Chapter 297 Holy War Ceremony 1/2 (2/2)

Then, a slim, snowy arm stuck out from inside the chariot and grabbed onto his right hand. Marlene, who was dressed in a grand, maroon gown, stepped down from the chariot.

Unlike the usual days, she wore a gown made from a material that fitted nicely on her body, which accentuated her young, slender figure. A silver shawl wrapped around her shoulders and let off a mature feel. Accompanied with her unique, silver-whitish hair and red pupils, she left a deep impression.

The bustling atmosphere came to an abrupt halt. Not only due to her beautiful looks, but it also due to her identity as the heir of the Senia Family, where she was respected in such occasions. Even though the mercenary group she joined wasn't one with high reputation or abilities, this definitely wasn't enough of a reason for others to poke fun at her.

However, no one noticed that as Marlene extended her hand and grabbed onto Rhode's hand, she was blushing and appeared somewhat despondent. However, she was still the heir of a huge noble family and she quickly recovered from such absent-mindedness before anyone noticed.

Although Rhode noticed Marlene's strange reactions, he didn't speak anything about it. After Marlene walked down the chariot, he released his grip on her hand. He didn't walk alongside Marlene. Instead, he returned to the chariot and extended his hand again.

What's going on?

Many of them were astonishment. They thought that the young man would walk alongside her. You should be happy to have the chance to walk beside her. What are you thinking!?

Before everyone received the answers to their doubts, they saw another young lady extend her hand out of the chariot and grab Rhode's.

Unlike the graceful Marlene, Lapis was dressed fresh and clean. She wore a simple, yet elegant white gown, accompanied with a laced mantle that draped over her shoulders and covered her delicate stature.

Rhode had to admit that Lapis had indeed proven herself to be the Behermes' heir. Although she appeared to be in a daze and was always timid, the lessons she received about royalty ceremonies could be seen entirely when it came to such occasions. Although she didn't have the aura of a queen like Marlene, anyone could see that she had received great education just by her standing there with her hands folded before her chest and lowering her head.

Who is she?

Everyone was perplexed. They didn't know who she was but, judging from her looks, she didn't seem to be the rumored 'princess'. So then, this was very worth the thought over. What was the identity of this young lady to stand alongside Miss Marlene?

In actual fact, with Lapis' identity as Behermes' princess, she indeed had the rights to and even stand in front of Marlene. However, Marlene wasn't aware of Lapis' true identity. As for Rhode… he was only thinking that since Lapis wanted to head outside, he would use this chance for her to have a stroll. No matter what, he was considered to be her guardian and to lock her up in the room the whole day seemed brutal. Besides, Lapis had an introverted nature and definitely wouldn't stir up trouble like Anne…

As Rhode entered the ceremonial hall with the two young ladies, he saw an elderly man with a full head of white hair approaching him with a smile.

He was the representative of the Reformist Party—leader of the Sky Sword guild, Mobis.

”Greetings. Long time no see, Miss Marlene.”

The elderly man greeted. It seemed like he totally neglected Rhode and Lapis. However, no one thought that the elderly man was being respectful toward Marlene because all they heard was the sneer in his tone.

”Greetings, President Mobis. It's been 3 months, and you seem to be doing well.”

Marlene responded by lifting the hem of her skirt and bowed with no signs of fear.

”I thought that my father's 'accidental' miss had left you lying in bed for awhile.”

Although Mobis was much more senior than Marlene and logically speaking, she should be respectful to her elders, the relationship between the Reformist Party and King's Party was like fire and water. She, as a representative of the King's Party, definitely wouldn't show any signs of weakness.

Everyone tensed up as they sensed the difference in this young lady's aura. Unlike in the past, Marlene used to react with pride and arrogance, but now, she seemed stronger and even took the initiative to strike back!

Not only that, but everyone could also sense the rivalry between them. Mobis seemed to have done something to the Senia Family in the past but failed and received a punishment. Oh my goodness, could it be that the Sky Sword Guild intended to fall out with the Munn Kingdom's strongest family force?

The crowd looked at Mobis in bewilderment.

