Chapter 255 An Invisible Hand (1/2)
”Woah… I'm so full.”
Anne stretched her arms and said with a satisfied grin.
”You ate too much, Anne.”
Lize shook her head beside her.
”I don't know how you managed to eat a portion for three. If it's me, I would never be able to eat that much… and you spent so much unnecessary money too. Have you thought of an explanation to Marlene yet?”
”Huh?”
Anne's expression changed slightly. She held her palms together and leaned toward Lize.
”Sister Lize, we don't have to report such small matters to Sister Marlene, right? It's only a small meal and Anne used all her heart to finish it~ I didn't waste a single bit at all!”
”You are really…”
Lize let out a sigh. Then, she shifted her gaze to the quiet little girl beside them.
”Christie, what's wrong? Are you in a bad mood? Or do you have something you want to buy?”
”Hmm?”
Christie seemed to have been disrupted from her daze. She hugged the package in her arms tightly and revealed a shy, gentle smile to Anne and Lize. Then, she shook her head.
”… I'm not in a bad mood, Lize… I'm only thinking of when will Rhode come back…”
Christie sulked slightly.
”I painted so many beautiful paintings… I hope Rhode can see them…”
”Don't worry, Christie. Leader will definitely be back in no time.”
Anne let out a chuckle and gently fondled the little girl's hair, at the same time confidently making a prediction.
”Didn't Sister Marlene say that before? Leader will definitely return soon. This time, they aren't doing any special missions, so you don't have to worry too much…”
”You're right.”
Although Lize was also worried about Rhode and the others, she couldn't possibly reveal her true emotions to Christie. Therefore, Lize hurriedly squatted down in front of Christie and held her shoulders. She looked deeply into her eyes.
”There's nothing to worry about, Christie. Mr. Rhode is a smart, brave, and strong person. He will not be in any trouble. Who knows; maybe Mr. Rhode is already waiting for you back home. Cheer up, okay?”
”Okay…”
Christie appeared a little more relieved. She nodded gently and displayed an adorable smile. Lize responded with a smile of her own and stroked the little girl's beautiful, long hair.
”It's already late; we should get…”
At this moment, a clatter of hoofs interrupted her words. She lifted her head and spotted a group of fully-armored knights on their horses. The crowd on the streets avoided them hurriedly. Lize stood up attentively and pulled Christie to her side. As for Anne, she pouted and gave a dismissive look.
However, what the three of them didn't expect was that the group of knights was actually coming for them. They slowed down to a halt as they surrounded the trio.
”Who are you people? What do you want?!”
Anne had the quickest reactions. As the knights surrounded them, she retrieved the heavy shield from her back and used it to protect Lize and Christie.
”Are you members of the Starlight mercenary group?”
The knights didn't answer Anne. Instead, it was their leader who spoke.
Anne and Lize knitted their brows simultaneously. Clearly, both of them realised that things weren't that simple. They didn't answer the person instantly and scanned the surrounding. Lize hugged Christie in her arms while Anne shifted her position carefully toward the left to close off the opening.
”That's right, we are members of the Starlight mercenary group. Who are you people anyway?”
”We are the garrisons of Deep Stone City!”
The leader waved his arm strongly, pulled out his sword, and pointed at the trio.