Chapter 407 Fantasy Nigh (1/2)

As night fell, Marlene sat by the window and blankly stared at the scenery. At this moment, her emotions were a mess.

The night scenery of the Land of Atonement was unlike any other places that Marlene had seen before. As far as one's eyes could see, the surrounding scenery was in full pitch-black apart from the sparkling lights of the fortress. At the border of this orderly land, even the radiance of the moon ceased to exist. Raising one's eyes to it, the odd darkness spread in unique tranquility and peacefulness.

Marlene stretched out her hand and gently stroked the window before her eyes. The ice-cold tactile sensation came through, but it wasn't enough to calm the maiden. Instead, Marlene felt she was as rigid as if she were in an ice cave. Her muscles were totally tight like she was huddled in a corner and shivering like a mouse waiting for a cat's arrival.

This can't do!

Marlene shook her head in denial before forcing herself to her feet and turning her attention indoors.

Although this fortress was only recently built, the facilities were comprehensive. Furthermore, after considering individual characteristics, Rhode came up with simple decorations for the rooms when he designed the fortress. And before Marlene's eyes, her bedroom showed a quiet and calm atmosphere. A white, soft bed laid beside the cyan curtains above the window, which let off a refreshing mood. Besides that, there were ancient carvings and slightly mysterious-looking pieces of furniture which seemed secluded and beautiful.

Am I overreacting?

Marlene inched towards the mirror beside her bed and observed herself. The maiden in the reflection was as beautiful and graceful as always. However, this time, she wasn't in her usual gorgeous robe, but in an elegant and luxurious black dress.

This was apparel which nobles put on for dance parties and banquets. As the heir of the Senia Family, this dress had been through meticulous alterations to fit Marlene's body nicely, highlighting her slender waist and bosoms. The black silk yarn fell gracefully on her shoulders, showing off a pair of fair shoulders and tender arms. At first glance, this plain-looking skirt let off the silver radiance of a galaxy river flowing along with the gentle movements of the maiden. Matching with a silver necklace and a pair of delicate gemstone earrings, she let off an elegant charm.

Such dress up undoubtedly made one the center of attention in a ballroom. However, it inevitably felt out of place as she wore it in the room. Marlene looked at her reflection blankly as she stacked her palms on her chest and puckered her brows slightly.

”Mine's are a little small compared to Anne's…”

The maiden mumbled softly and after a few moments, she abruptly startled and lifted her head as if she had just woken up from a short dream.

”Th-This looks ridiculous.”

Marlene blushed and hurriedly scuttled to the wardrobe on the other side of the room. The maiden opened the doors of the wardrobe and rummaged through the dresses attentively. Marlene let out a long sigh after a few moments before closing the doors of the wardrobe. She sat down on a chair and held her hand against her forehead.

”What exactly am I doing…” The maiden muttered under her breath.

Since this morning, Marlene had tried on all the dresses in her wardrobe and her makeup was also re-applied at least two to three times. However, Marlene still wasn't satisfied. To her, these clothes would either seem too childish, overly flirtatious or simple in Rhode's eyes… which made it hard for Marlene to decide. Although in the final moments, she had decided to wear her favorite black nightgown, she began to feel ill at ease while waiting… After all, this gown was too outrageous in this place. What would Rhode think if he sees this? Will he think that I'm vain? Haughty? Ostentatious?

Marlene had never experienced such emotions before. In fact, the maiden never thought that she would have such an irresolute day. Ever since she was young, she had never been this way before. Even when she learned about her family secrets from her father and heard her life mission, she had never been this hesitant. But now, she realized she was acting like a timid and overcautious girl who was letting her imaginations run wild.

Why am I acting like this?

Marlene couldn't figure out why she panicked in this situation and was even this hesitant and indecisive. She was even dubious over her feelings towards Rhode. Although she admitted that she didn't hate Rhode and had a favorable impression of him… she shouldn't have been acting this way regardless.

Marlene couldn't be blamed for feeling depressed in this difficult situation. After all, their relationship indeed was somewhat odd. Most human relationships would develop step by step from gaining interest in one another and finally reaching the last step of sexual intercourse. However, their relationship was totally different. Both of them didn't advance step by step, but instead, they skipped the middle step and got straight to the last. It was so fast that Marlene wasn't even able to buffer her thoughts for the middle step.

Not to mention, ever since Marlene was born, she had never fallen in love. Love in stories and fairy tales were only suitable in wonderful dreams. However, the love which she sensed and felt was not completely consistent with the love stories. But in fairy tales, the prince wouldn't engage in such illogical developments with the princess.