Indeed. The elderly man's calm eyes glinted coldly. Then, he stroked his beard and burst into laughter, at the same time spreading his hands apart.

”Hahaha, Miss Marlene doesn't need to worry about me. Although I may be old, such little trouble means nothing to me. How would I give up so easily before reaching my goal?”

Mobis didn't seem like he wished to continue the conversation. He turned to Rhode.

”This… must be the leader of Starlight, Mr. Rhode? Indeed. Seeing is believing, I didn't expect you to be prettier than what the rumors described.”

”Thanks for the compliment, President Mobis.”

Rhode maintained his expression as he bowed slightly.

”But, to us mercenaries, face isn't important. Strength is.”

”Yes, yes, well said! Hahahahaha.”

Mobis burst into laughter and give Rhode a pat on his shoulder, which changed Rhode's expression slightly for a second. Mobis didn't realized it and nodded with satisfaction.

”That's right. You're right. Mercenaries depend on strength, which many young people have long forgotten…”

Mobis paused and looked around. After shifting his gaze back at Rhode, his eyes seemed to be much heavier and dignified. As the leader of the Sky Sword Guild, Mobis had long investigated the information regarding this young man. He knew that Rhode was mindful about his face and could even kill someone on the streets over it. Therefore, this was only a rashful part of him in Mobis' eyes. Originally, he had intended to use this chance to infuriate this young man in order to reach his goals. But, for unknown reasons, it seemed that this young man had patience well above his expectations. Not only that, but Mobis also realised that he wasn't able to read what the young man was thinking based on his expression. Furthermore, for unknown reasons, Mobis felt that Rhode wasn't looking at him like he was looking at a human—more like he was looking at a dead man.

What's going on with this young man?

”I hope you have fun in the Midsummer Festival.”

Mobis turned around and left as laughed grimly.

Rhode remained silent. At this moment, he felt something soft grabbing onto his left hand. He turned around and saw Marlene looking at him with helplessness and shaking her head lightly.

”Mr. Rhode, Mobis is hard to deal with. He was purposely provoking you, so you mustn't fall for his trap.”

”I understand, Marlene. Don't worry.”

Rhode nodded and turned to the front. His eyes glinted with harsh coldness at the sight of Mobis' back. He understood what Marlene meant, and in fact, he was familiar with Mobis. As he executed the King's Party's mission, he destroyed the entire Reformist Party, including Mobis. Although this elderly man seemed kind on the outside, he was a treacherous and murderous figure. However, Rhode wasn't too mindful of him. After all, he had murdered this man before and it wouldn't mean too much to kill him again. Therefore, facing Mobis' taunts, Rhode remained calm as ever, which was why his eyes were slightly odd.

But Mobis wasn't aware of that, of course.

The awkward atmosphere slowly faded away and the clamors once again filled the air. Rhode, Marlene, and Lapis used the opportunity to stand by the side and avoid unnecessary attention.

”What do you think?”

At this moment, Viktor withdrew his gaze and smiled. Barter touched his chin and nodded.

”Still alright, and it seems that this young man isn't any sissy. But, as a man, he should look tougher. If it's me, I would've given that old dude a tight slap! Damn old thing, how could he have even lived for so long? Lucky bastard…”

”Alright. Alright, it's no use saying all these now.”

Viktor stopped Barter with his lifted cup and nodded. At the same time, he revealed a mysterious smile.

”It's my turn next.”

”You?”

Barter was stunned.

”You're going too?”

”Of course.”

Viktor maintained his smile, but his eyes were filled with determination.

”No matter what, the Senia Family is also our alliance in the King's party, so naturally I have to greet Miss Marlene. Besides, how can I let the Reformist Party snatch all the attention?”

”You're full of trouble, Viktor.”

Barter shook his head and sighed as he was clear of Viktor's intentions. Although Viktor was very usually friendly and outspoken, he was much tougher and haughtier on the inside. How could Viktor swallow it down?

But, Viktor had cancelled out everything that Barter said. He approached Rhode with his cup… On the other hand, Barter observed closely.

”No matter how I see it, that guy seems to be heading there to flirt a beautiful young lady.”

Barter knew that Rhode was a man, but he couldn't accept this fact…