Chapter 81

Since coming to Ryngberg, Elina had returned to her room after finishing tea with the lady of the Forboard mansion, her maternal family home. However, when her grandfather, her mother’s father, was the head of the family, she rarely visited. The reason was that she did not want to see her grandfather. She had no good memories of him. Among them, what Elina disliked the most was how he treated her second older brother, Ruelle.

Because Ruelle was the same age as the then Crown Prince Gerald, he was considered a candidate for a close aide and was very hardworking. However, her grandfather often belittled Ruelle by comparing him to his eldest son, Riaht. According to Riaht, it seemed that he could not stand Ruelle being by Gerald’s side.

The current Forboard mansion also has a cousin who is younger than Elina, but he is not here as he is attending the Royal Academy. In short, it was because he did not like the idea that Ruelle, who was not his grandson, would become a close aide. Ruelle was pushed into the position of a candidate by the power of the Lithard Duke family. While Elina did not think the Lithard Duke family was completely uninvolved, it was not fun to think that was all there was to it. However, explaining to her grandfather, who would not listen, was just a waste of time. That's why it was better not to take it seriously. This was the common understanding between Elina and Riaht.

Now that her grandfather has retired, he is no longer in this mansion. Just that alone made the atmosphere in the mansion feel brighter.

"It's been a while, but I'm glad Uncle and Aunt haven't changed."

"Yes, they were very much looking forward to your visit, Lady Elina."

"Hehe, that's a relief."

Her uncle is a very gentle person, unlike her grandfather. Her uncle, who had opposed her grandfather’s methods, apparently had a thorough cleaning of the mansion after inheriting the title. This is what Elina heard from Riaht, so she doesn't know the actual details. However, since she didn't see any of the servants who had followed her grandfather, Riaht's words were probably true.

"It's really good. If things were the same as back then, I might have made Alvis uncomfortable."

"That might be true."

While they were talking, a knock was heard at the door. Elina signaled, and Sara moved to the door.

"Yes?"

"I apologize for interrupting your rest. Dinner will be served soon, so I came to inform you."

The voice was familiar. It must be the butler of this mansion. She realized that the sun was setting outside the window. She hadn't intended to talk for so long, but apparently, more time had passed than she thought.

"I'll get ready and come down. Please tell them that."

"Understood."

Sara opened the door and went outside. Not long after, she returned and started picking out a dress from the closet. This was Elina's family home, but as the Crown Princess, her position required a certain level of formality. Tonight's dinner was a dinner party for the Crown Prince and Princess and the Forboard Duke and Duchess. It wasn't as formal as a party, but she couldn't dress as casually as she would at home.

As she was changing into a blue dress, there was another knock on the door. Sara draped a cape over Elina and went to the door. She thought it might be the butler, but this time it was Edward.

"Is it alright if I come in?"

"It's fine; Elina is just finishing getting ready."

"Thank you. I thought I'd let you know that Alvis will be back soon."

"Understood."

Hearing that Alvis was returning, the other maids also started to move. Since Elina was ready, it was natural that Alvis needed to get ready as well. Alvis's clothes were quickly prepared. They were a deep blue, probably to match Elina's.

Soon, Tylia, Alvis's maid, appeared. Then, Alvis returned to the room.

"Welcome back, Alvis."

"…Yes, I'm back."

When Elina spoke to him, Alvis replied with his usual smile. However, his expression seemed slightly shadowed.

Alvis, who had changed with Tylia's help, sat down on the sofa. Concerned by his demeanor, Elina sat next to him.

"Are you tired?"

"I'm fine. I just went to see the city."

Alvis seemed to be his usual self. Was it just Elina's imagination? When she peered at him, he gave her a puzzled look.

"Elina?"

"…Please get some proper rest today."

As she gazed at him intently, Alvis scratched his cheek, looking a bit embarrassed. Living together, Elina had come to understand something about Alvis. He was a light sleeper. He went to bed later than Elina and woke up earlier. Sometimes he would come back after Elina had fallen asleep, and when she woke up to a noise, he was often reading documents or something. Was he getting enough rest? Her worry must have shown on her face, as Alvis gently placed his hand on her cheek.

"I do get proper rest. So, you don't need to look so worried."

As Alvis spoke, he seemed a bit more melancholic than usual, and Elina couldn't say anything. If she had asked for a proper reason at that moment, would Alvis have answered? Had something happened? She didn't have enough courage to ask.