Book 7: Chapter 3


    I hugged Nier who was curled up in my embrace crying due to overjoy. I stroked her head and back while she gripped my clothes tightly. In my arms, she excitedly murmured: My child My child with his majesty My child with his majesty Finally We finally have a child Your child


    I stroked her back as I nodded with a smile. I said: Thats right, thats right, Nier, our child. This is our child. I told you didnt I? I told you wed definitely have a child.


    Uhm! Uhm! Our child. Our child Your majesty, this is our child


    Nier hugged me tightly, wiped the tears at the corners of her eyes, looked up and kissed my lips with excitement. We kissed each other passionately. I was a lot more excited about Niers pregnancy than Lucias because it was harder for Nier to get pregnant. Further, descendants had more meaning for humans. News that Nier was pregnant virtually shocked everyone in the pce.


    Even the empress was so excited her hands shook, not knowing what she should do. I could only pray that mom wouldnt make Nier that soup. Shell die. And itll be one corpse but two lives.


    Nier released me and then wiped the corners of her mouth. She looked at me with puppy-eyes and softly asked: Dear are you going to the desert? I heard it from Freya. You wanted to go to the desert to find something, right? I dont really know what youre doing but do you have to leave?


    I shook my head and hugged her tighter. I replied: No, Im not going anywhere anymore. Im not going to the desert anymore. Ill stay by your side. Im just going to stay with you and our child.


    Those were honest words. Nier wasnt pregnant yet when I was starting to get ambitious. I know that Nier can look after herself, plus she has the empress and Freya, so I could leave her here and head to the desert alone. But, not now. Shes pregnant now. Shes carrying our child so I cant let Nier stay here alone with our child, and theres no way I can drag her along with me. I need to stay by her side. They are my most cherished treasures.


    I never even had a girlfriend, but I was now a father. How could I ditch my wife and child? A mans ambition is flimsy in front of his family. A man feels more aplished if he can put a smile on his familys face than being way out somewhere in the world. Put another way, a mans career pursuits are just for the sake of giving his family a better living standard and home.


    I dont want to go. I just want to stay by Niers side. Socina whatever and whatever metal-mabob, dont matter. They cant make me as happy as Niers smile. I just want to stay here with her. I dont want to unite the continent or aplish some great feat. My greatest aplishment would be having Nier by my side with a smile and watching my child grow up.


    Nier grabbed my arm firmly and then shook her head. She rified: No thats not what I meant, dear. I was just apologising to you I may not be able to protect you now. If you want to go to the desert, I cant protect you at your side. I dont want to be running around because I have a child now.


    Nier


    I then paused to look at her and spaced out. Nier looked up at me with a smile. She reached her hands out to sp my face and with a smile said: My world used to be a tiny one at her majestys side. That was my everything. I once thought that that was the entire world. I never thought the world would be thisrge and this wonderful. You were the one who let me see this vast world. You were the one who let me experience countless moments of bliss and new things. You were the one who gave me the entire world so I dont want your world to end here because of me.


    Nier then gently leaned her head on my chest and softly continued: Its all right. I have her majesty with me as well as Freya. Ill be fine. Go to the desert without any worries, my dear. I dont really understand what you are trying to do, but I know that it must be something that will be useful. I want to be of use to you, not a burden to you. Dont worry about me. You are the prince, so please go and do what a prince should do. However, you must promise me you must promise me you must return to my side alive


    Nier!


    I was so moved I couldnt hold myself back any more and I hugged Nier tightly. This girl who was once cold as ice and tough as iron leaned into my arms. I hugged her tightly. I was choking to the point I couldnt utter a world. I really admire the hell out of myself. Im so fortunate to have her as my wife. She was the one I loved most.


    I promise, Nier. I promise Ille back alive for sure. The same goes for you, Nier. You must look after yourself. You must. Let the other Valkyries take over the training supervision. You just focus on looking after yourself. Dont partake in any strenuous work and dont put yourself in danger.


    I hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. Elizabeth then knocked on the door and pulled the door open. She smiled as she looked at us and asked: How nice, how nice, son. Youve got a child now, son Mommy mommy is trying toe up with a name Which one do you like, son?


    Mom our child still hasnt been born yet


    Hmm I actually came up with your name, Troy. Its abination of the elvennguage and humanitysnguage. It means brave and kind person. Naming is important. See, look at you. Doesnt that describe you perfectly? Youre brave and kind. What about our child? Our child Ah, sorry, I meant, your child with Nier. What will your child be like?


    Did you just say something you shouldnt have in a moment of excitement?! Did you just make a mistake?! Did you just say our child?! Did you just say something you shouldnt have?!! I believe that we have never done anything of the sort! Theres no way!


    Nier giggled and remarked: We still do not know our childs gender, so we cannot name our child yet, your majesty. However, I believe that if it is a boy then he will definitely be a great man like his majesty. If our child is a girl, then she will be as noble and great as you, your majesty.


    Uhm, uhm, youre right, youre right. Thats how itll be. Thats how itll be. Elizabeth rubbed her hands together excitedly. She then looked at Nier and told her: I have already arranged for two active Valkyries to guard you, Ive ordered maids and experts in taking care of maternal mothers from the royal capital toe here as well as the best chef. There will be no problems. Youll be fine for sure. But you must look after yourself. You must bring seven Valkyries and three maids with you no matter where you go. You must take care of yourself!


    I was a little stunned. Thats too much, dont you think?! This makes me feel like there will be a problem


    Uhm! There will definitely be no problems!


    Howe Nier has be so obedient all of a sudden?!


    Mom, do you have time right now?


    I looked at mom as I patted Nier on her head. I then stood up and looked at mom.


    Elizabeth nodded and replied: Yes, I do. I definitely have time. Is something up?


    Uhm, yes there is, mom. Lets step outside and talk.


    All right.