Chapter 8

I just wanted to be a little affectionate with Elina!

Two weeks later, the king's abdication was scheduled for spring. The heads of the various noble families of the Rubelia Kingdom were notified of this.

"Perhaps the child will be born around spring."

"Yeah, it might coincide."

Alviss, who had returned to the Crown Prince's palace during a break from his duties, was taking a walk in the courtyard with Elina. Elina, still dressed in her usual relaxed attire, had become slower in her movements. She had taken the special physician's advice to heart and avoided strenuous activities, but strolling in the garden had become a daily routine. Alviss couldn't always accompany her, but he tried to be with her whenever he had free time. Recently, he had been staying up late, so the time he could spend with Elina had been decreasing. The special physician had advised that it was best for him to be by her side, for the sake of the child in her womb. Alviss felt the child's mana moving and gently placed his hand on her belly, as if to calm it.

"Thank you, Lord Alviss."

"No, this is the least I can do."

"That's not true. Just being here with me—ah."

Elina suddenly stopped and gently rubbed her abdomen. She looked up with a smile, seeming pleased.

"Elina?"

"This child might really be very active. It moves a lot when I'm with Lord Alviss. It must really love its father."

It was hard to know how to respond to such a smile. Not knowing how to react, Alviss scratched his cheek.

"Does it hurt?"

"No, I'm used to it. Besides... when it moves like this, I can feel that it's alive and well. It makes me happy."

Their child was growing well. Although her belly was mostly hidden by her clothing, Alviss knew it was getting bigger. She avoided public appearances and kept her duties to a minimum. Her priority now was to protect the child. Knowing this, Elina didn't voice her desire to handle her duties. Alviss understood that he was taking on her share of the work.

"If only I were more skilled with mana, I wouldn't be troubling you so much, Lord Alviss, despite your busy schedule..."

"Don't worry about it. The problem is that my power is too strong. Because of the contract with the goddess, my power has become even stronger than before..."

"Lord Alviss..."

Elina had become more sensitive to mana. Her senses had sharpened. In daily life, it wasn't much of an issue. The strength of mana wasn't something expected of a royal consort. The difference between Alviss and Elina was simply too great, but it was never Elina's fault.

"Elina."

"Yes."

Alviss placed his hand on Elina's waist and pulled her close, then kissed her forehead.

"It's enough that the child is born safely. I can only be by your side, so at least let me do that much."

"That's not enough. Just being here with you is more than enough for me."

As she said this, Elina reached out and placed her hands on Alviss's cheeks. With her hands enveloping his face, Alviss pressed his forehead against hers.

"Thank you, Elina. Just don't overdo it. Think only of yourself and the child."

"That—"

"Lord Alviss, it's time! Please come back."

Eduard's voice called from the bushes. It seemed they had gone a bit over the scheduled time. Alviss sighed and stepped away from Elina.

"Then I'll head back. Sara, take care of Elina."

"Understood."

Sara, the maid who had been watching from a distance, appeared as if she understood. Alviss could see Filarietta and the others standing behind her, glaring at him with displeasure. Alviss chuckled, finding it typical.

"Goodbye, Lord Alviss."

"I'll be back."

He placed his hand on Elina's cheek one last time before turning and walking away. At the entrance to the courtyard, Eduard stood with a complex expression. He wanted to scold Alviss for being late but didn't want to interrupt his time with Elina. He felt guilty for calling out to him. Alviss approached Eduard and patted his shoulder.

"Sorry. I'll be right back."

"No, it's fine."

"Don't worry about it. I appreciate you calling me."

"...Yes."

"Let's go, Edu."

There was much to do. The coronation was two months away. He wanted to welcome guests, but the state funeral in the Marana Kingdom last year made it necessary to be cautious about inviting guests from other countries, especially since Alviss had been the victim. He planned to invite the empire but was unsure about the other countries. It was possible to invite them to show that there were no hard feelings, but they couldn't refuse if invited. On the other hand, doing nothing was not an option. To avoid inviting someone of royal status, it might be best to invite foreign ministers as in previous founding celebrations and make a formal invitation later. This still needed to be adjusted.

"It doesn't look like I'll have much free time for a while."

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