Book 8: Chapter 22


    I dont know what happened in the carriage, but after they got out, Elizabeth didnt look well. Without saying a word and while ignoring everybodys gaze, she pulled me straight into her embrace. She gave me a gentle kiss on my forehead then in her hoarse voice asked, My son just how many burdens have you carried for that so-called bloodline? How much did you have to put up with?


    Huh?


    I had no idea what Mommy Elizabeth was talking about. I was honestly baffled. Mommy Elizabeth didnt exin anything; instead, she winsomely stroked my head,pletely ignoring the gazes of the Valkyries behind her and the denizens. I didnt care, though. Mommy Elizabeth is about my height. Other than having to bend at the knees a little when she pulled me into her bosom, it was quite nice.


    Your Majesty!


    Alice cleared her throat in a muffled voice from behind. Elizabeth let go of me, and then scrubbed my head. She gently cleared her throat then looked at me and said, Have you met all of the rulers of the vassal states? Son, were there any lords you are particrly interested in? I think that the one you are most interested in will definitely be the most outstanding among them.


    I chuckled.


    <em>Frankly, I could split the lords Ive met over thest three days into three categories. The first category is the ones who clearly have a good impression of me. Karana and Nara belong to this category. The second category is those who dont hate me. They politely try to ingratiate themselves with me. Prince Bagrott is one such example. Thest category is those who are clearly hostile towards me. They view Castor as their leader, and of course, that includes their regent and a few lords from the desert, because I killed their people and supported Karnashun.</em>


    Elizabeth and Vyvyan walked next to me. Lucia and Nier went off to the room to prepare first. I answered Mommy Elizabeth as we walked. Elizabeth wore an ambiguous smile as she patiently listened to everything I had to say. I didnt finish until we arrived at her room and sat down.


    Son, your performance has been quite good to be able to know all of the lords and appropriately handle that matter. Consoled, Elizabeth stroked my head, and then said, Son, you need not worry. You cant get everyone to like you. Dislike isnt a useless emotion. You just need to think about how to make those who hate you, fear you.


    Vyvyan suddenly hugged me from behind. I felt something heavy pressed down on my head. Vyvyan wrapped her arm around to my chest and said, You humans matters sure areplicated. If we were in the elvennds, Id just need to crown my son. Theres no dislike or not dislike with us.


    Bloodlines are everything for you elves, after all. Humans birth origins dont cause them to be affixed to a certain status, though. Humans can get everything they want through their own efforts, and therefore naturally need power to maintain everything of theirs, too. What you have is oppression, while we have power bnces.


    Vyvyan pouted and responded, I feel so sorry for my son right now. He hasnt even gotten any good rest this whole entire time. Look at how thin he has be. Elizabeth, my son didnte here to suffer senselessly. I really want to duel you right now. I want to separate your neck into as many pieces as my son has lost in weight.


    A heavy and intense murderous intent came from behind me. Vyvyan was serious


    Elizabeth stroked my face while feeling apologetic, too. She sighed, I dont want my son to suffer, either; nevertheless, he must undergo this experience to train himself. Son, dont me Mommy. Mommy doesnt want to be so heartless, either, but but you truly do need to walk this part of your journey.


    Speaking of which, arent you doing this just so that you can abdicate the throne and live your own life? Is that what a mother should be doing?! Isnt this the most selfish idea youve had? You use me of being unlike a mother while I do everything for my childs happiness! I do everything for the sake of letting him be with Lucia and for the sake of allowing him to live happily forever. I do everything for my son! You do everything for yourself! You dont love Troy! You just want to give your lonely self a family!


    Vyvyan randomly got angry.


    <em>Actually, Im certain they had an intense argument already and this is just the continuation of it. The two of them arguing is normal. I wouldnt be surprised if they met with their armies at this point. Except, I have no idea what theyre arguing about this time.</em>


    Im different to you!!


    Elizabeth jumped up and roared back. She yanked me out of Vyvyans arms and pulled me tightly into her bosom, thereby nearly asphyxiating me. She looked at Vyvyan and retorted, You can apany my son until the end, but I cant. I only have a few decades of life. This is the only time I can spend with my son. I didnt fulfil the duties as his mother when he was young, so I want to make up for my own mistake. I want to keep my sonpany at his side. Is that strange of me to desire so?! Is it selfish?! I just want to take care of my son! I just want that sort of life!


    Vyvyan looked back at Elizabeth. She took in a deep breath, clenched her teeth and thundered, My son has been put in danger here with you over and over! Over and over! You said youd protect him well every time, but hees back covered in wounds every single time! Arent you the Empress?! Arent you the leader of this empire? If you cant even guarantee my sons safety, by what means are you going to protect him?! Youre a failure of a mother! How are you going to look after him?! My son has been hurt here time and time again! And I bet hell get hurt again this time!


    He wont!


    Elizabeth locked me in her tightly embrace as if she was hanging onto herst straws. She choked on her words as she said, I wont let me son be in danger. Im by his side this time. I will make sure that I am a qualified mother. I will protect my son. I will protect my son even if it costs me my life I want to live with my son way too much I I dont have memories of my son Im truly afraid that I wont even have a memory worth recalling when I get old I I


    Elizabeth started to tear up. I gently hugged Elizabeth, who was crying, and gently stroked her back. I then looked at Mom and sincerely said, Mom, dont worry. I chose all of this myself. Even if there is danger and even if its tiring, I can make it through it, because I dont want to just be a kid at your sides. I want to be a great person as you two, as well!


    Vyvyan looked at me with a nk look. She wore a veryplex expression as though she wasining but at the same time praising, as well as a nostalgic feeling from her soul. It was akin to the spectre of reason. She silently looked at me. A moment afterwards, she looked up at me and gently stroked my head. She said, Mommy wont stop you, son. Youre Mommys best son, and the best man in Mommys heart, but if you feel that humanity doesnt suit you,e back to the elven side You can be an even greater Elven King there