After my husband and My son left the room, the dining hall finally became emptied of its stifling tension, and with that, their masks Finally slipped, as well.
The two Queens sent their children off to their respective carriages with the usual flurry of royal maids.
The First Queen Resides in the Bluebell Palace and the Second Queen Resides in The Rose palace.
There were no servants nearby. No witnesses. Just three women in the hallway.
and Then the two Queens stopped me on my way.
Oh come on! Can't you guys think of something new, are you still academy kids, cornering your target in some dark alley? This is getting too cliche.
"You could at least invite me for tea if you wish to have a talk." I said, smoothing the silk of my dress.
"It won't even be a long talk, so why bother ?" June Snapped, Not even bothering to act formal.
Miraya just stayed standing at the sideline without talking, just like an observer.
Or maybe she really is an observer.
I looked at her. Miraya is still the same. She is here, not to question or scold me but rather to gather information.
Then I looked at June.
This Bitch should really learn something from Miraya.
Of course the dumber the enemy is, the better it is for me But....
Dealing with a Stupid opponent is tiresome and annoying in its own way .
Honestly, I feel like a thieving cat mistress who just got Surrounded by the Legal girlfriend and her best friend.
Even though it's you guys who are the actual thieving cats.
I gave them a sharp look as June came closer.
"What was that ?" she demanded
"what was what ? " I asked in an innocent sweet voice.
Somehow, seeing this bitch annoyed always brings Joy to my heart.
I don't know why though. I am not the type of woman who holds grudges. Definitely Not. Definitely Not.
Important things must be said twice.
"You know very well what I am talking about, Elizabeth. "
"Indeed, But is there anything wrong with a son, wanting to talk with his father ?" I asked 'Innocently'.
"In a commoner family? No" June's eyes narrowed until they were like slits of fire. "but here ? Yes"
"The man who has never said a word during dinner suddenly asks if someone has something to say and your son just happened to have something to discuss ? Sounds like Too much of a coincidence, Don't you think ?" She said
"It really is such a wild coincidence"
"Don't play stupid with me, Elizabeth" She said with an annoying voice
I changed my face from sweet to Serious. enough playing games.
"Same goes for you, June. Don't Play smart." I retorted in a serious voice.
"W-what ?"
"You have already seen everything and drawn your own conclusions. The only reason you came to me was to inquire about what they are discussing. right ? Then, Let me tell you This I. Do. Not. Know. And even if I knew, do you Seriously think I would tell you ?"
June's jaw tightened, her hand twitching as if she wanted to strike me. But she didn't. She couldn't.
If it was three years ago, I might have hesitated and remained humble, But now ?
After the Great Purge there is not really that much of a reason to be afraid of them like before.
People like June will only mistake humbleness for weakness.
Since Tyler has decided to do something and his talents have been confirmed, there is no need for me to keep hiding like before.
I stepped around her, the train of my dress whispering against the stone floor. "Goodnight, Sisters. Do try to get some sleep. Overthinking causes wrinkles."
After saying that I went on my way.
Hooh.. That was satisfying. I wonder if they are done with their conversation as well.
***
I found Mother exactly where I expected: standing by the palace entrance, her silhouette framed by the amber glow of the mana-lamps.
"Ty!" She called out to me the moment I came into her view.
"Mother" I said, closing the distance.
After seeing mother's face, I realized how much trust there is between this couple. and how much trust they have in me.
I mean, Just Imagine it, on earth, A six years old kid tells his parent that he wants them to teach him A foreign language and the culture of that foreign country for four years and then he wants them to allow him to go travelling that foreign country all alone.
Would the parents ever allow that ? Absolutely Fucking Not.
But see here, I got the permission from the king and although My mother does not know my plans yet, I am Damn sure she will support my decision.
After all, She doesn't treat me like a child to be sheltered; she treats me like a soul to be empowered. And that's something Any child would respect.
She snapped her fingers and asked "so ? How did it go ?"
I can sense concentrated mana around us.
A sound blocking barrier, maybe ? She really is cautious.
"Good, it went well" I answered
"See ? I told you he is still your father, after all"
Yeah yeah you're great, mom.
"Anyways, let's go home" She said
Home huh...
I looked around the central palace. It was bigger and more luxurious than Arbutus Palace but this is not where I belong.
Not Now At least.
"Yeah let's go"
to Our Home..
The carriage was already waiting for us outside. I entered the carriage. And was waiting for mother to come inside.
But for some reason She stood there, perfectly still, looking back toward the upper floors of the Central Palace—toward the dark, unlit windows of the King's private office.
What is she looking at ?
"Mother" I called out to her.
She blinked, the spell breaking as she turned back toward me. "Yes... yes, I'm coming."
She entered the carriage and sat opposite me. As the horses began to trot toward the Arbutus Palace, Our Home.