Chapter 856: Chapter 51: The Thickening Mist (Part 3)
The Queen no longer spoke much with the monarch of the foreign country, she exchanged a few pleasantries, then used the excuse of being busy with state affairs to cut off the communication. Thus, the final pre-war communication with other nations concluded, the policy of sealing the capital was implented, a conservative yet prudent arrangent. She rested for a while, called for the palace maid, inquired about her children’s whereabouts, then left the throne and headed to the palace garden.
It snowed again yesterday, the garden was clad in silver. Amidst the white expanse stood a little pavilion with a blue roof, Jackson was waiting there. Seeing his mother arriving, he quickly stepped out and assisted the Queen into the pavilion, poured her a cup of red tea, and then signaled the surrounding attendants and guards to withdraw.
Queen Annie sat down in the pavilion: “It’s rare to see you spending ti in these places.”
“I just finished a eting at the Military Departnt and ca over to consult about your talks.” Jackson replied ticulously, “How is the situation, Your Majesty?”
“As we anticipated, generally smooth. The Emperor should want to invite Sky Extre over, I didn’t give him the chance to speak.” The Queen took a sip of tea, “After all, that man is a close friend of Situ Yi.”
“Your judgnt is rational, we cannot entrust the nation’s safety to the trust in strangers.” Jackson said.
The Queen added so milk to her tea: “You have sothing else to say.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Jackson said seriously, “I’ve heard recent rumors, I’m worried about the Seventh Knight…”
The Second Prince started but paused, the Queen laughed at what she heard, causing him to stop awkwardly.
“Oh, my son.” The old lady said kindly, “You are worried that love will tarnish Knight Orianna’s purity, to the extent that she cannot wield the Holy Sword?”
“…Yes.”
Queen Annie put down her teacup and spoke with the attitude of an old woman, not a ruler: “Rember, child. Love is neither a panacea nor a beast. Like most things in this world, it enhances life when in moderation, but brings harm when excessive.
If two outstanding young people co together, what you should do is not to worry, but to give blessings. You should have confidence in the Seventh Knight’s character— even if she becos a man’s wife, a child’s mother, the good qualities rooted in her heart won’t beco fragile due to life’s beauties, but will instead beco stronger because of it.”
Jackson pondered for a while, then confessed, “Perhaps you are right, I admit I do not understand won.”
“Because you do not crave feelings, child. Your pursuits are always in power, just like when I was young.” The Queen shook her head, “But this will be your weakness, for you don’t know when emotions will visit. If it cos too quickly, or too late, late enough that you miss the best ti to enjoy it, you may fall under its spell… will love excessively.”
“Like you and Father?”
“Yes…” The Queen gazed at the silver white in the garden, “I t Olerian when I was 37, still in my pri as a King, but as a woman, almost expending my youth years. I never thought I would genuinely invest emotions in a political marriage, nor did I expect that his departure would bring such a trauma.
My vigor was exhausted on that day, my Impermanence Skill could hardly progress. Because I couldn’t completely rid myself of my female identity, to only be a ruler striving for governance. I always couldn’t help but think of him, miss him…”
The old woman still looked at the snow-falling garden, at the silver-white path. Jackson thought she was actually looking at the mories in her mind, at herself when young, walking there with her father.
“Stop thinking about it, Mother.”
“Thoughts cannot be controlled.” The Queen’s tone was ethereal, “In those nights I often dream of him, dream of Olerian talking to . I could have controlled my dreams long ago, but I am unwilling… even if it’s false, I want to linger in the past…”
Jackson comforted his mother a few words, assisted her back to the palace to rest. He walked out of the palace gate, t Charlie and Grey with gloomy faces.
“How is Mother?” Charlie asked.
“Not well.” Jackson shook his head, “She dread of Father again.”
“Damn it, she keeps saying such things since the day of the duel!” Charlie said anxiously, “Her pressure is too great, a Creator Realm Mage is also just human! She needs a psychologist…”
“Who can counsel a Creator Realm Mage?” Grey said listlessly, “Invite the chief mage?”
“That reclusive old thing would co in handy, wouldn’t they!” Charlie complained angrily. He vented a few words in irritation and walked off alone. Grey looked at the back of his elder brother with a complicated tone: “He really loves Mother…”
“Mother loves him the most too.” Jackson said, “She gives the least love to .”
“You are too much like her when she was young, Jackson!” Grey pushed her glasses from the side, speaking in a mocking yet wise tone, “Speaking and acting were just like she did when first ascending the throne, of course, Mother would… you know… opposites repel.”
Speaking of this, Grey said dejectedly: “Then why am I isolated? Not even having my own territory.”
“Mother wants you to live a more ordinary life.” Jackson patted his sister on the head, “Without responsibility, there is less burden, you can do what you like, pursue a cherished job, and et your love soon.”
“You say it as if you understand love.” Grey protested discontentedly.
“I really don’t understand.” Jackson said.
Jackson’s subordinates ca over, he quickly returned to work mode, escorted by the crowd. His back was reflected in Grey’s eyes, though surrounded by people, yet seed lonely.
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