NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 139
“W-well, it’s not that much.”
“What do you mean it’s not that much?”
The Emperor shrugged his shoulders, as if to show off.
“At this year’s New Year’s ball, the Duke was constantly hovering around the Duchess.”
“…That’s…”
“I’ve never seen the Duke of Valua act that way before.”
There was a hint of admiration in the Emperor’s voice.
He meant it.
Whether discussing state affairs or having rare personal meetings, he had always felt that Alexei was like a statue, one that would never bleed even if pricked by a needle, speaking only with a straightforwardness that was devoid of emotion.
But Alexei beside Anriche felt like a person.
He was filled with various emotions, completely consumed by his love for his wife, not knowing what to do about it.
Just an ordinary man.
“It was quite a sight.”
The Emperor spoke sincerely.
Anriche averted her gaze slightly, trying to hide her reddened face.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Right. I’ve been keeping the busy Duchess here for too long.”
The Emperor waved his hand with a smile.
“Go on now.”
“I will take my leave, Your Majesty.”
With a courteous bow, Anriche exited the audience chamber.
***
A little while later.
As Anriche crossed the long corridor, her eyes widened in surprise.
“Alexei?”
Alexei was waiting for her.
“Riche.”
The moment he spotted his wife, Alexei’s face brightened.
He looked like a puppy that had found its owner.
Anriche, confused, asked her husband, “What are you doing here?”
“You mentioned you were going to the palace today,” Alexei replied, sticking close to her like a dog following its owner.
“I thought I’d try to go home together.”
Hmm, that means…
Anriche stifled a sigh.
‘I guess it means the officials are buried under a mountain of paperwork…’
I’m sorry; it seems I’ve raised my husband the wrong way.
…Or rather, I’ve improperly trained him?
As Anriche internally mourned for the officials, her gaze suddenly landed on Alexei’s face.
“Are you particularly busy with state affairs?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“It’s just that you seem a bit tense lately.”
At her concerned words, Alexei rubbed his face awkwardly.
“It’s probably because of some personal matters.”
“…Ah.”
Anriche understood immediately what he meant.
It was probably related to the counterfeit money issue he was investigating on his own.
Then, Alexei leaned in and asked, “By the way, are you worried about me?”
His blue eyes sparkled with joy.
Anriche narrowed her eyes and replied, “Of course. Who else would I worry about if not you?”
“That makes me happy.”
“You find joy in the smallest things.”
After letting out a deep sigh, Anriche earnestly cautioned her husband, “Don’t overdo it.”
“Well, I’ll try my best, but… it’s not always in my control…”
“Is there really nothing that can’t be done?”
Anriche glared at him with fierce eyes.
“If you happen to fall ill, I won’t let you off easily, understood?”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
Alexei chuckled and nodded.
As the two walked side by side across the palace, they unexpectedly encountered someone.
“Oh my, is that Duke and Duchess Valua?”
It was none other than the second prince, Frederick.
Frederick greeted them with a friendly smile.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, have you been well too, Your Highness?”
Anriche returned the greeting.
Frederick, with a curious expression, asked Anriche, “May I ask why the Duchess has come to the palace?”
While Alexei regularly visited for state affairs, Anriche was different.
Anriche beamed a smile. “I came to meet His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Oh.”
At her response, Frederick’s eyes widened slightly.
“Are you perhaps introducing the multi-passenger carriage system into the system?”
“Yes, that’s the case.”
“That’s wonderful news.”
Frederick’s face brightened up. “If that system takes root properly, it will make life much more convenient for the citizens of the Empire.”
“Thank you; it’s encouraging to hear you say that.”
Anriche responded with a newfound admiration for Frederick.
‘I really don’t understand how the first and second princes can be so different.’
Unlike the always arrogant first prince, the second prince was sincere with every word he spoke.
‘He is truly an admirable example of royalty in many ways.’
As Anriche nodded quietly, Alexei subtly interjected into the conversation.
“By the way, where is Your Highness headed?”
His demeanor was full of vigilance, like a dog protecting its owner.
Of course, Alexei knew very well that Frederick had no ulterior motives toward his wife.
He knew it, but!
He still felt uncomfortable with Anriche talking to another man!
He was so embarrassed that he had to force himself to butt into the conversation!
‘I really… hate myself right now.’
Alexei shuddered inwardly at his childishness.
Fortunately, Frederick seemed completely oblivious to Alexei’s immature feelings.
“I’m planning to drop by the university for my graduation thesis.”
Just seeing him answer so casually confirmed it.
Meanwhile, upon hearing that response, Anriche recalled a piece of information about the second prince.
‘Now that I think about it, the second prince was said to be dedicated to his studies at the university.’
It was indeed a stark contrast to the first prince.
‘I imagine the first prince is currently… building connections with nobles who will support him for the throne.’
In fact, that was her most positive assumption of Renald.
Anriche could bet that Renald was indulging in all kinds of entertainment, especially considering the éclair that would be served for dessert at tonight’s dinner.
“So, regarding your graduation thesis… does that mean you will be graduating from the university soon?”
“Yes, this is my last semester.”
Frederick answered Anriche’s question earnestly.
Then Alexei spoke up again.
“By the way, I heard that Your Highness chose distribution and logistics as the topic for your thesis.”
At the same time, Anriche looked up at Alexei with a puzzled expression.
‘Is it just me, or does it seem like he keeps interrupting our conversation?’
Is it just my imagination?
Anriche tilted her head in confusion.
“That’s correct. But how did you hear that?”
“The Emperor himself mentioned it.”
“What a good son he is, dedicated to his studies. His Majesty must be pleased.”
“Thank you.”
Frederick blushed slightly at Anriche’s compliment.
Alexei looked at Frederick with an expression that clearly showed his disdain.
Then, forcing the words out, he said, “His Majesty… said that.”
“Yes?”
“His Majesty said that His Highness had achieved great success in his studies and was very complimentary.”
…It was a compliment directed at Frederick.
Frederick nodded, looking bewildered.
“Oh… thank you.”
In that moment, Anriche was certain.
‘This is no misunderstanding.’
‘He’s definitely trying to sabotage my conversation with the second prince, right?’
Anriche squinted her eyes and shot a sideways glance at her husband.
That said, his habit of interrupting conversations while still offering compliments…
‘…Is this just so very Alexei?’
Anriche shook her head inwardly.
Fortunately, Frederick brought up a topic that would endear him to the Valois couple.
“You two, speaking like that, must also have wonderful children.”
He was referring to their kids.
“I heard that young Lord Elliot won first place in the art competition recently.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
As soon as Elliot’s name came up, Alexei’s expression softened.
‘He must take after his father.’
Anriche had to stifle the laugh that threatened to escape her.
“I also heard that Lady Everitt has been performing excellently at the Imperial Academy?”
“I’m not saying this just because she is Elliot’s fiancée, but Liliana truly has a genius talent for swordsmanship.”
Unable to resist his doting tendencies, Alexei quickly added more.
Frederick smiled warmly.
“I see. The late Count Everitt must have been very proud of her.”
“…I’m sure he was.”
Alexei momentarily lost himself in memories.
The late Count Everitt.
He was a precious friend, more suited to being a scholar than a knight.
Though they had completely different interests and their personalities were almost polar opposites, they got along remarkably well.
Finding such a friend in life felt like a blessing in itself.