Chapter 80

"From the moment you jumped out of the window to suppress the magical surge, you were already pushing your limits!! Your ability to instantly resolve the situation and protect me is unmatched by anyone in the world! The way you face Clyde, your back is so dignified and cool, and restraining my excitement is the hardest work of all…!!"

"First of all, I'm glad you're safe. In the future, we need to strengthen the protection even more. We need to get a protective stone that you can wear even while sleeping or just waking up for travel…"

The necklace with the protective stone given by Ozvald is adorned with many decorations. It is not practical to wear it around the neck while sleeping, so it is now placed on the side table next to the bed.

"I should have put it on immediately upon waking up; my self-defense awareness was lacking…"

"There was a commotion downstairs before you had a chance to change. You have no reason to be down. …It's my responsibility."

Ozvald's voice was heavy as he spoke. He looked up at the ceiling of the room and muttered.

"This inn, where nobles stay, should have a protective barrier on par with the royal castle. Yet, that man…"

(…If he could enter by teleportation, he must be an incredibly powerful magician)

Charlotte gently placed her hand on her left chest. What kind of relationship did the former Charlotte have with Clyde?

"Anyway, we need to be on guard. That man Clyde seems to be quite fixated on you."

"…Hmm…"

There was something that bothered her, and Charlotte tilted her head.

"Charlotte?"

"N-no! It's nothing."

***

"―The man who claims to be Charlotte's husband, huh."

"Yes, Prince Emile."

After Ozvald finished recounting the events, the person leaned on his desk with his cheek.

When he looked down, his silver hair swayed lightly. The fact that his eyes, which were lowered, were the same red as Ozvald's indicates that this man and Ozvald are blood relatives.

(The third prince of this country, Prince Emile. …Two years older than Ozvald, his half-brother…)

Ozvald brought Charlotte to the royal castle's office where Emile is.

In his childhood, Ozvald, with his high magical power and complex lineage, was rejected even by his brother princes. Sometimes, they took actions that made him feel his life was in danger because he, being a bastard, possessed a power that could threaten their status.

Among such brother princes, Emile occasionally helped Ozvald.

When Charlotte was taken away by the fourth prince, Randolph, Emile handled the aftermath.

(After that, when I greeted Prince Emile, I was very surprised by his words…)

Emile, with a gentle smile, clearly stated:

"I have no interest in the right to succeed to the throne. Let those who want to fight among themselves do so."

His tone did not match his gentle smile.

He seemed to be a person who would not be a good enemy, but Ozvald decided to rely on Emile this time.

(Does Ozvald trust Prince Emile?)

Emile, with his eyes still lowered, listened to Ozvald's words. Charlotte, not wanting to interrupt the conversation between the half-brothers, remained silent and watched them.

"So you interrupted your honeymoon and teleported to the capital. I wonder if you thought there might be something to learn about Charlotte's past?"

(Ozvald, standing next to 'big brother,' is so fresh…!)

"You are correct. As you know, Charlotte has no memory, and I know very little about her situation."

(Ah…! I just realized something terrible!!)

"The man claims that he married Charlotte two years ago. However, my marriage to Charlotte was by the order of our king. The man's claim can be seen as a blasphemy against His Majesty."

(Ozvald is always wonderful, but when he is with his brother, he has the attribute of 'Ozvald (younger brother)'…!! Younger brother Ozvald, younger brother…!!)

"The man called himself Clyde. I would like to hear your opinion, Prince Emile, including whether you have any leads on this person."

"Let's wait a moment, Ozvald. …And, my new sister-in-law, Charlotte?"

Emile smiled and turned his gaze to Charlotte.

"…You've been silent this whole time, but why are you giving off such a noisy presence?"

"O, o, o, otouto…!!"

"Charlotte, breathe."

"Otooto?"

"Su-ha!"

Following Ozvald's command, she desperately tried to maintain her composure and did as she was told, taking deep breaths.