CH 30

Chapter - 30 || The State Of The Country

"No, your highness. No matter how much you say that Elvira-sama is important to you... that's too much of importance."

As Rudolf was discussing his visit to the Kingdom of Turku, his subordinate, Fritz, sighed to him.

Fritz offered that we should plan for the possibility of pregnancy, just in case, and I told him that it was not yet a possibility, but only to Fritz and under strict confidentiality.

When Rudolf saw Fritz's reproachful gaze, he couldn't help but retort,

"Can't you take too much care of her? No matter how much I cherish her, it's never enough."

Fritz placed the papers in his hand on Rudolf's desk with a clatter. This was his habit when he wanted to make a statement away from work.

As expected, Fritz, despite his serious tone, got closer to Rudolf.

Rudolf, who was sitting at his office desk, looked up at Fritz from a distance.

"Yeah, say whatever you want to say."

"I reckon Elvira-sama is having a hard time right now."

Rudolf sat down and crossed his arms.

Why would Elvira be bothered about this? Fritz sighed loudly once more, as if to say, 'Good grief.'

"The Crown Princess is a serious, responsible, and well-liked person, just as the Empress and Emperor remember her."

"She's not only responsible."

"Since she has such a strong sense of responsibility, don't you think that she will eventually try to change this situation?"

He immediately regretted his lack of forethought in not thinking of that, but he didn't show it because he was frustrated by the smug look on the face of his subordinate and old friend.

Fritz spoke further,

"Your Highness' desire to take good care of Lady Elvira will not change in the future."

"Of course."

"That means that in order to change the current situation, Elvira-sama will have to be more willing. Isn't that difficult for someone who used to be a widow?"

"Yeah."

Rudolf nodded. Fritz continued,

"Furthermore, Your Highness, remember this: there is a curse between men and women that prevents them from easily communicating their true intentions."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. What do you mean?"

"Please don't be so naïve to that you don't know this."

"I see..."

Rudolf snickered.

"It's different since she's been married for over 6 years."

Fritz bowed his head. Even though he was like this, he was someone engaged for a long time.

"There is a tip to making a marriage work. Not only do you have to take care of them, but you also have to tell them what you think of them, in words and sometimes in actions."

"...I was just trying to do a good deed for Elvira."

"Oh, 'I was doing it for good' is almost always not good for them, so be extra careful."

"Is that true...?"

"Yes."

——

"Elvira-sama, we are ready for you."

"Thank you, Countess Klassen."

The time to visit the Kingdom of Turku was approaching, and I was busy preparing with my maids.

Since that once, Rudolf-sama and I didn't share the same bed. I needed to do something about this problem.

Perhaps it was this concern that showed on my face, but Countess Klassen suddenly called out to me.

"Elvira-sama, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing."

I smiled softly and replied, but it didn't go well with Countess Klassen.

"No, there's something going on, isn't there? Please tell me."

I smiled, this time sincerely.

Countess Klassen was eight years older than I was. She was a very reliable maid.

I stopped packing my bags and asked her,

"Countess Klassen, how long have you been married?"

"Ten years."

"I'd like to know, for my... information, is there anything you can do to communicate your feelings, Count Klassen?"

After asking the question, I couldn't help but turn my head back.

What was this question?

She could see I wanted to tell Rudolf-sama on how I felt about him.

However, the Countess of Klassen did not laugh. When I turned around fearfully, she nodded and said, as if she was remembering something,

"Instead of telling your feelings..."

Countess Klassen looked disgusted at what she remembered.

"When we first started our married life, I had no idea what Ed was thinking."

"Really?"

Ed was the Count of Klassen, so I couldn't help but listen to her.

"Yes. Ed didn't talk much, so when I tried to talk to him, he just said, 'Oh,' or 'Yes,' and that's it.

When we were newlyweds, I was frustrated every day. When I think back on it now, it's still awful."

Countess Klassen smiled happily as she talked about such things. I could feel the friendship between her and Count Klassen.

"I can tell the closeness with you and Count Klassen."

"Yes."

"But what do I do?"

"Well... I don't mean to be presumptuous, Elvira-sama... but..."

"Please go on."

"I want you to remember most men don't talk a lot. So, if you want them to say something, you'll never get anywhere."

"Is that so?"

"Also, for some reason, they tend to not say most of the important parts as they should, thinking that it will get understood without saying it.

This was something I heard from a lot of people."

"I see..."

As expected of the Countess of Klassen, who was considered a socialite when she was single.

But then, what should I do?

"Do I have to just say it?"

"That's one way to go, but some men don't listen to what women have to say..."

What a surprise.

When I fell silent, not knowing what to do, Countess Klassen smiled.

"Therefore, Elvira-sama, words are not something a wife must expect."

"Huh...?"

"Observation."

"Observation?"

"Yes. In my opinion, men's feelings are not shown by words, but in their attitude. By observing them on a regular basis, you'll be able to tell what they're thinking."

I already wanted to call her sensei at this point.

Countess Klassen said with a smile,

"I hope you two will be able to grow closer in the Kingdom of Turku."

I thanked her.

"Enjoy your trip as much as you can."

"Yeah."

For that reason, I hoped that the Kingdom of Turku would remain calm and peaceful.

I quietly looked up from the window.

What was the state of that country now?