Chapter 7

"Still... I never expected her to appear riding an alpaca! Princess Adelina is quite an interesting person! Ah, my stomach hurts..."

Conrad, the secretary to the crown prince who had been quiet while accompanying me, burst into laughter as soon as we returned to the office. However, I... ignored Conrad's laughter and kept thinking about the princess's appearance from earlier.

I was relieved to find that she wasn't locked away in the palace, spending her days in tears after a loveless marriage...

I never thought she would be enjoying her current life to such an extent.

I had always assumed she would be confined to the palace, but it turned out that she was out for a walk in the garden when I visited.

I came without prior notice. When I went outside to meet her in the garden... she appeared riding an alpaca.

I was so surprised that I ended up petting it when she asked, "Would you like to pet it, Your Highness?"

The touch was so luxurious that I almost got hooked.

"I've never seen an alpaca before... Did she bring it here?"

"Yes, according to the report, it was among the sheep brought by a merchant. It seems that Princess Adelina bought it and took care of it, eventually becoming so close that she could ride it."

"I see..."

When I read the report, I was skeptical, but it seems she really has been creating a farm and fields around the palace and working hard to cultivate them every day.

...I never would have imagined it from her appearance.

Her hair, with a soft color like milk tea, and her eyes, which held a gentle mint green hue, gave her a serene and lovely appearance. While she wasn't the kind of beauty that one would never forget, she had a gentle and charming face that usually left a good impression on most people.

Her build was delicate, and she didn't seem like the type who would work in the fields outdoors...

"Wasn't she born into a noble family?"

"Princess Adelina's family? According to the investigation, she was born into the Brelle Baron family. After the baron passed away and her mother remarried, she became the daughter of the Arland Viscount family. However, there aren't many good rumors about her mother and older sister. The Arland Viscount family was on the verge of decline, and it's likely that Princess Adelina and her younger sister, Ella, went through a lot of hardship."

Conrad, who had been laughing uncontrollably just a moment ago, now spoke with a very serious expression.

Hearing Ella's name still made my heart ache.

The joy that shook my soul when I first met her and the sorrow when she left me still lingered.

However, I can't neglect Evarina any further.

Even if it's only temporary, she is my princess now.

"Is she... at least finding some peace in that palace?"

I married her on a whim, but I intend to divorce her once the situation cools down.

However, that will take some time.

If I divorce her immediately, it will tarnish her reputation. ...I can't really say that, considering I brought her here almost by force.

Until the day of our divorce, I should do my best to ensure she can live peacefully. I won't stop her from working in the fields or on the farm if that's what she wants.

"If you're concerned about her, you shouldn't turn a blind eye as you have been. You should visit her properly. If she is a beloved concubine of the prince, she will have many suitors even after the divorce. To achieve that, you need to show everyone that you care about her. ...At least, you don't dislike her, right?"

Of course, I don't dislike her.

Seeing her face always reminds me of Ella, which makes me feel sad.

But surely, Agrippina is more hurt and anxious than I am.

If that's the case, I can't afford to wallow in my own feelings.

"Whenever I have time, I'll visit the princess again. Please inform her in advance."

"Understood, Your Highness. ...By the way, Princess Adelina doesn't have a dedicated knight yet. To show that you respect her, it might be a good idea to assign her one."

"That's a good point..."

Of course, I have provided the necessary security around the palace.

However, it's common for the royal family to have a dedicated knight for personal protection.

I should send someone to Merina as well.

"I'll send someone trustworthy from my guard. Please prepare a list."

"Understood, Your Highness."

When I closed my eyes, the last smile I saw from the princess came back to me.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

The moment I saw her innocent smile, my chest felt suddenly tight, and I returned as if I were running away.

Ella and Evarina are step-sisters, and they don't look much alike.

However, in the way they make my heart flutter, they are quite similar.