Chapter 53

This time, it's a casual talk. It's been a while, hasn't it?

The founding anniversary party of the Royal Academy is attended not only by this year's graduates but also by a large number of current students. It can be considered one of the major events following the school festival. For Ranaris, who just enrolled this year, it will be her first anniversary party. Although it is not an official event, her father, Rakwell, advised her to act as if it were a social occasion. For Ranaris, who has just made her debut in society, gaining experience in such settings is important. Since it's just students, there's no need to be overly tense, but it's about maintaining a proper level of composure.

Ranaris does not have a fiancé. Therefore, she had to ask her eldest brother, Magliaris, to be her escort. Ranaris would have preferred to ask Alvis if not for this situation, but she can no longer ask Alvis to be her escort. Even as her younger brother, Alvis's position is that of the Crown Prince, and it is not appropriate to casually ask him to be an escort.

Ranaris was riding in a carriage with Magliaris on the way to the school.

"You seem dissatisfied?"

"That's not the case. Besides, shouldn't you be with your wife?"

"That's not possible. Since Father isn't going, it's only natural for me to go. Besides, who else could escort you? You can't possibly ask Valeria, can you?"

"I know that much."

For a party, it is necessary to have someone as an escort. Apart from Magliaris and Alvis, the only male sibling in the Belfias family is Valeria, her half-brother. However, since he is neither a student nor an adult, he cannot be asked to be an escort. Ranaris understands this. Still, Magliaris would rather be in his territory, where he has a newborn child. That was the reason for her words. However, it seemed that escorting Ranaris was a decided matter for Magliaris, and he took it as a given.

"Really... I appreciate your consideration, but if you go back to Mint now, you'll definitely be scolded."

Magliaris sighed as he spoke. Magliaris and Mint, his wife, were married for political reasons. In such marriages, it is not uncommon for the relationship to be cold. However, at least from Ranaris's perspective, her brother and sister-in-law seemed to have a very good relationship. When Mint was first introduced, she appeared to be a quiet noble lady, and it didn't seem like she would get along with the stern-looking Magliaris.

"It's really good that you found a suitable wife."

"You sound like you're talking about someone else, but you should be prepared to be in a similar situation during your time at the academy."

"…I understand."

Deciding on a fiancé during her time at the academy was something her father, Rakwell, had also mentioned. The lingering effects of last year's incident were likely the reason she felt somewhat intimidated. For Ranaris, her cousin Jerald left a weak impression of family. More than anything, he seemed to have pushed all responsibilities onto his brother. Moreover, he had become a figure that noble ladies would consider the worst. Ranaris's evaluation of him was not much different.

Not only did he neglect his fiancée, but as a royal, he also neglected his duties. The latter was a greater sin, but for a noble lady, being neglected was already the worst. In a political marriage, a certain level of coldness could be tolerated, but being continually neglected before marriage was unbearable. Ranaris thought Elina was remarkable for enduring it. If it were Ranaris, she might have complained.

While the noble ladies who interfered in the fiancé's relationship were problematic, the men who allowed it were also at fault. That's why punishments were imposed on Jerald and the other involved sons. They had taken the meaning of a family engagement too lightly, closing off their path as nobles. The noble ladies who were engaged to them, except for Elina, have yet to find new engagements. Engagements made in childhood had hurt the ladies more than imagined. As a result, some of them began to consider living without marriage. However, this would not be allowed for high-ranking nobles. Besides, not all sons would become like those men. On the contrary, they could serve as negative examples.

While lost in thought, Ranaris felt a hand on her head. It was Magliaris.

"You said too much. I'm sorry. Don't overthink it. Think about enjoying the party now."

"Brother."

"Alvis will also come as a guest. Since it's not an official event, you can talk to him as siblings."

Magliaris knows that Ranaris was closest to Alvis. Siblings with the same mother. Alvis is the most special to Ranaris. Even knowing she was being manipulated, her mood lifted. At the same time, she thought about her young half-sister.

"…Brother Magliaris."

"What is it?"

"Can Alvis come to the mansion?"

"Ranaris…"

Magliaris called her name in a disappointed tone, and Ranaris's shoulders drooped, realizing it was not possible. Ranaris understands, but since Alvis has not returned to the mansion since graduating, her half-sister has been very lonely. Her half-brother is probably the same, though he hasn't said it. They haven't seen each other for over a year and a half.

"That's not possible. If the Crown Prince moves, the guards must also move, and adjustments are needed. It would only add to his already busy schedule."

"Yes, that's true."

"…Don't say such things in front of Alvis. If you want to see him, consider bringing him to the capital. You'll see him soon enough."

"Huh?"

Ranaris looked up at Magliaris in surprise. Magliaris's face was more gentle than usual, and she couldn't hide her surprise at the unfamiliar expression.

Ignoring her gaze, Magliaris continued, looking ahead.

"There's a wedding. The Crown Prince's wedding, but you can attend as family."

"Valeria and the others too?"

"Yes. Father said everyone will attend this time. Don't worry."

"Yes!"

At the birthday celebration, not everyone could gather. But now they can. Overjoyed by the news, Ranaris nodded with a full smile.