Chapter 70

As I mentioned in the activity report, the second volume of the book will be released on April 25th. I owe it to all of you who have been reading. Thank you so much!!

Alvis headed to a separate residence located a short distance from the main house where he and his family had lived. A maid was waiting in front of the separate residence, likely anticipating Alvis's arrival. When she saw Alvis, the maid bowed deeply.

"Is Lord Leona here?"

"Yes, he is inside. Please follow me."

"Thank you."

The maid led Alvis to a sunroom within the separate residence. It overlooked the courtyard, a place Leona seemed to enjoy. When they entered, Leona was sitting in a chair, gazing at the courtyard. His light blue hair fluttered in the breeze. The maid approached Leona and spoke.

"Lord Leona, Prince Alvis has arrived."

"Understood. Thank you."

Leona slowly stood up and walked over to Alvis. When he reached Alvis, he bowed deeply.

"I apologize for the delay in greeting you. Congratulations on your marriage, Prince Alvis."

"Thank you, Lord Leona."

When Alvis responded, Leona slowly raised his head. It had been years since they last met. Leona rarely left the separate residence, even in the territory. They hadn't seen each other since Alvis entered the academy, which was over five years ago.

The maid efficiently prepared the teacups and then bowed and left the room. Only Leona and Alvis remained.

"It's been a long time. How have you been?"

"I am as well as ever. Lady Okvias also takes good care of me."

"I see."

Leona and Okvias have a very good relationship. Both were married into the Belfias Duke household through political marriages. According to the servants, they have been on good terms since they first arrived, with Okvias taking care of Leona. Okvias, who had taken in and raised the illegitimate child Maglia, was known for his kind treatment of Leona, which was consistent with his character.

"Prince—"

"Lord Leona, you can just call me Alvis here."

Alvis is indeed the Crown Prince, and it was easy to imagine Leona addressing him formally. However, this was also Alvis's family home. He wanted to be treated as a member of the Belfias Duke household, not just as a royal. This was Alvis's personal request.

"...Understood, Alvis-sama."

"Thank you."

When Alvis smiled, Leona's expression softened as if in resignation.

It had been a long time since they had tea together. In fact, it had been a long time since they had spent time together at all.

"There was no need for you to come all the way here."

"It's rare for you to be in the capital, and it's not easy for me to come here to the Belfias Duke household anymore... I wanted to meet you when I could."

"Alvis-sama."

As the second wife, Leona did not actively seek out interactions with Alvis, who was the son of the first wife. The same could be said for Ranaris. However, there was a time when Leona had no choice but to interact with Alvis. It was a memory that the current Alvis would rather not recall. It was during Alvis's rebellious phase.

At that time, Alvis was just beginning to understand his position. Leona had also just joined the Belfias Duke household as the second wife. Her family was a count's household, but she was close to the Chancellor, the Duke of Saxen, and through that connection, she was married to the king's younger brother, Rakwell.

Alvis did not have good feelings towards the newly arrived Leona. He thought that her arrival would only add to the chaos surrounding his own existence. Leona had not come willingly, but Alvis was too young to understand that.

Alvis confronted Leona more than once. Despite this, Leona silently accepted his behavior without a word. Even her silence had irritated him, but now it was just a bitter memory.

"I caused you nothing but trouble. I never properly expressed my gratitude, and I feel very sorry about that."

Alvis and Leona did not openly interact much. Their relationship had ended around the time Valeria was born. Only the maids who cared for Leona might know what had transpired between them. It's possible that Leona reported to her father, the Duke, Rakwell.

In response to Alvis's words, Leona shook his head.

"You did not cause me any trouble. It was my position to accept it. Besides, it is natural for children to cause trouble for adults."

Leona intentionally said "adults" instead of "parents." At that time, Alvis did not have the concept of relying on his parents. Due to the public display of Maglia as the heir of the Belfias Duke household, both Rakwell and Okvias prioritized Maglia over Alvis, making it impossible for him to rely on them.

"Still, thank you. I believe I am who I am today because of you."

"Alvis-sama... What a kind thing to say."

I'm sorry, this is a bit shorter. I'll talk more about Alvis's past later.

Thank you always for reporting typos and errors!!