Chapter 511 Paphield Battle 4 (1/2)
Marlene placed the book down gently.
She lifted her head and gazed at the room stacked with thick, ancient books. Under the beaming magical radiance, this luxuriously-decorated room gave her a sense of security. Princess-like bed with scarlet satin, velvety mattress and tall bookshelves by the side—this was Marlene's room before she left Golden City.
Incredible.
Marlene smiled as she slid her fingers across the books gently. She had grown up here since she was born and she still remembered facing the wide, french window while practicing her aristocratic etiquette. She also recalled sitting in front of bookshelves that were much taller than her as she struggled to flip over the ancient magical books made of thick papers. She couldn't forget the scenes when her magical practices succeeded or failed. All these memories should have been clearer than water in her mind, but instead, Marlene felt somewhat unfamiliar when she returned to this room and she had even suspected she entered the wrong room. Her room wasn't this clean, gorgeous, and peaceful and there should have been a dense green forest and baby-blue clouds floating above outside the windows. Then, she quickly realized that that room belonged in the Land of Atonement and not here.
It's so strange. I've lived here for most of my life and it actually feels so unfamiliar compared to the room I stayed in for less than half a year.
”Marlene.” A deep male voice sounded and Marlene turned around hurriedly to greet the senior politely. ”Father… Long time no see.”
The senior revealed a lonely, yet proud smile. ”Yes… It's been a while, my child. Even though you didn't leave Golden City for a long time, it feels like a decade for me. But I'm glad to see that you're living a happy life.”
Marlene lowered her head and gazed at her feet shyly. Even though her Father didn't specifically mention any names, Rhode was the first person she thought of instantly. In the beginning, Marlene thought that Rhode was the fated one that she needed to serve for her life and back then, she had a sense of curiosity and duty towards him. But as time slowly went by, Marlene realized that her feelings toward that man had changed. A change in affections that she had never experienced before.
”My daughter has grown up…” The senior gazed at Marlene proudly. As her Father, he definitely didn't ignore what his daughter truly wanted to hide. Although the Senia Family always followed their ancient rules and he, as the Patriarch of the family, had to set an example, Marlene was his only child and nobody expected her to be in misfortune with her intelligence, beauty, and obedience. Although it was said that if sacrifices were to be made and the Patriarch would inevitably choose to sacrifice Marlene, it was impossible for him to feel no contradiction in his heart.
And now, seeing that his daughter was safe and sound and living without any sorrow, the Patriarch felt at ease entirely.
Chicks would eventually need to leave their nest.
”Alright, my daughter, I'm here to praise you. You performed well during the Ring of Magic meeting and we have unanimously decided to try out the 'Final Pike' for this internal battle. You shall be their commander and represent the Senia Family. I think this should be an easy task for you, right?”
”Of course, Father.” Marlene revealed a confident look of determination. ”I promise you that I will live up to our family's expectations. This is my obligation and also my duty.”
”You're still as eager as ever.” The senior caressed her long hair and held her shoulder. ”Marlene, you're still young and you shouldn't bear all the responsibilities by yourself. We all know what Royal Highness Lydia wants to do, so…” The senior paused for a while. And when he was about to continue, Marlene smiled and shook her head. ”I understand what you mean, Father. In fact, I have discussed this matter with Rhode before I returned home. I understand that this battle will not end that easily. At least for now, we do not have a reason to end this battle as soon as possible.”
”Oh?” The senior's eyes brightened. ”He said that?”
”Yes, Father.” Marlene nodded and revealed a proud expression. Indeed, before Marlene headed back into Golden City, she had discussed the current situation with Rhode. Back then, Rhode had reminded her that there was a possibility that Royal Highness Lydia wouldn't end this battle quickly. Marlene couldn't really understand, however, most of the things that she heard and observed after she returned to Golden City confirmed Rhode's guesses. ”That's why you don't need to worry about me. I am the heir of the Senia Family and since this is my fate, I will bear the corresponding responsibilities. This is my choice and I've never regretted from the start.”
”I understand now…” Gazing at the young lady's shimmering, determined eyes, the senior nodded with a satisfied smile. ”It seems that you're very confident in him. Frankly speaking, I'm confident in him too. So then, my daughter. Since you've decided, have you thought of your next step? I have received news that he arrived at the Cloud Summit Fortress with his subordinates after repelling the Reformist Party. If you want to head over there, you should get ready soon.”
Marlene didn't respond immediately this time. Instead, she pondered for a while before lifting her head again. ”That's not necessary, Father. I've chosen my destination—Flourishing Blossom. I will bring the 'Final Pike' there for the defense aid mission.”
”Oh?” the Patriarch squinted. ”Why would you choose to go to that terrible place? If you don't intend to meet him, I suggest you go to Berwana instead. They're facing the frontline of the Reformist Party and I can request the Chief there to take care of you…”
”That's not necessary, but thanks for your concern, Father.” Marlene shook her head. ”Although I don't intend to meet Rhode, I, after all, am his adjutant. As an adjutant, coordinating with my superior's operations is my duty. Besides, heading into Flourishing Blossom will be a good choice for me.”
Marlene pressed on her wrist and stroked the colorful bracelet.
I wonder how's Lize doing…
At this moment, the young lady that Marlene was thinking about was feeling dispirited and uncertain. She trembled in fear as she sat before a map presented on the table as though it were a profound exam question.
”Do you understand, Little Lize? You, as an adjutant, aren't only responsible for passing on Master's orders, but also notice things that Master overlooks. Master doesn't have three heads and six arms, so he can't attend to everything personally, understand? As an adjutant, your responsibility is to help Master notice things that he overlooks and make amendments.”
”B-But…” Lize looked at Gillian who was smiling craftily. ”What if I misjudge the situation? What if I think too much and in turn, mess up Mr. Rhode's orders?”
”If you're always thinking about these, you will forever not be able to assume personal responsibility, Lize,” Rhode replied firmly as he scanned at the military map that the garrison had provided them. Of course, in this era, there was nothing to clearly mark the latitude and longitude. Therefore, the map appeared to be rough and crude. However, Rhode didn't need to rely on the map because he had been to the Cloud Summit more than once and it could be said that he understood this place more than the garrison. The most important purpose of this map was to train Lize's map reading skills and no matter if she was willing or not, she had to assume her personal responsibilities in the end. ”Don't forget, you have Clerics under your lead. Even if you're not my adjutant, you must also be responsible for their lives. This is the truth that you should've faced a long time ago, Lize…”