Chapter 80

Here begins a new chapter.

Please continue to take care of Alvis and the others!

Two months after Alvis and Elina's wedding, Alvis was visiting Ryngvel, a trading city located in the south of the Rubelia Kingdom, on official business. This city was one of the most important in the Rubelia Kingdom. For his inspection, Alvis was to stay at the Folbord Duke's residence, which governed the Ryngvel region.

The Folbord Duke's family was the birth family of Yulina von Lithaard, the current Lithaard Duke's legal wife. Therefore, it was a place with ties to Elina as well. Because of this, Elina accompanied Alvis on this inspection. The current head of the Folbord Duke's family was Elina's uncle. Alvis felt relieved about this, as he had not had good memories of the previous Folbord Duke.

The previous Folbord Duke was the person who had caused Alvis to become aware of the complicated circumstances of the Berphias Duke's family. He was the one who had told Alvis that Maglia was a bastard. He praised Maglia in front of their parents but belittled him as a child of low birth behind their backs, even in front of Alvis. For him, it seemed intolerable that Maglia, whose mother's origins were uncertain, was the king's brother, the legitimate son, and the heir to the family.

In the room assigned to him for his stay, Alvis sat down on the sofa.

"The bloodline of Prince Lakwell must be properly continued, even if he is a vassal. It is right for you to inherit it! To recognize the blood of such a low-born person as part of the noble royal lineage..."

Words spoken without knowing who Maglia's mother was. In reality, Maglia's mother was a noble lady, as Alvis had heard from his mother, Okvias. He had not been told any more details. Whether he asked or not, Maglia was undoubtedly his brother, and their relationship would not change, so there might be no point in asking.

"Phew..."

"Lord Alvis?"

Perhaps because he was recalling these things, Alvis couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. Edward, who was standing beside him, spoke with concern.

"Are you tired? You should rest a bit—"

"No, I'm fine."

Interrupting Edward's words, Alvis reassured him, but Edward looked back at him with a face that seemed unsatisfied. Edward did not know about the relationship between Alvis and the previous Folbord Duke. In fact, the previous Folbord Duke had approached Alvis when Edward was not around. If Edward had been there, he would have surely reported it to Lakwell.

However, it was more likely that Lakwell and the others already knew the true nature of the Folbord Duke, so knowing it wouldn't have made much difference. When the Folbord Duke approached, the correct response for Alvis would have been to inform Lakwell. The fact that he couldn't handle the situation well showed that Alvis was still a child at the time.

"Do we have time before dinner?"

"...Yes. How will you spend the time until then?"

The formal inspection would begin the next day, and the current Folbord Duke would accompany them. Given the distance they had traveled from the capital, Elina was likely tired as well. Elina's room, of course, was the same as Alvis's, as they were married.

While Alvis was talking with the Folbord Duke, Elina seemed to be getting along well with the Folbord Duchess and was still talking in the garden. Alvis had been invited to join, but he knew from experience what would happen if he joined a tea party between women. Especially since Alvis and Elina had just been married, the conversation would inevitably turn to that topic. Even though he knew he couldn't avoid being the subject of conversation, he couldn't bear to listen to it.

"I think I'll take a walk around the town."

This was his first visit to the town. He wanted to see what kind of place it was, even if only a little. In fact, he had already told the Folbord Duke this, but had been opposed. After all, the Crown Prince should not casually go out into the town.

The Folbord Duke was right, but there were things that needed to be seen precisely because of his position. Of course, he would dress to look like a noble's son and have his guards do the same. After convincing the Folbord Duke, he agreed to a short visit. If Alvis gave an order, the Folbord Duke could not oppose it, but this was the Folbord Duke's territory, and he could not ignore his wishes, even as a royal.

When Alvis announced his intention to go out, Edward dropped his shoulders in exasperation.

"Really, you're going?"

"Yes. Sorry, but I'll leave things to you, Ed."

Edward nodded, agreeing to take care of Elina while Alvis was out. If anything happened, Edward's skills were such that he would likely end up being the one protected, a fact known to both Alvis and Edward. Therefore, he would only take Din, Rex, and a few guards from Ryngvel. There would also be guards watching from a distance, so technically, he would have more than that.

"I've heard the security is good, but please be careful."

"I will."

Alvis stood up, changed into light travel clothes, and fastened his favorite sword to his waist.

"Then, I'm off."

"Be careful."