Chapter 73

【Chapter 2 of Part 2】

When she thought a stranger had approached her, he claimed to be her husband. Given that such an event in one's life is rare, and this being the second time, Charlotte was screaming inside her heart.

(Wh-what... What is going on!?)

She pinched her thigh hard, using the pain to maintain the cold expression of the 'Cruel Saintess.' Perhaps the Charlotte before she lost her memory also used such tricks to get through her act as a villainess.

(If this man really is my husband, then perhaps I was rejected at the gate because of him... But without my memory, I can't know the truth! It's also troubling whether I should admit to him that I have no memory...)

Charlotte wondered if Clyde, who claimed to be her husband, could see through her inner turmoil. He lowered his gaze and looked at the amulet around Charlotte's neck with a look of disgust.

"...A gift from Oswald Ralph Langheim, perhaps?"

(!!)

Hearing Oswald's name unexpectedly, she almost let her eyes light up. She forced herself to remain calm and replied coolly.

"If it is, so what?"

The amulet, with a stone the same color as Charlotte's eyes, was a gift from Oswald, whom he called a 'lost tag.'

It was a stone with a powerful protective force, comparable to a national treasure. According to Oswald, wearing it would serve as a deterrent to other men.

The choice of words for 'deterrent' was unclear, but it seemed to have caught Clyde's attention.

"To make you wear something like this. It's as if he's loudly declaring that you belong to him."

(Ugh, I belong to Lord Oswald...!?)

Feeling a direct hit, she almost covered her mouth. However, she couldn't afford to be damaged.

(I must stay focused! This man said that before I lost my memory, I confided in him alone. And that I ended up losing my memory as I feared!)

If his words were true, he was someone with whom the pre-memory-loss Charlotte shared secrets and plans.

(I need to hear more from this man who claims to be my husband...!)

At that moment, the sound of the gate opening at the top of the stone stairs was heard.

(Lord Oswald!)

Though it was only slightly open, it was undoubtedly Oswald returning. Charlotte, who instinctively felt happy, was in stark contrast to Clyde, who glared at the gate, his gentlemanly smile fading.

"...It seems we don't have time to talk here. Ideally, I would take you back to me immediately..."

(If I go with him, it will be a problem for Lord Oswald...!)

Seeing Charlotte quietly look at him, Clyde made a sad smile again.

"...I understand your position, Lady Charlotte. You are under the control of that man Oswald, who has sealed your divine power."

Clyde knelt before Charlotte and placed a card-like object in her hand.

"Please keep our meeting confidential... Read this letter alone in a place where no one can see you. We will meet secretly later."

(I want to ask you to wait!! But I can't determine if this man is someone I can stop acting as the Cruel Saintess with...!)

"I will definitely save you from Oswald."

(...Ah)

Clyde stood up, placed his hand on his chest, and smiled quietly.

"I look forward to seeing you again, my beloved bride."

(...He really does look so sad when he smiles...)

The moment Charlotte had this impression, Clyde disappeared using a teleportation spell. At the same time, her beloved Oswald appeared from the open gate.

"Charlotte"

"Lord Oswald...!"

Seeing only Oswald, Charlotte ran to him with all her might.

"Lord Oswald!!! Welcome back, Lord Oswald, I've been a good girl waiting for you, I've been waiting for your return, Lord Oswald!!!"

"Alright, alright! Be careful as you come up the stairs! You were depressed when you were rejected by the gate, so why are you so energetic now...?"

"I became energetic when I saw Lord Oswald's face! Lord Oswald, um..."

"By the way,"

Oswald's hand reached out and touched the thin chain of Charlotte's amulet.

"Were you talking to someone here just now?"

"......"

The man who claimed to be her husband, Clyde, had told her to keep it 'secret.'

"Please keep our meeting confidential... Read this letter alone in a place where no one can see you."

The envelope he gave her was small enough to hide in her hand. It smelled of a sweeter perfume than Oswald's.

(I might have shared secrets with this man, Clyde, before I lost my memory. If that's the case, I must gather information from him. In that case, I should meet him secretly without worrying Lord Oswald...)

Understanding this, Charlotte looked up at Oswald.

"...Lord Oswald"

Then, with a determined look, she explained with all her might.

"---I must tell you, I met an unknown man just now!! His name is Lord Clyde, he has red hair different from Lord Oswald's, and his hair is curlier than Lord Oswald's, and he is about the same height as Lord Oswald!! He not only claimed to be my husband but also demanded a secret meeting out of Lord Oswald's sight!! This letter is to be read alone and secretly, and it probably specifies a time and place!!"

"......"

With a swift motion, she presented the letter she had received earlier. Oswald, looking taken aback, asked as if to confirm.

"...You. Did this Clyde tell you not to tell me?"

"He did! But I value Lord Oswald more than any one-sided promise!"

"......"

When Charlotte said this without hesitation, Oswald looked down and smiled softly.

"...I see."

(Lord Oswald's relieved face...!!)

Feeling her heart tighten with joy, she celebrated her reunion with Oswald after thirteen minutes.