Chapter 42

Originally, I planned to post at 10 PM, but it didn't work out.

I thought about posting it tomorrow, but I decided to post it today.

This is the start of a new chapter. The content will become serious again.

Thank you for your support.

One day, Alvis was in his office.

Amidst the days filled with numerous documents, the priority was the work related to the National Foundation Festival. Much of it involved preparations for welcoming guests, but the tricky part was keeping track of the guards and maids that the guests would bring along. Since the event was taking place within the borders of Rubelia, the security was primarily handled by the Knights and the Royal Guard. However, the guests were all dignitaries from various countries. Even if not the king, they were often the king's children or close aides. As for their guards, they wouldn't entrust everything to another country. It was common for them to bring their own skilled guards. The same applied to the maids. Rubelia did not refuse the guests' requests to bring maids they trusted.

The issue wasn't the act of bringing them, but rather the number and placement of the maids and guards. Rubelia understood that if a guest was female, it was natural for them to have more maids and guards. However, since it also affected the power balance between countries, they couldn't simply allow a large number of people without careful consideration.

Alvis, with a stern face, was scrutinizing the documents when a cup was quietly placed in front of him.

"Would you like to take a short break?"

"Julinna."

When he looked up, there was Julinna, looking worried. As one of Alvis's maids, Julinna had been serving in the office more often recently. Despite being a maid who spoke little, Alvis hadn't had much conversation with her. It was only recently that they started to have proper conversations in the office.

Julinna, who rarely showed any expression, had recently made him realize that her eyes spoke for her.

"Lately, Your Highness has been spending a lot of time in the office. If you push yourself too hard, you might end up damaging your health."

"...That's true."

The office contained only Alvis and Julinna, as Edward was out on an errand for Alvis. If Edward were here, he wouldn't just verbally advise Alvis to take a break; he would likely take the documents away by force.

Alvis put the document he was holding down on the desk and reached for the cup. He felt the fruity aroma and took a sip to moisten his throat. It seemed he was thirstier than he thought, as he quickly drained the cup. As soon as he placed it down, it was refilled with tea.

"Please."

"Thank you."

He took the refilled cup and took a sip, but this time he didn't finish it and placed it back on the desk.

Just then, the door opened with a click.

"Excuse me. I have just returned."

"Edward."

Edward returned to the room at the perfect time, holding a bundle of documents.

"The necessary documents have been carefully selected by the Chancellor, so it didn't take long. Please review them."

"Understood."

Alvis took the bundle of documents and quickly skimmed through them. The documents Edward had fetched were the latest information about the countries invited to the National Foundation Festival. This was all part of what Gerald had been learning over the past year.

Alvis, being the son of a duke, had some knowledge about the countries invited to the festival. However, the knowledge required as the Crown Prince was different from that required as a noble. He needed to bridge this gap.

Since domestic affairs had been the priority, this had been delayed. Ideally, he should have known this information long ago. Although there was no need to rush, it had only been a year since Alvis became the Crown Prince. However, he couldn't use this as an excuse for not knowing.

He could thoroughly review the documents later. For now, Alvis skimmed through them. After calculating the time needed to memorize the information, he looked up at Edward.

"There don't seem to be any issues. Thank you for your help."

"No... The Chancellor felt apologetic for being late."

"The Chancellor is busy. It can't be helped."

"Also, I received a message regarding the Suvania Holy Kingdom."

"A message?"

The Suvania Holy Kingdom was located in the far north of the continent where the Kingdom of Rubelia was situated. It was a unique country where only women could become rulers. Furthermore, the Suvania Holy Kingdom had a strong belief in the goddess, and they were deeply devoted to her. The goddess Luciola, who was also worshipped in Rubelia, was no exception.

At this point, Alvis had a bad feeling and unconsciously touched the hidden mark on his skin.

"It seems that the Suvania Holy Kingdom has expressed a desire to participate this time."

"A request from them, huh..."

"Yes... That is..."

"The purpose is me, right..."

He understood without being told. The Suvania Holy Kingdom had not participated in Rubelia's National Foundation Festival in recent years. To be precise, they had not actively participated in festivals in other countries either. Since Alvis was born, they had not participated at all.

Given that the festival already gathered many dignitaries from various countries, the participation of the Suvania Holy Kingdom would only add to the tension. However, the king would not refuse a request for participation, especially since the Suvania Holy Kingdom's participation would only bring benefits to Rubelia.