I explain:
"Apparently Fred was on some secret mission but lost his life then. I don't know details though."
Needless to say, this statement is false.
I killed Fred myself.
This lie will eventually be exposed to Her Highness and others.
Because they'll verify my information.
But this lie can be exposed.
After seeing through my lie, they'll think:
'How did Erine kill Fred and Seras?'
First they'll consider Aristy's presence.
But no matter how considered, Aristy alone couldn't annihilate Fred's forces.
They'll speculate repeatedly until realizing I possess powerful weapons.
While unaware what those weapons are, they won't carelessly interfere with us.
For me to negotiate equally with Liznis Kingdom, hinting at weapon possession is crucial.
Princess Charlotte says:
"I-is it alright discussing such information so easily? Wouldn't the Empire want this fact hidden?"
Fred's existence itself deters neighboring countries.
Hearing his death, nations would surely resume invasion plans.
So the Ranverl Empire would try hiding Fred's death temporarily.
But... that doesn't concern me.
"The Empire would want secrecy. However, I'm exiled from that Empire, owing no obligations."
Well, I don't intend actively spreading this information either.
Doing so excessively would send assassins for silencing me.
Then Yuleila-san asks:
"Regarding exile... may I ask why?"
"Corruption charges."
For this question, I answer honestly without lying.
"Though that was false accusation. You might not believe me."
"Hmm..."
"However, though corruption was false, exile followed proper procedures. Since I'm technically a major criminal, serving as Merisbaton seems difficult."
No matter abilities, exiled criminals cannot become court magicians in other countries.
Distrusted, they'd face dismissal.
Understanding this, Princess Charlotte makes a difficult face.
After a moment, she says:
"...I understand. I'll abandon recruiting you."
"Yes. Sorry for declining this invitation."
"No... However, separate from recruitment, I have a request. May I discuss it?"
"Hmm... request?"
I tilt my head.
After a pause, Princess Charlotte announces:
"Let me briefly share personal matters—I became engaged to a gentleman last month."
"That's... congratulations."
I offer social courtesy.
However, Princess Charlotte looks unhappy.
An expression showing dissatisfaction with the engagement.
"Not celebratory. Mother decided this engagement. Well, I'm of proper age."
Princess Charlotte's mother means Her Majesty the Queen.
The Queen arranged political marriage.
Likely regardless of Charlotte's wishes.
In any country, 22-year-old princesses aren't left unengaged.
The engagement might already be late.
"However, marriage is absolutely intolerable. Why must I marry someone I don't love?"
Princess Charlotte vents honest feelings.