Chapter 68

When the matter of Elina’s bodyguard was finalized, it was the day of the promised visit to the Belphias family. For Elina, this was her first outing accompanied by a dedicated bodyguard. Although it was to Alvis’ family home, she still had to maintain proper decorum.

Alvis and Elina sat in the same carriage, but Elina, seemingly nervous, repeatedly clenched and released her hands, which were resting on her knees.

"Are you nervous?"

"No, not at all!"

Though she denied it, it was clear from her appearance that she was not at ease. Alvis shrugged his shoulders and placed his hand on Elina’s.

"Even if I tell you to relax, you might not be able to, but there’s no need to be so tense. At least, not with my parents."

"Yes... Is Lady Ranaris also here today?"

Among the Belphias family, Elina could only really consider Ranaris as an acquaintance. While she had spoken to Maguria at parties, the distance between them was not as close as with Ranaris, who was her junior at the academy.

"I’ve told them that you’re coming, so she should have gotten permission to stay overnight."

"I see."

Elina let out a relieved sigh. She was probably used to speaking with the queen and king regularly. Indeed, Alvis’ father was the king’s younger brother, and it might not be easy to approach him. However, there shouldn’t be any other reason for her to be so nervous.

"I don’t think you’re going to a place that requires so much tension?"

"Well, to be honest... I’ve only ever gone back and forth between the royal castle and the academy. This is my first time visiting another residence."

Elina’s voice trailed off. As a duchess and the crown prince’s fiancée, it might not have been easy for anyone to casually invite Elina. Alvis himself didn’t know much about other residences. He had friends, but they never visited each other’s homes. In that sense, Alvis and Elina were not so different.

Before long, they arrived at the Belphias family residence. As the carriage stopped, Alvis got out first and offered his hand to Elina. When Elina placed her hand on his, he gently held it and led her out. Outside, Oqvias and others were already waiting. Elina stood beside Alvis, facing Oqvias.

"We have returned, Mother."

"Welcome back, Al. And Elina, thank you for coming."

"Thank you. I’m here to visit."

Elina curtsied as usual, and Oqvias smiled at her. Normally, as the crown princess, Elina would be of higher status. However, here, Elina treated Oqvias not as a duchess but as Alvis’ mother. This was probably because Alvis called Oqvias ‘Mother.’

Elina’s calm demeanor as she conversed with Oqvias made it hard to believe she had been nervous just moments ago. This was indeed impressive. Placing a hand on Elina’s back, Alvis looked down at her.

"Shall we go inside?"

"Yes!"

"Welcome back, Alvis. And Elina."

As they moved, the servants waiting at the entrance bowed in unison. Alvis and Elina exchanged glances. While it was appropriate to say ‘welcome back’ to Alvis, it might not be the right phrase for Elina. However, ‘welcome’ would be too formal.

Elina was the crown princess, but the crown prince was Alvis. This was Alvis’ family home, the Belphias family residence. If Alvis was welcomed back as a family member, then Elina, as his wife, should also be treated as such. That’s why they chose to say ‘welcome back.’ It carried the meaning of welcoming Elina not as the crown princess but as Alvis’ wife.

Elina, of course, understood this intention. With a pleased blush, she followed Alvis into the residence.

★☆★☆★

Upon entering, they found their siblings gathered in the entrance. While it wasn’t necessary for everyone to welcome them, it had been a long time since such a scene.

"Welcome back, Alvis. And welcome, Elina."

"Welcome back, Alvis, Elina."

"It’s been a while, Lord Maguria. And Lady Mint."

"Brother, and Sister-in-law. We have returned. And..."

The voices came from Maguria and Mint. Mint was holding a small baby, Alvis’ nephew, Maguria’s son.

"Nice to meet you, Ring."

"Uh?"

Ring, reaching out innocently, probably didn’t recognize Alvis. The baby, who had just started to see the world, seemed interested in everything, making incomprehensible sounds and moving his hands. It was hard not to smile at the sight.

Next to Mint stood Ranaris and Valeria, with the youngest sister, Mirialia, hiding behind Ranaris.

"Ran, Valeria, and Mirialia."

"Welcome back, Brother. And Elina. We’ve been waiting."

"Thank you, Lady Ranaris."

Following Ranaris’ example, Valeria and Mirialia bowed. They hadn’t spoken much at the wedding, so it had been a long time since Alvis had seen them.

"Brother, congratulations on your marriage. And welcome back."

"Thank you. I’m back, Valeria."

"Come on, Mirialia. Greet your brother and Elina."

When Ranaris patted her shoulder, Mirialia slowly came forward. With a serious expression, she curtsied. Ranaris looked proud.

"Welcome back, Brother. And... please take care of me, Sister-in-law."

"..."

While Alvis was surprised by Mirialia’s greeting, Elina smiled back at her. Relieved, Mirialia looked up at Ranaris. When Ranaris nodded, she beamed. Then, Mirialia turned to Valeria, puffing out her chest proudly.

"I did it well, Brother Val."

"Yes, you did a great job."

"Did Brother Al see?"

"Ah, yes. I was surprised."

"Hehe."

Mirialia’s demeanor changed from the serious one she had just displayed to a more childlike one, as if she had completed a task. It seemed she had been practicing the proper etiquette for a young lady, taught by Ranaris, and was nervous about showing it off.

"Brother Al, Mirialia has been practicing ever since she heard Elina was coming. I was surprised too."

"Is that so? Who taught her?"

"It seems she was taught by Lady Leona."

Leona was Valeria and Mirialia’s mother, the second wife of Rakwell. Although she didn’t attend Alvis’ wedding due to her position, she was in the residence. Alvis thought he should at least greet her later.