Book 17.5: Chapter 4
Troy poked his small head out from the blanket and fearfully looked at Nier. He quietly said, “Sister Nier, who were the two strangers who we met today…? She resembles you so much. I’m scared. She even said she was the real one… But Sister Nier is right in front of me… You’ve always been by my side… I… I’m afraid you’ll leave me…”
“Do not be scared, Your Majesty. Come what may, I will always protect you. Even if she really is the real Nier as she claims, I will still always be by your side to protect you. I will never leave you.” Nier gently stroked Troy’s head. She knelt next to the bed with a smile. She gave him a peck on his forehead: “Do not be scared, Your Majesty. I will always be by your side. I will protect you no matter what happens.”
“Mm!” Troy jubilantly wrapped hugged Nier around her and carefully kissed her on her cheek.
Nier shuddered. She quickly got to her feet and bowed: “Sleep now, Your Majesty. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Sister Nier.”
Nier nodded then covered up the fireplace with the board. She turned around to look at the red mattress. Troy was still looking at her. Despite there being only a faint light inside the room, the child’s naïve and innocent eyes still shined as bright as the brightest star in the night sky. Nier gave the boy a smile. She made a hush hand gesture then went to the door. Just as she pressed her hand on the handle, someone pushed it open from the outside.
“Your Majesty!” exclaimed Nier, then immediately covering her mouth.
Elizabeth gave Nier a gentle smile and shook her head. She quietly asked, “Has Troy fallen asleep yet?”
“He has just gone into bed.”