Javier yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Is there anything else you need from me, Alf?"
"No, Prince Javier. Thank you for your work."
"Mm. Iâll take my leave now, Alf. If you need anything and canât reach Father... you can find me in my room." Javier pushed himself up slowly from the chair.
"As you command, Prince Javier."
Javier nodded with a faint smile. "Anyway, Alf?"
"Yes, Prince Javier?" Alf glanced up.
"You should rest, too. Iâm sure your wife is waiting." Javierâs tone was light but earnest.
Alf smirked. "Donât worry about Erinnette. She promised to make me a late-night meal."
"Ahaha." Javierâs smile widened. "You both should still rest early. Serving Father shouldnât mean you never sleep."
"Do not concern yourself, Prince Javier," Alf replied evenly. "We are accustomed to this."
"No, Alf. You and Erinnette need proper rest. Itâs time we trusted the other officers to handle things. Youâve both been busy all week with the coronation and the weddingâgo get some sleep now. Father will need you early tomorrow." Javierâs voice carried gentle insistence.
Before Alf could respond, the door opened and Erinnette slipped inside with a soft smile.
"Prince Javier," she greeted warmly.
"Erinnette. You and Alf go rest. Let the others take over."
Her eyes flicked to Alf briefly before she bowed gracefully. "If you insist... thank you, Prince Javier."
Javier turned to the officer. "Tell the others that if you need anything, come find me in my room. Do not disturb Alf or Erinnette unless itâs absolutely urgent."
"Yes, Prince Javier." The officer stood, and the rest of the staff bowed respectfully.
"Alright, Alf. You and Erinnette go first." Javier rose, tucking his hands into his pockets.
"If you say so, Prince Javier." Alf stood and followed Erinnette, pausing at the door.
"Donât worry about it, Alf. Iâm sure they can handle the operation. Besides, if anything comes up, they can reach me." Javier offered a soft smile.
"We take our leave, Prince Javier." Erinnette said, giving a slight nod before linking her arm with Alfâs and heading out.
Javier waited until they were gone before turning back to the officer. "Remember, donât call for them. If somethingâs wrong, find me in my room."
"Yes, Prince Javier."
"Alright. Iâll take my leave." Javier raised a hand in a lazy wave, kept the other in his pocket, and stepped out of the command center.
He walked slowly through the quiet hallway. I wonder if Liana and the others are still awake... Letâs hope theyâve already gone to sleep.
His thoughts drifted as he walked. Alf and Erinnette serve Father from dawn till he sleeps. And they never take a break, not when Father himself never does.
How can I make sure they get enough rest, even just for a day or two?
Javier rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps I should discuss it with Mother.
He let out a soft sigh. I wonder how Father manages without ever truly resting.
Maybe thatâs why Mother never grew jealous of his other wives... She sees it, too. How much he cares. How much he carries for his family, for his people, and how little he gives himself in return.
Thatâs probably why Alf and Erinnette never take leave, either. They arenât just servants, they care. Theyâre watching over him.
Even if I ordered them to take a day off, theyâd refuse. Theyâd insist on staying by Fatherâs side, helping in any way they could.
Well... canât blame them either. They only take orders from Father.
Maybe... I should take over Fatherâs duties for a day or two. Let him enjoy his honeymoon with Queen Mylezra. But, ugh, the paperwork...
Asking Marcellus or Cedric wonât work, theyâre getting married in three days. Theyâre already swamped.
Javier stopped and looked toward the windows. He stepped closer, leaned his arms against the open frame, and glanced up at the midnight sky.
The sky is beautiful tonight.
"Young master?"
Javier turned and saw Liana standing nearby.
"Liana? Still not asleep yet?"
"Mmhmm~ not yet, young master. I was waiting for you." Liana shook her head gracefully.
Javier opened his arms and Liana moved into them. He hugged her from behind as they both looked up at the night sky.
"Tonightâs sky is really beautiful, Liana," he said, kissing her cheek and resting his chin softly atop her head.
Liana leaned back against him, smiling. Her hands settled over his where they rested.
"Mm... it is, young master."
"Liana?"
"Mm?"
"My father never really rests properly. Neither do Alf and Erinnette. I was wondering... maybe I should take over his duties for a day or two? So they can all get some proper rest."
"Mm? Are you sure~?" Liana smiled, a soft chuckle escaping her. "If I remember correctly, you hate paperwork."
"I do..." Javierâs smile was warm against her hair. "But itâs the only way to make sure Father rests, and Alf and Erinnette get a real break, even if only for a day or two."
"I donât mind, young master. The choice is yours. I will always support your decision."
Javier turned Liana gently to face him and smiled.
"I love you, Liana."
"Mm... I love you too, young master." Liana glanced up, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Javier chuckled. "You know, you could start calling me by my name."
"No~ Not yet," she replied, lifting a finger to gently tap his nose. "I still want to call you by that title. It feels special to me." She smiled warmly. "I donât want to call you by name yet, because it would make me remember when you were still a little baby."
Liana leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "A naughty, cheeky baby who insisted on nursing even though I didnât have milk."
Javier chuckled softly, his smile deepening.
Liana smiled again, eyes full of memory. "And the day you were a boy, a mischievous one, always running off so I had to chase you all over the estate."
"Yeah, I still remember it," Javier said warmly. "And now youâre my girl."
"Mm... Thatâs why Iâll keep calling you âyoung masterâ until the day weâre officially married. I hope you donât mind." Liana met his gaze, her expression fond. "Iâll miss that part of us someday, and I want to hold onto it a little longer."
"You really are beautiful, Liana," Javier said softly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her pointed ear. "Your face, your body... you havenât changed at all. Still the same as always."
Liana smiled softly. "Itâs because Iâm an elf, young master. We stop aging in appearance around eighteen, and stay this way... for a thousand years."
( End Of Chapter )