As one of the centrals actors of this party, and the crown princess herself, Charlotte was sure to be the center of attention in the venue. Thus, Charlotte was glad she could sneak off before others could swarm around her.

She’d probably be reprimanded later, but it didn’t matter. She really had only performed the bare minimum of her role—up to the first dance, anyway. Quentin and Juliet vexed her, so she wanted to get some fresh air. She’d been preparing for the party since morning, so she hadn’t had any time to rest.

As she walked toward the darker side, down the outer corridor facing the garden, she naturally found herself moving away from the venue. The moonlit space was almost magical, basked as it was under pale blue light.

Since the party was in progress, everyone was gathered in the venue. Along the way, she had only encountered a few servants and patrolling knights.

To not feel uneasy about that situation was impossible.

When she stopped walking, silence fell, and after a while, footsteps echoed behind her. Without looking in that direction, she approached the garden and looked up in the night sky.

“—Magic can keep people away, can it?”

With the night sky still in view, she spoke, but the approaching footsteps stopped nearby.

“To be precise, magic weakens the awareness to one’s presence. I helped you because you looked like you wanted to get out. I did it on my own, so no need to thank me.”

Hearing this explanation, Charlotte tilted her head slightly and looked to the right.

In the dark night scenery, Ethelbert stood there in his formal attire, looking as glorious as a painting.

“May I stand next to you?”

His well-shaped lips curved gently, asking for permission. With his personality, he’d probably go ahead even if she refused.

“Your fiancée is probably aways with the Second Princess.”

“You’re being so frank.”

“Are you lonely?”

“No, not at all.”

She declared without hesitation, looking up at the sky again.

“I don’t expect anything from him.”

It wasn’t just him.

Charlotte had already given up on everything in this country. Hence why she periodically caused trouble like this, but not too much. It was a sign of things to come.

Once it became too late to fix, Frederick, Quentin, and everyone would realize how useless they were. Then, they’d sink into a deep swamp of regret, thinking they never had a chance to realize it.

“You’ve gotten too used to being alone.”

She could tell that Ethelbert was looking at her from next to her. Maybe he felt pity for her.

“Yes, that’s true. Lord Ethelbert, I’d appreciate it if you could leave me alone as much as possible.”

“…What a cruel thing to say.”

He took her hand, prompting her to look at him. Lifting Charlotte’s hand, Ethelbert fixed his blue-violet eyes on her and placed his lips on her fingertips.

“You’re already irreplaceable to me.”

“…!”

She reflexively tried to retract her hand, but Ethelbert held it, stronger but gentler than she could. She ended up clinging to him, and his other arm wrapped around her waist, holding her.

Suddenly, a magic circle appeared at her feet. A gentle breeze blew from below, fluttering her dress and hair.

While Charlotte was distracted by her feet, Ethelbert closed the distance between them, leaning closer to her ear.

“—Should I kidnap you?”

Charlotte stiffened at the sexy voice.

She couldn’t help but feel heat rising to her face, and the next moment, her body literally floated up into the air.

“Wh… what?!”

Charlotte gasped in shock and clung to Ethelbert with all her might. Ethelbert reacted with a twitch, tightening his arm around Charlotte’s waist as if to convey that he wasn’t going to let go.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”

“Even if you say that…”

As they spoke, their altitude increased.

Her feet were no longer on the ground. Such was natural since she was floating in the air, but it was still scary.

If she fell from such a height, she’d definitely die.

She buried her face in Ethelbert’s chest and shut her eyes tightly. Her fear didn’t ease.

“Why do you never explain things to me beforehand…?!”

“Because I’m looking forward to seeing how you’ll react.”

“That’s mean.”

“I know.”

Even with her eyes shut, she could tell that he was happy.

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