Due to this, Marlene had conflicting views. There were many times that she had decided to call off this date, but she couldn't pluck up the courage. And right now, the most important moment of her life was finally here.

Knock knock knock.

Hearing the knocks on her door, Marlene innately leaped up like a startled bunny. She looked at the door in uncertainty and subconsciously placed her palm on her chest before sucking in a deep breath and forcing herself to calm down.

”Who's there?”

”It's me, Rhode.”

”…!”

Marlene felt her heart almost stop beating as she stood on the same spot and regained her senses after a few seconds. She tidied her hair and the creases on her dress before inching towards the door. It was incredible that even though the maiden was so familiar and used to Rhode's voice, at this moment, she was triggered with unprecedented stimulations.

I-I think it's better to change back into my usual robe.

As Marlene approached the door, she once again hesitated. She turned around and looked at her uncertain self in the mirror before shaking her head violently. There's no more time now. I can't possibly make Mr Rhode wait for too long. Since things are this way now, I don't think I need to overthink anymore…

Marlene sighed before gently unlocking her door and pushed it open slightly.

”Hmm?”

The instant Rhode met Marlene, he revealed an odd expression which tensed her emotions. As I thought. This dress is a complete mistake. If I knew this would happen, I would've worn my usual robe.

However, the odd expression on Rhode's face only lasted for a second before he regained his usual expression and nodded towards Marlene.

”Hi there, Miss Marlene.”

”H-Hi, Mr Rhode… Please come in.”

With full of uncertainty, Marlene nodded towards Rhode and invited him into her room. At this moment, the maiden's head was a complete blank. The noble etiquette she learned and practiced for so many years had been thrown to the ends of the earth.

Rhode also seemed to notice Marlene's eccentric behavior and a trace of craftiness flashed in his eyes. Under Marlene's invitation, Rhode sat by the table. At this moment, Marlene was completely rattled and she didn't even notice Rhode's peculiar expression.

”Miss Marlene, I'm thankful for your invitation. So, you invited me here tonight for…”

”Ah, th-that…”

Marlene slightly blushed at Rhode's question. She sat opposite Rhode and lowered her head in panic while gazing at the tableware. Her gaze wandered all around, avoiding direct contact with the man before her. At this moment, Marlene was acting like a child who didn't dare face her parents after doing something wrong.

”This… Mr. Rhode. I remember you made a trip back to the stronghold, right? How are Christie and Lapis doing?”

After a few seconds, Marlene finally asked. However, it was entirely out of topic.

”They're doing well. Apart from those Southern idiots who sent some men to create trouble, nothing much happened. I brought Christie and Lapis to the fortress and Lize has arranged their lodgings.”

”I see…”

Marlene replied and the atmosphere became silent once again. Rhode didn't speak as he attentively scanned the maiden before his eyes. On the other end of the table, Marlene continued to stare blankly at the tableware and abruptly regained her senses after awhile.

”Ah, yes, sorry… Mr. Rhode. I have forgotten that I invited you for tea…”

Marlene stood up in panic and poured a cup of red tea for Rhode. However, perhaps due to her excessive nervousness, her hands slightly trembled and red tea overflowed and spilled onto the table.

”Ah!”

Frightened by the spillage, Marlene gasped and instinctively tried to wipe the water stains off the table with a cloth. However, the maiden instantly retracted her hand upon getting into contact with the boiling tea. And at this moment, she lost her balance and tripped to the ground.

”Ah…!”

The maiden's screams abruptly stopped because at this instance, Rhode grabbed her hand and dragged her into his arms. The maiden loosened her grip of the teapot and along with a crisp smash, the teapot shattered into a pile of debris after hitting the floor.

”… Argh… Argh…”

Marlene began to tremble as she whimpered.

I screwed up.

I have never messed up anything before, but how did things turn out this way? I thought as long as I tried my best, I could say anything. So how did things become like this? So stupid, so foolish, so sluggish. What curse did I get myself into?

”I'm so sorry, Miss Marlene.”

And at this moment, Rhode's voice sounded in her ears. The maiden widened her eyes strangely and gazed at the man before her eyes. Although Rhode was still displaying his usual expressionless face, this time, Marlene discovered his smile was filled with a few traces of apologies and slyness.

”If I've put you into a difficult situation, allow me to apologize… To be frank, Miss Marlene looks really adorable right now, so I can't help but see just how cute you are. But it seems like this is your limit…”

”Eh?”

Marlene widened her eyes in shock as she stared blankly into Rhode's eyes.

”M-Mr. Rhode, you know…”

”A young lady invites a man to her room late at night, dressed in such a luxurious dress. Anyone can understand what this means, unless one's an idiot…”