Book 17: Chapter 13
“Your Majesties!”
Seeing an entire row of soldiers kneel before you and salute you in unison would make you feel very proud regardless. Mom walked with her face veil on. The wind buffeted her white cape. The Empress’ imposing aura perfectly fitted the scene. It was just that the backdrop should’ve been an alight battlefield instead of a church.
We were at the church at Hilles City. I smashed the place before, but it had been repaired and its former glory restored. I take that back, it was never glorious. The underground reeked of dirty money and filthy desires. Standing at the door was enough to make me want to barf. With that said, perhaps it didn’t annoy me and disgust me so much as I once smashed it.
Mom led me and Nier into the church. Everybody was down on their knees and had their heads lowered. Behind me were the Kings, Princes and whatnot of various nations. They didn’t dare to enter without Mom’s permission. We went up the steps. The pope was already kneeling at the entrance. He respectfully greeted us: “Your Majesties, I have finished the preparations. We can begin the baptism.”
“All right.” Elizabeth nodded.
The pope stood up in a flustered fashion. His robe for the baptism was different to his usual one. Maybe that one was reserved for big events. He just looked slightly comical due to the fit on his lanky physique.
The church was meant to be a department that wasn’t under the royal family’s management. But nonetheless, they behaved humbly, especially the pope. That implied the church belonged to the royal family. Initially, their right to preach and the royal family’s right were two separate entities, but Mom had gained control over both. They basically took the initiative to give their crown to the Royal Palace. Mom threw the figurative crown into her warehouse and never bothered with it.
Nier held Daisy. The blanket that Daisy was wrapped in was made from the best material. It was soft and warm. She may have been an infant, but I felt she bore a striking resemblance to Nier after she was dolled up. They most certainly were mother and daughter.
Upon hearing Mom say, “All right,” the pope nodded. He carefully took Daisy from Nier. I noticed a trace of darkness in Nier’s gaze; it must’ve been due to her reluctance to hand Daisy over. It was necessary, though.