3rd Person POV
Alexei’s neon blue eyes lit up at Constantine’s words.
“I am honored. I’m sure my sister will be very impressed.” (Alexei)
“I’m glad to hear that Ekaterina is enjoying herself so well. You said she was weak, but how has she been?” (Constantine)
“Thanks to you, she is currently living her school life without any problems. However, it’s about to get much warmer in the Imperial Capital, so I’m worried about her physical condition since she’s not used to the climate here.” (Alexei)
After all, Alexei wanted to give the impression that she was sickly.
“Then, will you and your sister return to the territory together for the summer vacation?” (Constantine)
“That’s what I’m thinking, Your Highness. It’s been less than a year since I took over the title, and I have to take control of the territory.” (Alexei)
“Hmm.” (Constantine)
Constantine pretended to think for a moment.
“The Astronomical Department told me that this summer will be hot. Would you like Mikhael to spend the second half of his summer vacation in your domain?”
It was not a bad idea for Alexei to welcome the prince to his domain and show the people that the new duke was on good terms with the royal family.
The fact that Alexei’s expression was subtly meant that Mikhael was doing his best, and it seemed that Ekaterina was no longer treating him like a caterpillar.
“…Of course, I would be honored to have him. However, I have not been in the position for long, and Ekaterina is not used to being the acting mistress at the duke’s main residence, so I have some concerns about our quality of hospitality.”
Constantine nodded in a restrained, emotionless response.
“I don’t mind. I’m not even the crown prince yet; you can take it easy on me.”
” I humbly apologize.”
There was nothing Alexei could do now but bow his head.
Suddenly, Constantine raised the edge of his lips.
“Even though Ekaterina is with us, the position of a duchess should not be vacant for long. Why don’t you at least get engaged soon?”
“Huh…”
Seemingly caught off guard, Alexei was momentarily stunned. Apparently, this boy tended to hate women.
But as to why it was understandable.
After all, the only woman in his life was his grandmother. His own father was a genuine womanizer who walked around with women without restraint. Even when he got into physical contact with other women, he would always wonder why they did such foolish things, as if it were someone else’s problem.
In addition, there were rumors that the women who had affairs with his father often came to seek Alexei to seduce him because of their similar looks. Such an experience must have been very disgusting for him.
That was why, unlike his father, he was a serious man, and I hoped that he would be able to build a decent family with a proper lady as soon as possible. That was partly the emperor’s desire for the stability of the powerful Yurinova, but it was also the sentiment of a nosy relative.
“It is our policy to consider such matters after you graduate from the academy. We hope you will forgive us.” (Constantine)
“Oh, I see.” (Alexei)
He couldn’t resist interjecting even though Emperor Constantine had been aware of it. He could see that Alexei also had the same charm that attracted women like his father, even though their personalities were completely polar opposites.
There was a scene that reminded him of when Alexei was still a child and was close to Vladimir, the legitimate son of Yurimagna.
Both Alexei and Mikhael were brilliant children, but Vladimir was a child prodigy when learning. Alexei had been strict with himself and others since childhood, but he cherished Vladimir unconditionally. The boy was very fussy about people, but he had an honest appreciation for the best of them.
When he peeked into the room to drop by where the children were studying, as Constantine often did in those days, Mikhael was not there, and Alexei showed Vladimir a book of poetry and asked him if he could recite it.
