Chapter 34

The Duke of Berfias chapter is planned to end with a bit of idle talk.

It was a rather uneventful time... but it might be the first time Alvis didn't get injured (;^ω^).

Finally, the day came for them to return to the capital.

The few days spent in the Duke of Berfias's territory were, in name, an inspection, but apart from encountering monsters during the purification work, everything went mostly as planned. The encounter with the monsters might have been convenient for Alvis, as it allowed him to vent his pent-up frustrations.

Alvis and Rakwell shook hands as they saw each other off.

"The next time we meet will be when we visit the capital."

"Father."

"The matter with the Marana Kingdom hasn't been completely resolved yet."

That incident required coordination not only with the Ruberia Kingdom and the Zana Empire but also with the Holy Kingdom. The king has taken charge of the initial adjustments, but once they return to the capital, Alvis will have to handle it.

"Whatever the outcome, Lord Galibert must be prepared. I will do what I can."

"I see."

After letting go of Alvis's hand, Rakwell turned to Okvias and Elina, who were having a conversation a little distance away. The two were chatting amicably. Rakwell noticed that Elina's abdomen seemed slightly more swollen.

"Next year?"

"...Yes."

Without asking, the message was clear. Next spring. There was a possibility it could be sooner, but according to the royal physician, that was the expected timeline. The capital would be bustling. The people of the country, like Alvis, were eagerly awaiting the birth of the crown prince's first child.

"When Littine was born, the disappointment must have reached Queen Curiann. But, my brother... the king, didn't even speak to her. I already had Maguria and you, so it was even more so."

As the younger brother of the king, Rakwell's first and second children were both boys. But the king's first child was a girl. That's why the disappointment was so great, both from the king and those around him. The only one who could have shown concern for Queen Curiann was the queen consort, Sylvie. But Elina had no such person. If it were a girl, the disappointment from those around her would be inevitable. Elina understood this. In the Ruberia Kingdom, where only males have the right to succession, boys are always desired.

The Duke of Berfias family has many boys. Therefore, the expectations placed on Alvis and Elina are naturally high. Even though they understand this, there's nothing they can do about it. Asking repeatedly wouldn't change anything. So, Alvis has only one thought.

"I just want the child to be born safely."

"Alvis."

"I understand it will be difficult, but as a man, all I can do is be by Elina's side and pray for her and the child's safety."

Elina is more important to Alvis than the child he hasn't met yet, but Elina understands that this is different. If something were to happen, Alvis would want to prioritize Elina, but Elina wishes for the child to be prioritized. That is her duty as the queen consort. The queen consort is expected to produce an heir. Elina, who has been told this since childhood, wouldn't accept it if Alvis said otherwise. So, Alvis can't say it. He just wishes for both to be safe.

"What do you intend to do if it's a girl?"

If it's a girl, she won't have the right to succession. What will they do with the child then? This is more about how they intend to treat the child as a member of the royal family. Will they raise her in the harem until a boy is born, like Littine? That, he will not do. Absolutely not. What he will do for that.

"...I've been thinking about this since the Jilard incident."

"The Jilard incident?"

"Yes. In Ruberia, the appointment of commoners is no longer rare. But, I think we need to discuss the superiority of men and women."

"Do you think there will be more women like the Countess of Lancer who want to have careers?"

Alvis looked surprised at Rakwell's words. Rakwell wasn't speaking as a father but as the head of the duchy. As the younger brother of the king and the head of the duchy, he must be aware of such information.

Alvis nodded. Since that incident, women's awareness has changed. Noblewomen who previously followed orders without question have started to desire to choose their own paths. Harbara could be considered a pioneer in this regard.

"Miss Harbara has the power to be a successful merchant, but under the current laws, her rights are limited. And being a woman often puts her at a disadvantage."

"That's true."

"I want to give her those rights, whether the child is a boy or a girl. There are other things we can do, but this would be the quickest way to change the nobles' mindset."

He doesn't intend to force it if the person doesn't want it, but he thinks it's wrong to take away all possibilities from the start. Like Littine. It will take time, and even if it's recognized, it's uncertain whether it will apply to Alvis's child. But just bringing it up for discussion can change awareness. The mere possibility can open up new horizons.

"Even if it's limited, it has meaning, you mean."

"It could be a starting point. I don't mind either way. I've told Elina this too."

It will likely be necessary in the future. There's no guarantee that people like Jilard won't appear again.