Chapter 3

"Is that so? In fact, I was also worried about what would happen after that."

The next morning, after breakfast in the salon, Alvis told Elina about the events at the party. Elina knew what Rihito had asked the king for as a reward, since she had been there. However, because she had left the party early, she hadn't had the chance to talk to Rithine in detail.

"But, even if Lord Alster is a friend of yours, with Rithine... "

"That's a normal reaction."

Even though the Kingdom of Rubelia has become more tolerant of appointing commoners in recent years, Rithine is still a member of the royal family. Choosing her as a partner is too much to ask. Alvis, Siordil, Rihito, and Rithine all understood this.

"Although I made the declaration, it won't be possible for some time. However, it was necessary to make it clear before my uncle abdicates. Otherwise, there's a possibility he might act rashly."

"His Majesty, you mean?"

"If, by any chance, my uncle brings up a marriage proposal to Rithine, she would naturally refuse."

"Rithine might even run away if things go badly..."

The king might act rashly. Regardless of Kiara, Rithine is already an adult. From the king's perspective, he might be thinking about finding a suitable match for her soon. It wouldn't be surprising if he was already looking for a place to send her. Alvis wanted to take the initiative.

"However, I never imagined Lord Alster with Rithine. Of course, both of them are researchers, so it makes sense that they would get along."

"I was surprised at first too. When I saw Rihito and Rithine together, to be honest, I had never seen Rithine being close to anyone in the castle before."

Rithine, who often stays in the harem, was talking to someone other than maids or knights within the castle. When he encountered such a scene, he never expected it to be Rihito, but he did understand. Both of them enjoy pursuing something, and they might be similar in that way.

"I haven't seen it much either. Rithine often stays in the harem."

"Yes, but it seems she's been coming out more lately. Maybe she's moved on."

"Moved on, you mean?"

"Yes. At the end of the year, she went north."

"Ah, that's right."

Until last year, Jilard, the former crown prince and Alvis's cousin, was with Alvis in the castle. After the incident over two years ago, due to the opinions of the injured young ladies, he was assigned to serve in a remote area rather than being confined for life. His position is that of an apprentice knight. Although he is called a knight, he starts with menial tasks. He did do some chores in the castle, but what awaits him now is far more challenging. Whether Jilard can endure it is another matter.

"Information about the knights is reported a few times a year, but it's difficult to know more than that."

"That's the burden he should bear."

"Yes, just being alive is better than some of the others who were involved, whose fates are unknown."

"Yes..."

The people involved are being held in the castle. It's true that they were led by her, but each person must take responsibility for their own actions. They entrusted their feelings to her and acted accordingly.

At that moment, a slightly strong knock echoed. The hurried footsteps suggested it was urgent. Alvis stood up and quickly walked to the door, opening it.

"Excuse me, Alvis-sama!"

"Ed, what's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"A little while ago, we received a message from the cathedral. They want you to come as soon as possible."

"From the cathedral?"

"Yes. It seems that entry to the cathedral has been prohibited since early this morning. It's likely related to something."

The cathedral is usually open to everyone early in the morning. Devout believers visit to pray, and it opens when the sun rises. However, today, it has been closed since the morning. Something must have happened. They must have sent someone to inform Alvis.

"Understood. I'll go immediately. Din, prepare everything."

"Understood. I'll have the carriage ready."

"Ed, go to my uncle. Tell him I'll head there as soon as I return."

"Understood."

Although it's unclear what has happened, the fact that they called for Alvis suggests only one thing: it must be related to the goddess.