My Charlotte Hates Me

Chapter 71: Good People

My escort to the Royal Banquet was a Knight from my home that my father prepared Knight Evan Sealy. He was a few years older than me, had ash colored hair, light green eyes, and has been serving my family for generations for as long as I could remember. I remembered him well because we often spent a lot of time together because my father often assigned him to me as I was going to more social events growing up. The last time I was really ever alone with him was right before I left the Royal Castle after my altercation with Eli. Now that I am seeing him again, I realize how much time has gone back from how much younger he looks now compared to back then.

"Y-Young Miss, is there something wrong with me?" Knight Evan asked nervously.

"...Why are you so nervous? We have known each other for a long time already, Evan," I said said as I rested my cheek onto my hand.

"...I believe that this is the first event that I am escorting Young Miss too. Was I wrong?" Knight Evan asked.

My memories are becoming more convoluted as time goes on. For how long can I maintain my sanity...

"...My mistake...I have known you for some time, Sir Evan," I said.

"...I was not aware that I stood out to Young Miss. it is an honor to have been remembered by you," Knight Evan said.

As always...

"...You are a good person, Sir Evan," I said as I placed my hands over my lap and smiled.

"...No, you think of me too highly, Young Miss. If anyone is truly a good person, it is definitely you," Knight Evan said.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly.

"Did you say anything, Young Miss?" Knight Evan asked.

"Please call me Charlotte," I said.

"I could not..."

"I would rather be referred to by my name," I said.

"Then, Lady Charlotte," Knight Evan said.

"Mm...that is right. It definitely feels more comfortable that way," I said.

"Young...Lady Charlotte is a lot more easygoing than the rumors suggest," Knight Evan said with a sigh of relief.

"Rumors? What kind of rumors have you heard about me?" I asked.

"Just a few people are saying that our Young Miss is an aloof and very levelheaded person," Knight Evan said.

"Did you think I am a scatterbrained person then?" I asked.

"No, it is just that I think it is unfortunate that most people are unable to see how warm of a person Lady Charlotte truly is," Knight Evan said as he looked at me with warm eyes.

I lightly reached my hand out towards his face and rubbed his cheek with my thumb as I stared into his eyes.

"...If you knew the things that I have done...and the amount of people I have ruined, could you continue to view me the same way?" I asked.

His innocent looking eyes reminded me a bit of Arielle's eyes. When I asked that question, I was slightly directing that question towards Arielle whom I hoped would never know of the atrocities I have committed in my twisted idealization of Arielle's ultimate happiness.

"Lady...Charlotte?"

I slowly retracted my hand and stared out the window once more.

"...Just a little ways more, and we will see the discord I have created," I said quietly under my breath.

We had a quiet ride the rest of the way. After reaching the castle, Knight Evan escorted me properly and left many women envious of me for bringing a handsome Knight.

"My Lady, you are the most beautiful one here today," Knight Evan said.

"...The privilege I get from you being my escort is that I get compliments for free, or is it that you have a glib tongue?" I asked.

"N-No, I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart," Knight Evan said as he placed his hand over his heart. "There is no one more beautiful than our Young Miss."

"...That is because you have not seen her yet," I said. A few moments later, Arielle walked in side by side with Garett in tow. "She is someone truly befitting of a main character."

"Charlotte, you are here!" Arielle said as she excitedly ran to my side and grabbed my hands.

"You look absolutely stunning today, Arielle," I said.

"I could say the same to you, Char," Arielle said with a bright smile.

"Your clothes are nice too," I said to Garett.

"...I know. Just the clothes are nice," Garett said with an attitude.

Arielle smacked his arm.

"He is just being shy...Do you mind introducing me to your acquaintance?" Arielle asked. "I am Duke Maddox's daughter Arielle Maddox."

"This handsome gentleman is Sir Evan Sealy. He is a Knight serving under my family," I said as I introduced him to Arielle.

"Handsome...It is a pleasure to be acquainted with you, Lady Maddox. I am Evan Sealy...Baron Sealy's third son," Knight Evan said as he lightly kissed the back of Arielle's hand.

"I remember seeing Mister Handsome Knight around your home when I came to visit," Arielle said teasingly.

"...I feel like I am being ganged up on by you two," Knight Evan said.

"Get used to it," Garett said as he pat Knight Evan's shoulder and gave him a look of comradeship.

Arielle soon walked over towards Garett and pulled his shoulder down one side.

"Of course, I think you are the most handsome man here," Arielle whispered to him.

Knight Evan and I could not help but feel second hand embarrassment from hearing the couple's sweet talk.

"P-Please leave that kind of talk for when you two are alone," I said.

"Right...when we are alone," Arielle said as she lovingly stared into Garett's eyes.

Those two...haven't crossed the line yet, right? Right? Right!

"It seems that Lady Charlotte is also a victim," Knight Evan said.

"I cannot help it...I have never been in a relationship before, so what would I know?" I asked.

Just then, the trumpets sounded. Prince Erik entered with his partner Kaya Ouchi. Instead of receiving a very warm welcoming, people began a sea of whispers instead. I along with Arielle and the others gave halfhearted applause. As soon as he saw Arielle, he approached our group with a fierce expression.

"Look at what the cat dragged in," Prince Erik said.

Without skipping a beat, Garett moved in front of Arielle and lowered his head.

"...Greetings to His Highness Prince Erik and Lady Kaya," Garett said as he placed his hand over his heart.

"...You...so easily moving from one man to another. Have you no shame?" Prince Erik asked as he glared at Arielle.

Arielle shriveled slightly under his unkind gaze.

"At least she had the decency to find a partner after her annulment was finalized, unlike someone who chases another woman's skirt while still engaged to another woman," I said.

"Come again, Lady Castile?" Prince Erik said as he began directing his unkind gaze towards me.

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