Afterward, Sean Hayes reported various miscellaneous matters. Having just arrived, there was a mountain of things to handle, and everyone was so busy they could barely keep up.
Alexander Hayes said to Mrs. Penny, "Mrs. Penny, the Queen has been exhausted lately because of Charlie, and hasn't been able to attend to the arrangements for the inner residence. I'll need you to take care of these matters for her."
This time, the relatives and friends who came with Lily Evans and her group numbered over a hundred and all needed to be settled. But Lily Evans was entirely preoccupied with worrying about Charles Hayes, clearly unable to handle these arrangements herself, yet these matters couldn't be delayed. So, they were simply handed over to Mrs. Penny.
Mrs. Penny replied, "Yes, I accept your orders!"
Then Mrs. Penny sighed, "Your Majesty, although the Queen doesn't say it, I know she's been worried about the Little Prince Charlie. What mother wouldn't ache and worry for her own child? The Queen's feelings are truly understandable—it makes one feel for her."
Alexander Hayes let out a long sigh. "I understand. How could I not feel the same pain?" No one knew Lily Evans better than he did. These past months, even though she rarely spoke of it, from the moment Charles Hayes struggled with turning over, Lily's heart had been on edge, filled with anxiety, guilt, and worry.
With Charles Hayes like this, who could blame Lily Evans, the Queen of Qin, for neglecting her duties or not handling household affairs?
Alexander Hayes's heart ached for her; all he could do was think of ways to ease Lily's burdens, entrusting the household matters to Mrs. Penny.
"We'll head out to take care of things," Sean Hayes and Mrs. Penny said as they excused themselves, leaving Alexander Hayes alone in the study, his expression dim and weary.
As dusk fell, Alexander Hayes returned to the royal quarters, where Lily Evans was still keeping watch over Charles Hayes.