Chapter 67 : Maybe next time.

Bonsi clenched her fists tightly as she watched Nectar and Axis interact with each other [ How can he speak so nicely to a complete stranger? ]

He'd even smiled, no matter how faint but he did. It was like she wasn't even there. He didn't even get upset when she mentioned his third eye.

And then she came back to try and steal her son from her too, she couldn't allow it. She suddenly stepped in front of the him, " That won't be necessary your highness, maybe another time ".

But Nectar didn't react the way she expected her to. She'd spent some time in Actso once and knew the people didn't like to feel insulted or have their pride hurt in any way, coupled with the fact that she was now an empress, the mother of the nation, she had every right to be upset.

But Nectar had a lazy smile on her face as she nodded, she then shifted her weight and smiled at Archie " Then we'll do this another day Archie ".

She glanced at Axis as well, " I hope you enjoy your stay though " and left. Archie didn't cry this time but frowned, pulling on Axis' robes " Why did mother do that? We could have all gone out together ".

Axis chuckled lightly, patting his head " You should ask your mother that. I can never be sure what goes on in her head sometimes ". He glanced at Bonsi but it was obvious he was no longer in a good mood and turned back to the ship.

~ ~ ~

Luscious saw Lucy was still as red as a tomato and put a hand to her forehead, " What's wrong, did you catch a fever "? Lucy woke up from her daze, shaking her head " No, I'm fine ".

Luscious nodded and glanced at Nectar who was almost gone now, " What did you two talk about "? Lucy only reddened some more and pushed past him, " I'd rather not say ".

Luscious felt even more confused as he watched her stomp into the ship and suddenly smiled [ This trip will definitely be fun ]

~ ~ ~

Another carriage had been prepared for Nectar and she got back to the palace quickly and happily. Nectar hummed happily to herself as she stepped into her courtyard.

Mario was chasing after June who had a black mana stone in her hands. Jewlica was sitting on a pile of red ones. Nichole and Fauna were sorting a crate while August and Nathaniel were competing for Reli's attention, showing her some mana stones.

Nectar couldn't help but smile as she walked into the chaos. Jewlica noticed her first and ran over. Nectar happily caught her and picked her up, " Seems like Ica's behaving today ".

Jewlica laughed happily, " Just for a little while, not forever ". Nectar shrugged, " I'll take what I can get ", and placed her back on the grass.

Reli greeted her politely, " Good Morning sister ". Mario bumped into her, angry and breathlessly pulling on her dress " Tell June to give me back the stone Sister Qidu, it goes in the black pile ".

Nectar ruffled his hair, " She'll give it to you when she's ready. I think she just wants to play ". Mario furrowed his brows, " What ". Nectar pointed at June who was happily chatting with Tera, " She seems to be enjoying herself, just at your expense. So maybe you should calm down ".

Mario nodded and resumed chasing after June, only this time he wasn't growling at her. Nectar made to sit on the floor and join the sorting but Cookie stopped her, " Your majesty, your dress might get torn up. You should get changed first ".

Nectar made a lazy groan looking up at the palace " But it's so far away ". Then Nectar brightened up and suddenly removed her coat and ripped off the puffy skirt, revealing the knee length shorts of the same pattern underneath.

She still had on her black fur boots so little skin was showed. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her. They'd never seen something like that and didn't expect to see it from their empress.

Nectar wasn't fazed by it and clapped her gloved hands [ Was that too much? ] Then she felt something warm cover her and realized it was Liam's white jacket.

Happily, she put on the obviously big thing. Liam had broader shoulders and longer hands so it was oversized but Nectar liked it that way, " Let's get back to work people. Chop chop ".

Everyone suddenly continued doing what they were doing, the noise reinstated as well and Nectar sat cross legged on the floor. Reli and Cookie looked at her in a daze and Nectar picked one with a nice green glow, " What do you think about this "?

They spent the next hour sorting them out and Nectar had them pick the most expensive or most powerful ones into a separate cart. Nectar stretched as she got up, the sleeve going up as well.

Reli was curious about what they were going to do with those stones and asked, " What do you have in mind Sister Empress "? Nectar had a wide grin on her face, " I'm keeping them for myself. I'd be a fool to give the most precious ones out ".

Reli was a bit surprised but mainly because Nectar sounded like a swindling merchant, nothing like an empress " Alright, let's get this over with ". Liam nodded and began moving them to the storage room.

Nectar removed the jacket and tied it around her waist. August grumbled to her, " I'm hungry Sister Qidu ". Nectar laughed, ruffling his hair " Then we should make something ".

June nodded seriously, " Yes, we'll eat Cookie ". Cookie paled slightly and nearly choked, " What "!? Nectar laughed again, " Don't worry, we won't eat you. We'll just make some ".

Cookie nodded in relief still hiding behind Reli, " Many thanks my empress ". She then turned to Nathaniel, " And we have an excellent chef here to help ".