice...)

It was a statement chosen to test Charlotte's true identity.

"If you're not the holy woman Charlotte, then there should be no problem with teleporting to Prince Randolph's place, right? Isn't that so...?"

"..."

Irene, as if trying to convince herself, whispered:

"Please say you're not the holy woman. Charlotte-san..."

(...Ah...)

She understood and gently closed her eyes.

(---This is the retribution for my wrongdoing...)

So, Charlotte smiled.

The immature teleportation circle made her body so heavy that she could hardly breathe.

But she managed to maintain a graceful smile.

(At the very least, I must stick to this lie)

This was the only courtesy Charlotte could offer to the friend she made in this greenhouse.

"...Of course. I am not a holy woman, Irene-sama."

"...!"

Irene gasped.

(No matter what abilities one has. ---A person who misuses them is not a holy woman but a mere villain...)

Sweat trickled down Charlotte's temple to her chin from the pain.

"Did... Prince Randolph... give you the order...?"

"I...! My family... has been struggling for a long time."

Irene continued, trembling.

"Every week, I put on a face here to continue living as a noble, but in reality! I can't even continue my studies at the magic academy..."

"..."

"Almost on the verge of ruin, I was too ashamed to confide in any of my friends. If I could just teleport you to Prince Randolph once, he would provide support for the future..."

Hearing this, Charlotte nodded.

"If this allows Irene-sama to continue her studies, that's good. ...Truly, from the bottom of my heart..."

"...Charlotte-san..."

"Because... if you can be with the person you admire, that's wonderful, isn't it?"

"!!"

Irene's lovely face twisted in sorrow.

"No... no, it's not possible...!! I'm sorry, Charlotte-san!!"

"...Irene-sama"

"Please forgive me, I'll stop the teleportation right away!! I'm really sorry, please forgive me...!! I did something terrible to a dear friend...!!"

Irene reached out to grab Charlotte's wrist, but her hand was repelled by the light of the magic circle.

"...No...!!"

(The magic circle is designed for one person. Any interference afterward will be rejected due to insufficient power)

It was clear from Irene's desperate expression that she understood Charlotte's true identity.

(It's no good. I'm very bad at lying... Even pretending to be my former self seemed easier somehow...)

She reflected and lowered her eyes. A dizzying sensation rose, and she felt the teleportation was about to activate.

"Irene-sama, it's okay...! Prince Randolph praised me a lot at the ball the other day. Even if he's at the teleportation destination, there won't be any problem..."

"Charlotte-san...!"

"...So! Please be at ease!"

She smiled just as her consciousness faded.

"Charlotte-san!!"

In the greenhouse, only Irene remained.

"..."

Wiping away her tears, Irene immediately ran out of the greenhouse to search for Haidemarie.

***

This concludes Chapter 5! The final chapter starts next.

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