The Sweet Alpha Crown Prince Loves Me So Much Chapter 145

Chapter 145

“Lord Daniel?”

Belfry, who had gone out with Leia to greet Adrian and his party, couldn’t hide his surprise at seeing the unexpected figure.

Contrary to his bewildered reaction, Leia Lindbergh greeted him with a broad smile.

“Welcome. It is a great honor for me to have the High Priest himself preside over the coronation today.”

The ascetic priestly robes and his splendid appearance created a momentary disharmony, but at the same time, an unapproachable, sacred aura emanated from him, drawing all the attention of the servants of Lindbergh Castle.

“It was an event that His Majesty the Emperor could have presided over, but I have come in his stead, conscious of watchful eyes and wagging tongues.”

At Daniel’s polite words, the people’s faces became rapturous.

It was an open secret that the Lindbergh Kingdom, now a principality, was a vassal state of the Heineken Empire, but this was Glenn’s consideration, wanting to prevent other countries from openly disparaging it.

“I am only grateful for your thoughtfulness. I hope you have a peaceful three days.”

Leia bowed her head without hesitation.

Since Daniel was a person of almost equal status to the Emperor, it was not an excessive act. Still, Belfry Hendrick was moved by her bold action of expressing her gratitude.

If Daniel was the Emperor’s deputy, then Adrian was the one in charge of practical matters. After Leia left to discuss the detailed schedule with him, Belfry had lunch alone with Carl for the first time in a while.

“Do you have any desire to return to the Empire?” Carl asked Belfry.

“I’m satisfied with my life here for now. The time I spend with Princess Leia, no, Her Highness the Princess-Regnant, seems to be helping me grow.”

Watching Belfry, who was smiling bashfully for some reason, Carl sighed in relief internally.

He had been worried that Belfry, who might still be in love with Adrian, was staying in Lindbergh out of necessity, stewing in an unrequited love.

“Then that’s a relief. The Duke said there was no need to worry, but… for my part, I was concerned that you might have been forced to stay under some kind of pressure…”

“Not at all. I found that building something new with my own hands is an enjoyable thing. I’ve only ever learned what others have already accomplished, so it feels like I’m opening my eyes anew every day.”

Belfry, with a refreshed expression as if he had just poured something out, was truly beautiful.

Carl chuckled along with him.

Seeing that he felt neither childish jealousy nor pointless pity, it seemed the bond between Carl and Adrian had truly solidified.

Meanwhile, Belfry was also surprised that his heart no longer fluttered when he looked at Carl Lindbergh.

He merely thought that Carl, with his neatly cut hair revealing his forehead and wearing a formal ivory uniform that shone brighter than his own skin, looked more dignified than before.

He didn’t feel excited, nor angry.

‘Whether I can think that I love Leia just because of something like this is still a question mark.’

Finishing his meal and rinsing his mouth, Belfry hesitated before opening his mouth.

“Your Highness seems more mature than ever before.”

At his genuinely expressed words, Carl’s face flushed with pleasure.

“Really? Do I look a bit like the Crown Prince’s fiancé?”

Carl Lindbergh, who was now set to become the Crown Princess with no turning back, was trying to abandon his commoner-like speech and behavior these days.

He might be lacking compared to Belfry, who was raised as a noble from birth, but he too wanted to be reborn as a respectable member of the imperial family.

It was an effort to stand as Adrian’s partner, one who was not ashamed to be presented anywhere—possessing a heart for the people like Glenn and Theresa, yet having enough dignity not to be intimidated by others.

Trivial things, like the way he walked, not bowing to just anyone, and conveying respect even while naturally speaking down to his subordinates. All of these were accompanied by painstaking practice.

It was indeed a commendable development, but Belfry, who suddenly wanted to tease Carl for his excited reaction, replied with a sullen face.

“Seeing you ask that so openly, I suppose I was mistaken.”

“Oh.”

As Carl looked embarrassed, Belfry chuckled.

“I’m joking. You look as noble as one could wish for.”

Only then did Carl Lindbergh, realizing he had been teased, pout.

Belfry, who had thought he would laugh it off awkwardly as usual, went, oh, and pursed his lips.

“Still, I don’t eat in the kitchen or do things like that these days.”

Though he spoke sulkily, there was a faint hint of a smile.

“Ah, back then, I really thought you were eating fodder without a doubt. In the end, I enjoyed it too, though.”

To think we can talk about that time with such a light heart. He was deeply moved.

Though neither of them said it out loud, they both felt similarly.

“Come to think of it, you said it would be more delicious with a spicy sauce. When are you going to let me taste it?”

The situation being what it was, the memory could have faded, but perhaps because that day’s meal had left a deep impression, Belfry, pleased to recall it vaguely, quickly asked.

“That’s right. I promised to let you taste it. Unfortunately, I’m so busy these days that I haven’t been able to find the ingredients. When you have more time later, come to the Empire with my sister. I’ll be sure to treat you then.”

“It must require some very tricky ingredients.”

“The ingredients are simple, but to bring out the flavor, you have to carefully prepare and age each ingredient. Even if I follow the steps, it’s questionable whether I can produce the same taste as a master. But that’s also part of the fun.”

Carl Lindbergh’s shoulders bounced with excitement whenever the topic of food came up.

‘I guess he can’t fix this part of himself.’

