Book 15: Chapter 78
“Good morning, Consort Nier, Consort Lucia,” greeted Freya, with a smile as she watch the two enter the dining hall one after the other.
Lucia was surprised to see Freya. Usually, she had to take care of her girls, while Freya was tied up with work, so Freya usually left by the time she and Nier arrived at the dining hall, yet she saw Freya today. That was a rare occurrence.
Nier, who had no interest in anything, gave a nonchalant greeting: “Good morning, Freya.”
Nier then sat down in her chair to wait for breakfast. In the past, when Elizabeth was still present, Nier didn’t need to worry about Daisy. While Daisy wasn’t her child, Elizabeth was very attentive of her. The regret of not being able to raise her son was a regret that plagued Elizabeth for eternity, which was why she gave Daisy lots of attention to make up for her regret. Elizabeth didn’t have any experience raising a child, but she diligently learned. Therefore, Nier’s duty as a mother was rather relaxing. Elizabeth wasn’t there any longer, though. Nier saw Lucia take care of Daisy without maids. Owing to her honour as a Valkyrie and her disdain for Lucia, she chose to not rely on a maid, either. However, she quickly learnt what exhaustion meant after trying to take care of Daisy without a maid. She always swung a sword. She’d never taken care of children. Being fond of children didn’t imply that one is skilled at taking care of children.
The reason Nier wasn’t in a good mood wasn’t due to fatigue. While taking care of Daisy was no simple matter, Daisy was her most beloved child, so she wasn’t annoyed. What hurt her most was waking up in a bleary state in the middle of the night. She’d wake up and subconsciously try to reach her husband, who was supposed to be next to her, but she’d catch thin air. The loneliness and worry would instantly totally wake her. It was warm with the fire and blanket, but the empty spot next to her made her heart ache and induced an urge to cry. Her husband was still alive, yet he wasn’t by her side.
Nier wasn’t the type who could stand waiting, but the reluctance to part in her husband’s gaze from that time appeared in her dreams every night. That was what hurt Nier most. In the past, she was by his side every day and night. She’d go out with him and run around all over the place in Hilles City. Nevertheless, despite considering those days to be very blissful upon recalling them, she didn’t love him at the time.
Since Freya was present, Nier pondered, “Perhaps she was waiting for me. In other words, maybe she has received word from my husband, or has he come back?”
“Good morning, Freya. Aren’t you working today?”
Lucia was slightly surprised, but also anticipating news. Freya was obviously different to her usual self. Normally, Freya’s lifestyle would never change, yet she was so strange today, so something must’ve happened. As to what happened in the Imperial Palace, the answer should come straight to mind.