I couldn’t return at night . I feel that, while Mom held back her moans and refused to take the initiative every time, she was probably totally fine with physically manifesting our love underneath the sheets . After all, she hadn’t experienced it in over ten years . She might’ve been the Empress of the empire, but Mommy Vyvyan probably influenced her .

I was curious if Mommy Vyvyan went down on Mommy Elizabeth on full-moon nights during their stay together . I never dared to ask that before . I doubt they’d answer me even if I did ask . That said, according to the legend, the two used to be very, very close . In fact, I seemed to be the third party in their relations.h.i.+p . However, there was a pro to doing it with Mommy Elizabeth . She only wanted one round . After one round, she’d stop out of consideration for my well-being unlike Nier…

I think Nier forgot what the dragons did to me a month ago . It was always pedal to the metal as she did in the past . After we were done, Mom gently held me in her arms . Her soft mountains enveloped me in their warmth . I always managed to sleep soundly in Mommy Vyvyan and Mommy Elizabeth’s arms . It was almost as nice as pa.s.sing out . If I wasn’t married, I wouldn’t mind spending my entire life in their arms .

“That thought seems to be a little scary…” I realised .

Mom was gone by the time I woke up the next day, so Mom must’ve left for work already . I lazed around in bed a bit before got up and opened the curtain . The bright sunlight told me it was already late . It was probably noon . There probably weren’t many people at the inner court . The people left behind were probably just workers and a few Valkyries .

I did give Nier a heads up before I visited Mommy Elizabeth, though . Nier wouldn’t object; it was Mom’s command, after all . In saying that, I noticed the Valkyries cleaning up an empty room during the day yesterday . There were many empty rooms in the inner court that weren’t inhabited or used for anything . Mom had a habit of switching rooms every night .

“She’s never been afraid of a.s.sa.s.sins, so why is she cleaning them now?” I pondered .

“Oh, Your Majesty . You sure slept till late . Her Majesty had me wait for you to wake up . Did you want breakfast now?” asked Castell .

I didn’t expect to see Castell at the main hall . He didn’t accompany Mom to the conference hall . He bowed then looked up with a smile: “Of course, I suggest pa.s.sing on breakfast . How about having some tea and having some refreshments then waiting until lunch to have lunch? Her Majesty will be back for lunch . Further, we have invited Royal Princess Nier and Archd.u.c.h.ess Daisy to join you . ”

“Really?”

I froze for a tick . I genuinely never imagined that Mom would suddenly invite us to lunch at the inner court . Mom rarely returned to the inner court for lunch . Normally, dinner was her only meal in a formal setting . I had no idea what she invited us to lunch for a change .

“Did Her Majesty not inform you? You and Royal Princess Nier are going to move into the inner court . I would a.s.sume Her Majesty made the decision out of consideration for your safety . Therefore, you will be living in the inner court henceforward . Oh, and one more thing: Her Majesty hopes you can accompany her during work in the palace . Hence, my job will be to take care of Princess Nier and Archd.u.c.h.ess Daisy . ” Castell looked at me with a weird smile . He then made an invitational hand gesture . He accompanied his chuckle with a bow then raised his head: “Welcome to the inner court, Prince Troy . ”

The sudden news made me shudder . It wasn’t bad news per se since there was no problem with living with Mom… I was sure that Mommy Elizabeth made the decision to rein me in… She was putting me under supervision; she was preventing me from sneaking off to Troy City .

Mom knew me too well . She knew that I wouldn’t stay at Hilles just because she told me not to go . That would explain why she brought me to her side . I couldn’t leave the inner court under her watch, not to mention that I had to accompany her during the day . Sneaking off was beyond impossible . Furthermore, if Mom didn’t investigate it, I basically had no chance of investigating the new church .

“By the way, King Troy, the Royal Palace will be placed under martial law at night from now; thus, it is best for you not to take strolls late at night . If the Valkyries see you, you might be sent straight back . ”

I realised what the sudden commotion’s aim was . Mom wanted to completely control me . Needless to say, I had no counter… I couldn’t defy her and scream, “I don’t want to be with Mommy,” could I…? As a grown man, I had to be realistic…

It was true that I didn’t need to get involved with the incident at Hilles City, as it was Mommy Elizabeth’s city and her business . I just needed to watch from the sidelines . It wasn’t wise for me to show that I insisted on interfering with the matter, either . Since Mom didn’t want me to go, it was best I didn’t interfere . Even if Hilles City was plunged into chaos, it didn’t necessarily mean that the fire would spread to the Royal Palace . Nier and Daisy should’ve been out of harm’s way .

“I shall go and prepare refreshments for you now . Where do you intend to eat, in the flower garden or in the hall? Or, did you want to go to your new room? Your new room is Her Majesty’s previous room . She once lived in it, and it is now yours and Princess Nier’s . ”

“Hmm? I remember that Mom once lived in the outer court, didn’t she?”

“Ah, not when she was young . I was still not in her employ at the time . That room was formerly for Empress Elizabeth . However, she felt it was excessively resplendent, which was why she moved into her current room . ”

“Oh… Why do I feel that her current room is just as resplendent…?”

Perhaps her current room was just a tad smaller . I thought the items inside are all valuable .

“Considering the wealth and power of the nation at the time, it would be a little bit too resplendent . Based off of the nation’s current wealth and power, the room is quite ordinary . You need not worry, though . We made sure to cover all bases with the preparation of the room . The items in the room are the exact same as Her Majesty’s . You, therefore, can rest a.s.sured . To add, we have ensured that Princess Nier and Archd.u.c.h.ess Daisy will be safe, and that things will be convenient for them . Princess Nier will definitely be happy to have the Valkyries . ”

“Mm… Perhaps… mm…”