Chapter 199 Old Walker’s advice (1/2)

”Mister, what are you doing?”

The woman didn't have any change in expression even when Rhode grabbed her wrist. When Rhode noticed her smiling expression despite exerting force, his eyes immediately narrowed and increased the strength of his grip.

”Oh… So you recognize that I am a 'Mister'.”

”Yes… of course, Mister.”

Not just anyone could resist Rhode's strength when he displayed his power. The woman's expression gradually sank and painfully forced a smile. To alleviate some pain, she leaned her body against the youth and smiled while raising up her chest. A white and ample chest bulged from the small crack in between her collar. However, instead of focusing on her chest, Rhode discovered something worth his attention. It was a silver ivory necklace hanging on her chest.

The woman struggled to free her hand and said, ”I only wanted to take a closer look at this little lady here. She's indeed adorable, isn't she?”

She turned to Christie once again, but this time, she didn't dare to attempt to touch her. Instead, she took a few steps back. She revealed a discontented face at Rhode as if she was furious towards his ungentlemanly behaviour. But that expression only lasted for but a moment before she shrugged her shoulders and gave a soft laugh.

”You don't need to be tense, Mister. I am nothing but just a normal woman. That is no way to treat a lady. But I admit I was kind of rude, so… I will take my leave.”

After finishing her sentence, the woman smiled lightly, nodded towards Christie, and departed. Rhode gave a glance at the woman's retreating figure before lowering his head and discovering a slip of paper in his hand.

”… Rhode…?”

Christie's tiny voice sounded in Rhode's ear. She dubiously raised her head and eyed him. Rhode didn't respond immediately and simply kept the slip of paper. Then, he looked back at Christie and revealed a gentle smiling face.

”Christie, do you have anywhere else you want to go?”

It was already evening when Rhode had brought Christie back to their stronghold.

It was a rare opportunity for them to be able to take a break. Christie spent most of her time recovering and seldom head out. The furthest she went was the path at the stronghold's garden. Whereas for Rhode, he spent most of his time on building the mercenary group and working on missions. Thus, this trip was a great way for both of them to take a break from their usual routine. However, compared to the energetic Christie, Rhode seemed to be rather exhausted. After all, as a male, shopping clearly wasn't their list of interesting things to do. But for a female, a hobby such as shopping had already blended into their soul and blood. Christie was no different.

But to prevent the little girl from falling sick, Rhode decided to return to the stronghold. Though, emotionally, Christie was feeling great, but her body wasn't able to support a prolonged exercise. Thus, she had no choice but to head back to rest.

After sending Christie to her room, Rhode made his way to the lounge on the first floor with the intention to relax. After a full day of shopping, Christie was physically tired while Rhode was mentally drained. No matter how much he looked like a woman, he still couldn't understand the source of passion that women have for shopping. Was there any meaning to window shopping? In other words, if there isn't any intention to buy, why go shopping in the first place?

Rhode couldn't find the answer to this question.

However, when Rhode stepped into the lounge, he unexpectedly met someone.

”Yo, kid.”

Old Walker sat by the table beside the window. Noticing Rhode's arrival, he waved to him.

”You're back?”

”Yes, I'm back.”

Rhode scanned the room. Originally, this room was a recreational room for nobles, but now, the room was empty save for the few tables and wine buckets in the corners. Usually, there would be more mercenaries in the room, but since the ban wasn't uplifted yet, many of them went out.

”… Never did I imagine that the mercenary group would grow to such large numbers. We already have so many members…”

Old Walker sipped on the fine liquor and stared out of the window.

”At that time, when you and Lize invited me to join, so many mercenaries mocked the both of you. Heh… a 3-man mercenary group? Who would have thought?” Old Walker laughed. ”I was the same as those mercenaries as well. I also wished for your failure. Ah.. but alas, you disappointed me….”

Old Walker's voice suddenly trailed off, and he lifted his wine cup.

”Kid, what exactly do you want to achieve? I had been a mercenary all my life and seen many kinds of people. Someone of your caliber would have high aspirations and lofty goals. I believe that the reason why you built this mercenary group isn't merely for seeking thrills in adventures right?”

”…”

Rhode didn't answer. He simply shrugged his shoulders and waved his hand.

”Of course I have my plans, old man.”

As they say, 'not to reciprocate is against etiquette.' Since Old Walker had always called him a 'kid' every time they spoke, then Rhode wouldn't mind calling him ”old man”.

”You just need to sit tight and watch. Since you are already so old, it's hard to change anything now anyway, isn't it?” Rhode smirked.