Book 9: Chapter 3


    Lucia looked at me feeling slightly puzzled, Your Highness, do you have time today?


    I nodded, Lucia,e for a walk with me, just the two of us. Nier has to go for a check-up today. We havent gone out together in a long time, have we?


    Lucia paused for a moment then revealed a happy smile. She wrapped her arm around mine and replied, Okay, okay, lets go. Your Highness, lets go out for a walk! I havent taken a good look around Troy City, yet. Lets go, lets go, Your Highness! Ah Sorry I might have to call you King soon


    I pinched her face. Lucia giggled quietly then hugged my arm. We left together.


    Lucia and I have been apart for a long time.


    <em>How long has it been since weve gone out to y? </em>


    <em>I remember going out every day on carefree strolls with Lucia when I just arrived here. Id meet Mera, too. Thinking back on it, it feels as though those days of leisure never existed.</em>


    The streets of Troy City are very simr to the Imperial Capital. Perhaps Vyvyan used her Imperial Capital as a reference when she created them. This business street made us feel as though we had returned to the elven Imperial Capital, Durgana. Lucia scanned the surrounding stores with lots of curiosity; she breathed in the sweet air as the two of us slowly walked through the street. We didnt have any goal. We leave our next destination to where our feet bring us, just as we did in the past.


    Your Highness


    Lucia hugged my arm and softly continued, I miss Durgana a little now


    I turned my head to see Lucia with her face down. I touched her long ears and softly responded, Me, too. I want to go back and see it, too. I havent been back in a long time. I miss the elvennds. Lucia, I have to make a trip back there very soon. Come with me when I return.


    Will we stille back out?


    Your Highness I I really dont want to continue this wayThe incidentst time, honestly, scared me. I never imagined that there would be someone who would attack you in the Royal Pce Your Highness lets go home, okay? I really dont. want for you to continue staying outside


    I looked at Lucias gaze without saying anything.


    Lucia is the one whos most supportive of me. Lucia knows me morepared to Nier and supports me more. Lucia never even asks for my reasons regardless of what I do. Sometimes, she doesnt even need to ask me to know what I want to do. Lucia grew up with me, so we have chemistry. She unconditionally supports me and has never stopped me.


    This time, however, she was genuinely scared.


    <em>Perhaps seeing Lunas corpse frightened her. Perhaps seeing the state I was in that night frightened her.</em>


    <em>Whatever the case, this was the first time Lucia begged me to not leave the elvennds.</em>


    Truthfully, I could do that. I could go along with Mommy Vyvyans n and sessfully be the Elven King. If I was willing to, I could handle the politic affairs myself. If I wanted to ck off, I could dump it all on Mom. None of the elves intend to revolt. Due to my lineage and mana, they didnt oppose me seeding the throne. I could lead a peaceful life with Lucia in Durgana, sneaking out and strolling on the streets without a worry every day. Such a life wouldnt carry any dangers with it. Thered be no ambitions, either. As long as I stayed with my wives and mom peacefully, my life would be safe and sound.


    The elven side is forever my haven. No matter how bloody and turbulent the outside world is, it couldnt pierce the barrier known as the forest. It couldnt break through Vyvyans protection for me. Mommy Vyvyan has protected me for over ten years, leading to me being under the impression that the world outside was all flowers and roses until now.


    When I return to the elven side, its harmonious as always.


    <em>But why do I refuse to return? Why? </em>


    <em>My heart desires to continue travelling outside, continuing on forever despite the rivers of blood and myself being covered in wounds. Ive already given up so much. If I leave now, Luna and Mera will be very disappointed, wont they?</em>


    I clenched my teeth. I didnt dare to look at Lucia. I, instead, looked ahead toward the end of the blue-stone street and softly replied, Lucia, I might not return.


    Lucia didnt say another word. She, instead, tightly hugged my arm. I didnt dare to look at her, while she didnt say another word. She just stuck to my arm. We stood in the middle of the street. We didnt eat anything or buy anything this time. Instead, we were silent right from the start.


    Its all right, Your Highness


    A moment after, Lucia looked as though she wiped her eyes then looked up at me. I looked back at her and saw her tough-as-steel determination in her gaze. She smiled and continued, Its all right, Your Highness. I will always support you and always protect you I just hope that you can rest for a bit during the few months that I cant protect you. After that, I will stay by your side wherever you go. If you are in danger, I will protect you!


    I looked at Lucias small face. I looked at her eyes full of determination and love for me. I couldnt resist hugging her tightly and giving her a firm kiss on her lips.


    Lucia moaned softly then closed her eyes to respond to my kiss. She tightly hugged me back.


    <em>I think that our child in her belly is getting crushed </em>


    Lucia affectionately kissed me. She even exuded the unique scent she exudes on full-moon nights.


    <em>Is it because shes pregnant? Why does it feel that Lucia is getting a little Nier-fied?</em>


    Lucia released me. She wiped my lips, and then earnestly said, I will protect you I promise!


    I believe you. I believe you, Lucia; however, let me protect you in the future, as well I dont possess anybat specialities, but Ill do my best to provide you and our child with a peaceful environment. Ill make everyone bow down to me. I wont let there be another betrayal, like that!


    Lucia looked at me. She sped my face gently and softly responded, I trust you. I trust my husband Ill look after myself properly In the future, I will definitely protect you I wont let you be in that sort of danger again, and I wont leave you.


    Ah Im d to hear that Im d Lucia I love you very much I really, really love you.


    Lucia hugged me tightly. She lightly rested her head on my chest, stroked my hand gently and tenderly said, Me, too. Me, too, my husband My only loved one


    I stroked her cheek and with a smile, said, Lets go, Lucia. Lets take a carefree stroll around as we did in the Imperial Capital.


    Uhm! Lets go, Your Highness.