Chapter 10

The founding anniversary festival of the Royal Academy had come to an end, and the season was gradually turning to spring. Since the Kingdom of Rubelia enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, the change of seasons isn't very noticeable. However, this year, many people were becoming restless as spring approached. The reason for this was undoubtedly the coronation ceremony.

"..."

"It's quite all right not to make such a face. It's a special day, so it's only natural to want to prepare the best."

Alvis was alone in the royal office, frowning, and the atmosphere around him clearly showed his rejection of the current situation. Naris, who was trying to calm him down, had been his nursemaid. To her, Alvis's current attitude was probably insignificant.

"I understand, but it's annoying to be treated like a doll being dressed up from morning till night..."

"Alvis-sama has always been uncomfortable with such things."

"The colors are already decided, so there's no need to fuss over them just for me."

Indeed, the situation Alvis found himself in was a fitting for the coronation ceremony. When he was named the crown prince, there was no time for such preparations, and his opinions were not sought. He was grateful to the craftsmen who had managed to create such items in such a short time. Therefore, he thought it would be fine to leave this to them as well, following tradition. However, the king and queen had other ideas.

"The coronation ceremony is the first major event. Preparing something befitting the occasion is also your duty."

Even though it was just a costume, it required the efforts of many people. The quality of the result reflected the current expectations, trust, and evaluation of the king. It was a source of pride and a crystallization of the efforts of those involved. The coronation ceremony was also an opportunity to showcase this to the subjects and the people. Given this, Alvis couldn't afford to slack off. He couldn't, but his discomfort remained.

He had set aside the entire day for this. In other words, this ordeal would continue for a while. He thought that doing paperwork would be better, but he couldn't say that out loud. For now, it was still break time, and only Naris was nearby. In a few minutes, the craftsmen would return. The outfit, the mantle, and the sword, which was a symbol of Alvis, were all part of the preparation. Although Alvis didn't usually like accessories, this was an exception. He always wore a pendant given to him by Elina, but he had to take it off for this occasion.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, we have kept you waiting. Are you ready now?"

"Alvis-sama."

"...Yeah, I'm ready."

With a heavy heart, Alvis got up and prepared to face the next ordeal.

That night, after a late dinner, Alvis was lying on a sofa in the salon. Usually, Elina would rest her head on his lap, but she was holding back. Instead, she sat in a comfortable chair and gently touched his hair. Because of her growing belly, she couldn't rest her head on his lap and touch his hair as she used to. This was a compromise she had thought of. If Elina wanted to do it, he let her.

"Good work today, Alvis-sama. Have you decided on the outfit?"

"I managed to. I really wanted something that was easy to move in, but I realized that wasn't possible."

"I've heard that the outfit for the coronation ceremony is quite heavy. Is it that heavy?"

"Yeah."

It was heavy, no doubt. There were still some fine adjustments to be made, but the mantle would definitely trail behind him, and the outfit was layered. Additionally, he would have to wear a crown. The mantle and the crown were the heaviest parts. Since he didn't usually wear such things, they felt even heavier. The mantle, in particular, was much thicker than what he usually wore for official duties.

"More than the weight, the lack of mobility is tough for me. In that state, I can't even run."

Hearing this complaint, Elina laughed. Alvis looked at her, lifting his head slightly.

"Elina?"

"Sorry, but only Alvis-sama would think about running in that outfit."

"...It's just my nature. I can't feel at ease unless I'm ready to move at any time."

"Come to think of it, you carried a sword at our wedding, didn't you?"

"It wasn't a very lethal sword, but it was enough to protect you and me."

But it was enough to protect Elina and Alvis. If necessary, Alvis could use his mana power, which would serve as a deterrent. A similar item was prepared for this occasion, even more ceremonial and less practical than the one at the wedding.

"Still, it feels like the day is really approaching."

"Yeah."

"Will the baby be born first?"

"The royal physician said the baby would be born first, but there's nothing we can do about it."

"Yes... I hope I can attend the coronation ceremony."

It all depended on Elina's condition. If the baby was born and she had enough time to rest, she could attend. If the baby hadn't been born, it would depend on her health. If the two events coincided, she wouldn't be able to attend.

"Your health is the most important. Please don't overexert yourself."

"I understand."

Two days later, in the middle of the night, the day everyone had been waiting for arrived.