Hilles City . The Phoenix’s Nest .

I was back to the Phoenix’s Nest again . It had been ages since I visited . I didn’t come back after Luna’s mishap . I lost my Luna in this city, and I never thought she could rise from the ashes . When Luna died, I considered the entire city to be my enemy and, thus, never came back .

Perhaps it was because Luna had been revived that I no longer felt upset when I saw the majestic city . To the contrary, I felt relieved and nostalgic; it was Mommy Elizabeth’s city, after all . I had a responsibility to visit her .

I caressed the White Deer King’s neck . The White Deer King wagged her head in delight . She went to lick my palm . I had no idea what happened to her, but she was clingier and less violent after the riot in Duargana . I didn’t know the reason behind it, but it was a good change, wasn’t it?

I headed toward Hilles City at a leisurely pace . Surely, Mom would soon see my white clothing and white steed .

I had yet to see summer and spring in Hilles City . The last time I came was autumn and winter . This time, the wheat fields were filled with the greenery that gently swayed with the breeze as they enjoyed the flowing water and sunlight . The Southern plains produced the bulk of food . It was impossible to see the ends of the sea of green on my steed .

When I reached the stone path stemming from Hilles City, I heard a sequence of horse hooves rapidly approaching . I smiled then tugged on my horse reins . Three girls in white robes sped over toward me . The Valkyries dismounted one after the other upon reaching me . They orderly went down on one knee and welcomed in their loud voices: “Welcome home, Your Majesty . ”

To be honest, I was slightly disappointed . I thought Nier would be with them to romantically relive our first meeting . The three Valkyries who came to welcome me were suave and heroic but still couldn’t hold a candle to Nier . Nier’s aura wasn’t something anyone could possess .

I nodded . Mom didn’t come to welcome me, either, so I presumed that she was needed in the Royal Palace . It didn’t matter, though .

I followed the path I was familiar with back to the Royal Palace .  Hilles City was different to Duargana . Hilles City wasn’t as peaceful . The faint smell of sulphur in the air, the loud noises and voices of the dense crowd made it lively . Hilles City was still continuing to grow . The thick city walls were also unable to stop humanity’s curiosity and courage . Hilles City would soon need another wall for an outer layer as it developed rapidly .

I had many experiences at the familiar market . The market seemed to be livelier in summer, and a greater variety of things were for sale . With that said, I also noticed there was an individual in a black robe on the auction platform where Luna was sold . He was standing there shouting something . It sounded as though it had to do with religion .

“Is that their so-called preaching?” I wondered .

The church and I had a conflict in the past, but I thought I shouldn’t interfere with their activities that were normal .

I saw the golden “Long live Your Majesty” and majestic eagle . I take that back, it was actually a phoenix… Hilles City’s Royal Palace’s doors were open for me . I arrived at Mom’s Royal Palace once again . This time around, I felt a little excited .

After settling the White Deer King, I quickly headed to the outer court . Under normal circ.u.mstances, Nier and Daisy would be living in the outer court . I wanted to see Daisy . I was always with Nona and Vera, so it was a little unfair on Daisy . Frankly speaking, I didn’t know what I should’ve got my daughter . You telling me that her dad isn’t enough?

On my way there, I heard all sorts of pleasantly surprised and plain surprised “welcome home, Your Majesty” salutes . News of my return had yet to be announced in the Royal Palace . I was certain that things were different this time . I used to be someone they could do with or without, a weakling who just relied on his mother . The status quo was different this time, nonetheless . I was longer a simple Prince, but the King of the North .

“Oh, yeah, I need to apologise to Freya when I get back…” I realised .

“Is this humanity’s city? Wow, this place looks totally different to Duargana . It’s amazingly splendid . Also, this Royal Palace is much more majestic,” enthused the woman in my head .

“Whoa!” I exclaimed .

“What is the matter, Your Majesty?”

I shook my head with a smile: “Nothing, nothing . ”

Truth be told, I wasn’t not used to hearing a voice in my head… I guess the woman in my head was very excited . She never saw humanity’s lands before, after all .

“Hurry, take me for a walk . I want to see more unique places . Show me the prettier places . I’ve never been here . Let me see the entire Royal Palace . ”

“If you want to check out the entire Royal Palace, you’d need an entire day . I want to hurry over to see my wife and daughter now . I promise to let you get a good look later but not now, though . Don’t rush . We’ll be living here for a long time anyway . ”

“Well, have it your way . I mean, you’re in control now . I knew you’d never be willing to take me around from the beginning, so it doesn’t make any difference to me . ”

She didn’t sound disappointed; instead, she sounded nonchalant . She seemed to know what I wanted to do from the start but just wanted to make a request .

It was quite frightening to know that I had someone in my head… I didn’t really like the fact that she knew what I was thinking . She stopped speaking; nevertheless, I slow down on purpose to satisfy her request . I also did my best to show her all of the buildings I remembered . She complimented the splendid human structures . I could tell that she was envious of humans who lived in the royal palace . Needless to say, the humans living there might not have agreed with her sentiment . Living by Mommy Elizabeth’s side wasn’t necessarily a good thing . You could tell how dangerous she was from the speed at which she switched ladies-in-waiting… I didn’t mention that to her, having said that .

“What is the matter, Your Majesty, have you forgotten how this place looks after having not come back in a long time?”

“Castell…”

“I am honoured that you still remember me . ”

I turned around to meet with Castell’s usual smile . He gave me a small bow . With a smile, he then added, “Welcome home, Your Majesty!”