I was a little sad when I entered the outer court, to be frank. Usually, I’d instantly be met with a smile and the greeting, “Welcome home.” In saying that, I did hear it in the Imperial Palace in the North nowadays, so it wasn’t that big of a deal to me.
I went up the steps. I didn’t say much to Castell. He was aware that I was in a rush, so he didn’t keep me. He merely told me that Mommy Elizabeth was currently attending a usual daytime conference and, thus, had to wait for her to finish.
I think I came back too soon. Normally, it’d take me another two days before I’d arrive. I was in a rush, however. Therefore, nobody knew about my return. The Valkyries who came to welcome me were probably only under orders to do so, which was why they came straight to welcome me. They didn’t appear as though they expected me to be back so soon.
“What’s Nier up to at the moment?” I wondered.
I pushed open the door. Nier wasn’t there to greet me. I scanned the interior to see her lying on the bed with Daisy in her arms. The two were sound asleep despite the golden orb already coming out. I heard footsteps from my side. Two maids came over when they heard the door open. They froze when they first saw me then asked, “Your Majesty?”
The two maids must’ve been new for they didn’t recognise me. I gave them a nod: “Don’t worry and don’t wake them. Just leave.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The maids nodded and bowed respectfully before leaving.
I entered and shut the door. I removed my cloak and tossed it aside. I unbuttoned my shirt and undid my belt. I carefully went over to lie down next to Nier and gently hugged her. She was usually very vigilant and would wake up. A mere rustle from a breeze could wake her right up at night, yet she didn’t wake up. Perhaps she wasn’t vigilant of me.
I poked Daisy’s sleeping face with my finger. She grouchily smacked my finger away with her puny hand then snuggled up in her Mom’s arms. I laughed and then peacefully closed my eyes. I really needed a respite after the long journey that I rushed through.
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Current time in the conference hall.
Elizabeth rested her face in her hand. She sat on her throne feeling bored as she watched the crowd on the other side of the black veil debate amongst each other. The topics they were debating got more and more boring. Needless to say, she had no final say no matter how they debated it.
“I really don’t understand why they’re so enthusiastic,” thought Elizabeth.
Elizabeth wasn’t a lazy monarch. To the contrary, she was a diligent monarch. She just didn’t want to spend her time and energy on farming field dimensions or agricultural reforms. There was something else she was currently more concerned about and that was her son’s arrival.
“My son should still be rushing back, I think. I must let him try the new dishes I learnt when he comes back. I can’t accept that elf being the only one who knows how to cook,” Elizabeth said to herself.
“Castell!”
Despite Elizabeth shouting out, the black veil didn’t open. While it was true that Castell didn’t always have to stay there, he always did stand there. That day, though, he wasn’t there. Perhaps the Valkyries informed Castell that Her Majesty called for him. Somewhat unhappy, Elizabeth tilted her body. There was no real point in having him there, but it did allow her to have drinks and food on hand.
Castell swept open the black veil and smiled: “Sorry, Your Majesty, I just went out. Before you say anything, I need to share a good piece of news with you. His Majesty has arrived.”
“What?” Elizabeth froze. She sat up half way and asked, “Where is he? What did you say? My Son? Where’s my son now?”
“He is currently at the outer court. He is currently with Royal Princess and Archduchess.”
“I see…”
Elizabeth stood straight up and swept aside the black veil in front of her. Everybody stopped and looked at her, confused. It wasn’t time to finish the meeting yet. Plus, they had only gotten to the third topic on the agenda. It was still too early to end the conference.
“Castell will handle it all. Do as you wish. I now have something else to attend to. This conference ends here.”
“So, may I ask what it is that is so important?”
“My son is back.”
Elizabeth ignored everybody behind her and took off, leaving behind Castell, who wore a helpless smile. Castell resumed his duty, which was cleaning up the aftermath of Her Majesty’s wilful departure. He looked at the frantic crowd and softly chuckled: “So, then, please summarise your thoughts and topics of discussion with me. I will report back to Her Majesty afterwards. Of course, though Her Majesty said that she was leaving it to you, do you have the courage and resolution to do so? I understand what you are thinking.”
“Yes.”
The crowd nodded and then gradually left the hall.
Castell sighed, thinking, “Empress Elizabeth must have arrived at the outer court by now.”
Indeed, Elizabeth was already inside the outer court. She pushed the guards and maids by the door aside and bolted to the outer court. She also pulled off the annoying black veil on her face and threw it aside. She pushed the door open and exclaimed, “Son, have you come back?! Son, ah…”
Elizabeth blankly looked at the scene before her, awkward. Nier rubbed her eyes and propped herself up to look at Elizabeth in a confused manner. Upon noticing Elizabeth, she went to get up. Just as she went to stand up, however, she found herself restrained, causing her to fall back with a loud thud.
I scrambled to my feet and looked around. I fumbled as I asked, “What’s wrong, what’s wrong? What happened?”
Daisy began to cry. She was probably displeased Elizabeth disturbed her sleep. Nier picked Daisy up in a flustered manner and placated her. Elizabeth stroked her long hair and then helplessly smiled: “Sorry, it appears I disturbed you. It’s already noon, though, so, mm, good morning, Son, Nier, oh, and Daisy!”
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