Chapter 70

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The building known as the Grand Cathedral is said to be a special place in this country. It has a longer history than the cathedral in the capital, and many authoritative clergy serve here.

Even when the royal family performs wedding ceremonies, they often choose this Grand Cathedral over the one in the capital. The Grand Cathedral stands in the center of the town, towering at the top of a long stone staircase.

(Whew...!)

Midway up the stairs, Charlotte gazed up at the Grand Cathedral, her eyes shining secretly. She might have entered it before losing her memory, but to the current Charlotte, it was a grand and beautiful building she had never seen before.

The stone cathedral, adorned with intricate carvings, exuded a strong presence. Its massive size and appearance resembled a castle more than a cathedral, with pointed roofs reaching high into the sky.

As the clock tower struck three o'clock, the sacred sound of bells echoed around. The clear tones seemed to permeate every corner of the Grand Cathedral, which could be called a work of art in stone.

(This is the Grand Cathedral...!! The entrance doors are so large and imposing. I can't contain my excitement thinking about what lies beyond them and the sight of Lord Ozvalt standing there!)

"...I can kind of understand. You look like you're excited about the Grand Cathedral, but you're actually thinking about something completely different..."

Ozvalt, who was escorting Charlotte, said quietly while holding her hand. Instead of speaking, Charlotte panted and asserted herself silently.

(Lord Ozvalt!! Please, stand alone in front of the Grand Cathedral later. I will burn that scene into my memory as a treasure for life...)

"......"

Beside such a Charlotte, Ozvalt glanced at something. Charlotte immediately straightened her back and composed herself.

(......I apologize for frightening you. The person passing by...)

Kneeling to the side of the stone steps was a male pilgrim.

(When Lord Ozvalt proposed the blessing, the Grand Cathedral responded with, 'We will inform the pilgrims of the visit by the Holy Lady Charlotte on the day of the event.')

The pilgrim's fear was undoubtedly directed at the 'Cruel Holy Lady' Charlotte.

With her golden hair and blue eyes, and the fact that she was visiting the Grand Cathedral on this day, her identity had been recognized. The absence of other pilgrims was undoubtedly due to their avoidance of Charlotte.

'The Holy Lady Charlotte is cruel and arrogant. She is a notorious villain.'

The impression people have of Charlotte has, of course, never changed. Even if the amnesiac Charlotte learns the truth and Ozvalt understands her, it cannot be revealed to the public.

(The reason my former self was a villain was due to the king's command to consider the use of power. It would be an act of rebellion against the king to now claim, 'It was actually different!')

That is why the fact that the current Charlotte has no memory and her true character must remain a closely guarded secret.

(To bear the cruelty necessary for victory in war, it is a political strategy to place the burden on someone other than the royal family.)

And Charlotte has no objection to bearing that burden. If Ozvalt understands, she can endure whatever others think. Even if it is sad, it is better than being a traitor and causing trouble.

However, it seemed that Ozvalt felt differently.

"...Just a little longer, please wait."

"Lord Ozvalt?"

After passing the pilgrim, Ozvalt spoke in a low voice.

"Once this blessing is completed, I want to make your position as my wife even more solid. ...Then I will have more options to clear up the 'misunderstanding' about you."

"O, Ozvalt-sama! Please, don't overexert yourself...!!"

He is already in a position where he has to assert his claim to the throne for Charlotte's sake. Ozvalt, the king's legitimate son, never wanted to be king. Yet, to protect Charlotte from other heirs, he declared it to his father.

"By the time we leave this Grand Cathedral, you will be my bride in a magical vow."

"Ah, bride...!"

"Although you were born in another country and offered to this one, this will give you the stable and secure position of 'Duchess Charlotte Rea Langheim.' Not just a nominal marriage recognized only in this country, but a marriage recognized by any country in the world."

"Ah, duchess!?"

"I don't mind proclaiming to the entire country that you are the wife of a royal heir. By stacking these titles and protecting you, I can eventually show the real you to the public without the king harming you... Charlotte."

"Ah, wife...!!"

Seeing Charlotte tremble, Ozvalt frowned in confusion.

"......You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you?"

"I am, I hear you, I understand!! What's happening with the bride, duchess, and wife!?"

"Alright, calm down. Everything will be clear after the blessing."

Ozvalt stopped to help Charlotte, who was taking deep breaths. At the top of the stone steps was one of the many entrances to the Grand Cathedral, the 'Grand Gate of Marriage.'

(The gate through which only two people receiving a marriage blessing can pass.)

Thinking about this, her heart pounded with tension.

"Is it really okay? For me to make a marriage vow with Lord Ozvalt..."

"......What are you talking about now?"

Charlotte didn't notice that Ozvalt's voice had slightly deepened. He sighed and took a step forward, ahead of Charlotte.

"I won't let anyone complain about you being my wife."

"......"

He took Charlotte's hand and turned to face her at the gate. Narrowing his eyes, he said gently,

"Come. Charlotte."

"Y-Yes...!"

Her ears burning, she walked with trembling legs beside Ozvalt.

(To be Lord Ozvalt's bride...)

Just as she was about to step through the gate,

"――――Kyaaan!!"

"Charlotte!?"

A blinding light burst forth, and a tingling sensation ran through Charlotte's hand. She let out a puppy-like scream, and Ozvalt held her, shielding her.

"Are you okay!? Are you hurt!?"

"I-I'm fine! Just a bit numb and pushed back, but..."

Charlotte, who had been pushed back, looked up at the gate with Ozvalt, who had returned to her side.

(My existence was... rejected...?)