Chapter 39

Inside the carriage on the way back, Alvis and Elina sat side by side. Alvis, still in a state of confusion, gazed out the window. Suddenly, he felt a presence leaning against his left shoulder.

"Elina?"

"Snore snore"

Elina's eyes were closed, and a faint snore could be heard. She seemed to have fallen asleep from exhaustion. It was no wonder. It was only today after yesterday. A new place, a new time. For Elina, it must not have been a place where she could feel at ease yet. Still, Elina didn't say anything. Not even to Alvis...

The journey to the royal castle wasn't particularly long, but Alvis thought it would be good if she could rest a little. Carefully, so as not to wake Elina, he laid her down on his lap.

When they arrived at the royal castle, Elina was still sound asleep, showing no signs of waking up. As Sara fretted, Alvis smiled wryly and assured her it was fine.

"I'll carry her."

"Your Highness... please take care of her."

"Sure."

For Alvis, carrying Elina alone was no trouble at all. He slid his left arm under her knees and lifted her up. As they got out of the carriage, Sara gently draped a shawl over Elina. Alvis, tilting Elina towards himself to avoid being seen by others, made his way to the Crown Prince's palace.

Once they returned to the palace, Alvis carried Elina into the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, he stood up to leave, but as he released his hand, Elina, still half-asleep, grabbed it. It wasn't a strong grip, and it would have been easy to shake off her hand.

He had intended to leave her there and return, but as he looked at Elina's sleeping face, he thought it wasn't so bad. The confusion he had felt earlier began to clear. Still, if he didn't get back to work, Edward would surely scold him.

"Just for today."

Sitting down next to Elina, Alvis looked out the window. It was still early in the day. How long had it been since he had spent time like this, doing nothing?

When he was in the Royal Guard and the Knights, even on his days off, he often practiced with his sword. On days when he didn't practice, he would read books, but he was often criticized by senior knights for not knowing the meaning of a day off. He was often taken out of the city by such senior knights. Without those experiences, Alvis wouldn't have become as familiar with the city as he is now.

Even during his school days, as a student leader, he didn't remember taking a single day off. He was always doing something. Even after becoming the Crown Prince, that didn't change. When he wasn't working, he often read books on history, politics, and economics, mostly in his bedroom. He was sure Edward and Naris had noticed but left him alone, for which he was grateful.

Alvis had to learn in a year what Girard had spent several years learning. Even with a foundation, it was an impossible amount to learn in a year. It was more accurate to say he had managed to get through it. Now that the marriage was over, what Alvis needed to do was inspect various regions of the country. It also served to introduce the Crown Prince and his wife to the people of the regions. This was the real beginning, for both Alvis and Elina.

"I need to decide on a personal attendant by then."

When they went out of the capital on official business, the Royal Guard would naturally accompany them, but a dedicated person to stay by Elina's side was necessary. On official duties, they wouldn't always be together. From today's experience, it seemed Filareta would be a good match. The issue was her skill.

Filareta, with whom he had crossed swords many times at the academy, was one thing, but he wanted to see Muse's skills firsthand. He should ask the Knight Commander to arrange a sparring session within a few days.

"Alvis... Your Highness?"

As Alvis was thinking about the future, he heard Elina's sleepy voice. She seemed to have woken up. Alvis turned to her and smiled.

"Are you awake?"

"What... What am I doing...?!"

Elina hurriedly sat up, remembering her situation. Straightening herself, she bowed her head.

"I'm so sorry! How could I fall asleep in front of Your Highness?"

"It's fine. You must have been tired, considering it's only today after yesterday."

"But—"

Elina's face turned pale. She must have been thinking that it wasn't proper for a lady to fall asleep in front of a man. Indeed, it might be considered unseemly for a young lady to do so. However, that was before. Alvis and Elina were now husband and wife. There was nothing improper about a wife sleeping in front of her husband. Still, Elina didn't seem convinced. Alvis smiled, a bit at a loss.

"Don't worry. I don't mind."

"Your Highness is too lenient with me."

"Being lenient with my own wife, no one can complain about that."

Besides, when Elina slept next to him, Alvis felt happy. It felt like proof that Elina trusted him, that she felt safe by his side. Especially after their conversation, it meant a lot. It was more touching to see her trust in action than to hear it in words.

Elina's face was flushed, either from embarrassment or shyness. Reaching out, Alvis embraced her.

"Thank you, Elina."

"Your Highness?"

Elina probably didn't understand why Alvis was thanking her, but that was fine for now. Elina, looking puzzled at Alvis's lack of response, wrapped her arms around his back. They held each other for a while.

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