Chapter 1078: TIME FOR DEPARTURE

"I’LL order the temple to process Duke Hawthorne’s marriage certificate as soon as possible."

Neoma was relieved to hear that from Nero after Nero signed the marriage certificate that Jasper Oppa had brought.

She also considered asking Skylus for help since Skylus was the new saint.

However...

Skylus isn’t in charge of processing the marriage certificates. Even though he’s the saint, other priests are in charge of the administrative work of the temple.

So, she was glad that Nero would help speed up the process.

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," Jasper Oppa said politely while bowing to Nero. "There’s something else I’d like to ask of you, sire, if that’s alright with you."

The young duke then glanced at Neoma with an apologetic smile.

Oh, `got it.

"Then I’ll take my leave," Neoma said, since she got the young duke’s message loud and clear. "Can I hang out with Lady Ellery, Oppa?"

Jasper Oppa smiled and nodded. "Of course, Princess Neoma."

"Okay. See you later~"

Neoma then left Nero’s office and headed straight to the Royal Library.

Lewis, who was stationed near the door, beamed as soon as he saw her.

"Princess Neoma."

Neoma just smiled and nodded. "Where’s Lady Ellery?"

"I’m here, Your Imperial Highness."

Neoma turned around and faced Calliope Ellery, who was walking towards her while hugging a huge, old book. "Would you like to borrow that book, Lady Ellery?"

Calliope Ellery’s eyes widened in shock. "But I was told only the members of the Imperial Family could take out the books from the Royal Library."

"That’s true. So, I’ll borrow the book under my name and lend it to you."

Calliope Ellery gasped, but she instantly turned serious. "Your Imperial Highness, I know I don’t have the right to say this, but please allow me to speak my mind."

"Oh, okay. Go ahead."

"Please don’t trust me too much just because I’m Duke Hawthorne’s fiancée."

Ah~

"There must be a reason why the Imperial Family doesn’t allow other people to borrow the books in the Royal Library," Calliope Ellery said. Her pupils were shaking, probably because the lady knew it was crazy to scold the Imperial Princess. But she was determined. "Moreover, what if I use this book to harm the empire?"

"Then I’ll just kill you."

Calliope Ellery suddenly went pale and was clearly frozen in fear.

While Lewis let out a sigh.

"Princess Neoma..."

It was Lewis, and her son was scolding her lightly.

"Lady Ellery, I’m not lending that book to you lightly. All the books that the Imperial Family can’t show to the world are stored somewhere else," Neoma said, using a gentle tone this time. "Moreover, I’m lending you that book because I like supporting people who have a thirst for knowledge."

The color on Calliope Ellery’s face slowly returned to normal.

"And the fact that Jasper Oppa trusts you is enough for me to trust you, too. But I get what you’re saying, Lady Ellery. And I appreciate it," Neoma assured the lady. "Thank you for worrying about me and the Imperial Family."

Calliope Ellery blushed, but she looked proud of herself.

And rightfully so.

"Ah, Lady Ellery. May I know how old you are?"

"I’m the same age as Duke Hawthorne, Your Imperial Highness."

"Then can I call you ’Unnie?’ It means ’older sister.’ I call Jasper Oppa ’Oppa,’ which means ’older brother.’ Since you’re going to be my sister-in-law, I want us to be closer. Of course, only if you’re comfortable with it, Lady Ellery."

"It’s fine with me, Your Imperial Highness. You can address me as such. It’s an honor."

"Please take care of Jasper Oppa, Calliope Unnie."

"I don’t think Duke Hawthorne needs me to take care of him, but I’ll do my best."

Neoma smiled, finding Calliope Ellery cute.

But I don’t think Calliope Unnie and Jasper Oppa are romantically interested in each other— not yet, at least.

***

"MONA, if I don’t make it back—"

"Yeah, yeah, I’ll follow you soon," Mona said, cutting off Nikolai. "Assuming that I survive in the upcoming war, that is. I might also die while protecting Nero and the empire."

"Don’t say that."

"But you did it first, Nikolai."

The two of them stared at each other silently.

Since her husband would leave the empire to accompany Neoma to the Upper World, she was aware that they needed to have this conversation.

No matter how gloomy it sounded.

I’m glad we’re having this conversation in our bedroom, away from our children’s sharp hearing.

"Mona, I’m just trying to be realistic here."

"And I’m the same," Mona insisted calmly. "We know that once your entourage leaves, the crows will attack the empire. Moreover, we’re expecting the Ancient Devil to wipe the empire with a great flood. Even I can’t say for sure that we’ll survive that kind of calamity."

Nikolai frowned, obviously displeased.

Haaah.

Mona got up from her seat, and then she sat on Nikolai’s lap.

Her husband looked surprised, by he immediately wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I’ll die if you die. And I’m sure you’ll also kill yourself if I die before you," Mona said, wrapping her arms around Nikolai’s neck. "So, let’s do our best to survive, Nikolai. We can’t make our children orphans at such a young age."

Nikolai let out a sigh, and then he hugged her back. "Alright, let’s do our best to survive, my love."

***

"THAT TECHNIQUE might end up killing you, Hanna."

Ah.

Hanna smiled at what her Uncle Gavin said. "I know, Uncle."

"And you’re still going to use it during the fight?"

"If I have to."

"Hanna..."

"Uncle, if we lose the war, we’re all going to die," Hanna said as politely as possible. "If I’m going down, I’m not going down alone. I’ll drag the enemies to hell with me."

Her uncle looked shocked by his words, and then he smiled as if in disbelief.

"Rufus and Amber would have a heart attack if they heard you, my dear niece."

"I’m just talking about the worst-case scenario, Uncle. I have no intention of dying. Moreover, I’m confident that we’ll win," Hanna said, smiling. "I believe in Neoma."

Uncle Gavin chuckled. "That’s true— Neoma hates losing, after all."

***

"TWO BABIES!"

"Uncle Dominic, you have babies in the other world!"

Huh?

Dominic Zavaroni looked at Skylus and Monik.

The children’s eyes were glowing while looking up at him.

It took him a moment before he finally understood what the kids were trying to tell him.

Twins?

Nichole and I are having twins!

Haaah.

Dominic Zavaroni collapsed on his knees, then he gathered Skylus and Monik in his arms. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice cracking a bit. "Thank you for letting me know, Prince Skylus, Princess Monik."

Knowing that Nichole was carrying twins in her womb gave him more reasons to survive and return home to their little family.

I’m not going to die here.

***

AH, the time has finally come.

Neoma faced her ’children’ with a smile on her face.

Lewis.

Paige Avery.

Juri Wisteria.

Jeno Dankworth.

Xion Redgrave.

Greko.

I’m not going to bury any of these kids.

"Are you ready, kids?" Neoma asked cheerfully. "It’s time for us to depart."

***

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