Chapter 7

After lunch, Alvis deeply sank into the chair in his office. He remained motionless, staring at a single point on the desk. Edward, finding this peculiar, stood in front of Alvis.

"Lord Alvis, is something the matter?"

"Ed."

"You've been like this since you returned from the king. Did something happen with His Majesty?"

"Something did happen, but..."

His words were hesitant. Alvis knew this himself. Of course, there was no particular need to keep it a secret. It would eventually become common knowledge among the people in the castle. Alvis took a deep breath and looked up at Edward.

"Just now, I received a notification from my uncle."

"A notification? About what?"

"In three months, he will abdicate and pass the throne to me."

"Wh-what?!"

The decision to abdicate in three months must have been made between the king and the prime minister. The official date would likely be set soon.

"I see. I had thought it would be soon, but it's now official."

"That's right."

"Then why do you look so troubled, Lord Alvis? You must have known that the king's abdication wasn't far off."

"..."

Edward is right. He had known this since he took on this position. After marrying Elina, it was clear that the king would abdicate soon, and that he would ascend to the throne.

"Then why are you like this?"

"It's hard to explain... When I was named the crown prince, I was honestly more confused than anything. Now, I'm prepared for it, and I don't dislike or fear becoming king. My concern lies elsewhere."

"Elsewhere? What are you worried about?"

"When I ascend to the throne, Liti and Kiara will be in a complicated position. I intend to protect Kiara, but I'm not sure how much I can do for Liti."

"..."

When Alvis ascends, Liti will no longer be a princess. Although they are related, Liti herself probably doesn't want to stay here. In the next three months, I need to prepare the environment for her. The king had no choice but to accept the declaration I made in that setting. I had planned to secure a formal engagement, but now I need to expedite that process.

"Indeed, the nobility can be troublesome at times. We have to maintain appearances, even though I know Rihito doesn't like it."

"Lord Alvis."

"I'd like to ask Shio to be her guardian, but he hasn't inherited his title yet. I can't ask someone without a title to be a guardian. On the other hand, it's difficult to find someone else to ask."

The head of the research lab is a noble, but being a guardian for a princess is a bit of a weak position. Most importantly, Rihito wouldn't want to burden the person. It would be different with Shio, but considering other suitable candidates who know Rihito and have the appropriate standing...

"I didn't want to rely on my father, but it seems I have no choice."

"Then you'll ask the Belfias Duke's family to take in the princess?"

"No, I'll ask them to be Rihito's guardian. As for Liti, it's best to confirm with her directly. It might be better than us making decisions for her."

Liti has always lived in the harem, following her mother's instructions while finding her own path. She has developed as a researcher, and Alvis wants to respect that.

"It would be good to talk with Liti and Rihito about this."

"You're right."

"Once we have a solid foundation, we can leave the rest to them, but at least we need to set the path for them."

This might be the only time he can pay attention to such matters. With his ascension, there will likely be movements among the current noble heads. He often hears that they intend to pass their titles to their successors in line with the king's abdication. The Rubelia Kingdom will likely be in turmoil for a while.

"Although it seems unlikely, was this timing a coincidence?"

"Lord Alvis?"

A thought suddenly crossed his mind about the next queen of the Suvania Holy Kingdom.