Book 17: Chapter 24
Nier was surprised and happy to see me return to the outer court. She got up from her chair and, with a smile, inquired, “You’re back, Your Majesty. Do you want to have dinner, albeit it being a little late now?”
“Sure.”
I didn’t make it in time for dinner. After leaving the watchtower in the afternoon, Mom and I didn’t stop. We, instead, went to the headquarters of the military currently stationed around Hilles City to meet the chief officer. Mom filled him in on the possible outcomes and had him prepare well. We then returned to the Royal Palace and met with the finance minister’s family. Mom gave them money as consolation and met the new finance minister. Afterwards, she organised the Valkyries and had her intelligence sources dig up information. She had them find out if any of the countries that were capable of producing and transporting guns into Hilles City.
If the churches wanted to start a war, weapons were necessary. Aforementioned weapons would be the current guns. Hilles City regulated guns. In essence, every exported gun could be traced and could only be sold to those who had resided at Hilles City for over three years and possessed city citizenship identification. The old church might’ve been able to purchase guns, but if they wantonly bought guns, then it would never be a secret. As for the new church, it was impossible for them to purchase guns. Therefore, if the two wanted to start a war, they had purchase guns from other cities and transport them to Hilles City. There weren’t many nations that were capable of producing guns. Thus, we could prevent them from transporting guns to Hilles City if we tightened up our inspections.
Mom didn’t trust the two popes. While the old church expressed they wouldn’t start any trouble, the way Mom reacted as though a strong opponent was approaching proved that she didn’t trust them. Hilles City was the Phoenix’s Nest. Mom put in all the stops to settle the matter and circumvent a riot.
After finishing with everything, I chose to return to the outer court instead of eating with Mom. Mom was disappointed with my decision, but she understood my reasons. I didn’t hate Mom, no. I was just worried she’d take the opportunity to cook for me. I decided to avoid Mommy Elizabeth when it was time to eat in the future.
“I’ll be quick.” Nier came up to me to give me a kiss on my cheek then quickly headed to the kitchen.
I sat down in the chair and let out a sigh of fatigue. At the same time, Daisy, who was in her crib, scanned me. She looked as though she wanted to ask me what happened during the day. When I looked at her perfectly twinkling eyes, I couldn’t help recalling the corpse that died from drowning without his eyes shut. As a result, I shuddered. It happened on the night of Daisy’s baptism. Whatever the culprit was thinking, if he wanted to hurt Daisy… I was glad that Daisy was safe.
I picked Daisy up. Somewhat unhappy, she looked away. However, her body was honest. She leaned in toward my chest. I gently stroked her tiny hand and kissed it: “I’m so glad you’re okay, Daisy. Dad will definitely protect you. Dad definitely will.”