CHAPTER 1909: CHAPTER 1902: FLEETING TENDERNESS

"Why do you look so exhausted?" Nina immediately noticed Luo’er’s appearance and asked with concern.

"A bit busy," Luo’er explained, lowering his head.

"Can I come in and visit?" Nina tilted her head and asked.

"Of course, please come in..."

Luo’er quickly nodded and opened the door to invite Nina inside.

Feng glanced between Luo’er and Nina, understandingly slipped out of the office silently, and waited by the door.

"Sit wherever you like."

Luo’er closed the door and gestured for Nina to sit in his seat.

"I won’t always take your seat. That’s the highest commander’s position in Lipei, and I’m a guest from Ilanadale. It’s not proper for people to see that."

Nina waved her hand, smiled, and sat on a sofa nearby instead.

"I don’t mind," Luo’er shrugged and said.

"You might not mind, but others might not accept it."

Nina smiled and looked up at her son.

"What’s wrong?" Luo’er asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Come here."

Nina beckoned him over.

"Hmm?"

Though unsure of what Nina wanted, Luo’er obediently stepped forward.

As soon as he got close, Nina grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Luo’er lost his balance and fell onto the sofa. Before he could react, Nina pressed his head onto her shoulder.

Luo’er was momentarily surprised but soon complied, resting beside his mother and slowly closing his eyes.

"Since your father’s passing, we’ve been apart more than together. Now you no longer have to travel around, but I have to go back and forth... Sigh..."

Nina sighed as her view gradually blurred.

"Mom, why don’t you stay in Lipei?" Luo’er suggested with his eyes slightly closed.

"What about Ilanadale?" Nina smiled and retorted.

"Ilanadale doesn’t seem to lack heirs..." Luo’er carefully said.

"A mother gains status because of her child, and a child gains position because of their mother. As a Princess, you are recognized by the people of Earth. Without that..."

"It’s not like that," Luo’er gently shook his head, "They won’t regard me highly just because my mom is a Princess, nor will they look down on me because my mom is a commoner..."

Saying that, he slowly moved away from Nina, looked at her, and said, "Besides, I’ve reached the position I think is high enough. My abilities no longer require background validation. So, if you are willing, you can move to Lipei anytime, but as for Ilanadale..."

"Hehe..." Nina stroked his hair, smiled, and said, "I’ll consider it..."

She lowered her eyelids, her gaze turning sad as she slowly said, "The Queen may be harsh, but she’s still the mother who gave birth to and raised me. I am both your mom and her daughter. You long for your mother to stay by your side, but doesn’t the Queen also wish her daughter could stay with her? So, you understand, right?"

"Yes..."

Luo’er unhappily lowered his head, wrapped his arms around her waist, and nodded grudgingly.

"We still have a long life ahead; there will be time, don’t worry." Nina comforted him.

"Hmm..."

Luo’er buried his face in her shoulder and made a meaningless mumbling sound, seemingly dozing off.

"Sleepy?"

"Hmm..."

Luo’er continued to mumble.

"Sigh," Nina sighed and flashed a wry smile, "The mighty Commander of Lipei, acting like a child."

As she spoke, she adjusted her position slightly, laying Luo’er flat on the sofa, resting his head on her lap.

Luo’er had already fallen asleep, his body curled up, hands clenched at his chest, breathing evenly.

Nina gazed at him quietly, eyes filled with tenderness. Her long, pointed elf ears occasionally quivered, one hand continually stroking Luo’er’s black hair.

That was one of the few gifts Luo Chuan left her, so she must not forget. If she forgets, then Luo Chuan is truly gone forever.

Luo’er woke up to find it was already afternoon. As he opened his eyes, Nina had already left the office, leaving only Feng squatting in front of him, engrossedly reading a book.

"Where’s my mom... Princess Nina?" Luo’er asked.

"Auntie went back first," Feng put down the book and answered.

"How long did I sleep?"

Luo’er got up from the sofa, noticing a blanket draped over him.

"Um, about two hours," Feng thought for a moment and replied.

"Alright, time to get to work!"

Luo’er said, stretching vigorously.

Having rested a little, Luo’er did not relax but rather became busier. He first handled all the paperwork, then met with Princess Melia the next day to convey suggestions from headquarters.

With assurance from headquarters, Princess Melia finally felt relieved. As long as headquarters did not abandon her, she would have constant support and decided to take bold actions.

After seeing Princess Melia off, Luo’er had mostly managed the internal affairs. He quickly returned to the office where he found two familiar figures.

"Long time no see, you two," Luo’er sat in his office chair, fingers intertwined, smiling as he spoke.

"Long time no see, Luo’er... Commander," the shorter girl excitedly greeted.

"Just call me Luo’er," Luo’er smiled and said, "Honestly, I’m not fond of being called an officer title. Since we are friends, if possible, just call me by my name, Kali."

"Yes, understood, Luo’er," Kali looked at Luo’er, so excited she almost cried.

Luo’er looked at the girl before him with some emotion. She had risen from a beggar to a noble, then fell from grace and became a slave due to his guilt. After being rescued by the Advance Team, she was taken to the headquarters base.

There, Kali received the best treatment and education. Now, she had grown into a graceful young woman proficient in multiple languages, capable of assisting headquarters with affairs.

"I invited you for an important mission. Do you have the confidence to fulfill it?" Luo’er looked at her and said.

"Please tell me, I have confidence..."

Kali clenched her chest nervously, appearing slightly unsure.

"You should know," Luo’er said gradually, "Odelanqi has gathered an army of a million. Although we don’t know what Gudelv plans to do, basic communication is necessary. We’ve lost our previous diplomatic channels since headquarters left, so we need to rebuild Lipei’s diplomatic channels..."

"You are Aud, fluent in both Tasta and Chinese. So I was wondering if you might consider taking up the role of a diplomatic envoy, to Holy Heart City, and communicate with Odelanqi."

"Me?"

Kali pointed to herself, speechless.

"Isn’t it possible?" Luo’er tilted his head and asked.

"No, it’s not that, I mean, such an important task, given to me..."

"You are Lipei’s citizen, right?" Luo’er said, "I am also a Lipei’s citizen; we all are. As Lipei’s citizens, we should serve Lipei’s interests, as you also think, right?"

"Of course."

Kali hurriedly nodded.

"Then it’s settled; I’m confident in you."

Luo’er smiled again.

"Really, is it possible? I’m so afraid of messing it up."

Kali said, her voice choking slightly, her eyes clearly reddening.

"No need to worry; messing up is expected," Luo’er smiled mysteriously, "All you have to do is stay in Holy Heart City and convey Lipei’s stance. As for what Odelanqi wants to do, let it be; I can’t control it, can I?"

"I, I will do my best."

Taking a deep breath, Kali seemed to make up her mind, her gaze turning firm.

"Mr. Yalunte," Luo’er looked towards the other person, speaking sincerely, "With Kali traveling to Holy Heart City, she will inevitably face dangers, so I sincerely request your cooperation in protection, can you?"

"Hehe, Commander," Mr. Yalunte looked at Luo’er, squinting and smiling, "You should know what my relationship with Odelanqi’s king is, right?"

"I know," Luo’er nodded, "But no one is more suitable for this position than you, so I can only ask for your assistance."