Chapter 66

Returning to the Crown Prince's Palace and stepping inside, Alvis found Elina waiting there. It seemed she had heard he was coming back and had come to greet him. Alvis had not given any instructions, so it must have been Edward who took the initiative. Glancing at Edward, he saw him bowing with a smile.

"Welcome back, Prince Alvis."

It was the third day since Alvis and Elina had been married. This life was completely different from what he had known before. Although it was part of the royal castle, the Crown Prince's Palace was an independent building, more like a small mansion. Alvis had always been greeted when he left or returned, which felt somewhat awkward to him, especially since he had left home after entering the academy. He thought he had gotten used to it after more than a year as the Crown Prince, but apparently not.

When their eyes met, Elina smiled happily.

"I'm sorry for coming back so suddenly."

He had left in the morning, and it was still midday. Not much time had passed, and he hadn't told anyone he would return at this time. Hearing that he was back, Elina must have been in a hurry. Alvis thought it wasn't necessary to greet him so quickly, but given Elina's nature, it was inevitable. When Alvis apologized, Elina shook her head.

"No, it's fine. I'm doing it because I want to."

"I see. But please don't overdo it. You're still getting used to life here."

"Yes, thank you."

Alvis told Elina to wait in the salon and returned to his room. He had a match at the training ground and needed to wash off the sweat. After showering and changing, Alvis went to the salon. Elina was sitting on the sofa, with fabric and thread in her hands. She seemed to have been doing embroidery. When she noticed Alvis, she put the fabric and thread into a nearby basket.

"Elina, you do embroidery?"

"Yes. I'm not particularly good at it, but it's a hobby."

"I see."

Perhaps because they hadn't interacted much as betrothed, there were many things he didn't know about her. He had just learned that Elina did embroidery. Although she said she wasn't good at it, the little bit he saw looked quite intricate. Alvis had no experience with embroidery, so he could only imagine how difficult it was. It certainly didn't look easy.

"Would you take it if I finish it well?"

"Me?"

"Who else would it be..."

Edward, who had been standing nearby, muttered a comment. Alvis couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. Elina looked a bit anxious. While he hadn't meant to imply anything, Edward was right. Elina was his wife.

"I'm sorry, Elina."

"N-no, it's fine."

"If you don't mind, I'll take it."

"Yes! Thank you."

Alvis sat down next to Elina. Cold water was immediately prepared, probably because he had just come from the bath. He was indeed thirsty, so he took a sip from the glass. He leaned back on the sofa, and Elina leaned in to look at him.

"Prince Alvis, I heard you haven't had lunch yet. Would you like something to eat?"

Now that he thought about it, he hadn't eaten lunch. However, he wasn't very hungry after exercising. He usually avoided eating right after exercise because his body was still revved up, and he might throw it up. But since it was already known that he hadn't eaten, not eating might cause concern.

"Sure. Since we don't have much time, something light will do."

"Understood. I'll prepare it."

As Elina was about to get up, Sara, who was standing nearby, stopped her with a hand. Elina looked at Sara curiously, and Sara lowered her eyebrows in a troubled manner.

"Miss... I mean, Lady Elina. We will prepare it, so please stay here."

"Sara, you're right. I understand."

"Prince Alvis, I will prepare it. Please wait a moment."

"Alright."

Sara bowed to Alvis and left the salon, followed by a few other maids. Even a light meal wouldn't be ready immediately. While waiting, Alvis decided to talk to Elina about the matter.

"Elina, about your personal guard."

"Yes. I heard that there are few female guards in the Royal Guard, so you would select them."

"The selection process is complete."

Elina's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard about the guard assignment after the ceremony and hadn't expected it to be decided so quickly.

"Having a guard is essential when you go outside the palace. I wanted to decide this early to avoid making you feel confined."

"Did you do anything unreasonable to make this happen so quickly, Prince Alvis?"

"No, I didn't."

Hearing this, Elina let out a sigh of relief. While he hadn't done anything unreasonable, he had pushed himself a bit. There was no need to mention it.

"The female knight who will be your guard... you've already met them."

"You know them?"

"Yes. Filareta von Amour and Muse Arby."

"From the other day?! So they were with you then?"

"Exactly."