The invoked magic circle was sloppy.

Therefore, it’d take some time before Charlotte would be teleported.

Despite knowing that, there was nothing that she could do.

…As long as the magic circle is active, I won’t be able to leave it until the teleportation is completed!

She tried moving away, but her body was as heavy as lead. Unable to withstand it, Charlotte collapsed to her knees.

I-it hurts…

“Am I wrong? Charlotte…”

The pale Irene looked down at Charlotte and spoke:

“The real Charlotte wouldn’t have nodded at the notion of showing patriotism towards the royal family! After all, Saint Charlotte originally isn’t from this country…!”

Charlotte, of course, remembered it vividly.

…The remark that provoked Prince Randolph’s anger.

That’s right, Lady Irene was the one who told me to say that to him…

Apparently, that was Irene’s way of ascertaining Charlotte’s true identity.

“—Therefore, if you aren’t the real one, there shouldn’t be a problem even if you were to be teleported to His Highness Randolph, right!?”

“…”

“Please…!”

Irene muttered as if convincing herself.

“Tell me, tell me you aren’t the saint, Charlotte…!”

…Ah.

She understood and quietly closed her eyes.

—This is my retribution, isn’t it?

Hence why Charlotte smiled.

Due to the unstable teleportation, Charlotte’s body became so heavy, she could barely breathe.

Still, she smiled gracefully, almost as if she felt nothing—

—At the very least, I have to see through this lie until the end.

Such was the last courtesy Charlotte could show Irene, who’d become her friend during that conservatory.

“…Of course not, Lady Irene.”

“…!”

Irene gasped.

—No matter what kind of ability I have, someone who misuses it is no saint. That is nothing more than a villain.

Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead.

“Did… His Highness Randolph set you up to this?”

“M-my house… My house is facing a major crisis…”

Irene continued, trembling.

“Every week, I pretended as if everything was alright, but that was just a charade! I don’t even want to continue studying at the Magic Academy anymore…”

“…”

“I can’t bear the thought of my friends knowing my house is on the verge of ruin… If, if I were to teleport you to His Highness Randolph, he’d support me in the future…”

Upon hearing that, Charlotte nodded.

“With this, I sincerely hope that Lady Irene won’t have to leave the academy…”

“…Charlotte…”

“—After all, that way, Lady Irene will be able to stay by his side, right?”

“!!”

Irene’s adorable face contorted with grief.

“I-it’s no good, it’s no good after all…!! I’m truly sorry, Charlotte…!!”

“…Lady Irene.”

“Forgive me, I’ll cancel the spell right away! I’m really sorry, please forgive me…!! Oh, what have I done to my precious friend…!!”

Irene reached out to grab Charlotte’s wrist, only to be repelled by the magic circle.

“N-no way…!!”

…Judging from the magical power imbued in this circle, it can only teleport one person at most. Even if someone tries to interfere, they’ll be rejected by the lack of magic.

Looking at Irene’s desperation, she obviously knew Charlotte’s true identity.

I’m so pathetic. I’m a really bad liar… And here I thought that pretending to be my former self was easy…

She lowered her gaze while reflecting on herself. Then, a wave of vertigo assailed her—the teleport was about to start.

“Lady Irene…! I’ll be alright…! At the evening party, His Highness Randolph heaped praises on me? Even if I am teleported to him, there shouldn’t be any problems…!”

“Charlotte…!”

“…W-which is why—! Don’t worry—!”

After mustering a smile, Charlotte lost consciousness.

“Charlotte—!”

Within the greenhouse, only Irene remained.

“…”

Erasing her tears, she burst out of the greenhouse in search of Heydemarie.

---

***T/N: That small regret at the end redeemed Irene for me.

Please also consider donating to my ko-fi! It’ll greatly support me in action, no matter the amount!
https://ko-fi.com/antoinettevanessa

Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/aaab08c14d

<Previous chapter

Next chapter>