My Charlotte Hates Me

Chapter 85: Daughter

"Are you alright, Lady Charlotte?" Knight Evan asked with a worried expression.

"Yes, I am perfectly fine," I said as I took a peek back at Prince Erik who was now holding his head with both hands. "Rather, call the Court Physician. His Highness does not look well."

A few moments later, Court Physicians flooded the area. I no longer any reason to stay behind, so I went on my way home with my Knight Evan. I had him keep me company in the carriage again as well.

"Sir Evan, do you not think we have been spending more time together lately?" I asked as I tried to make small talk.

"Yes, it seems that way," Knight Evan answered politely.

"...I have been dragging you around here and there too often. There was also that incident with drinking...I sincerely apologize for everything," I said as I handed him a small bag of coins.

"Do you mind if I ask what this is?" Knight Evan asked.

"...Worker's Compensation? I will also add vacation time once we return home," I said.

"My Lady, I have never once felt troubled from accompanying you around. This is unnecessary. Rather, I will be troubled if I am not allowed to accompany you anymore. Being your Escort Knight is a joy of mine," Knight Evan said.

"...Please take breaks regularly and watch your health. I am not very good with grand gestures, so I hope that you can accept the money as a gift," I said.

"I will accept it gratefully, Lady Charlotte," Knight Evan said with a sweet smile with one of his canine teeth showing.

I subconsciously reached my hand out towards the top of his head and began rubbing it softly.

"...You are such a good boy," I said quietly.

"P-Pardon?" Knight Evan said in a fluster.

"Good boy," I repeated with a smile.

It was possible that I was seeing a bit of Eli in my Knight Evan. He was kind and sweet just like Eli. Maybe that is why my hand subconsciously reached out towards him as if it is natural. It was my instinct as someone who once acted as Eli's mother to take care of those whom I deemed as a younger man. Of course, I know that my Knight Evan is a few years older than me, but my mental age is nearly several times his lifespan. I cannot help but deem him as a younger man.

I spent the entire afternoon of the next day doing my leisure reading, while the rest of the mansion was scrambling about and preparing for my engagement with His Majesty the King.

When I revealed it to my parents earlier...

"Viscount Castile and Viscountess Castile, I present to you two His Majesty's Royal Edict...My engagement with His Majesty will occur at the next Royal Banquet. After our wedding, I will officially be named Deputy Queen," I said as I presented my parents with official papers.

"...How could this be?" Father asked in disbelief.

"It is a great honor...to have been chosen as a candidate for Deputy Queen during Her Majesty's absence," I said monotonously.

"Charlotte, why are you accepting this?" Father asked.

"...There is no reason to worry about the dowry. I will use my own savings and move out as soon as the preparations are done," I said.

"Charlotte..."

"...What greater honor is there than marrying the Sun of our Kingdom?" I asked.

"I can tell that you are not really thrilled with this engagement," Father said.