Chapter 69

After finishing their greetings, Alvis and the others moved to the salon on the first floor. The spacious room had three large sofas. Alvis sat next to Elina, while Okvias, Maglia, and Mint took their seats, followed by Valeria and Miliaria. Once everyone was seated, the maids prepared tea and snacks on the table in front of them.

"Everyone, thank you. You may leave now."

"Yes, understood. We will take our leave. Please call us if you need anything."

Following Okvias's instructions, the maids bowed and left the salon. Once only the family remained, Maglia stood up.

"Brother?"

"Since it's too early to drink alcohol, we'll have to make do with cups... but since you've come back, let me at least offer you a toast."

Maglia held up a teacup, and everyone except Alvis and Elina stood up, each holding a teacup.

"It might be a bit informal, but just for now, okay?"

"Yes."

Alvis also stood up, and Elina, who was standing next to him, followed suit.

"Since it's a bit late, let's toast to the two of you getting married. Alvis, and Elina, congratulations on your marriage."

"Congratulations."

"Congratulations."

Although they didn't actually clink their cups, the act of raising them and saying "congratulations" together made everyone feel happy.

"Thank you."

Alvis bowed in gratitude, and Elina followed suit. When they raised their heads, they were greeted with applause from Maglia and the others. Alvis and Elina looked at each other and smiled.

The time with the family started off warmly. After greeting Alvis and Elina, Okvias quickly left the salon, leaving the children alone. Elina moved away from Alvis and started talking with Ranaris and Miliaria. As a junior at the academy, Ranaris was close to Elina, making her the easiest person for Elina to talk to among them, excluding Alvis. On the other hand, Miliaria, whom Elina was meeting for the first time...

"Elina, big sister, you know, you know..."

"Yes, what is it, Miliaria?"

Miliaria seemed to be quite fond of Elina and was eagerly talking to her. Seeing Elina being accepted, Alvis's lips curved into a smile. Sensing someone sitting next to him, Alvis turned to his side. It was Maglia.

"Even though she's acting like that, Miliaria was quite lonely at first. Because you were getting married."

"Is that so?"

Miliaria, despite being a half-sibling, looked up to Alvis as a brother. After graduating from the academy, Alvis rarely returned to the estate, and he received many letters asking him to come back, but he never did. Unexpectedly becoming the crown prince, he couldn't return, and Alvis felt a bit of regret about it. That's why he was glad to be able to spend time like this.

"I feel bad about what I did to Mili, and to Valeria."

"Ah..."

Turning his face forward, Alvis saw Valeria, who had been sitting alone, open her eyes in surprise. Miliaria, who had been sitting next to her, went to talk to Ranaris, but it wasn't appropriate for her to join the group of women. Given Valeria's shy nature, it was difficult for her to approach Alvis on her own. When Alvis gestured for her to come over, she slowly stood up and sat next to him, on the opposite side of Maglia.

"Sorry, Valeria."

"No, it's fine. You're very busy, Brother Alvis. I'm just glad you came back."

"Is that so? Thank you for coming to the ceremony."

"I was very happy to be able to participate. Your outfit suited you very well."

Valeria said she hadn't expected to be able to attend. Unlike Maglia, who was treated as the eldest son, Valeria was the third son and the son of the second wife. Valeria, who was well aware of his position, considered himself different from Alvis, the son of the first wife. He probably heard this from his mother, Leona.

"Thank you, Valeria. I wish Leona could have come too."

"My mother said it wasn't appropriate for her to come. Okvias offered to go with her, but it was too much to ask."

"Valeria, you don't need to apologize. How is Leona doing? I would like to greet her if possible."

Alvis wanted to take Elina with him, but given Leona's personality, she would likely decline politely. Currently, Elina was talking with Ranaris and the others. It would be best to go now.

Alvis announced this, and Valeria scratched his cheek, looking troubled.

"Actually, Okvias said you might say this. I think my mother is prepared for it."

"I see. Understood. Brother, I'm going to see Leona."

"Ah, go ahead. Valeria and I will wait here."

"Thank you."

★☆★☆★

Standing up, Alvis left the salon. The sound of the door closing made Ranaris and the others turn their heads towards it. They then looked at Maglia, realizing that Alvis had left.

"Brother Maglia, where did Brother Al go?"

"To see Leona."

"Leona?"

Hearing the name Leona, Elina's expression changed. She must have realized that Leona was the second wife of Duke Rakuwell. Elina was about to follow, but Maglia stopped her.

"Please, Miss Elina, wait here."

"But if it's just a greeting, I should—"

"Leona doesn't like to appear in public. She insists she is the second wife. So, could you please wait here?"

"I see. I understand."

Elina looked a bit sad, but she nodded. Then, Ranaris clapped her hands together.

"That's right. Miss Elina, while Brother Alvis is away, let's talk a lot about him! We also want to hear about Brother Alvis's past year!"

"Me too!"

"Ranaris... Yes, I want to hear too."

Everyone understood that Ranaris's words were considerate of Elina. Maglia thought Elina was a kind woman for going along with it.

"My brother is a lucky man."