Chapter 65

After finishing the mock battle, Edward approached Alvis. He held a towel in his hand.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lady Alvis."

"Ah."

Alvis took the towel that was offered and wiped her face. She felt somewhat refreshed. Suddenly, she noticed that Edward was looking at her with a complicated expression.

"Ed?"

"...I knew Lady Alvis was strong, but this time it was rather hard on my heart."

"Arbie, huh?"

"Yes. She is strong. Even I, who am not good at combat, can feel that."

Despite coming from a family with many warriors, Edward had received some training. Though he was not a complete novice, his skills were far inferior to Alvis's. However, he seemed to have sensed Muse's power. This indicated that she possessed something overwhelmingly powerful.

"Please don't make me so anxious."

"I have considered the worst-case scenario. Besides, a minor injury isn't a big deal. I have already informed them in advance, and I have the permission of the captain of the knights. Arbie won't be held responsible."

When Alvis told Hector that she wanted to see their abilities directly, he opposed it. As the captain, Hector knew their capabilities and had a good grasp of Alvis's strength from her past. His opposition suggested that he believed Alvis was likely to get injured. No matter how insignificant Alvis thought it was, if she got injured, the other party would be held responsible. As a royal, she couldn't be hurt for any reason. Even though she had laid the groundwork in advance, she couldn't allow herself to get injured. That's why, in the end, she panicked and broke the mock sword.

"Responsibility aside, if you were to get injured, how do you plan to explain it to Her Highness the Princess?"

"Well, not really—"

"Her Highness is kind. She would be sad if Lady Alvis were injured."

Alvis agreed with Edward's exasperated tone. Elina would undoubtedly react that way, which was easy to imagine given their daily interactions. It was impossible for her not to notice.

The mock battle with the wooden swords prevented any injuries. Alvis's wooden sword broke, making it impossible to continue. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened. Alvis glanced at her hands, feeling a bit regretful. She decided not to mention this to Edward.

"Your Highness."

Hector approached. Muse and Filareta had already left the area and were resting at a distance.

"Captain."

"Is it correct to say that the two have demonstrated the abilities you sought?"

"Yes, it's sufficient."

Filareta was already impressive, but Muse exceeded expectations. Even if she didn't become Elina's personal guard, she would have advanced in rank soon due to her skills. Whether it would be in the royal guard or as a captain in the knights depended on her.

"Understood. I will report to Ambrar."

"Thank you."

Alvis could have reported it herself, but the transfer from the knights to the royal guard should be handled by Hector, her superior. Details such as the adjustment of uniforms and the relocation of quarters would be finalized within a few days. After that, a meeting with Elina would be arranged, and she would officially join the royal guard. It was a tight schedule, but Hector had no objections.

"Understood. Please inform me once the schedule is set. I will inform Elina."

"Thank you. However, there is one thing I would like to bring to your attention."

"What is it?"

Hector moved closer to Alvis, indicating that he didn't want the other knights to hear. He whispered in a voice only Alvis could hear.

"It seems that the Amour family is urging Filareta to become your concubine."

"...The Amour family?"

Alvis furrowed her brow. The Amour family had no male heirs, so Filareta was looking for a noble second or third son to adopt. If Filareta was being urged to become Alvis's concubine, it meant she wouldn't inherit the Amour family. There was also a younger sister, but the head of the Amour family must have had some ulterior motive.

"Wasn't the Duke of Amour not that obsessed with power?"

If Filareta bore a prince or princess, the Amour family would become related to the royal family. If Elina and Alvis didn't have a prince, the child could become the future crown prince. However, Alvis didn't think the Duke of Amour was that power-hungry. Hector shook his head.

"It seems he is worried about his daughter being a late bloomer."

Filareta and Alvis were the same age, twenty-one. For a woman, being unmarried in her twenties was considered being a late bloomer. The ideal age for marriage was in the late teens. Given this, Filareta was already considered a late bloomer. Worried about this, the Duke of Amour, seeing no prospects for a noble marriage, urged her to become the crown prince's concubine. The fact that Filareta and Alvis knew each other probably made it easier. Alvis found it rather convenient, but for Filareta, it must have been a bitter situation. Filareta disliked Alvis.

"I see."

"If she is chosen as the Princess's guard, she will inevitably be around you. Eventually, it will reach the Princess's ears."

Nobles love gossip. It wouldn't take long for Elina to hear about it. If there were people who wanted her to hear it, it could be spread intentionally, even if it wasn't true.

"Understood. I will inform her."

"I think that's best."

Alvis didn't want any other consorts besides Elina. However, her marriage wasn't a personal matter. If it was necessary for the country, she would be instructed to take other consorts, regardless of her wishes. Sighing, Alvis thought about how such talk was already arising so soon after their marriage. She understood it was part of her position, but it still weighed heavily on her.

"Ed, let's return to the room."

"Yes, understood."

First, she needed to report to Elina. After returning the towel to Edward, she received her jacket. Putting it on, Alvis left the area.