“I’m so curious. What are the two of you talking about? Why would you need a soundproof barrier for it?”

The silver-haired man, Randolph, stepped through the soundproof barrier without the slightest bit of pause. The entire time, he was staring straight at Oswald with a smile.

“I’m so envious of how close the two of you are. But that’s to be expected from a married couple, isn’t it, Oswald?”

“…Pardon me, Your Highness.”

After bowing to Randolph, Oswald explained indifferently.

“Before having an audience with Your Highness, I wished to perform a final confirmation of the seal. To keep from sowing any needless unease, I came here to avoid the public eye.”

“…Hmm.”

Randolph didn’t appear to be entertaining the idea.

“As always, you’re so outspoken, it’s annoying. Well, the person you’re presently hiding behind you—that’s the saint, isn’t it?”

“I hide her out of shame and concern for Your Highness.”

“On the other hand, His Majesty has also placed his trust into you. Show her to me.”

“…”

The atmosphere was tense.

As Randolph said, Charlotte was hidden behind Oswald’s back. However, even there, she could feel his unpleasant gaze.

But, this man is…

Charlotte whispered to Oswald.

“O-Oswald…”

“Don’t worry, you’re safe—”

“—No, it’s not like that!”

Unable to contain her excitement, her whisper was full of passion.

“—Earlier, he said that we’re a ‘married couple’ and that we’re ‘very close’…!!”

“—Yeah, just stay quiet.”

“I will—!”

Adhering to Oswald’s order, Charlotte put her hands over mouth.

Randolph didn’t seem to be able to hear their conversation. However, upon seeing that they were whispering to one another, his expression distorted in frustration.

“Hey, Oswald, did you hear what I said? I’m asking you to show me the saint.”

“Yes, it is as you say. Then, let us return to the hall, Your Highness Randolph. By all means, the unveiling of the saint should be done under the light.”

“…I don’t know why you insist on complicating things.”

Randolph’s voice became increasingly agitated.

Charlotte proceeded to organize the information she had just acquired from the conversation between Oswald and Randolph.

Since Oswald referred to him as ‘His Highness,’ then Randolph is most likely a prince…

In other words, he was a member of the royal family who ordered for Charlotte’s divine power to be sealed.

“Enough, already. Do not prolong this any further. Show me the saint—or do you intend on disobeying my order?”

Oswald is trying to protect me…

…However, his position will be compromised!

Besides, it was merely a matter of time.

Without the slightest hesitation, Charlotte stepped forward.

“—I believe this is our first meeting, Your Highness Randolph?”

“Charlotte…”

Oswald frowned, but Charlotte remained calm and haughtily stood before Randolph.

“Hey, so you finally decided to show yourself.”

Randolph grinned and took a step forward.

“Well, aren’t you prettier than the rumors? From the surveillance magic, I’ve caught several glimpses of you. But apparently, the real thing is more fetching.”

“No, that’s—…”

“You don’t have to act humble. On top of that, you’re also truly brilliant, aren’t you?”

Randolph seemed pleased.

“Despite being referred as an atrocious saint, you appear to have become a noble and dignified lady after the sealing of your divine power. I can tell from your behavior alone. Don’t you agree, Oswald?”

“…”

“…”

“…Why are you silent?”

“Excuse me, my throat isn’t feeling well.”

After clearing his throat, Oswald stood beside Charlotte.

“Your Highness Randolph, as you can see, the saint’s condition is stable. Don’t worry, she poses no danger towards the kingdom, much less the royal family.”

“What are you talking about? Why would I come to see the saint for something utterly trivial like that?”

With a distorted grin on his face, Randolph spread his arms.

“I’ve been wanting to meet you, our kingdom’s saint—!”

“…”

Charlotte nodded and smiled.

“I’ve also been wanting to apologize to the royal family for a long time. I’m truly ashamed for my selfish behavior.”

“Hahaha, why? There’s no need for you to apologize. In the previous war, you fully demonstrated your power and helped this kingdom achieve victory.”

Randolph’s words were prickly.

Surely, it was meant to be a backhanded compliment.

I have to be careful. I have to behave so that Oswald doesn’t get angry…

“I’ve been looking forward to thanking you in person.”

“It’s unnecessary, Your Highness. The kingdom managed to achieve victory because everyone fought to their utmost on the battlefield, and by extension, the members of the royal family who led them. Also—”

Charlotte contemplated a bit.

At the tea party the other day, she discussed it with the girls—“What would you do if you were to meet the royal family at the evening party?”

“—Let me tell you something. Upon meeting someone in the social circles, flattery is a given, right?”

One of the ladies, Irene, said to Charlotte.

“The royal family should give you similar words of praise. So, when you receive it, don’t just humble yourself, and instead speak with humility that emphasizes your patriotism.”

…Patriotism, hm!?

While remembering that, Charlotte carefully considered her next words.

“I’m grateful to receive your compliment.”

She put her hand on her chest and smiled softly.

“It’s a mediocre power, but nevertheless, I’ll be proud for the rest of my life that I was able to demonstrate this power for the sake of my beloved home country.”

“—!”

At that moment, Oswald’s eyes widened.

…?

With a stiff smile, Randolph stared at Charlotte. Despite smiling, his eyes were cold.

The atmosphere had clearly shifted, much to the shock of Charlotte.

…I, I must have made a mistake!

“Ha. …Hahaha, hah—!!”

Randolph put his hand over his eyes, sagged his shoulders, and began to laugh.

---

***T/N: Or maybe he’s just acting like an overblown machiavellianism villain… PRINCE, YOU’RE SO CRINGE.

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