Chapter 89

"Um... I’m not very familiar with it, but isn’t there a type of magic that allows you to communicate with someone far away?"

"Yes. Although it’s not widely used by ordinary magicians, it is often used for national defense by the military and for conversations between royal families."

Charlotte knew of its existence because she had seen Osvold use it a few times. It was a very convenient magic that allowed conversation with someone in a distant location.

"Sir Osvold, if a barrier to interfere with tracking magic is used, would it be impossible to use the communication magic?"

"Yes, it would. Unless it’s as powerful as a barrier-breaking attack magic..."

"In that case, I would like to consider this possibility..."

Sitting next to Osvold on the bench, Charlotte began.

"I think Sir Clyde probably couldn’t set up a barrier to reject tracking magic. The reason being, to perform communication magic with someone..."

"If that’s the case, it means Sir Clyde was in a situation where he had to constantly receive communications."

"That’s right! In that case, the theory that Sir Clyde was acting on someone else’s orders becomes even more doubtful!"

"But, Charlotte..."

Osvold looked at Charlotte intently with his red eyes.

"Why did you suspect that the man couldn’t set up the barrier?"

"Uh, well, that’s..."

Charlotte had no intention of hiding anything from Osvold.

However, if she spoke out of turn, she feared she might cause unnecessary worry or make him blame himself for not being by her side.

Thus, she hesitated and her eyes darted around.

"Um, that..."

"Charlotte, you look like a puppy that has played with a feather pillow and is desperately trying to avoid eye contact amidst the scattered feathers?"

"Ugh, I’m sorry, Sir Osvold...!!"

Charlotte closed her eyes tightly and confessed everything.

"Actually, at the tavern, there was a magician with a scary face who was targeting Sir Clyde...!"

"......"

Startled by Osvold’s silence, she quickly looked up.

"I, I didn’t get into any danger! Sir Clyde protected me!"

"......"

"That was definitely an attack aimed solely at Sir Clyde, completely unrelated to you or me! Sir Clyde dealt with it immediately, it was just a coincidence..."

"......"

"But I think the attacker could track Sir Clyde because the barrier was down...! You mentioned that he has enemies from various places. So, he is in a position where he is often targeted, and he might have taken down the barrier for communication magic... I, I thought..."

"......"

As Osvold’s silence continued, Charlotte wilted more and more.

"I’m sorry for not telling you immediately..."

"...I also bear responsibility for creating an atmosphere that made it difficult for you to speak."

"N-no!! There’s not a single reason in this world for you to say that, Sir Osvold!!"

She shook her head vigorously but still couldn’t muster the courage to look at Osvold.

"I avoided causing you worry, Sir Osvold, who is so kind...! You trusted me, which is why you allowed Prince Emile’s decoy plan. I’m so sorry..."

"Charlotte"

Hearing her name called in a soothing tone, Charlotte looked up sharply.

"Didn’t I tell you? The most important thing is your safety. It’s crucial to take the necessary precautions, and I don’t intend to blame you for not telling me."

"...Sir Osvold..."

"So, come here."

Surprised by the unexpected words, Charlotte blinked twice.

"Come here...?"

"First, I want to check if you’re hurt. Then, we should discuss strengthening your safety measures from now on. Can you come to me?"

"But! We are already sitting next to each other on the bench...!?"

Her heart was pounding. Charlotte had a strong feeling that her intuition about Osvold was spot on.

"Why are you reaching out to me! Sir Osvold... aaaaaaaah!!"

"Here"

Osvold picked up Charlotte and, still holding her in his arms, placed her on his lap.

Looking down at the stiffened Charlotte, he asked in a very serious tone.

"Can you stay still for a little while?"

"Ah...!"

Her worst fears were confirmed, and she cried out in a half-scream.

"P-please forgive me, Sir Osvold...!!"

"I just care about you and am worried. —I’m starting now."