Chapter 548 Mission Failed? (1/2)
Andre left with his tail between his legs and put a full stop to this matter. The bystanders believed that Andre hadn't mistaken 'Miss Seren' for another person, but they also know that she wasn't easy to deal with. After their backing had left, the Howard members sneaked away quickly. Of course, this matter between the two Trade Associations was far from being resolved. No matter what, the mines in Fiat were supported by both families and they had to propose a solution to handle this dire situation.
But this was all for Rhode. He had nothing to do with Fiat anymore. Moreover, he was more concerned about the defensive line in Northern Paphield. After accomplishing both missions, Rhode had found some clues to Lydia's plan. He knew what Lydia wanted to accomplish. If everything went on smoothly, perhaps he might have another chance to play his favorite game…
Rhode packed his belongings the next morning and left the Trade Association with Celia and Celestina. Of course, they bid goodbye to the interim representative of the Trade Association before they left.
Splash! Emily placed the teacup on the table carelessly and the hot tea spilled and soaked the wooden table and scattered sheets of paper. Emily looked vacantly at 'Miss Seren' before her. ”Miss Seren, y-you said you're leaving?”
”Yes, Miss Emily.” Rhode revealed an apologetic smile and nodded slightly. ”I'm aware that I've brought a lot of trouble to your Trade Association and I've even caused you to lose your father. I'm deeply sorry for my actions. But after all, I'm only a merchant. My purpose here was to negotiate the ore trades. But, it seems that the situation in Fiat region is much more chaotic than we've imagined. I believe the ore production will not be restored within a short period due to the unfortunate incident and I would have no further purpose in staying here any longer. This is why I've decided to leave, Miss Emily.”
”B-But…” Emily stammered and she was lost for words.
Frankly speaking, even though 'Miss Seren's' departure was to be expected, Emily couldn't accept the truth momentarily. Although they had known each other for only two days, Emily felt that 'Miss Seren' was as though an old friend whom she had known for most of her life. At this moment, with the mishap of her father, she had to run the affairs of the Trade Association, adjust the benefits of the merchants, and be surrounded by their grumbles and conflicts. Sometimes, Emily felt that she was in a lot of pain. Am I not the saddest person in this world? I've just lost Father! The merchants prioritized benefits more than showing concern for her. This was the first time that Emily felt that these people were heartless. She hoped that someone could accompany, console, and lend her a shoulder. This was her only expectation now.
After hearing from 'Miss Seren' that she was leaving, Emily felt as though the ground under her feet had disappeared and she fell entirely into an emptiness of disappointment. ”M-Miss Seren, can you stay for a few more days? I…”
”I think it's best for us to not trouble you right now, Miss Emily. Your Trade Association is going through a tough phase now and it will require a lot of focus and time to resolve the issues. I'm just an outsider and it isn't beneficial for you if we continue to stay here. Besides… I didn't expect to see that many savage bandits in Fiat. Miss Emily, please be wary of the Howard Trade Association. Their conspiracy failed this time, but I'm sure they will be back,” Rhode stepped forward and gently caressed Emily's cheek. ”It was nice knowing you, Miss Emily. It isn't easy to meet a trustworthy woman in a foreign land. I will never forget you.”
Rhode moved two steps back and lifted his skirt lightly to bow. ”So then, goodbye, Miss Emily. I hope you will achieve your dreams soon.”
The door closed.
Emily gazed vacantly and pondered for a long time. She eventually gritted her teeth as though she had made a decision. She went up to the bookshelves and withdrew a scroll. Picking up a feather pen by the side, she began to write with trembling hands…
”Is this fine, Master?”
After boarding the chariot, Celestina looked at Rhode with a sardonic smile while Rhode twitched his brows in response. Celestina chuckled lightly and continued. ”Haven't you seen how heartbroken that girl was when you left her just like that? Why didn't you do what you're best at to calm her down and make her your slave? That sounds fun. Besides, you love to do that a lot, isn't it?”
”I'm a person who divides pleasure and work clearly, Celestina.”
The smile on Rhode's face vanished and he revealed his usual, aloof expression. However, Celestina and Celia felt more comfortable with that familiar expression than the smiling mask.
”Work is work and one shouldn't bring personal considerations into the picture when the mission is accomplished. Besides… It's not like I haven't satisfied my personal pleasure during my stay here.” Rhode shot a meaningful look at Celestina and the latter turned toward the window with a disdainful snort, ignoring him completely. Celia looked on in confusion as she couldn't understand what their interactions were all about. She turned to her left and front and both of them didn't seem interested in explaining… Well, gossiping wasn't the Battle Angel's hobby anyway.
”Eh?” Celestina widened her eyes slightly. She chortled and looked on engrossingly out of the window. ”Master, you said you divide work and personal pleasure clearly, right?”
”Yes, is there any problem?”
”So then, since our mission is completed, you wouldn't mind enjoying for a while longer, right?”
”…?”
Rhode caught on to something strange and suddenly, the chariot slowed down and came to a halt. At this moment, a rather familiar, panting voice sounded. A voice that he had just spoken to earlier on.
”Please wait, Miss Seren!”
Rhode hesitated with knitted brows and eventually chose to exit the chariot. While neglecting the smiling Celestina who was watching at the same time. Rhode spotted Emily sprinting over while clutching a small bag in her hand. She was wearing outdoor attire instead of her home clothes… Oh, Lord. Could it be… It can't be…
Although Rhode was muttering inwardly, he greeted Emily with an elegant smile. ”What's wrong, Miss Emily? Is anything the matter?”
”Huu… Huu… Ha… Ha…”
It seemed that Emily had been pursuing the chariot for a long distance. Fortunately for her, the chariot hadn't left the town yet. If not, it wouldn't be surprising that she might even chase her way into the deep forest.
Emily caught her breath and gazed at Rhode with determined eyes. She bit her teeth as though she had made an important decision. ”M-Miss Seren… If it is possible, can I please leave with you?”
”…”
You gotta be kidding me…
Rhode had deeply realized how accurate this saying was. One must not speak unreasonably while missions must not be accepted irrationally.
Rhode refused to believe that Emily would simply give up on her life in the Trade Association and choose to become a Travel Merchant with him. Was this part of the mission? What kind of joke was this! If Rhode was truly a female merchant player, there wouldn't be any problems bringing Emily along. But he wasn't a merchant and even his gender was disguised… Moreover, Rhode had to head back to the Paphield front lines to resist the attack from the Reformist Party. How would he even have the time to accompany Emily in becoming a Travel Merchant?
Rhode didn't reject Emily's request firmly. He gazed at the young lady quietly for a long time while Emily lowered her head worriedly like a bewildered student reprimanded by her teacher. Then, Rhode finally responded. ”Why, Miss Emily?”
”Because… Because…”
Emily had given a lot of thought and came up with several excuses before she bolted out of the Trade Association. She had so much on her mind to say to 'Miss Seren', but the thoughts seemed to have vanished now that they stood face to face.
”Because I…”
”I don't know what exactly you are thinking about, Miss Emily. But I will not bring you along… I can understand the pain and sorrows of losing your father. But… This isn't a justifiable reason for you to leave here, Miss Emily. You still lack the capabilities to become a Travel Merchant and I, as a citizen of the Country of Light, can't bring you out of your country with my own initiative, especially during this sensitive period.”