Book 8: Chapter 15
Castell looked at Elizabeth and requested, “Your Majesty, we should prepare to return to the Royal Capital, as well now. Please begin packing your stuff.”
Elizabeth held up her cup of tea and looked to the south with longing. She let out a long sigh then chuckled and remarked, “How nostalgic. I haven’t been back in so long. Coming here has been the same as having a long vacation. Now that I need to return all of a sudden, I am somewhat reluctant.”
Castell looked at her with a serious look. He responded, “Your Majesty, national affairs are important.”
“I know, I know. But isn’t my vacation coming soon? Uhm, once I return this time and let everyone see my most beloved son, I just need to work for a few more years before I can take care of my son in peace. Seeing Nier truly gives me an odd feeling of intimacy.”
Castell smiled helplessly to himself, since he knew that Alice, who took a big hit a few days ago, might not have calmed down yet, because of this attitude of Her Majesty. This time, Her Majesty wasn’t going to hunt to relax and to entertain herself before focusing on work for another year. She was planning of going to playfully hunt, and then abdicate the throne to look after her son. But perhaps that is why Her Majesty has been really relaxed and happy recently.
It had been a long time since he saw Her Majesty’s relaxed and cheerful smile. Actually, he had not seen it after he turned sixteen. Perhaps Her Majesty didn’t realise how beautiful her smile was.
“However Castell, there’s still one thing I need to clear up.” Elizabeth looked at Castell. She placed her cup of tea down and asked in a serious tone, “How did you deal with the matter last time?”
“I am already investigating it. The merchant really did not recognise His Majesty. His Majesty did not have anything on him to show his identity at the time. He did not have an emblem or a flag. That is why he did not recognise him. I have scolded him for that…”
“That’s not what it’s about.”