Chapter 59

After finishing their greetings to Alvis, Rakuwell and the others stepped back to make way for the other nobles and moved to the table where light refreshments were prepared. Okvias had already taken Lanaris to the ladies, so only Rakuwell and Maguria remained here.

"It feels like it was a long time, but also like it was over in an instant."

"Yes, but..."

"What's wrong, Maguria?"

Rakuwell sent a curious glance at Maguria, who had stopped speaking mid-sentence. Watching Alvis receive the nobles' congratulations, Maguria felt that the interaction had become quite natural. Despite having been on the path of a knight until recently, Alvis had adapted, perhaps due to his innate qualities. As a member of the Belfias ducal family, he had been exposed to imperial studies to some extent, but that was before entering the academy. It had been many years since then. Early education can be useful in unexpected ways, but even so, Alvis had generally avoided imperial studies and noble education.

"No, I was just thinking that if Alvis is to stand before people, he can now act without reservation and be his true self."

"Maguria..."

Alvis no longer needed to be considerate of Maguria. In fact, he would be expected to have even greater abilities. Alvis's evaluation would reflect on the Rubelia royal family in other countries and on the Belfias ducal family domestically.

"At the time, I was so focused that I didn't notice. But now, I think I must have put a lot of strain on Alvis."

"Yes, probably so. I was also severely criticized by Princess Littine on that point."

Rakuwell smiled in a troubled manner, perhaps recalling the time he was scolded by Littine. Indeed, Littine knew more about Alvis's childhood than he did, as he had not been around Alvis much. However, Alvis had never blamed him for it. Littine had said that Rakuwell was the one who blamed himself, and that was likely the truth.

"I wanted to give that child a peaceful happiness..."

"Father."

"No, but perhaps this wasn't bad."

Rakuwell's gaze was directed at Alvis and Elina, who were smiling at the nobles coming to greet them. Anyone who knew them would recognize the softness in their smiles.

"Yes, during the birthday celebration, it seemed more like a duty, but now, there's no trace of that in Alvis."

"We must be grateful to Miss Elina."

"That is true, Duke Belfias."

Nailen von Litoard, Elina's father, joined their conversation, accompanied by Lyaute and Luwe.

"Nailen, this is a joyous occasion for both of us."

"Yes, thank you."

When Rakuwell raised his glass, Nailen did the same. As the Duke of Belfias, the brother of the king and father of the crown prince, and the Duke of Litoard, the father of the bride, it was natural for them to attract attention. However, no one dared to approach them casually. Both were well accustomed to being in the spotlight and continued their conversation without concern.

"Thanks to His Highness Alvis, I can smile as my daughter gets married. My entire Litoard ducal family is truly grateful that he was the one to marry her."

About a year ago, Elina had suffered a severe shock. Although she had often been subjected to judgmental gazes, most were from other women. Being insulted by a few men, especially in public, was bound to be terrifying. Her fiancé was the main culprit. Nailen had even considered the possibility of it becoming a trauma. However, as the daughter of the Duke of Litoard and a future crown princess, sending her to a convent would have led the public to believe she was at fault, damaging her reputation and closing off her future. This was something that had to be avoided. The royal family's proposal came at the right time.

Changing the crown prince and making Elina his fiancée meant she could still become the crown princess. It would also prove that she was not at fault. For the Litoard ducal family, this was the best possible outcome. The only uncertainty was Elina's emotional state. Nailen knew Alvis to some extent. He had graduated top of his class from the academy, joined the knights, and was recommended to the royal guard after about a year. Despite being a regular guard, his skills were highly regarded, and he was likely a candidate for future captain. He was also recognized by the current captain, Luke. As a person, he was not bad. So, entrusting Elina to him seemed like a good idea. His decision at the time was not wrong, as evidenced by Elina's current state.

"... I would like you to convey these words to His Highness. He will be pleased. And please tell Miss Elina, 'Thank you.'"

"Understood."

"Tonight is a celebration. Let's pray for the happiness of our children together."

"Yes."

The two fathers clinked their glasses and smiled at each other.