“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, everything has been prepared. What do you think?”
There was the reflection of a pair of riding boots that didn’t have a speck of dust on them and a resplendent military uniform on the white marble. Elizabeth took satisfied steps in the huge chapel. The young man in a red robe next to her couldn’t keep up with her pace. Hence, he’d jog, then walk and repeat, which looked comical. The sunlight shining down from above made him look comical with the nervous expression he wore on his sweaty face.
“Not bad. I’m very pleased.”
It was rare to see Elizabeth express satisfaction. The church did their absolute best with the preparations. They dedicated all of their wealth and manpower for it. Five bishops in red had arrived inside the largest chapel. All implements, ornaments and so forth were of the highest quality. The program was also appropriate, which was why Elizabeth was pleased with the church’s earnest attitude. Thus, she didn’t plan to hassle them about anything.
As soon as the Valkyries saw their Empress, they immediately saluted her. Elizabeth responded with a nod then checked the holy water inside the huge pure gold and silver cup situated behind her. The holy water formed ripples with the colourful sunlight shining down from above. Perhaps it was thanks to the chapel’s pure aura and quiet atmosphere that even ordinary water strangely had a pure and holy vibe.
Elizabeth dipped her hand into the water and gently stirred it. She smiled: “So, this is where Daisy will be baptised, huh?”
“We assure you that the water is absolutely safe. It will not hurt Miss Daisy. Valkyries will always keep surveillance over it at all times. You must believe in their competence.”
Elizabeth turned to the Valkyries: “The thing is, it doesn’t come from here. Have you noticed the sky? If somebody were to drip a poisonous liquid down from above, what will you do? Can you notice them?”
The Valkyries nodded: “We have a team on the roof. We have the entire chapel under our control; you need not worry. Further, the military is guarding the chapel, so nobody will be able to approach.”
Elizabeth nodded: “That’s reassuring to hear. Having said that, I’m still worried. From experience, there is no such thing as a castle that can’t be captured. Defences are just temporary measures. Therefore, all you can do is pray that my son can come back sooner.”
“His Majesty will arrive at the Royal Palace in three days’ time. Therefore, you just need to hold on until then.”
“Roger, Instructor!”
“I’m no longer your instructor…”
“Oh, we are very sorry… Royal Princess. We will do our best to hold on until then.”
========
Current time at the elven city of Duargana.
I didn’t leave Duargana without baggage. I actually brought additional baggage in the form of a problem if anything. Aforementioned problem was the so-called new church’s holy water.
I had my luggage packed, which included the magical spring water Mommy Vyvyan prepared for Elizabeth. Mommy Elizabeth was different to other humans. Because she lived in the elven forests for a long time and even had a son with elven and human blood, she could reap the benefits of magic. Despite Mommy Elizabeth having a longer lifespan, she’d still age and her beautiful appearance would wither with time. As such, the elven spring water, which contained vitality in it, was Mommy Elizabeth’s beauty formula that allowed her to maintain her youthful appearance.
“Your Highness.”
“You’ve recovered.”
In the morning, the familiar young girl came up to me and saluted me at the dining table. The young girl, who was subjected to torture, had recovered. Additionally, her attitude toward me had changed. I gave her a smile: “As you have recovered, you should return to the North, first. I’ll give you my chest pin. Go and see either Freya or Luna, and they’ll be able to set you up.”
“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”
She gave me a deep bow then turned to leave. Honestly speaking, seeing her so obedient and sensible perturbed me out a little. How did a girl, who was trying to slash me while in my arms not long ago, turn so docile? I really wanted to know what happened during her recovery period. I didn’t end up asking, though. However, I then suddenly realised something, so I called out to her.
“Didn’t you pour mana into the river before? I want to know something. If it’s mana an elf produced, will it be effective on humans?”
Her expression looked stiff. Shaking her head, she answered, “Umm… Sorry, Your Highness, but I do not know, for the reason that no human has ever came into contact with my mana. In saying that, there is one thing that I am certain of, and that is the mana I concocted is different to the mana of normal elves. An elf’s mana is totally compatible with their body. Mana that is produced is just a substitute. Perhaps it does work for humans.”
I nodded: “I see.”
I didn’t say anything else. I let her leave. Somebody would arrange things for her to head to the North. I didn’t intend to bring her to humanity’s lands. There would be a plethora of troubles to follow if an elf went to humanity’s lands. To add to that, I didn’t plan to bring a second elf into the palace.
While I sat there, Lucia came up to the table and looked at us with a smile: “Have you finished packing?”
I nodded: “I’ll be leaving tomorrow. You don’t look to sad, though, Lucia. I thought you’d give me a heart-warming goodbye as you did in the past.”
Lucia smiled: “This isn’t the first time we’re separating any more. Furthermore, you’re going to humanity’s lands this time. It’s not that far. I can go there to see you if I want to. I don’t plan to head straight back. I’ll stay here in the palace for a while. I’ll return to the North when you do. That way, I can Queen Vyvyan company. Plus, I’m sure the girls will be happier.”
I nodded. I was grateful. I never mentioned Mommy Vyvyan to Lucia, yet she managed to somehow recognise what I was thinking. I believed that the girls and Mommy Vyvyan wouldn’t feel lonely with her around.
“While I don’t care about Daisy, she, too, is your daughter and, in a way, my child at the end of the day. How is Daisy doing?”
I laughed: “Thanks. The last envoy gave me a letter from Nier. Not only is Daisy doing very well, but she seems to be fond of having the masses surround and compliment her. My main focus with this trip to humanity’s lands will be to investigate whether or not there’s an issue with elven mana. I’m sure Daisy will be fine.”
“You best stop speaking. Every single time you say that things will be fine, something happens. I really wonder if it’s your jinx phrase…”
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