Chapter 73

On April 25th, the second volume was released!

Thank you so much to everyone who picked it up!!

Leona advised Alvis not to stay too long, so he returned to the main house's salon. He had promised to bring Elina along next time they met. However, when he entered the salon, Elina was nowhere to be found. Neither were Ranalis and Miraria. The only ones present were Maglia and Valeria.

"Welcome back, Alvis."

"Brother, where are Elina and the others?"

Maglia, who had noticed Alvis's return, called out to him. Instead of answering, Alvis asked about Elina's whereabouts. Maglia smiled slyly, a smile that seemed to hint at some mischief, causing Alvis to instinctively step back.

"Women have their own gatherings, you know. Ranalis and Miraria are the same."

"Ah, I see."

Although he didn't quite understand, if Elina was with Ranalis and Miraria, it was fine. Alvis sat down on the sofa opposite Maglia. Just in time, a cup was placed in front of him. As always, the servants were impeccable, acting like air until needed to perform their duties.

"Thank you."

"You are too kind, my lord."

The maid poured tea into the cup and bowed deeply before leaving. Alvis picked up the cup and brought it to his mouth.

"By the way, Alvis, how's married life?"

"Wha-!"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Alvis almost spat out the tea he had just sipped. He managed to hold it in, but the maid immediately brought a handkerchief to help him wipe his mouth. After doing so, he glared at Maglia, who was struggling to contain his laughter.

"Ha ha ha."

"Brother!"

"Even you, the great Alvis, are flustered by such questions."

"…Of course, I would be flustered by such a sudden question."

It was clear that Maglia had planned this. He had intended to enjoy his brother's reaction. Alvis was relieved that Elina wasn't there; if she were, she might have been subjected to all sorts of inappropriate comments.

"But you'll be asked this kind of question a lot from now on. As the Crown Prince and the daughter of a Duke, the nobles will never tire of speculating about your relationship."

"Are you referring to the Amour family?"

Whether the Crown Prince and his wife have a good relationship or if it's just a political marriage. They will likely be asked probing questions. If it's just a formal relationship, they might introduce a young lady to Alvis with the intention of making her a concubine. Alvis had heard that the Amour family, whose daughter Filarietta was Elina's bodyguard and accompanying them this time, was the only one with such intentions. However, it wouldn't be surprising if other families with young daughters had similar thoughts.

"It's not just the Amour family. Even if you're married, the King will have concubines. Considering that the King will eventually abdicate, it wouldn't hurt for you to get to know some names now."

"…"

"Surely you and Elina understand this, don't you?"

Of course, they understood. Alvis had known from the moment he was made Crown Prince that this would be necessary. Elina must also understand. If it were ordered, Alvis would have to comply.

"There's a separate building in the palace for this purpose. Elina has probably seen it too."

"That's true. It will be necessary eventually."

"I understand that. I know it's necessary, and I have to do it. But I don't think I'm capable of such dexterity."

If it were just a political match, a relationship based on duty and responsibility, it might have been manageable. However, Alvis had chosen Elina himself. He knew that Elina cared for him. Given that, he didn't think he could bring someone else into his arms. Elina also knew about the separate building for concubines. If such a person were to appear, she would likely remain strong. It would be unfair to put her through that.

"But that's part of your duty."

"That's…"

"Well, anyway, you've just gotten married. You can take it one step at a time."

"Yes."

The burden on his shoulders lightened at the suggestion to delay it, but it didn't solve the problem. As he sighed, Maglia murmured, "But…."

"Brother?"

"Well, this depends on you two… If you have a lot of children, that talk might disappear."

Maglia smiled slyly as he said this. Indeed, the reason for needing concubines was the lack of male heirs in the royal family. If Alvis had multiple sons, that concern would be alleviated.

"Just do your best."

"Wha-!"

"As long as you two get along, that's all that matters."

"Please don't say that in front of Elina."

"It would be a relief, wouldn't it?"

Alvis turned away, not wanting Maglia to see his reddening eyes. Valeria, who had been sitting silently, was also blushing as she listened to their conversation, but only the maids knew this.

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