Book 4: Chapter 38


    Your majesty, I have verified it. The church already knows of his majestys actionsst night. The market is now less a batch of guns. Perhaps they are plotting against his majesty.


    Got it.


    Understood.


    The two of them stood up and swiftly left the inner court. The two of them were dressed inmoners clothing, or you could also describe it as dirty and short in length like that of sailors. Although they had the scent of wine on them, their eyes were very sharp nheless. They were the rulers informants, her eyes and ears, spread out at every corner of the empire. If the Valkyries were the empresss sword, then her informants would be her shield. Nobody knows who the rulers informants are. Maybe they were their own parents, maybe it was the person selling apples on the street. In short, if you dont do anything shady, nobody will find trouble with you. However, if you have any ill-will, youll basically get taken away the next day.


    Your majesty, about todays conference Ah What are you-?


    Castell walked into the empresss room and saw her putting on her riding boots. The empress rarely wore this military get-up nowadays. Her usual military get-up was a formal military uniform. What she was wearing now was battle attire. She stomped in her shoes and set her sword which she had not unsheathed for around a decade on her waist, and then whipped her long hair before looking at Castell and repling: Im going to go and help my son.


    But did you not say you were leaving it to his majesty to handle? It looks like his majesty is doing alright Further, if somebody wanted to hurt his majesty, you could just send guards or the Valkyries.


    Im his mother. He doesnt know what danger he is facing. Shielding her child from danger is a mothers responsibility. I cant leave this in someone elses hands. Ive never protected my child before. I regretted it deeply afterst time. If I see my son get hurt in front of me again this time, I wont be able to forgive myself.


    The empress walked up to the door and shouted: Alice!


    Alice appeared like a sh of light from the side, bowed, looked at the empress with a smile and asked: What are you orders, your majesty?


    Alice, go and help my son. He should be heading to the church by now. If theyre headed there, I dont feel confident that Nier can handle it alone. Dont take any other Valkyrie. Go alone. Ah, also, when you take action, be conscious of what you do. This is the royal capital. Dont make it too bloody.


    Are you starting to lose a little bit of confidence in Nier? You should say that you are more confident with Nier by his majestys side. Alice smiled and then bowed and continued, But, order received. I shall head out now. But, who will you rely on to keep you safe, your majesty?


    Ill rely on the sword my husband gave me!


    The empress patted the long sword at her waist and then with a proud smile said: My sword hasnt seen blood in a long time. I want to see what bloodshed looks like again too. Dont worry about me, Alice. This morning exercise will be quite fun to me. Its much better than discussing things at conferences.


    In that case, I hope you be careful.


    Alice got up and left the inner court. If the Valkyries move, then it screams that something major happened. However, if Alice acts alone, she wont attract as much attention. Further, since Alice took action, it meant the pce was facing the most dangerous crisis because Alice was the empresss bodyguard and yet she wasnt by her side now.


    That indicated that the empress was going to personally take action.


    Your majesty thank you very much.


    Nier stood in front of me and bowed deeply. She gripped two sheets of paper in her hands tightly. They were thend deed and loan contract. To Nier they were tickets to realising her dream. I smiled as I shook my head and said: Its nothing. I just happened to still have the opportunity after finding out what I wanted. Its just as I said, as long as I can, Ill save those children. But it wasnt thanks to me, Nier.


    Nier looked at me puzzled. I pointed to her name on the papers. I never expected Niers handwriting to look so good. I never thought her hands that wielded a sword in such a trained way could write such nice-looking letters. I continued: Its your name thats on here. In other words, the orphanage is yours now. The kids here were all protected by you. Every dor they spend is provided by you. So the credit is yours. When you see the children, stand proud and ept their blessings and gratitude.


    Nier stayed silent. A momentter, she blinked rapidly. She looked at me and said: Your majesty your majesty thank thank thank you so much thank you, thank you so much.


    You dont have to thank me. Didnt I already tell you? The credit is all yours. I didnt have anything to do with it. The church better not pull me into it if theyre looking for the person responsible. I dont want others to know about something so embarrassing.


    I looked at Nier and gently stroked her head. She didnt react in any way this time, instead gripping the papers in her hand tighter and shaking a little. I softly said: Youve saved me too many times Nier. Youve helped me understand a lot of things. Youre someone I always admired, Nier. I always rely on you, so Im very happy to have been able to help you this time.


    Your majesty I I You are the same as her majesty. You are someone that has helped me. Nier raised her head and I noticed some tears forming in her eyes. She looked at me with tears and in a hoarse voice said, But, you protected that which I wanted to protect but couldnt. Thank you so much.


    You dont have to thank me. As I told you, Im very happy to have been able to help you. You can rely on me in the future if possible. Although Im pretty stupid and dont know how to wield a sword, I will definitely give my all for you. Im serious.


    I reached my hands out to cup Niers face. Nier closed her eyes and let me wipe away her tears. Nier had always worn a determined look in my presence. These tears didnt suit her. Nier would be so beautiful if she could smile. Thats why Im always jealous of those children who can put a smile on her face. If possible, I want Nier to show me a smile too.


    Erm mmm


    I felt the atmosphere start to be somewhat weird so I quickly let go. Its a bit too early for the male and female leads to celebrate a victory. Ive just found out what I wanted to know. Next is destroying this church and then theres the elves.


    Since the church still has elves, that means they must have some location to lock up the elves. However, I already have an answer. I found the answer to all my questions with that ringing sound.


    I looked at Nier and said: Lets go, Nier. Lets go and give the money to the dean of the orphanage and then go to the church again. I have absolute confidence this time. There wont be a problem.


    Uhm.


    Nier nodded in agreement and followed behind me. We passed through the busy crowds and arrived where we hadnt been in a long time. However, our arrival this time must be like gods arriving. How will the children wee Nier who protected them?


    But, my smile was stiff on my face.


    There were no smiles from the children or the deans smile in sight. Nothing. All that was left was a hanging que swaying as well as a smashed front door.


    We were toote.


    It looks like the church acted extremely quickly. They had taken away all the orphans in the time we had the collision and negotiation.


    Nier looked at everything in front of her nkly and dropped to her knees. She curled her body up in torment. She gripped the sheets of paper she treated as a miracle before. Niers body quivered intensely and she wailed like a roar. She wailed like a lioness looking at her vandalized den.


    I clenched my fists tightly and breathed heavily out of anger. My rage could virtually explode from my body. I crouched down and pulled Nier who was wailing into my arms tightly. Nier grabbed my clothing tightly and cried loudly in my arms. I clenched my teeth tightly and looked in the direction of the church with fury. I said: Dont worry Nier. I swear on my life that Ill bring those children to you in one piece. I definitely will! Ill put my life and reputation on the line. Ill have this church pay this blood debt with their blood!