Book 4: Chapter 31


    Your majesty! Your majesty! I turned my head around to see an individual dressed in a courteous and exquisite robe panting as he ran toward me. Discussions had just ended in the conference chamber and I had just escaped moms embrace. Just as I was about to return to the outer court, the individual in question called out to me. Nier looked at him and I with puzzlement. She subconsciously drew her sword half-way out. I pressed my hand on Niers shoulder, and then looked at him and asked: You are?


    He desperately tried to catch his breath before removing his hat, bowing to salute me and asked: I I am in charge of Meldapany. I havee to greet you. Would you happen to have some time to discuss something with me, your majesty?


    I considered it. Ive never heard of thispany. He took out a small card from his shirt and handed it to me. I took it, but before I could read any of the letters, my eyes were fixated on the code heraldry.


    It was the same one as the one on Meras box.


    I took in a deep breath as a surge of anger surfaced from all my veins. I looked at him and really wanted to shoot him dead on the spot. But killing him now would be impulsive of me. There are some details I still need to find out. I looked at him and nodded. I replied: I have time. Come meet me at the conference chamber in the outer court.


    Understood. I shall head back and make some preparations!


    He wiped his sweat off his forehead and showed a look of relief before bowing and leaving. I watched him from behind and clenched my teeth tightly. The look in Meras eyes appeared before my eyes once again. Thepany is just an empty shell. The church must be behind the now bankrupt Meldapany because there would be repercussions if the church were toe out and do business with their faces shown to the public, hence why they need apany to carry out jobs for them. It looks like me distributing salt has sessfully caused them to start to panic.


    This further confirms my theory that the church is involved with salt dealings. They mustve been privately trafficking salt previously. Now that Castors salt business is out of the picture, its impacting their profits, and therefore they need to hoard salt to bump up its price. Now, how did the church smuggle the salt in? I think Ive already got my answer. It has to be those statues of god.


    Lets head back, Nier.


    I turned around and headed to the outer court. Nier looked at me and hesitated for a moment before asking: Your majesty, your face looks pale. Are you not well?


    Its actually my mood thats foul right now.


    I gave Nier a simple response and then we returned to the outer court. Luna happened to juste back from outside as well. I paused for a while. Luna doesnt usually leave the outer court, so why did she suddenly leave today?


    Luna.


    I called out to her and she stopped to turn around to look at me. She smiled as she bowed and replied: Your majesty, Miss Gilliante, wee back.


    Luna, what did you go out for?


    Erm Someone asked to see your personal servant and then the head-maid came to look for me. I went to see him. He wanted to give me a small container with pearls inside, but I turned him down.


    Luna looked at me with a smile and said: Your majesty, it looks like there are people who want to get on your good side. Perhaps they do not know what you like so they tried get on my good side.


    It looks like thats the case. But I think its pointless regardless if they get on your good side or Niers. Iughed and then led the two of them into the outer court. Luna is definitely loyal to me. As long as Im alive, shell never do anything that could put me at risk, while Nier wouldnt spare them time of the day. Im a hundred percent safe with these two by my side. They wouldnt use illicit drugs or gamble.


    When we returned to my bedroom, Luna looked at me pacing back-and-forth inside the room and asked: Your majesty, you look slightly anxious. Did something happen?


    I gave her a simple reply: Probably so. Im waiting for someone.


    I then looked at Luna and said: If it goes well, Ill be able to confirm lots of things, and soon solve all my problems.


    Although I do not really understand you must remain calm, your majesty. Do not let what happened previously happen again. Of course, that is if it happens again. Luna ced a tea-cup down with and smile. She then looked at me and continued, I canfort you again your majesty, if you do not mind that is.


    I looked at Lunas smiling face, shook my head and said: I wont. I wont be so rash this time. Thank you, Luna, but I wont again.


    I gently grabbed hold of Lunas hand. Lunas slender white hands were like a pianists hands. The white skin of elves is like transparent skin that hadnt been damaged. If were just considering appearances, Luna looks very beautiful and elegant like an eloquent flower in bloom. But I knew what cruel treatments her body had been subjected to.


    I also know that pity and love arent the same. I let myself betray Lucia once because of it, but that wont happen again. I love Lucia, so I wont betray her.


    I understand, your majesty.


    Luna smiled and then held my hand gently. She then continued, I really envy your lover, your majesty. I think she must be very happy to be able to always be by your side, just like Miss Gilliante she must be happy to be by your side


    What are you saying? Nier is definitely happier by the empresss side. Shes Niers reason to live.


    I let go of her hand and stood up. I adjusted my cor and wore on my robe to receive the guest in the outer courts guest room. I touched my Earth Dragon armour at the same time. There was a damaged spot thanks to Mera. I never patched it up with Earth Dragon armour. It was just sewn back together through normal sewing means. However, I dont think that someone would coincidentally stab that same spot on the next assassination attempt.


    I dont know what thispany is looking for me for, but I never felt it was for anything good. The moment I started distributing salt, I basically publically dered war to the very end. The church probably thought Id just be an obedient little boy after I took the money. They never expected me to purchase all the stores around like a madman. Now, all the denizens who go to the church to pray and whatnot get attracted by the salt, thus lining up and going home instead of donating. Instead of bothering with some god from obscurity, its more realistic to go home and look after your own kids. This should reduce the feelings the people have for god significantly.


    If everyone has enough to eat and can stay warm, nobody would have to entrust their hopes with god. People entrust their hope to god precisely because there are things they want yet cant get.


    Nier knocked on the door and then came in and reported: Your majesty, thepanys representative has arrived in the conference chamber.


    I nodded, took in a deep breath and clenched my fists tightly. While I think the church is probably panicked, the speed at which they responded still surprises me. But I guess its good. This is my goal after all. I cant forcefully tear the church down, so lets sit down and negotiate, except Im not going to calmly and harmoniously negotiate with them now.