Chapter 58

Annette watched the white-painted carriage as it drove away, and let out a deep sigh. How long had it been since a royal carriage passed by this academy? Of course, it wasn't as luxurious as this one. It was merely for transportation.

"Finally, the day has come, Miss Annette."

"Yes... truly."

"I never thought such a day would come, considering how the Crown Prince used to be at this academy."

"Hehe, that's right."

Voghen's wrinkles deepened as he spoke. Now, in Voghen's mind, there must be the image of Alvis during his time at the academy. Alvis was always with his friends, and it was rare to see female students around him. Voghen mentioned that it was unusual for a noble student to have so few female companions. Alvis, who was always with his friends, appeared unusual even to Annette, who was a classmate. Although Annette is now distant from the noble society, during her time at the academy, she attended parties as a viscount's daughter. The same would have been true for Alvis, who was a duke's son. While he didn't attend as many parties as Annette, he was still seen at a fair number of them. However, Alvis rarely attended with a partner. When a partner was necessary, it was usually his cousin, Princess Littane. This led to rumors that Alvis and Princess Littane were in a romantic relationship at one point.

The first princess could not marry Alvis, as his title was insufficient. At least a count's title would be required for a princess to marry. However, Alvis is the second son. Even if he achieved something worthy of a reward, he would only reach the rank of viscount. Even as the son of the king's younger brother, there would be no exception. Therefore, people saw this as a temporary memory-making effort. Of course, these rumors disappeared when Alvis joined the knight's order after graduating from the academy.

After that, Annette saw Alvis at a few parties when he was in the royal guard, but he was in uniform. Occasionally, he danced with Princess Littane when asked, but he never interacted with other young ladies. Now, Alvis is getting married. No, it's more accurate to say that he has already married.

"Lord Belfias and Elina... I can no longer call her by her first name."

"Miss Annette?"

"It's a strange feeling. A person I once admired is now marrying one of my students."

"Is that so? Well, many students had a crush on him, I suppose."

"Yes, indeed."

She admired him. But that's a thing of the past. Even if Alvis were a knight, it would be inappropriate to have feelings for someone who is now a distant figure. Moreover, Annette noticed something. The way Alvis looked at Elina. The way he watched her wave goodbye with such kindness showed that Elina was special to him.

Elina, who was waving from the carriage, was breathtakingly beautiful. It wasn't just the wedding dress, which was certainly lovely, but Elina herself was captivating. She had a very good expression, and she was smiling happily at Annette and the others.

"Elina, and Lord Belfias... I hope you both are happy."

Annette whispered towards the carriage that had already left. It didn't matter if they didn't hear it; she couldn't help but say it. She wished them happiness in the future.

"Hmm... If there's any message, I could pass it along, perhaps?"

"Eh?"

Voghen is just one of the academy teachers. Annette thought about what he meant and then remembered something. The dinner party tonight.

Tonight, a reception is being held at the royal palace. The attendees are mainly domestic nobles, but there are also guests from abroad. Being invited to such an event is an honor. Voghen, as a teacher of Alvis and Elina, was invited.

"That's right. You are also invited to tonight's dinner party, aren't you?"

"Well, it seems a bit out of place for someone like me... but it might be the last chance to meet the royal family, so I thought I would attend."

The headmaster of the academy, who is of noble birth, will also attend. Voghen, being of common birth, might feel intimidated. Most of the attendees are nobles, and joining them would be quite pressuring.

"I suppose I can at least greet them, but I can say a few words."

"If you do, you won't be able to say anything. Besides... I can manage. I plan to send a congratulatory telegram to Elina... no, to Her Highness, along with her friends."

Some students might find it difficult to send a congratulatory letter individually. So, she thought of sending it under the academy's name. This idea probably arose because of Elina's character. The influence Elina built during her time at the academy is a result of her efforts. This influence will continue to support Elina in the future.

"That's very reassuring."

"Yes."