*You can watch me translate this chapter live here*
A full moon night huh? Upon waking up, I let Luna wipe me down. I remember now. Today is a full moon.
Why do I feel that so much happened this month? So much that Im feeling lost. Perhaps it was because I just did something shocking. It took me an entire month to deal with the church. I didnt do anything else in the end. And too much happened this month. All sorts of things happened. Freya, Nier so many things happened with both of them.
However, Ill be returning to the elves after this. I wonder if Lucia has returned. If she has, I wonder if her wedding dress is ready. If it is, I think I need to have a word with mom. Ill be with the elves for the next two months as I need to prepare for my wedding.
Oh right, I havent told mom about my wedding. But is it really a good idea to tell mom about getting married over in the elven lands? I somehow have a feeling that mom isnt going to accept an elf as a daughter-in-law.
But I should still tell her I never got the chance previously but now I do. I have to return soon anyway. I dont think that mom would lock me up Yeah I dont think so. I dont think so. I trust that she wont. No way
I was starting to dissuade myself.
Ah, Nier, Freya.
When I stood up to get dressed I saw Nier and Freya return. Freya was holding a small container in her hand. It was a rare sight to see the two of them together. I called out to them. The two of them entered, made a small bow and replied.
Good morning, your majesty.
Good morning, onii-sama.
I pointed to the container in Freya hand and asked: Good morning. Freya, whats that container in your hand?
Freya opened it with a smile. Inside was a pearl. She replied: This is something her majesty gave me. It looks like it was one of the presents her majesty received yesterday. I want to make a necklace and wear it. What do you think, onii-sama?
I picked up the pearl. It really did look the same as a pearl. Maybe mom gave this away because it wasnt unique in any way. I nodded and said: Thats a good idea. I think itll be very becoming of you because the colour of this pearl suits your skin colour.
Freya closed the container and replied cheerfully Thank you for the compliment, onii-sama.
Nier looked at me and twitched her lips as if she wanted to say something. I looked at her and asked: Do you have something you want to say, Nier? Tell me. What are you holding back on me for? We arent outside. Luna, is breakfast ready?
Luna poked her head out from the entrance, smiled and replied: I just finished preparing it. Sorry, your majesty, it is a little late today because the there was a problem with the grills in the kitchen.
Its fine, Im not rushed. So whats the matter, Nier?
Your majesty, I just returned from her majestys place She looked at me in a somewhat bashful countenance causing me to stiffen up. I never thought Nier could be so shy. She was like a young girl about to marry her husband.
Oh? Did mom say something?
Her majesty said that after I delivered this letter and returned, she would have us get married.
Pfft!!
What? What the hell is this?! What did you say?!! This this shes so shy shes like a young girl thats about to marry her husband! So it wasnt just my comparison but the actual reality!! What the heck is going on here?! If Vyvyan hears Im getting married, shell go bananas. Why is Elizabeth in such a rush for me to get married? And why didnt I hear anything about this?!
Why is this wedding so sudden like it was decided just last night?! Ive been engaged to Lucia for a long time. Marriage requires the maturation of a relationship. Nier and I have only known each other for two months and were getting married? Although Im aware that flash marriages exist, I cant really accept it. I like having the two date until their relationship matures to the point where they are ready for married life.
According to the agreement, Troy only started getting shared after he came of age. They didnt start sharing him before that due to his young age and thus his safety when travelling, thereby waiting until he was eighteen years old. In other words, my first time coming here to the human empire was the real Troys second time coming here. Its exactly as Nier said, she and I have no relationship.
Nier looked at my shocked reaction and lowered her head slightly disappointed. She said: I knew that you still couldnt accept me. I understand that you love somebody else, your majesty, but this is her majestys idea. If you do not like me, you can refuse. Thats not a problem.
No If youre asking me whether or not I like you, I do like you, Nier. Its just that Im already engaged, so theres nothing I can do. I smiled helplessly as I looked at Nier and explained, Nier, youve saved my life and always been by my side to protect me. Of course I like you too. If I didnt get to know Lucia first, I would happily marry you, Nier. Its just that its just that
Nier looked at me and exclaimed: Lucia is an elf! Your majesty, you are our prince. You cant marry an elf! If you marry an elf, you wont return, and her majesty will definitely start another war!
Yeah, so if I get married here, then doesnt that mean I cant return to the elves either?
I smiled helplessly and continued, Thats how it is. I cant satisfy both parties unless theres a half-blood girl that both of my moms can accept. Otherwise, theres no way I can satisfy both of my moms. If I were to marry you, would you be able to accept another woman? You cant, right?
I cant.
Nier clenched her teeth and added, I cant accept you marrying someone else after marrying me. That is a form of betrayal towards me.
The same applies for Lucia.
I wore the pendant on, looked at the heart-shaped pendant and fell into a silence for a moment before continuing, When I had grievous wounds, Lucia carried me on her back over a very long distance. She didnt abandon me when I was on the brink of death. She chewed on rotten berries to feed me. She starved herself and fought sleep deprivation as well as risking her own life to save me. I cant betray Lucia. Lucia almost lost her life for my sake. So its no big deal to me for me to give up a part of the world for her.
In a hoarse voice, Nier looked at me and asked: What about me then, your majesty? Can you not give up the elves for my sake?
I took in a deep breath, walked out of the room and softly said: Sorry, Nier. I like you too. Theres no way I dont love you, but Lucia came to me first. If I hesitate, that means Im disrespecting her, so sorry, Nier.
Nier went silent as she stood behind me. A moment after, she massaged her face roughly, took in a deep breath, and then recovered her usual calm demeanour. She walked up behind me and said: I apologise, your majesty. Ive made it hard for you. Please go and have breakfast now. What plans do you have for today?
Nothing. But call Luna to my room tonight, just like that night.
Go with my son to the elves side this time. If Castells negotiations fall apart, kill that Lucia using this poison. She wont refuse something his majesty gives to her. Im leaving it in your hands. Kill Lucia. Even better if you can frame up an elf for it.
Freya looked at the small container in front of her in silence
Glossary
*Flash Marriage = Chinese slang for a marriage between partners who have known each other less than one month