Chapter 555: The Rising Sun
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Selma Payne’s POV:
I was speechless for a long time. My father’s words echoed in my ears.
I was very nervous and even wanted to retreat.
But at the same time, I could feel a sense of joy overflowing from the bottom of my heart. They gradually surrounded me like honey, making me feel sincerely happy.
This was a form of recognition. After exhausting myself with my duty, I finally received the recognition I had been waiting for.
From a weak and self-abased girl in a small town to a powerful crown prince, I had never stopped fighting to fulfill my responsibilities.
There was laughter, sadness, fullness, and loss during this period. But no matter what, at this moment, the last missing piece of the puzzle in my heart was finally filled – recognition.
I believed that I still had a lot to learn about becoming a queen. But just like my father said, maybe it was time for me to stop and examine my arrogance.
There was no end to learning. Perfection was a non-existent contradiction. Why should I use this as an excuse to shrink from the future? Wouldn’t that be irresponsible?
I thought deeply when I suddenly heard a commotion at the door.
It was my mother.
“I knew you two would be here.” My mother walked over kindly and helped me tidy my hair. “It seems someone forgot her promise to accompany the children to a picnic this afternoon.”
She gave my father a sidelong glance, which immediately turned my father from a dignified monarch into a guilty husband.
“Oh… Yes, yes, I did promise the children,” whispered my father. “I almost forgot – but it’s not too late, right?”
My mother burst out laughing. “That’s right. I knew you two workaholics would forget. That’s why I came to remind you in advance. It’s already eleven o’clock. Bertha has prepared everything for the picnic. Now we only need Grandpa and Mom.”
She seemed to have only come to remind us not to forget to have lunch with the children and then left hurriedly. 𝑏𝑒𝑑𝘯𝑜𝘷𝑒𝑙．𝑐𝘰𝘮
However, after a few seconds, my mother returned and stood outside the door with a smile. “Regarding what your father said, Selma, I think it’s time, right? Your father and I are old. Although our bodies are still strong, we have lost our youthful and energetic hearts. Now is the best time, my daughter. No matter your decision, I will believe in and support you.”
It was only then that I realized that my mother had heard everything.
People always seemed especially childish and fragile in front of their mothers. My mother’s words inexplicably softened me, and tears unknowingly filled my eyes.
I tried to hold it back, but in the end, I still rushed over to hug my mother.
“Oh, oh, look at you, little girl. You’re already a mother, but you still like to act like a child.” My mother hugged me lovingly while my father gently embraced us.
“It’s time,” I sobbed. “I should shoulder my responsibilities. I shouldn’t run away because I’m not afraid… Father, Mother, I feel happy from the bottom of my heart.”
I saw Aldrich standing in the corridor with the children through my misty eyes. The children held their father’s hand curiously. Their mother’s tears made them feel strange and curious. My husband looked at me tenderly. He was there with the children. He was my supreme treasure and my strong backing.
We looked at each other and smiled.
The children also laughed. They ran over like swallows in the wind. They pulled their father along and leaned into my arms. They also spoke cutely to their grandparents.
I picked Cynthia up, and she wiped the tears off my face. “Mother, are you going to become the Queen?”
“I think so, child, but it may take some time.”
“That’s good.” She smiled and narrowed her eyes. “When you become the queen, I will become a princess.”
“You’re a princess now, my dear.”
“That’s different.” Cynthia reasoned with me. “Now, everyone calls me ‘Your Highness’. I’ll become ‘Your Royal Highness’ when you become the Queen. Only then will I be a real princess.”
“Alright, alright, you’re right.” I kissed her, and the other children asked me to kiss them.
Maxine ran over with Duke Frank. She was a strong but light wolf. She ran to my side like a gust of wind.
This time, the spacious door of the study seemed a little crowded.
“What happened here? Why are you crying, Selma?”
“I’m crying tears of joy,” I said, stroking her soft fur. She squinted comfortably. “Are you in a hurry? We’ll set off now.”
“I’m not in a hurry,” said Maxine. “It’s the Duke who’s hungry. That’s why we came to you.”
Duke Frank smiled magnanimously, not knowing if he could accept this obvious lie.
The children had gone to pester their grandfather again, and my father did not hide it. He bluntly said that he had decided to pass the throne to me.
The Duke was a little surprised. After all, my father was in his prime. But when his gaze shifted to me, he instantly understood.
“We’re all old.” He sighed. “It’s time to hand over the mission of the era to the new rising sun..”
