Chapter 96

This time, it will be a casual conversation from Elina's perspective!

The next morning, after seeing Alvis off, Elina came to the salon. She sat on the sofa and began knitting, which had recently become a daily routine for her. Elina had only started knitting recently. She had been advised by the royal physician to avoid leaving the prince's palace while her condition was unstable, so she began knitting to make good use of her time.

"Her Highness is really efficient."

"Thank you. It must be because Naris teaches so clearly."

Among the maids, Naris was the best at knitting and was Elina's teacher. Naris had made many hand-knitted items for her daughter, Kirika, when she was young. It seemed that at the Belphias Duke's household, Naris was also responsible for teaching the maids, and her teaching style was very patient.

Elina started with small items, but once she got absorbed, it became enjoyable. Creating something from a shapeless ball of yarn with her own hands was a new and delightful experience for Elina. Although her finished products were still a bit clumsy, she wanted to be able to make something for her child by the time it was born. With this thought in mind, Elina kept knitting.

Time flies when you're focused. Before she knew it, nearly an hour had passed. In Elina's hands, a shape resembling a small hand had formed. Since it was a good stopping point, she decided to take a short break.

As usual, Sara prepared a drink for Elina. Given Elina's current condition, she couldn't drink tea as she used to. However, to allow her to enjoy tea as much as possible, Littine had given her some tea leaves that wouldn't affect her.

The reason Littine provided the tea leaves was simple: Elina's pregnancy couldn't be made public. According to Littine, it was better to be overly cautious in such matters.

"I can't thank Lady Littine enough. I wish I could do something in return."

"That's true."

Later that day, Littine was scheduled to visit. She had said she wanted to talk about something important with Elina. Elina was curious about what it could be, but more than that, she was looking forward to talking with Littine. Besides, Elina had something she wanted to discuss as well.

"I won't have any concubines."

These were the words Alvis had told her last night. He had said them while looking directly into Elina's eyes. Elina couldn't suppress her joy and tears, but those words were so heartwarming to her. Alvis had held her tightly until she fell asleep. When she woke up, Alvis's face was right there, and she felt incredibly happy as she greeted the morning. Thinking about this, she felt a gaze and turned around. The gaze was from Sara.

"Her Highness seems to be in a very good mood today."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It seems you're not just looking forward to the princess's visit. Could it be because of the Crown Prince?"

"..."

Elina hadn't realized she was in a good mood, but apparently, it was obvious to Sara, who was always by her side. Sara had also figured out the reason.

"…I can't hide anything from Sara, can I?"

"Of course not, my dear."

It was unfair for Sara to use her old way of addressing Elina. Such a call made Elina want to be spoiled.

"Last night, I received some very heartwarming words."

"From the Crown Prince, right?"

"Yes. But… I'm happy, and it feels like a dream, yet at the same time, I wonder if it's really okay."

Elina was genuinely happy when Alvis said he would only have her as his queen. He had clearly stated that concubines were unnecessary, which was a common practice among the royal and noble families. He even apologized for the burden it might place on Elina.

However, Alvis was the future king. If he didn't have concubines, the nobles would not remain silent. Some might pressure Elina to accept concubines. Alvis was already receiving such suggestions, and if he refused, the pressure would likely shift to Elina. In that case, Elina would have to bring up the matter with Alvis.

"Miss…"

"I know it's the right thing to do. But I'm afraid that by being happy now, I might become a selfish queen in the future… I'm very afraid of that. I need to tell him that it's not right to worry about me. I need to tell him that it's normal and he shouldn't care about me."

Is it really okay to be happy with Alvis's words and enjoy them? Is it really possible for this to happen? Alvis might face criticism from various sides. Last night, he seemed determined to convince everyone that it was his own wish, not Elina's. If it's Alvis's will, the criticism would focus on him.

"Still, I'm so happy… I can't help but be incredibly happy…"

That's why she was conflicted. She didn't know what the best course of action was. The only thing she could say was this: if it was Alvis's wish, Elina wanted to fulfill it. If Alvis would make her his only queen, Elina wanted to reciprocate. For that, she hoped the child in her womb would be a boy. Although it was up to the gods, she couldn't help but wish for it.

Sara, who had been watching Elina's inner struggle, knelt at her feet and took Elina's hands in hers.

"I can't claim to understand the burdens that Her Highness and the Crown Prince bear."

"Sara?"

"However, if I may say, I believe both Her Highness and the Crown Prince have thoroughly considered their positions. Therefore, I can confidently say that Her Highness will not become a foolish queen."

Sara's serious eyes reassured her. The words of someone who had always been by Elina's side were the most trustworthy for her current state.

"So, everything will be fine. The Crown Prince and the princess are by your side, and I will always be here too. If you ever lose your way, I will scold you properly."

"Sara, you're so kind. But… thank you. It's very reassuring."

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