Book 13: Chapter 22


    When did you board the ship?


    Please dont get the wrong idea. If I knew my sons position, I would never board your ship. Additionally, I thought that your ship was too simple. Your body became a mana vessel a long time ago. Its way too simple for me to follow you. While Im at it, its pretty convenient to use you as a transportation point.


    Vyvyan coldly nced at Elizabeth. Elizabeth stood on the deck, dressed in her usual battle attire with her hand on her sword by her waist. She indifferently looked at the vast sea in front of her. All of the ships headed east, specifically where her son disappeared, at top speed. Elizabeth said to Vyvyan, I swear Im going to blow up all of the mountains in the east. Im going to build a dock in the east!


    Elizabeth looked behind at her crew and thundered, Are you sailing at top speed?! Head there at top speed! My sons situation is unknown right now. The faster the better! The faster the better! If you can reach there a day earlier, Ill give you all a gold block!


    Your Majesty, we have never been in this region of the ocean. We, therefore, may run into danger if we go full speed!


    Just go full speed, Vyvyan interjected, standing on the deck with her eyes shut and arms open. Ill be your eyes and help you see all of the reef and hazards. The direction of the wind has changed, as well. Just sail full speed.


    The sailor looked dumbfounded. Elizabeth aggressively stabbed her sword into the deck and brayed, What are you all looking at?! Hurry up and do as she says night and day!


    Yes, Your Majesty!


    Though they didnt believe Vyvyan, nobody dared to defy Elizabethsmand. Standing on the deck, Vyvyans clothes wildly danced energetically in the wind. Elizabeth walked up to her side and gazed at the vast sea before her. In a soft voice, Elizabeth queried, Was it wise to leave Nona and Vera behind?


    Ive sent them to Duargana and entrusted them to Lucias father. Itll be fine at Duargana, answered Vyvyan. Im most worried about my son at the moment. I borrowed Lucias body to sense him. I sensed him nearby. Hes the one with the strongest mana in the area. Theres no mana in the area whatsoever, so Im certain.


    Thats good news. Well be able to find him once we arrive.


    No, theres another source of power with him, but I cant identify what it is. It seems as if my sons mana is attracting that power toward him. My instincts tell me its very dangerous. Moreover, this source of power is right at his side. Being the kind boy that he is, he definitely wont suspect those around him. Vyvyan clenched her teeth before carrying on: I want to go and protect my son. Elizabeth, did you know Ive never had a single second in my life where Ive felt I cant defeat somebody? That power is incredibly menacing. If Im a demi-god, then that power would be my other half.


    Vyvyan solemnly exined, I might need you this time, Elizabeth. He might be formidable, but he might not be able to defeat you in close-quartersbat. Our only option is to join hands if were to rescue my son.


    Elizabeth frigidly responded, Say no more. Its a given that Ill protect my child. My confidence will never waver when ites to protecting him. If somebody dares to hurt my son, Ill kill them even if it costs me my life.


    Vyvyan opened her eyes: Hehe.


    Elizabeth: What are youughing for?


    I just recalled how we saved Inard back then. You wore the same expression youre wearing now. The exact same. You wore a cold expression, but I was more anxious than you. I know youre not lying. Youll definitely kill them even if it costs you your life if you see them, right?


    Vyvyan didnt give Elizabeth a chance to reply. She borated, I feel Troy is bing more and more simr to Onii-sama except that hes not as confident. Nheless, hes not any less courageous. Honestly speaking, thats the type we like, huh?


    You


    Vyvyan responded without qualms: Ah, no, Im possessive. My son has always been by my side. I dont want to hand him over to anyone. Hes my treasure and my child. I dont ever want to leave him; I want to be by his side. From your perspectives, the rtionship between my son and I may be very strange. From my perspective, the strange one is you, no?


    Elizabeth didnt respond. She looked back at vast sea. Only after a short moment did she reply in a soft voice: Very simr. Truly very simr. From the side of his face, his eyes and especially the affectionate gaze he looks at Nier with. That makes my heart ache. That gaze was meant to be mine.


    So, what do you n to do? My son and we belong to different eras. What would you be considered if you stood next to Nier and the rest? Dont treat Troy as Inard just because they resemble each other.


    Vyvyan closed her eyes. Elizabeth fingers shifted back and forth on her sword. Vyvyan could imagine how angry and reluctant Elizabeths expression looked without opening her eyes. Elizabeth couldnt help it, though. Vyvyan was right. Elizabeth was aware she was the abnormal onepared to Vyvyan, but Elizabeth also knew it could never work out for her.


    How manyyers of masks have I worn? The Empress of the empire, the God of War, Inards wife, Troys mother What is it that I truly want, underneath all thoseyers? What identity do I want? The truth is that I always knew what I want and when, but I will never have what I desire. I wanted freedom when I was young. Then, I wanted Inard. Now, I want Troy.But I cant have them, Elizabeth told herself.


    Elizabeth sighed softly. She then turned and said, Ill leave this ce to you for now, Vyvyan. Im going to go and rest for a bit.


    Vyvyan remarked, You want to find somece with nobody around to cry as Freya did? Youre not a small petite girl like her.


    Without turning to face Vyvyan, Elizabeth coldly responded, One more word from you, and Ill sever your limbs.


    Elizabeth tightly gripped her sword handle and walked off to the cabin, fast as if she was running away. Was she running away from her fate or was she simply racing her tears, afraid theyd fall to the ground before she did?


    ========


    <strong>*Gasp!*</strong>


    I vigorously sat up and panted for air. I stared at my palm as I panted for air. Tears fell pit pat onto my hand. I dreamt of Mommy Elizabeth. I dreamt of her back disappearing further and further away. I dreamt of her beautiful smile. I wanted to call out to her and embrace her, but I couldnt even catch the corner of her cape. I wanted to shout and run, but I couldnt budge.


    Did you have a nightmare?


    I heard a voice from my side. I turned to see Yings face.


    Nothing


    I heard you tragically crying out a name, so I came to check on you. Im d youre all right, said Ying. She stood up then asked, Is your wife named Elizabeth?


    No. Thats my mom.


    Oh.


    Ying lowered her head in silence. I suddenly realised she didnt have parents. But just as I wanted to apologise, she turned softly asked, You miss home?


    Ah


    If you do, rest up well so that you can return sooner.


    Ying left without waiting for my response. I nkly watched her leave. Inside my mind, however, all I saw was Mommy Elizabeths suave, yet lonely, back