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 citizens.h.i.+p 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 circ.u.mvent a riot .

After finis.h.i.+ng 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 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 . ”

“Did something happen today? Did something happen to Her Majesty?”

Nier returned to my side . She looked at Daisy, who took the initiative to hug me, and then looked at me with a surprised expression . I shook my head: “Not really . Strictly speaking, everything worked out . I just thought, what I would do if it wasn’t the finance minister who was attacked but Daisy . ”

“I watched over her the entire time . Daisy will be fine . ”

“I’m not worried with you by her side but just a little afraid after the fact . ”

Nier placed the bread on the table then continued to the kitchen without another word . I pinched Daisy’s tiny face before returning her to her crib .

I didn’t know what exactly would take place in the clash between the two churches . They might’ve been in meetings already . I didn’t know what they were thinking, but I was sure the old church’s people were plotting retribution .

Not only did Mom forbid armed warfare, but also vocal protests from the old church . Not even maintaining silence was accepted . The Empress meant for the entire incident to be forcibly quelled . She wanted to let the old church vent on someone, and end it there . At the same time, it was intended to deter the new church from trying any crafty tricks . Any protests that broke out in Hilles City could cause a disturbance . If the two religions wanted to wage war against each other, Hilles City didn’t want to be part of it . Mom was furious the culprit a.s.sa.s.sinated someone in her Royal Palace; however, before investigating the truth behind the matter, she needed to settle things in her city to ensure that it wouldn’t be in trouble .

My beloved wife’s dinner cooked with love was soon served up . I picked up my eating utensils then looked to Nier: “NIer, if you don’t feel safe, take this chance to return straight to the North . ”

“This is the Royal Palace at the end of the day,” Nier responded . She then picked Daisy up and played with her . With a soft giggle, she went on: “How can I go back when you’re here? As your wife, I must stay by your side . Since it’s so dangerous, how can I leave you here, alone? If something happens to you, I’ll be able to protect you . Furthermore, nothing major has ever happened at Her Majesty’s city; hence, this place is the safest place . ”

I heaved a heavy breath . I peered outside the window . Thick clouds covered all of Hilles City under the dark blanket . Man’s darkness had covered G.o.d’s light . People always said that the most holy followers established religion, but all they produced and nurtured was outstanding businessmen and ambitious people .

I really wanted to know where said holiness has disappeared off to . Maybe there were no holy people in the first place, and there were only ever sketchy merchants and ambitious people . Perhaps that was the true nature of religion . By that I meant using their so-called hope to deceive and mislead people so that they could fulfil their ambitions . If possible, I didn’t want a lick of religion in the world . With that said, I wasn’t Mommy Elizabeth . All I could do was ensure that my North was free of religion .

Perhaps Freya was right . The people didn’t need to believe in religion . They just needed to believe in me . I was their King . It, therefore, was fine as long as I granted them hope . Fortunately, Freya despised religion, which was why religions in the North were shut down for the most part . Even the prayer hall was out of bounds .

I could put aside the North for the meantime . I had to settle things at Hilles City first . Someone was a.s.sa.s.sinated in the Royal Palace . Subsequently, my wife, child and Mom were all at risk…

No way… If you want to a.s.sa.s.sinate Mommy Elizabeth, you’re going to have to bring an army…