Chapter 97

Today, I have updated another chapter.

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The young ladies gathered in the salon. Elina, as the host, was in a state of rare tension.

A large table was set up in the center, with numerous tea snacks prepared. The maids would fetch whatever the young ladies wanted, allowing them to continue their conversation without interruption, so they didn't need to get up.

However, two young ladies were standing right in front of Elina. One was her close friend, Harbara. The other was a countess's daughter, a year older than her at the academy.

"It's been a while, Lady Harbara. I'm glad to see you are well."

"It has been since we graduated from the academy. I'm glad to see you are also well, Lady Creyue."

"By the way, I heard you've started some business back in your territory. Is that true? The young ladies have been talking about how the daughter of the Lancer Marquess family has started playing house."

"Who exactly are these 'young ladies'? I would be happy if you could be more specific. I would like to hear it for future reference."

Harbara was smiling on the surface, but she was angry. The other young lady seemed to realize this, as her expression turned slightly sour.

"W-Well, I can't say who exactly said it. But... ahem, Lady Harbara being here means you are one of the candidates for the Crown Prince's consort, right?"

She changed the subject in a flustered manner, but brought up that topic. However, Harbara seemed to be playing along with her nonsense, tilting her head as if she didn't understand what she was talking about. Given Harbara's personality, this gesture was unlikely, but it suited her adorable appearance. She was doing it on purpose.

"Hey, Elina. Is it okay to leave them like that?"

"Yes. It seems Lady Harbara doesn't get along with her, and she often approaches Lady Harbara."

"I see. But isn't that young lady, by any chance, a relative of your aunt...?"

Lithine seemed to understand the background of that young lady. Yes, she was from a count's family related to Okvias' family. That was probably the reason she felt superior.

"Well, what do you think? What do you intend to do after hearing this?"

"As a senior, I must advise you. If you are a friend of the Princess, shouldn't you withdraw from the candidacy? It would be too pitiful for the Princess."

"Are you suggesting that Lady Creyue should run for the position?"

"I am a distant cousin of the Crown Prince. Given our deep connection, I believe I am more suitable."

Elina noticed Harbara's lips twitching. If the relationship she mentioned was considered a deep connection, then many nobles in Rubelia would be related if traced back. Since she wasn't directly related to the Duke of Berphias, her connection would be seen as mere imagination.

"Only Prince Alvis can decide who is suitable. Really..."

Elina found Lithine's puffed cheeks somewhat endearing. It was proof that she was genuinely concerned about Elina and Alvis. The tea party itself was made possible by the active efforts of Lithine and Harbara. She was truly grateful to them.

"Lady Creyue is so confident. I envy you."

"Even if you praise me in front of the Princess, it sounds like sarcasm."

"You are the best, Lady Elina. The Crown Prince must think so too."

"Lady Harbara and the Princess may not know, but the Crown Prince doesn't play around with women. It didn't change no matter who it was. I acknowledge that the Princess is wonderful—"

While they were talking, the salon door opened. It was a bit earlier than scheduled, but it was Alvis who appeared.

"Excuse me, I'll be a bit of a bother."

"Oh, it's the Crown Prince!"

"Prince Alvis?!"

"Prince Berphias...?"

The young ladies exclaimed at Alvis' sudden appearance. Some of them, who seemed to be his classmates, called him by his princely name. They looked dazed, as if they had called him reflexively. After performing a knight's salute as a greeting, Alvis came straight to Elina. Lithine, who was next to her, immediately moved away. However, Alvis didn't sit down; he leaned in close to Elina while standing.

"Sorry to interrupt, Elina."

"No, it's fine. Aren't you tired, Prince Alvis?"

"I'm fine. I just came to see you for a bit... Are you not overexerting yourself?"

Elina placed her hand over Alvis', which gently touched her cheek. It felt slightly warm, a definite sign of Alvis' warmth.

"I'm fine. I'm having a wonderful time. It's nice to meet everyone after so long."

"That's good... but—"

Alvis leaned in even closer, his mouth near her ear. Elina's face turned bright red, but Alvis didn't seem to notice. He whispered in her ear. She thought she heard something like a scream from afar, but it wasn't just her imagination.

"Take care of your health. If you feel unwell at all, leave. Understand?"

"Prince Alvis... Yes, I understand."

"That's good... What is Lithine doing?"

Alvis looked up and turned to Lithine, who had moved back. He looked at her curiously, as she was covering her mouth. Elina also looked at Lithine, who seemed uncomfortable.

"Lady Lithine?"

"...Do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"Well, I said it was as usual, but are you really like that? It doesn't match my image of you."

Elina and Alvis exchanged glances at Lithine's thoughtful expression. Then, they saw Shiodiran in their field of vision. He seemed to have come with Alvis. His position, which seemed to be a strategic choice to deter the other young ladies, was probably intentional.

"Prince Alvis, where is Lord Lancer?"

"Ah, he's just playing the wall. If he stands there, the other young ladies won't come close. Some of them will even hesitate to approach just because he's there."

"Is that the only reason?"

"No, there are other purposes as well."

"?"

"Elina, you don't need to worry about it..."

Alvis scanned the room with his eyes, stopping at a certain direction. There, he made eye contact with Lanelis, who seemed to be talking to other young ladies. Suddenly, Elina felt a pat on her back. It was Lithine, giving her a signal to proceed with the plan. Hesitating about whether to continue in this atmosphere, Elina grabbed Alvis' arm.

"Ahem... Prince Alvis, if you have some time, would you like to take a break?"

"Yes, I'll do that."

"Then, Prince Alvis, please sit here. I'll go over there."

Lithine moved as if she had been waiting for this. Before Alvis could answer, she headed straight for where Lanelis was sitting.

"Shiodiran, you can go to another place."

"Alright, I understand."

The conversation between Alvis and Shiodiran was unclear, but it was probably related to the purpose Alvis had mentioned.

"Well, let's achieve our goal."

"Yes!"

Although the young ladies around them seemed to have already achieved their purpose, the main characters didn't realize it. Especially the young ladies who knew Alvis from his school days were looking at him in a daze, as if he were not the usual Alvis.

"Is that really Crown Prince Alvis...? He never used to touch women like that."

"That's disrespectful, Lady Creyue."