Chapter 28

After hearing the story from Elina, Alvis headed to Chiara’s place. He knew about Chiara’s schedule, as she had said she wanted to talk. This day, Alvis had a relatively free schedule, and it wouldn’t be difficult to coordinate with Chiara. Thinking so, he decided to visit her directly, but she wasn’t in the guest room assigned to her.

"Ah, Onii-sama!"

"Chiara"

The maids informed him that Chiara was in the gazebo in the courtyard, so he went there, but Chiara was engrossed in observing flowers. Her demeanor reminded him of her sister, Littane. Just as he was thinking that they were indeed sisters, Chiara noticed Alvis.

"Elina told me that you wanted to talk to me."

"Yeah! That’s right, but is it okay for you, Onii-sama? You just got back, and you might still be busy..."

"Yeah, it’s fine."

Smiling, Alvis received a smile in return from Chiara. Deciding to have tea, they headed back to the gazebo. While the maids were preparing, Alvis asked Chiara:

"By the way, you seemed really serious about your observation. What were you looking at?"

"It’s not really an observation. I was just thinking that there are no flowers from my sister here."

"Oh, Littane’s flowers."

The flowers that Littane had improved. They were rare even in the capital, and no one cultivated them. They belonged to Littane, and their cultivation involved the royal family. Indeed, they were delicate flowers, and considering the effort required, they weren’t the kind of flowers people would cultivate enthusiastically. Littane herself wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about their cultivation.

"I thought they might be in Uncle’s mansion."

"…I see. Well, if the seeds were brought here, the gardeners would try their best, though it would be challenging."

The flowers of the princess had a grand name. Handling them required great care. The veteran gardeners, who loved flowers, might take on the task with enthusiasm. However, it would require not only Littane’s but also her mother, Queen Curiann’s, approval. Littane didn’t want to put her name out there, and she found such matters troublesome.

"Sister’s flowers are so beautiful. I wish more people could see them."

"Maybe that will change when Littane decides. She’s still working on that research. A stronger flower might be born. If that happens, perhaps one day they will be distributed throughout the country, not just the capital."

Though not now, perhaps one day those flowers would bloom here. Hearing this, Chiara nodded happily. She really admired Littane. Imagining the not-so-distant future when these two would part ways made him feel a little guilty.

"Onii-sama?"

"No, it’s nothing. Rather, you said you wanted to talk to me, right?"

That was the main topic. Elina had told him that Chiara wanted to talk to him seriously. With Alvis’s words, Chiara’s smile faded, and she turned a serious expression towards him.

"Onii-sama, I’ve become friends with Miraria."

"Is that so?"

"Even though Lady Leona opposed it, I wanted to be friends with Miraria. I needed it. Miraria’s perspective is something I don’t have, and as a princess, I needed someone who could look at things from a different angle and talk to me straightforwardly without flattering me."

This was Chiara speaking to Alvis not as a cousin but as a member of the royal family. Therefore, Alvis needed to respond as a member of the royal family.

"Miraria, being the daughter of the second wife, is indeed a bit weak to be friends with Princess Chiara. Her status is impeccable; she is a duchess’s daughter and the king’s niece. However, there will always be those who will criticize her for not being the daughter of the first wife."

Formally recognized by law, in the Kingdom of Rubelia, having multiple wives is allowed, and their children have inheritance rights. However, as the term "first wife" suggests, some people prioritize the first wife. The name "second" can sometimes lead to being seen as inferior, especially by old-fashioned nobles. In Alvis’s generation, such concerns are a minority, and the tide will change with generational turnover. However, even if it’s a minority, there will always be those who voice their opinions and try to hurt others.

"However, in Lanaris, the age difference is significant, so it’s reasonable. Still, I should say that there are other young ladies close to your age, and it would be good to meet them, such as the daughters of the marquess and count."

"I understand."

"Even so, it’s fine to take Miraria around. It will also be a good learning experience for her."

"Yes!"

In a few years, both Miraria and Chiara will enter society. Building connections and a circle of friends before then would be good. However, it’s also necessary to clarify Chiara’s position. Chiara has her own thoughts. She won’t always be under Littane’s protection. Alvis found this reassuring. Therefore, he needed to tell Chiara something important.

"Chiara."

"Yes."

"I have something important to tell you."

"…Onii-sama, to me?"

"Soon, Uncle… the king will abdicate. You’ve heard about this, right?"

Chiara nodded. Preparations were already underway in the palace, and it was gradually but surely approaching. At the same time, the day when decisions about Littane and Chiara’s futures would have to be made was also drawing near.

"Chiara, you have three options."

"Three options?"

"Yes, before you come of age…"

"Please tell me."

Chiara’s eyes wavered slightly, but she urged him to continue. Alvis nodded.

"The options I can offer you are: to remain as a princess under my protection, to leave the castle with Uncle, or to stay here… under the protection of the Belfias duchy."