Book 8: Chapter 22
I don’t know what happened in the carriage, but after they got out, Elizabeth didn’t look well. Without saying a word and while ignoring everybody’s gaze, she pulled me straight into her embrace. She gave me a gentle kiss on my forehead then in her hoarse voice asked, “My son… just how many… burdens have you carried… for that so-called bloodline…? How much did you have to put up with?”
“Huh?”
I had no idea what Mommy Elizabeth was talking about. I was honestly baffled. Mommy Elizabeth didn’t explain anything; instead, she winsomely stroked my head, completely ignoring the gazes of the Valkyries behind her and the denizens. I didn’t care, though. Mommy Elizabeth is about my height. Other than having to bend at the knees a little when she pulled me into her bosom, it was quite nice.
“Your Majesty!”
Alice cleared her throat in a muffled voice from behind. Elizabeth let go of me, and then scrubbed my head. She gently cleared her throat then looked at me and said, “Have you met all of the rulers of the vassal states? Son, were there any lords you are particularly interested in? I think that the one you are most interested in will definitely be the most outstanding among them.”
I chuckled.
‘Frankly, I could split the lords I’ve met over the last three days into three categories. The first category is the ones who clearly have a good impression of me. Karana and Nara belong to this category. The second category is those who don’t hate me. They politely try to ingratiate themselves with me. Prince Bagrott is one such example. The last category is those who are clearly hostile towards me. They view Castor as their leader, and of course, that includes their regent and a few lords from the desert, because I killed their people and supported Karnashun.’
Elizabeth and Vyvyan walked next to me. Lucia and Nier went off to the room to prepare first. I answered Mommy Elizabeth as we walked. Elizabeth wore an ambiguous smile as she patiently listened to everything I had to say. I didn’t finish until we arrived at her room and sat down.
“Son, your performance has been quite good to be able to know all of the lords and appropriately handle that matter.” Consoled, Elizabeth stroked my head, and then said, “Son, you need not worry. You can’t get everyone to like you. Dislike isn’t a useless emotion. You just need to think about how to make those who hate you, fear you.”