Chapter 9

It's the school's founding anniversary. This time, it will be a quick end.

Thinking about how the story began here, it's quite moving, isn't it?

At the royal castle, preparations for the coronation were underway, while the royal academy was celebrating its founding anniversary. Despite his busy schedule, Alvis was to attend as a representative of the royal family. He had attended the founding anniversary last year as well. Since Elina was a student there, Alvis had intentionally made himself stand out. However, this year, that was not the case. He would only participate as a member of the royal family.

Upon entering the venue, he felt many gazes from the students. Most of the students here were nobles. They were likely already aware that the king would abdicate and the timing of it. While conversing with the faculty, he noticed Ranaris approaching. This year, she was not yet a graduate. As a current student, she should not have come forward, but...

"Ranaris, is something the matter?"

"Yes, Headmaster. I would like to speak with my brother... no, the Crown Prince."

In response to the curious question, Ranaris bowed to the headmaster and looked at Alvis. Given his position as the Crown Prince, Ranaris had to treat him as a subordinate. Therefore, she had to request permission from the head of the school. Alvis placed his hand on the confused headmaster's shoulder and stood up.

"Your Highness?"

"I will be stepping out for a moment. Ranaris, can you accompany me?"

In the venue, the dance had started, centered around the graduates. Last year, Elina had only danced with Alvis. The same was true for Alvis. Although it was not prohibited for non-graduates to dance, only a few students did so, and they enjoyed it from the back. If Alvis were to join, it would be different. Naturally, Ranaris would understand this. Still, she wanted to talk to Alvis. Therefore, Alvis responded to her request. It was just a conversation.

Alvis extended his hand to Ranaris, and she took it. They entered the circle of dancers. As the music played, Alvis guided Ranaris, moving his feet in rhythm.

"Um... Brother."

"You wanted to talk to me, right?"

"Yes. I'm sorry for bringing this up in such a place..."

"It's fine."

The siblings spoke in low voices, knowing they would attract attention. It was not particularly concerning to them.

"Is Elina doing well?"

To Alvis's surprise, Elina's name was mentioned first. He knew that Ranaris regarded Elina as a sister, even if only by marriage, and that she corresponded with Elina through letters. He did not think it was necessary to ask about her well-being. However, it was also true that there was no need to hide it. Alvis honestly relayed Elina's condition.

"She's doing well. She's not overworking herself, so she's only handling the minimum amount of official duties, which she's a bit concerned about."

"That's good. I thought it would be fine since Elina replies to letters, unlike you."

"...Rana, you still hold a grudge."

"Your lack of writing letters is nothing new. I do feel lonely, but I understand that it's difficult for you now, unlike in the past."

In the past, you had the time but didn't write letters, and now that you're busier, it's only natural that you can't. That's what she meant. Although it was true, Alvis felt guilty for making it seem normal that he didn't write.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Even if you wrote letters, you wouldn't tell the truth. I understand that. I did want to hear from you, but I'm not a child anymore."

As they twirled, Ranaris spoke. Indeed, she had grown taller. She seemed more confident, as if she had become accustomed to dancing with Alvis. It was hard to believe that she had once been a debutante when Alvis was just named Crown Prince. It showed how much she had grown.

"By spring, you'll be in your final year. Valeria will also be entering the school... You've really grown up."

"Please don't say things like Father. But, you will be a father soon, won't you?"

"Yes, that's true."

"I could imagine Maglia as a father, but I couldn't picture you as one."

"I agree."

Alvis had never imagined such a future. It was a possibility he would have dismissed outright when he was a student here. The idea of him becoming a parent soon felt strange.

"Brother."

"Rana?"

Ranaris's voice pulled Alvis out of his sentimental thoughts. Her gaze was unusually serious. Alvis tilted his head, and Ranaris sighed lightly.

"My father, and of course, Valeria and the others, are looking forward to it. To the family growing. More than anything, to the child who will carry your blood."

"...I understand."

"Please take good care of Elina."

"I understand that too."

The music was about to end. Alvis twirled Ranaris one last time and faced her directly.

"My coronation will be soon, and it seems my engagement will be finalized."

"!!"

"I understand my position and the meaning of it. As someone who shares your blood. If I can help support your reign, I will gladly accept it."

It wasn't something to be announced at the end. But from the beginning, Ranaris had wanted to tell Alvis this. She wanted to tell him herself, not through someone else. Alvis gently placed his hand on Ranaris's shoulder and embraced her.

"Rana, you will have a difficult role to play. I'm sorry."

"No, Brother. This is our destiny, to carry on the royal bloodline between Mother and Father."

"Yes, that's true."

The only one who shared the same blood. When Alvis ascended the throne, Ranaris would inevitably become the royal princess. Her position would take precedence over that of a duchess's daughter. Even if she didn't live in the palace, she would be expected to behave appropriately, perhaps even more so than Elina had been. At this time, Alvis did not yet know who Ranaris would be engaged to.