Book 8: Chapter 21
“Your Majesty!!’
‘When the silhouette of the Empress’s escort appeared on the horizon, the soldiers on the city walls shouted out. The Valkyries and I stood outside the city waiting for mom’s escort. Those in the front leading the escort were also Valkyries on white horses. Whenever I see them, I remember Nier welcoming me home in her white uniform.’
‘But Nier hasn’t worn that uniform in a long time. Nier, who has gotten used to dresses and skirts, hasn’t touched her Valkyrie uniform in a long time, I don’t think. In my opinion, the Valkyrie uniforms gives off its own vibe… Lucia and I did once do… while she was in her shadow squad uniform… We were happier…’
The escort slowly arrived before us. Two Valkyries gave each other a nod. I dismounted and went up to the carriage to pull the door open. Before I could speak, two silhouettes leapt at me. My first reaction was fright. I thought there were assassins were hiding in there to kill me.
However, I then smelt the familiar scents in my arms. I took two steps back to steady myself, since catching them both almost threw my back out. I smiled as I stroked the heads of the two who leapt at me. With surprise and joy, I exclaimed, “Nier?! Lucia?! How come you two are here too?!”
“Mm… I wanted to be with you, Your Majesty… Though I said all that, I still want to be by your side…”
“Your Highness, we’ve been apart for so long and my body is stabilising, too. I also wanted to see you. I really, really wanted to see you.”
Lucia and Nier did everything they could to knock the other way in order to monopolise my embrace, so they kept wriggling around in my arms. Their gazes for each other sure didn’t show a hint of joy from having not met in a long time. Their gazes were filled with rage and hostility for each other. They wished for nothing more than to slash the other to death, and then curl up in my arms in peace.
“Okay, okay, you two. We haven’t entered the city yet. It’s a little too early for you to be clinging to him.”