Chapter 430 An Afternoon Secre (1/2)

The red tea in the cup had lost its warmth.

Marlene placed the teacup on the table and gazed through the window. Although it was past noon, it was already dusk. Even the other mercenaries were still not used to this odd time difference. However, they were fortunate that Rhode had thought of this when he was building the Fortress. He built a clock tower for timekeeping and it would ring once every morning, noon, and night. With this clock tower, everyone was able to adjust to the drastic time difference gradually.

Gazing at the scenery, Marlene rubbed her forehead gently. The operations of the Fortress had normalized and the only problem she had was when Marfa delivered the piece of paper informing her that Anne had escaped. However, Marlene wasn't too surprised as she knew Anne's character inside out. Marlene made adjustments swiftly, knowing that Marfa was honest and reliable, so she didn't worry too much about it.

However, this didn't mean that Marlene was clear of troubles… Although the operations were going well for the Fortress and there weren't any problems in the entire Paphield which required their assistance, Marlene was troubled over her personal issues, which were related to Canary.

Before Rhode left the Fortress, he wanted Canary and Marlene to manage the Fortress together. If it was in the past, Marlene would have been delighted. After all, she worked with Canary well and both of them were close to one another. Furthermore, Canary was knowledgeable and experienced in casting techniques, so she could even be considered Marlene's mentor.

However, after bumping into the 'act' of Canary and Rhode that fine day, Marlene felt embarrassed whenever she met Canary… Although she didn't consider herself Rhode's girlfriend, the thought of her man having the same relationship with another woman made her feel awkward. She didn't know how to face Canary and she thought that Rhode would clarify the situation to Canary or her. But, it seemed that Rhode had no intentions of doing so. As for Canary, Marlene sensed that she might have noticed that something was off too. However, Canary's attitude towards Marlene remained the same.

Could it be that because she isn't a living human, she is somewhat worried about this?

Marlene didn't feel that Canary would have such thoughts. However, she was worried because Rhode was no longer around to settle this issue and she had to act normally whenever she was alone with Canary. This troubled Marlene a lot and she didn't know if she should open up to Canary. But what should she even say?

”Sigh…” Marlene lowered her head and let out a long sigh. At this moment, someone knocked on the door. The young lady turned around and tidied the documents on her desk hurriedly. ”Please come in.”

The door opened and Canary stepped in with her usual, gentle smile. ”Am I disturbing you, Miss Marlene?”

”Ah, no, I'm coming to an end,” Marlene felt her body stiffened as soon as she witnessed Canary's smile. She forced out a smile in return and lowered her head, pretending to sort her documents. ”What's the matter?”

”It's like this…” Canary gazed at Marlene and narrowed her eyes with a cheeky smile. She approached Marlene and handed over a stack of paper. ”Rhode previously mentioned that he wants the mercenaries to practice battles at the distorted points. I've come up with a plan. Let me know if there is anything that you wish to amend.”

”Alright, I will have a look later.” Marlene took over the papers hurriedly and flipped over a few pages before leaving them at the side. However, Canary didn't leave instantly as Marlene expected. Instead, Canary smiled at her which left the young lady feeling ill at ease. ”I-Is there anything else, Miss Canary?”

”It's nothing important… But…” Canary extended a finger and supported her chin. ”I feel that Miss Marlene is acting rather strangely… So, I'm just curious… You stopped finding me for tea and also stopped discussing the problems of your casting techniques with me… Could it be that I didn't teach you well enough?”

”Ah, it's not like that.” Marlene lifted her head and gestured in panic hurriedly. As a matter of fact, Canary's lectures in casting techniques were extremely practical and simple to understand. To put it bluntly, Marlene felt that the ten days she spent learning from Canary were much more useful than the two years of lessons she had received in the magic school. Marlene was finally able to confirm that Canary was indeed a wild Mage. Canary was clear and logical when it came to casting techniques for actual battles. However, Canary knew nothing regarding the nature of the power source and the special driving forces of these spells.

Marlene was astonished as she learned in the magic school that a Mage needed to first understand the power itself before one had the right to learn how to cast or grasp it. Canary's presence totally smashed the truth that Marlene had learned because she had no knowledge of the most basic foundation and core. She treated spells as spells and powers as powers separately, but she was so successful. If it were others, perhaps Marlene would have regarded that person as lucky. However, Canary was in the Legendary stage and luck itself couldn't bring anyone there. Marlene felt incredible that Canary's knowledge of magic powers stopped at the most basic of elemental attributes and power manifestations. Canary had zero knowledge of more profound knowledge, so how was she so skillful at spellcasting skills?

Marlene had questioned Canary but her response was ”You may know how to fly a plane, but it is not necessary for you to know how to make a plane.” Marlene was unable to comprehend such a statement. However, although she didn't know what a plane was, she more or less understood what Canary meant.

”So then, what's the reason?” Canary sat opposite Marlene, resting her elbows on the desk while pushing her hands against her cheeks, smiling cheekily. Marlene became flustered and her gaze wavered. In the end, Marlene took in a deep, long breath. She was an intelligent woman and she knew that Canary was here to discuss this problem with her. Marlene knew the stakes in raising this concern, so she had been hesitant in speaking up. Now that Canary had taken the initiative to speak to her, there was no need for Marlene to be so reserved anymore.

Marlene poured a cup of tea for Canary and herself before nodding at her. ”It's about…”