Book 8: Chapter 1
“Son, come over here and let me see you.”
When Nier and I reached the side of the horse carriage, I saw Mommy Elizabeth’s excited look where she wanted to smile but fought to maintain a stern look. I went up to the side of the carriage and saluted her. I respectfully said, “I am back, Your Majesty.”
Mom reached her hand out to cup my face. She affectionately stroked it as she said, “It’s good that you’re back. It’s good that you’re back. M(ommy)-… I missed you a lot, son. Head back and rest up well now.”
Elizabeth didn’t show me much affection in front of the crowds, just like when I first met her. I nodded and then mounted my horse. Just as I was about to ride off, Nier grabbed onto my reins and mounted my horse to sit in front of me, which was basically the same as sitting in my lap… I never thought Nier would still be so dexterous even when she’s pregnant. She virtually mounted the horse smoothly by leaping up from where she stood.
Because of her sudden manoeuvre, the Valkyries behind all went pale in the face. It seemed that they were the ones responsible for guarding Nier, wait, no, Nier’s child.
I let Nier sit in my lap and wrap her arms around my neck. I gently touched her belly and asked, “Are you all right?”
I’ve only been gone for a month, so Nier’s body hasn’t shown any obvious changes, so I guess it’s not all that strange that she leapt up onto the horse so dexterously. Nier giggled. She then placed her hand on mine and replied, “I’m fine with you by my side. Otherwise, I can’t sleep and keep missing you.”
I smiled helplessly.
‘I really have no idea if it’s her body that misses me or her heart that misses me. Maybe both?’