This Goblin Won't Give Up!

Chapter 27

"How is she?" I heard my grandfather ask in my half-asleep state, unable to move after exhausting myself so much.

"She's fine. She cried herself to sleep in my arms," the queen said back to him, sitting next to me.

I could feel her gently move my hair out of my face. "To think that she reacted so violently, she must have been through a lot."

"Sigh. I really am a pathetic excuse of a human being. Her suffering is my fault. I never thought that the events of that day would linger in the farthest corner of her memories. I'm sure that Edward told you more than enough."

I was right; the king told the queen. There was no way that he could keep this from his wife. Why was she this kind if she knew the truth?

"You killed her mother and her people. Some would say that it's a cruel act that you let her live. And I agree. The pain and torment she witnessed will stay with her forever."

I felt her hand tense up over my head, almost as if she truly felt sad for me.

"Though I can't say that you made the wrong choice."

"What?" My grandfather sounded surprised by the queen's words, and so was I.

"You took her in and raised her with love. You did not let what she is define her. You loved her for who she is."

Was that really alright, though? Despite the king and queen knowing my secret, how many others will act the same way? How many others will see past my green skin?

"She's my great-granddaughter, my family."

"If that's the case, you must tell her the truth."

"It's not time yet."

The air started to feel cold, and I soon found myself shivering.

"Not time yet? I have seen those maids. You've been using less of that potion on them than Illya. Their green skin is already showing under their sleeves. It's only a matter of time now. I'm certain that you have already discussed this with my husband, Edward. No matter what you try to do, you can't keep her from the truth."

"Nggh~." I could feel the air getting colder as her tone became harsher. Was she doing this?

"... Oh my, I'm sorry, sweetie!" the queen said in an apologetic tone, tightening the blanket around me to keep me warm as the temperature around me started to go back to normal.

"I lost control of myself for a second there, but what I said is true. Illya is hurting because of wounds she doesn't know she has. It is the job of parents and guardians to protect our children, but we can't protect them forever."

"For her to work past this wound, you need to tell her the truth sooner rather than later. If you don't, I'll just have to take her away for myself," she said, kissing me on my forehead, making me blush.

I couldn't tell what to think about the queen. She scared me because she knew my secret, but she still treated me with kindness. How was I supposed to feel?

"What do you mean by that?"

My grandfather sounded defensive by her statement like he actually thought she was being serious.

"Well, who better to protect this poor baby than the queen? I most certainly hide anything from her, and I'm sure that she will have more fun with me than some grumpy old man."

Wait... the queen liked me? She actually liked me?

"She isn't going anywhere. This is her home!" Grandfather yelled as I slowly began to open my eyes.