Book 8: Chapter 26


    Dear, is it really all right for you to stay behind alone? How about I stay behind, too? With me protecting you, well be more assured.


    Nier rubbed her lips and looked at me with a gaze of concern. I looked at Nier, who just came out from the nket and was lying on my chest.


    <em>I do feel that youre worried about me, but youve got some sticky liquid on the tip of your tongue, you know? How do you expect me to reply to you in this state? I have just entered sage mode, so dont ask me this sort of legitimate question</em>


    <em>I was too careless I never thought Nier could still do this sort of stuff when she was pregnant!</em>


    I gently stroked Niers tummy and softly replied, How can you protect me in this state? Its safest for you to be with Mom. Your safety is more important than mine right now. Ive got Valkyries around me. Are you still worried? Dont forget that you personally trained them.


    But Nier looked at me a little sadly then sighed after a pause. She looked at me a little upset and went on, Truthfully I just wanted to go with you But its safest for you to stay in the city, so so you should stay here, Dear.


    Sorry, Nier.


    I gave her a kiss on her lips then apologetically stroked her head and softly added, I cant keep youpany this time, Nier. Theres nothing I can do about it, though. Once everything is over, Ill keep youpany, I promise.


    Uhm All right.


    Nier nodded, and then leaned on my chest feeling reassured and gradually fell asleep.


    I looked at Niers hunting attire sitting beneath the moonlight.


    <em>I cant help but feel I cant sleep well tonight. I cant shake off the sad look in Moms eyes from this morning. That rhetorical question, I knew I wasnt good withposing poems Didnt I justpletely fail to express my feelings? confuses me, honestly.</em>


    I rolled over, causing Nier to slip off my chest, and then I tightly hugged her. Nier moaned, and then switched to a morefortable posture to continue sleeping while I looked at her face and thought to myself in silence.


    <em>Im confused as to what her expression and words meant. I cant put my finger on it. Maybe I just wasnt willing toprehend it because I didnt want to believe it.</em>


    <em>I believe that all of the rulers of the vassal states will understand what Her Majesty means when she reads it out tonight. Wouldnt that turn our matter into a foregone conclusion? Maybe people were already thinking it in the past, but itll finally be confirmed this time.</em>


    <em>That said, Her Majesty didnt put it bluntly so I dont think theyll say anything explicitly. I believe that it wont be sudden for her to abdicate the throne afterwards, then. The vassal states will have an opportunity to adjust their positions, and Ill be able to begin making my moves to get them to all recognise me.</em>


    <em>Whatever the case, Her Majesty is setting out tomorrow. This is a hunting event Her Majesty really enjoys. Vyvyan will be going with her. Vyvyans attitude towards the various vassal states was amicable, and she disyed herself very gracefully. In no way was she inferior to Elizabeth. If Elizabeth is imposing then Vyvyan is majestic. However, Vyvyan never hesitates to express that shes my mother, regardless of the time and ce.</em>


    <em>For instance, when I was eating some Empress bread and had two drops of honey on my mouth, , Vyvyan appeared before me in an instant before I could wipe my mouth with a napkin, and then pinched my chin and licked the honey off my face before I could utter a word She then told me to mind myself when eating with a smile</em>


    <em>Thats a mother Ah</em>


    <em>Theres only going to be Freya, Luna and Alice in the capital once they leave. Theres not much work left in the Royal Capital, but now that I have time on my hands, I can go and investigate who the one who plotted that incident was. I wont find any evidence if I go straight to the lords of the vassal states. Im, therefore, going to start with the people around them to try and find some clues.</em>


    <em>There was no continuation of it after I dealt with the incident. Perhaps they didnt continue giving me grief, since I handled it appropriately. However, I cant rx. I dont know if they want to do something to me or Her Majesty, so I cant just brush the matter off.</em>


    As I thought about for a while, I randomly fell asleep. When I woke up, Nier was already at the edge of the bed wearing on her hunting attire. Luna stood next to Nier and carefully helped her adjust the ornaments on her clothing, afraid that theyd wake me up.


    Nier noticed me looking at her, so she turned her head around and somewhat fearfully said, Ah, Dear, youre up Sorry, we were too loud, werent we?


    I sat up. I hugged Nier and next to her ear replied, Dont mind it. I should be getting up now anyhow. I need to see you off. Otherwise, I reckon moms will be very upset. Nier, look after yourself. Dont ever force yourself. Youre not Lucia so dontpete with Lucia over everything.


    I know, I know.


    Nier nodded, and then kissed my lips and said, Ill look after myself. Ill be sure to look after myself, because Im carrying our child. Dear, you must look after yourself. Dont let anything happen to you. If something happens, run even if its embarrassing. You must promise me that. I might not be able to make it back to protect you The Valkyries around you might not obey your orders. Ill speak to them before I leave.


    All right. Thats a big help as is, Nier


    I was relieved to hear that.


    <em>Nier is the Valkyries respected sword instructor, after all, so I trust that they will do her a favour But with Alice around, I think theres a limit to what Nier can do. That said, I dont think Alice would do anything to me. Alice is Her Majestys most loyal bodyguard, and Im Her Majestys son. Alice hasnt shown me any hostility thus far; hence, I think well be able to treat each other with respect.</em>


    I got dressed and then went to pick up Lucia, who was still tired. After we had breakfast, we went to the entrance of the Royal Pce. We saw Her Majestys grandiose hunting team. They truly were grandiose. It looked as though Her Majesty was going out on a tour. The guards and hunting dogs surrounded the team. There also seemed to be what resembled birds flying in the air around the team.


    Your Majesty, Your Highness, I am here to see you off.


    Uhm, Son.


    Elizabeth nodded. Her hunting attire disyed her heroic, suave and imposing aura, while Vyvyan was dressed as per usual. It didnt seem as though she was joining in with their hunting activity.


    Vyvyan bent down at her waist to stroke my head. She winked; then with a smile said, Son, remember that if somethinges up, just use the ne to call me back. Son, you must keep the ne safe. Its the only way mom can sense you.


    I know, Mom.


    I nodded and bid my moms goodbye. I watched the grandiose team leave. I followed them all the way to the entrance of the city before stopping. Seeing my two wives and two moms leave surprisingly made me feel lonely.


    Lets head back, Your Majesty.


    A voice came from behind. I turned my head around to see the slightly dangerous Alice riding on her horse. Alice gave me a smile, and then made way. She said, We must get along during this period of time. Your Majesty leave your safety to me.