Book 17: Chapter 11


    I could live more freely in humanitysnds. While I lived as the Prince in the elvennds, their society was rtively ordinary. As a consequence, I couldnt see the special rights of being a Prince  under the definition that special rights included more than being respected.


    There werent any special privileges in the elvennds since wealth and authority werent goals for them. In humanitysnds, on the other hand, my status as a Prince granted me the right to do plenty of things. Further, there were lots of instances where my status as a Prince could be used. For example, I could use it when attending all sorts of balls or banquets and so forth. While I had a strong dislike for them in my early days, after I learnt the quintessence of balls, I was able to find some ways to entertain myself at them.


    I gradually developed a sense of joy when peopleplimented me. I was aware that their praise wasnt sincere, but Im not convinced theres nobody who doesnt want to hear nicements about them. Mommy Elizabeth also developed a fondness for taking me around everywhere since I came back. She was especially proactive in introducing me as her son. She bragged about me at every opportunity.


    As I rarely attended events with Mommy Elizabeth, shed take me around everywhere with her when I came to Hilles City for the sole purpose of showing me off. I could ept that, and I always went along with her. She also brought up Daisys baptism no matter if it was a ball or some other event. Daisys baptism, therefore, became the hottest topic. Mom allowed those who werent invited toe and view the baptism, but there was a limit to how many people the church could amodate. As a result, the entry price reached a preposterous price. Still, there was a line at the ticket stall at the entrance of the Royal Pce from early morning.


    In my opinion, it wasnt good for people to stand around spectating Daisy as if she was an animal. I didnt think Mom meant any ill-will, and it was for Daisys sake, as there should be family spectating another family members baptism. If Daisy was to be baptised in a tense manner with just us and the watchful Valkyries, then it wouldnt be considered a baptism. Itd just be excessively tense.


    The purpose of Daisys baptism was to raise awareness of her existence. Letting her be known through the baptism was letting people know that her position as the sessor to the throne was set in stone. Moreover, those who could afford the ticket prices to enter the church had their own ie and high status. They wouldnt dare to harm Daisy in that setting.


    Daisys baptism was tomorrow. All of the Valkyries in the Royal Pce headed over to the church, while the military upied the interior of the city. All members of satellite states were under surveince. Anything that appeared within a radius of ten metres was shot down even if it was a bird. Safety in the church had to be guaranteed. The formation and scale of things wasparable to Elizabeth going out on a tour.


    Nier was a little on edge since night time. Not only did she bring out her Valkyrie uniform again but also sharpened her long sword. Her gaze turned familiar, yet distant. I knew that Nier. That was the Nier before a battle. That was the time when shed sharpen her sword by the side of my bed as I slept.


    A maid carrying Daisy, who kept on crying and making a scene, pushed the door open with a smile: Royal Princess Archduchess Daisy has kept on crying. Perhaps she wants to see you


    Perhaps Daisy was crying and fussing all night due to nervousness for tomorrows baptism. I didnt think such a young child would know what will happen, though, would she? I reached out to grab hold of her. This time, she chose to kindly let me hold her. That said, she still reached out to her Mom.


    Nier looked at Daisy with a helpless smile and, in a soft voice, exined, Sorry Daisy. Mommy really wants to hold you, but Mommy is holding a weapon. Youd best note near Mommy at the moment, because youll get hurt.


    Nier was right. Nier wasnt just armed with a sword when she was in her Valkyrie mode. She was practically the sword herself. It had been a long time since I saw that gaze of hers. I was certain she mustve wanted to personally protect her daughter. That exined why she reverted to her Valkyrie mode. Daisy didnt listen to her mothers exnation, nheless. She desperately reached out to her Mom. Hopeless, I carried her over to the bed and ced her down. I then went up to Nier and gently pressed my hand down on her sword. I softly said, Go and hold Daisy. Ill take your sword for now.


    But


    Iughed under my breath: I know that, as a mother, you cant trust anyone else to protect your daughter; however, shes your daughter. If you cant even hold her when shes in front of you, whats the point of protecting her? Mommy Elizabeth once left me in the elvennds as a way of protecting me. Do you think that shes happy with that decision now? Do you think Mommy Elizabeth feels that she protected me?


    Various emotions flitted across Niers face. I sat down by her side and grabbed hold of her hand. I took her sword from her. Voice soft, I said, Right now, the difference between you and Mommy Elizabeth is that Im by your side. Nier, Im right here next to you. Im your husband and Daisys father. Therefore, protecting Daisy isnt your concern alone. I, too, will protect her, so go and hold her first.


    Nier stopped to think before nodding:  Okay.


    Nier reached out to pick up Daisy. Daisys cries gradually softened. She grabbed her Moms breast. Nier dallied for a moment before removing her uniform with a softugh. Daisy gently pressed her hand onto her Moms breast and began to tenderly suckle.


    Daisy, my daughter, Mommy will definitely protect you. Mommy will protect you no matter what. Thats a promise. Mommy will stay by your side, so Mommy will definitely keep you safe from harm.


    Niers eyes beamed with affection. I never wouldve believed that shed have such an affectionate gaze in her half a year ago. I gently pulled the two of them into my embrace. I whispered, Dad will protect you, too. Dad will always be by your side to protect you. Nier, Ill always be by your side, as well. Theres no need for you to worry.


    Uhm, Your Majesty, I trust you. Our daughters baptism is tomorrow. If Im being honest, Im feeling incredibly nervous at the moment Im genuinely, very worried that something will happen


    Its all right. Come what may, Ill always protect you and Daisy. I couldnt do so in the past, but I absolutely can now.