“…You told him that it didn’t matter if I dislike you.”

“…”

Charlotte blinked.

It wasn’t because she was clueless to what he was saying.

If anything, it was precisely because she remembered uttering those words that she didn’t understand.

“That’s right. I did say that to him.”

At her quizzical answer, Oswald’s eyebrows rose.

“But why? Don’t you have feelings for me? Then, why don’t you want me to reciprocate them?”

“…? But, Lord Oswald—”

Charlotte released the hand that was held by Oswald and placed it before her chest.

Then, she conveyed the absolute truth—

“—Aren’t I a sinner?”

“…!”

Why does Lord Oswald look surprised?

As she pondered that, Charlotte smiled.

“Even Lord Oswald should be aware of it. For I’m the cruel saint—the wicked abomination.”

“That’s…”

“I simply can’t believe that Lord Oswald would fall for the likes of me, and the reason is because…”

Charlotte spoke matter-of-factly.

“—People who had committed atrocities are undeserving of happiness.”

“…Charlotte…”

When she spoke with a smile, Oswald’s face contorted in anguish.

“…Now that I think about it, you’ve always been like that. While you never fail to express your affection, whenever I want to do something for you in return, you always seem reluctant.”

“I’m already satisfied with your existence, Lord Oswald…”

As she exuded white breath, Charlotte looked straight into Oswald’s eyes.

“So please, rest assured! Even if Lord Oswald doesn’t fall for me—even if you find someone else, I’ll be a good girl!”

“What…?”

The beautiful women who flocked to Oswald at the evening party came to mind.

Besides, her girl friends also said that Oswald was very popular with women.

Well, of course, considering how awesome he is…!

“For me to be able to become the wife of my beloved Lord Oswald… That alone makes me strong!”

The truth was, the mere thought of Oswald falling in love with another woman was sickening.

In spite of that, she had no right to be sad. Therefore, she forced a smile and spoke with a cheerful tone.

“You don’t have to fall for me. As long as Lord Oswald is well and lives happily ever after—”

“—Don’t be silly.”

“?”

Oswald spoke in a quiet, yet indignant voice.

“What are you talking about? You don’t even know what my happiness is.”

“…Lord Oswald?”

“But more importantly, Charlotte, why do you think that you don’t deserve to be happy? Where in this world does that kind of rule exist?”

“T-that’s only natural! Until now, I’ve been evil!”

However, Oswald interjected—

“—Do you even remember what happened at the time?”

“…!!”

Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…You, found out?”

“…”

Oswald might have not intended to let it slip he knew. Furrowing his eyebrows, Oswald’s gaze pierced her.

“You, who have no memory of anything, shouldn’t be responsible for what you’ve done.”

For the first time, Charlotte made a counter-argument.

“That’s not right.”

With a firm posture, devoid of any hesitation, she informed her beloved.

“—Regardless of my lack of memory, I’m still myself. Therefore, be it the atonement or the retribution of my past deeds, I’m responsible for all of it.”

“His Majesty engraved a contract magic on you. You—who had no way of resisting at the time, couldn’t do anything else.”

Then, Oswald told Charlotte.

“At least, for my present self, the past Charlotte—the holy saint—might have had her own circumstances.”

“…”

…His words were so generous, she wanted to cry.

…But I saw it—

—In my dream, my past self was laughing.

Charlotte shook her head.

“Lord Oswald, you mustn’t. Otherwise, the situation will get out of hand.”

“What…?”

Lord Oswald is too compassionate…

She wanted him to be happy.

Hence why she didn’t dream of a future where she’d be by his side—

—she mustn’t even dream of it.

Yet, after hearing his words, she began to have unrealistic expectations.

…In each of Lord Oswald’s words, I find a sliver of hope. Would, would Lord Oswald allow us to be together—but I can’t!

As she pursed her lips, Charlotte made up her mind.

“…No matter what Lord Oswald thinks, I must atone for my sins!”

“Charlotte…”

“I-I’m sorry…!!”

Charlotte shut her eyes, turned her back on Oswald, and started running.

“I, I’m going to stay at Professor Heydemaria’s mansion for a while!!”

“Wait, Charlotte…!”

Despite his voice calling for her, Charlotte didn’t turn around. She had to leave Oswald—lest she became too spoiled.

Even if it’s in name only, I was able to become his wife. The memories should suffice—and yet, and yet, I find myself wanting more… So, before anything else can happen—!

Making her way through the snowy road, Charlotte ran for a few more meters—

“…”

…Before abruptly stopping and turning on her heels, making her way back.

“…Charlotte.”

“…”

She drooped her head in dejection, trying to not look at Oswald’s face.

“I…”

“…”

She must’ve looked like a runaway puppy who regained her senses and wagged her tail to her master.

“…I don’t know where this is.”

“…Well, of course.”

In this way, Oswald took the depressed Charlotte back using a teleportion spell. After returning home, Charlotte ran away to Heydemarie’s mansion.

---

***T/N: Aaamonnn just got a newww starlight skin aaaaaaaa, I don’t yearn for it, not at alllllll

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