Chapter 2

It's a bit like a rough draft (;^ω^)

The figures of the nobles had thinned out, and it seemed the gathering was about to end. Just as Alvis was giving instructions for the cleanup, Littine called out to him.

"Brother Alvis"

"Riti?"

"I want to talk a bit, is that okay?"

"That's fine, but—"

Even though the crowd was sparse, there were still people around. In the past, they had often been the subject of gossip in social circles, and after making Elina's pregnancy public, Alvis and Littine had been careful not to be seen alone together. Without Elina present, it was impossible for them to be alone.

"Here is fine. If we move, we'll just be the subject of more gossip."

"Well, here, the maids and the knights are around, so it should be fine."

Still, it was necessary to be extra cautious. Alvis called out to Anna, who happened to be passing by.

"What is it?"

"Sorry, but can you call Ed? He should be seeing Shio and the others off."

"Understood."

As Anna hurried away, Littine sighed. Alvis tilted his head, wondering what was wrong.

"Even a maid would be fine."

"…I don't mind, but you don't usually interact with her, right?"

"That's a bit late to worry about now. After all, she's your personal maid, and I know she's trustworthy."

"I can't deny that."

Anna was Alvis's personal maid, and she had previously served the former queen. In terms of trustworthiness, she was reliable. However, knowing Anna's true nature, Alvis didn't want Littine to interact with her too much.

Meanwhile, Edward arrived, slightly out of breath from hurrying.

"Did you call for me, Lord Alvis?"

"Yeah. I want you to join us."

"Huh?"

"Talking alone with Riti would draw too much attention."

"I see, that makes sense."

Edward nodded in understanding and stood a bit away from Alvis. Having Edward, his attendant, nearby was important. Alvis and Littine's relationship was well-known. If Edward joined them, people wouldn't assume they were involved in a romantic affair. To avoid such assumptions, Edward needed to be part of the conversation.

"Ed can hear it, I guess."

"Sorry, Riti."

"I understand, it's fine. Elina wouldn't mind, but I don't want to involve her in anything unnecessary."

Even if they weren't suspected, such gossip could still be burdensome. Although the unstable period had passed, there was no need to cause unnecessary worry.

"The talk is, of course, about Rihito."

"If you're going to discuss specifics, nothing has been decided yet, right?"

"I know that much. We can wait until after he abdicates and you ascend the throne. I don't think I'll be expelled before then. Besides, I never thought you would create a place for me like this, so I'm surprised."

"Riti—"

Littine's expression turned slightly sad. Now that leaving the harem was becoming a reality, if she were to marry as a princess, this was the only timing. Only while the current king was on the throne. However, with the king's abdication already decided, there was no point for Littine to marry a powerful noble. Alvis's position as the next king was secure.

The Duke of Riatuard, the Duke of Belfias, and the Duke of Yufos, who were close to being tutors, were all supporting him. He also had connections with high-ranking noble families like the Duke of Lancer. Littine and Alvis were cousins but had a relationship close to siblings. There was no need for her to marry a powerful noble, which meant she had the freedom to choose. However, this also meant that no noble family was seeking her influence as a royal.

"If I were to leave, I was thinking of retiring somewhere where I wouldn't affect anything. As long as I could do my research, anywhere would be fine."

"I wouldn't allow that."

"Hehe, I knew you would. You're much more reliable than that person. I knew it, but still, creating a good environment for me is the best choice you could have made."

Going to Rihito. She was saying that she had chosen Rihito as her partner. But that wasn't the case. Alvis shook his head.

"I didn't choose it. I just noticed it by watching you and Rihito. Most importantly, Rihito wanted it. No matter how close friends we are, I wouldn't give Riti to him if he wasn't serious."

"…That's why misunderstandings happen."

"Still, … and this is as a friend—"

"What?"

"I'm surprised and genuinely happy that Rihito found someone he can feel that way about."

Rihito, as he himself says, is a self-centered person. If someone doesn't agree with him, he can easily leave, and he doesn't try to stop anyone from leaving him. He has a strong desire for knowledge and is very curious. He doesn't get involved in the underworld but is greedy when it comes to making money. Despite all this, he has a strong sense of family. That's who Rihito Alster is.

"Shio even said it's hard to believe that Rihito could like someone outside his family. It was a surprise to us."

"That's probably true. He's very confident and doesn't really get along with girls, does he? He only talks about his research and you, Alvis."

Alvis is the common person between them, so it's understandable that he's a topic of conversation. It's a bit frustrating to be mentioned alongside his research, though.

"Anyway, I recognized that both Riti and Rihito felt this way, so I approved it. I told you to consult me before, but I knew you wouldn't."

"That's not true. I would have told you before leaving."

"Riti—"

It was a good thing he acted before Curianne and others started talking. Littine is proactive. In the past, it might have been different, but now, with everything settled, she could have done it.

"Still, I'm grateful. For creating a place for me. I wanted to say that."

"Is that so?"

Littine bowed deeply to Alvis, and a murmur of surprise came from the remaining nobles.

"Thank you, Brother Alvis."

"…Yeah."