Chapter 91

"Is that so, that Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess, is with child. That is wonderful news indeed."

It seems that Elina, the Crown Prince Alvis's wife, has been found to be pregnant. Keeping it a secret for now is probably out of consideration for Elina's feelings. A child born to Elina, the future queen, is a topic of interest to everyone. The focus of this attention is whether the child will be a boy. If announced, the news would spread in an instant. Only the queen and the concubine, myself, can understand the weight of such a burden.

Indeed, this is the harem. The king, one of the few men who can freely enter and leave, has come to visit the concubine, Curiann. Since he wants to be alone, only Curiann and the king are here. Despite coming to report the good news, the king still has a troubled expression. Curiann asks calmly,

"So, what brings you to me? It's not just the good news, is it?"

"Ah... In fact, I've been talking to Alvis about taking another lady soon."

It's just as I expected. The king probably has no ill intentions; he's just following tradition. There's no thought for Alvis or consideration for Elina. He's simply stating a fact that it's necessary. Curiann took a deep breath.

"What did His Royal Highness say?"

"... He said he can't think about it now. After that, the queen told him to consider the timing..."

"Of course. It hasn't even been a year since their marriage. Moreover, bringing up the topic right after she becomes pregnant is, as a woman, hard to accept."

Understanding and acceptance are different matters. I don't intend to deny the necessity, but the timing is bad, as the queen said. If we cause her unnecessary worry, it will be a burden on Elina. Of course, even if I explain this to the king, he won't understand.

"But it will be too late after I abdicate. At least, since I've caused him so much trouble, I should—"

"That's meddling, Your Majesty."

"Wh-What?!"

"Your Majesty, the decision on what to do with the concubines lies with Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess, not you. It was the queen who made the decision when it came to me."

Actually, Curiann's words aren't entirely correct. At this point, the king can still give orders. If the king decides, Alvis and the others have no choice but to obey. However, acting on behalf of the parties involved won't lead to a good outcome for anyone.

Moreover, if Alvis ascends the throne, the situation will change. Elina, as the head of the harem, will make the decision. Even then, it will be in time. If he feels he has caused trouble, it will be even more so.

"Alvis is too kind. But this is his duty. I will pave the way—"

"I know His Royal Highness is kind. But he's not someone who shies away from getting his hands dirty. Rather, he's willing to do so, isn't he?"

"... Have you known Alvis that well?"

Surprised as if he's just learned something new, the king looks at Curiann. Curiann shakes her head. She doesn't really know Alvis that well. She has seen him as a nobleman's son and as a knight, but they've never had a proper conversation. So why can she say this with certainty? It's thanks to her daughters.

"Have you forgotten that Littine and Kiara have a good relationship with His Royal Highness? Especially Littine, who often leaves here to go to him."

"... That's right."

Littine's visits to the Belphias Duke's territory were tacitly allowed because it was decided that it was better for her not to be around Girard. It was for Girard's education, not for Littine's sake. Now, Littine might find the Belphias Duke's territory more comfortable than here. Watching Littine and Alvis, who have a good relationship as childhood friends, makes her think so.

"Littine said as much. She's a smart girl and doesn't lie."

"But a king who doesn't take any concubines is unprecedented. He will need to do so eventually."

"That may be true. All I can say is that Her Royal Highness's opinion should be taken into account."

"Elina's?"

"Because it would be problematic if it disrupts the hierarchy."

Maintaining discipline and respecting others is not just for the husband. It's even more necessary for the women. There are women like the one who caused Girard's disinheritance. It's not a bad idea to be cautious.

"However... Littine seems to be planning something. It might not go as you wish, Your Majesty."

"Hmm? Did she say something?"

"No, nothing."

There's no need to tell him. Littine likes Elina and is acting for her sake. It's probably also for Alvis's benefit.

"That girl... has unrequited feelings, doesn't she? Just like mother, just like daughter, I suppose."

Curiann believes it's natural for a concubine to be taken, one or even more. Even high-ranking nobles take second wives. It's not about love but duty and responsibility. At best, it's affection. Still, people fall in love. Curiann has experienced this herself. She doesn't regret marrying, even if it was like a piece of property, but she can't help feeling a sense of emptiness.

After the incident with Girard, Curiann can't evaluate Elina as highly as others do. She shouldn't have allowed a lower-ranking lady. She even thinks it would have been fine to expel her from the academy. That unnecessary kindness would later hurt her.

Still, Elina has become the Crown Princess and secured her position. Many envy her, the future queen. Even if Elina is a well-behaved lady, there are many who envy her.

"Let's let the wind blow a little, shall we?"

"Curiann?"

"I am a mother, after all."

"?"

The king, completely unable to understand her intentions, is fine. Curiann simply smiled.

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The next chapter starts here! Please look forward to it.