Belfry was relieved.

He was in a position where he could obtain all the delicacies of the Empire from east, west, south, and north, and even from other countries, without having to go to the trouble himself.

He hoped that Carl would be respected by the people of the Empire as a respectable Crown Prince’s consort and later as an Empress, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but wish that he would remain as the current Carl Lindbergh, not steeped in authoritarianism.

Just then, Belfry suddenly had something he wanted to ask him and opened his mouth.

“Your Highness, are you happy now?”

Carl Lindbergh replied, “I’m very happy.”

At his bright and healthy smile, the brightest he had ever seen, Belfry smiled back.

“I see.”

I’m glad. To be able to sincerely congratulate you on your happiness.

Belfry finally put a period on his first unrequited love.

 

***

 

Leia Lindbergh’s coronation was held on a larger scale than expected.

Initially, invitations were sent only to three countries bordering them, including the Heineken Empire. However, due to a flood of inquiries from many countries wanting to see the changes in Lindbergh for themselves, they had no choice but to send out additional invitations.

On the first day the borders were opened, Carl, who was a little fed up with the endless procession of envoys and gifts, clicked his tongue.

“Why are so many people here for a Princess-Regnant’s coronation?”

“They’re probably trying to establish connections, thinking this is their chance. Only a very small number of them are here to celebrate Leia Lindbergh’s coronation. The rest probably see it as a chance to get in touch with the Empire behind her.”

Adrian replied that he could see right through their intentions.

“Oh dear, this is a big problem. It must be overwhelming just to accommodate them.”

Looking around the castle, which had become significantly smaller after the reconstruction, Carl expressed his concern, and Adrian hugged him from behind.

“They’ve shown their sincerity by attending and delivering gifts, so half of them will go back to their own countries after the coronation.”

“Huh? Without even staying a day? The principality’s reputation will suffer.”

Though he had become a person of the Empire, Carl, who was still Leia Lindbergh’s younger brother, was worried about that.

Diplomacy was a difficult affair that could easily change shape even through a small hole.

Regardless of their intentions for visiting, sending people who had traveled for at least a day back immediately after the coronation was bound to cause talk later.

“The one who is more desperate loses.”

“Sister.”

Leia Lindbergh, who had approached the balcony where the two were standing, looked down at the people passing through the castle gates in a long line and wore a faintly satisfied expression.

“Don’t worry, I asked for their understanding in advance before sending the invitations. Not all of them are just going back. Considering the distance and scale, some will stay inside the castle, and some outside.”

“What do you mean by outside the castle?”

Is it okay to house distinguished guests outside the castle?

As Carl tilted his head in confusion, Belfry, who had entered with Leia, added an explanation.

“Those staying outside the castle are the laborers they brought with them.”

“The capital has been tidied up, and inns for them have been designated. During the coronation period, the capital will be a lively festival ground like never before.”

“All that’s left is for the people who ate and drank to their heart’s content and returned to their countries to brag about their experiences with a bit of exaggeration.”

“In the minds of those who haven’t seen it for themselves, this Lindbergh will be painted as a more splendid and wonderful picture than reality.”

Just thinking about it sent shivers down their spines, and as if they had planned it, the two of them smiled slyly at the same time.

“Uh, well. If that’s the case, then that’s a relief.”

Carl and Adrian simultaneously made reluctant faces.

It wasn’t just that they were in perfect sync, but on second glance, the fact that their attire was similar was also bothering him.

The same fabric with a cozy texture. The subtle difference only in the saturation of the color made it look like an outfit for someone holding an engagement ceremony.

“Belfry Hendrick, did you receive a proposal from the Princess-Regnant?”

“Adrian!”

At the blunt question, Carl pulled Adrian’s arm, and Belfry’s face turned into a beet.

“No, well. Belfry must have had his heat cycle at least once, so I just thought that if the Princess-Regnant had spent the night with him, she would have tried to take responsibility.”

At Belfry’s face, which looked like it was about to explode, Carl became flustered and fidgeted.

Leia smiled brightly.

“Unfortunately, nothing of the sort has happened yet. I don’t have a hobby of playing around promiscuously with people I’m not dating. Isn’t it the same for you, Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

They’re in sync, they’re wearing matching outfits, they’ve lived under the same roof for months, and they haven’t even kissed yet?

Carl kept looking back and forth between Leia and Belfry, wondering what kind of relationship those two were maintaining.

“My current goal is to be acknowledged by Belfry as the best Alpha. And right now, I’m standing before that gateway, the coronation.”

“So you’re still courting him.”

Honing oneself to court one’s mate.

Adrian, who knew that feeling all too well, clicked his tongue in sympathy.

“Still, we’re always together except when we’re sleeping or when it’s unavoidable. That’s enough. For now.”

Leia linked her arm with Belfry’s and leaned her head lightly on his shoulder, and Belfry stood there as if rooted to the spot.

Only then did Carl clap his hands internally and become certain.

‘The two of them are still in the ‘some’ stage!’

Adrian also nodded.

“I see. I wish you victory.”

Though it seems he’s already completely fallen for her.

An exclamation mark popped up above Carl and Adrian’s heads.

It was because Belfry was naturally patting the back of Leia’s hand, which was linked with his own arm, as if he himself wasn’t very aware of it.