/
Choice
“Good morning, King Troy, Consort Lucia, Consort Nier. This is what you need to work on today in addition to the things sent to you the day before.”
Freya stood at the dining table with a smile and an open document folder in her hand. She reported in to us at the table. I listened in to her with my cup in hand. I gave some input on the aforementioned matters, which she noted down then carried out. Most of it was trivial stuff, which was why my decision alone was sufficient.
“That is about it. Your Majesty, do you have anything else you want to do today? If not, you can have a break today. There is no major business in the North that you need to attend or guests you need to see.”
“I see. Well, I still having something to do. I want to go and visit Tanya.”
I placed down my empty and stood up. Nier and Lucia nervously looked at me. They wanted to speak but stopped themselves. I clarified my stance: “Rest assured, I won’t put everyone in danger. If necessary, I’ll be forced to have Tanya leave.”
Lucia hesitated for a moment but was the first to speak up: “That’s what we’re worried about. She’s used to killing people. They’re selfish as they come. I’m sure we’ll have to send Tanya off, right? As an elf, I don’t want to see her go. Moreover, it would be more dangerous if she left, wouldn’t it? I’m not worried about others. I’m worried about Tanya. Tanya protected us and is now being forced to leave due to our error. I can’t bear it.”
I shook my head: “I don’t want to send Tanya off, either. I plan to see what she thinks. If Tanya doesn’t want to leave, I’ll definitely keep her.”
Nier suddenly jumped to her feet: “Don’t you think that you’re indirectly imposing your agenda? What do you think Tanya will say? It’s not as if you don’t know Tanya. She is so understanding and sensible that there’s no way she’d choose to stay! You think she’d stay when she knows her condition? She’ll definitely choose to leave! Your Majesty, aren’t you just trying to send her off without bearing the burden of responsibility?!”
I explained, “Tanya would blame herself if I did keep her, wouldn’t she? Tanya is a strong kid who doesn’t want to cause anyone trouble. If I force her to stay, she’ll feel bad. That’s why I have to respect her decision no matter what this time. Regardless, I’ll protect Tanya. I’ll have Irina protect her and take care of her even if she goes to the North. If I keep her here, I won’t change the way I treat her. Either way, leave this to me. Say no more.”
Nier and Lucia gave up because of what I said. But nonetheless, they continued looking at me feeling concerned. In a quiet voice, Freya proposed, “Your Majesty, as long as you believe it to be the right choice, that is good enough. Generally speaking, what you consider to be correct is fine.”
“I understand.”
Freya and I walked to the diverging paths in the corridor. Freya had to go and take care of what I told her before, while I planned to visit Tanya. Tanya should’ve woken up already. Even if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t try anything on a kid.
“Ah, Your Majesty,” greeted Xia. She cheerfully bowed to me: “I am glad to see you. I have not seen you in a long time. Have you been absent for the last two months?”
“Yes, I’ve been out for the last two months. I spent a month in the elven lands and a month in humanity’s lands. Of course, I didn’t get any rest. Instead, I went through one thing after another.”
“Sister Ying told me about it. It is so sad you had to do that. I can understand how you feel. It must be upsetting,” said Xia, smiling sympathetically. “I have continued to improve during this time, Your Majesty. You may not have noticed, but I helped with your welcome home banquet, you know? In fact, I was the one who thought of the main dish.”
“Really? That was delicious!”
I wasn’t complimenting the dish for the sake of it. I absolutely meant it. Delighted, Xia smiled then bid me goodbye. She probably went off to attend to her job.
I eventually reached Tanya’s room. Their rooms were all together in the Imperial Palace. I gently knocked. To my surprise, the door wasn’t locked. The door opened when I knocked. I poked my head inside for a look. I saw Tanya standing in the middle of her room. She faced the mirror with her head tilted as she carefully ran her hand along the bite mark on her neck. Her assailant sneak attacked her. Else, she couldn’t possibly have been bitten.
“I understand what you’re doing, but why do you have to strip down completely to check out the wound on your neck?!” I yelled in my head.
Tanya spun around and saw me when she heard the door open. I quickly spun around and covered my eyes. I exclaimed, “Sorry, sorry, Tanya. I didn’t mean to peek. I didn’t think you were nude. Sorry, I’ll go outside now. I’ll come back in once you’re dressed.”
“It is all right,” stated Tanya. She turned around without any misgivings. In a solemn tone, she explicated, “From the moment I chose to serve you, I offered you my body and soul. It is fine for you to see my body. So, did you want to see me for something? It is about my wound, correct? Please be upfront with me.”
While that sounded sound… what could I say to a naked loli…? I immediately shut the door and leaned my back on it. I told Tanya the story. Then, I stated, “So, you can choose, Tanya. Do you want to stay or go to the North? No matter what your decision is, I’ll ensure you’re protected and taken care of. Don’t think about us or what others think. You’re a child, right? You’re a child just as Freya is. Think for yourself; think about what it is that you want. See yourself as a child this time. Do what you want.”