Chapter 618 - Leaving? (1/2)

The banquet was still going on when Rhode and Marlene returned to the banquet hall. Their departure didn’t catch too much attention and most of the nobles thought that they had just gone out for a stroll. Some of them knew about their relationship and they believed that Rhode might have gone out to accompany and console her. After all, the rewards she had received weren’t comparable to the other young nobles, which left her depressed inevitably. However, perhaps no one could imagine how daring they were to do such a thing in the majestic and sacred Golden City…

Many nobles approached Rhode and praised him for his swordsmanship. At the same time, they were also interested in his past contributions. Some consulted him on how he had cultivated this wonderful swordsmanship while some were more amused by the construction of his Fortress in the Land of Atonement. On the other hand, a group of beautiful young noblewomen gathered over and hoped to gain his liking. After all, everyone could see that this young man had a bright future ahead after Lydia conferred him the Holy Cross Medal. No one in the history of the Munn Kingdom had received the Holy Cross Medal at such a young age. But come to think of it, they weren’t astounded as to why Lydia had made this decision because there weren’t any Archangels who were as flamboyant and vicious as her, anyway.

It appeared seemingly reasonable for special ones to experience extraordinary situations.

But politics was cruel.

The young nobles forced Marlene out of their way as they warmly crowded around Rhode and none of those who admired her in the past went up to speak to her. However, they couldn’t be blamed for this behavior because, no matter what, it was bizarre that her rewards were this unimpressive. From a certain standpoint, this might possibly be due to the dissatisfaction of the Royal Family due to the Senia Family being overly powerful. Lydia’s desire to dominate was much stronger than previous Archangels, but what about the Senia Family? With their advanced magical technologies, it could be said that they had monopolized the magical equipment production in the Munn Kingdom. Besides, although they were one of the three largest families in the Munn Kingdom, they were unlike the two other families at all. None of the Senia Family members had ever engaged in intermarriage with Royal Family members and they maintained their pure bloodline. If this happened in another nation, where a powerful noble family refused to merge with the royal family, perhaps the noble family would be long gone. Fortunately, the past rulers of the Munn Kingdom were Angels and they didn’t have much desires for authority. On the other hand, the Senia Family had been working closely with the Royal Family too, so no one dared to shoot their mouths off.

But it was different now. Lydia valued authority and prestige heavily and disapproved of anyone from taunting. Meanwhile, Marlene wasn’t rewarded generously. Could this be the start of a threatened monarchy?

Many nobles kept a respectful distance away from Marlene. The Senia Family was formidable, like an unwavering tree that towered into the sky and with roots that infiltrated every corner of the earth. Therefore, it had been a long while since the Royal Family tried to control the growth of their strength. However, the other noble families were different in the situation. Their strengths were incomparable to the three largest families and this was the best chance for them to extend their strength.

The young nobles weren’t as concerned about their families’ future as their elders. Since Marlene had clearly expressed that she belonged to Rhode and they had witnessed the tragedy of Antonio from acting recklessly, they wouldn’t be that foolish to risk their lives…

Marlene leaned on the wall and gazed at the crowd that was swarming around Rhode. Instead of displaying a resentful and furious expression, she revealed a gentle smile. It wasn’t a fake smile that a noble had to express in order to maintain her poise. On the contrary, it was a sincere and genuine one. Then, a frail voice sounded beside her.

“You seem rather delighted, Marlene?”

“Father.”

Marlene turned to the Patriarch of the Senia Family. Then, she nodded with a smile before shifting her gaze to Rhode once again.

“That’s right, Father. Look, this is the first time that I didn’t receive any attention in a banquet with no one currying favors or confessing to me. I’ve never thought that such peaceful times were possible. It seems that it was a right choice to turn down Royal Highness Lydia’s reward. If future banquets would stay this way, perhaps I might even miss such times.”

“Hahaha.”

The elderly man squinted and followed her gaze. Then, he nodded and continued.

“Have you told him about your decision?”

“Not yet, Father. But I can guess what’s on his mind, so it’s fine letting him wait a while longer. Serves him right for leaving me behind for that long. This is also a small punishment for him…” Marlene extended her finger and placed by her lips cheekily. “When that day comes, I’ll need Father to be in on it with me, alright? Rhode is smart and my little tricks will go to waste if he notices anything strange.”

“That’s for sure, Marlene. You’re my daughter, so why would I help the rascal who stole my daughter than to help you?”

The elderly man revealed a satisfied smile. He looked at his young daughter with a gentle gaze before letting out a long sigh.

“Marlene. Frankly speaking, after bringing you up for all these years, I never expected that I would say this to you. Go and do whatever you want… As long as you like it…”

“Same goes for me, Father.”

Marlene lifted her head.

“I’ve never thought that this day would come. I’ve told myself that my life belongs to the family and it’s my duty to carry out the responsibilities of what the family asks of me. But now, I don’t feel that it’s a heavy burden. Instead, I feel fortunate and blessed, which is more than enough for me, isn’t it?”

“You’re right.”

The elderly pondered before nodding with a gentle smile. He turned to Rhode once more and revealed a stern glint.

“By the way, Marlene. I’ve heard from you that there’s some trouble with Starlight? I can send our Alchemists to help if you wish to.”

“No, Father.”

But, before the elderly man finished his sentence, Marlene interrupted firmly.

“Rhode is a proud man and he doesn’t like to receive help from others. Besides, I have my own solution. Our family doesn’t need to step in for now because I’m sure that Rhode has sensed that we didn’t approach him because we were simply attracted to him. Moreover, I’m sure that Rhode would believe it after this incident. Perhaps we will need to tell him the truth one day, but it isn’t the time now. I will tell him everything myself when the time is ripe… Everything about me, our Senia Family and him…”

Marlene bit her lips and complicated emotions flickered in her eyes.

“This is my duty and I should be the one to come clean with him about it.”

The elderly man shook his head and patted on Marlene’s shoulder before heading toward the noble circle on the other side of the hall. He had his own duties too. Many of the nobles believed that this might be the start of the Senia Family’s collapse after Marlene’s disappointing rewards. However, the nobles weren’t aware of the inside information and the Senia Family wouldn’t spread word about it either. But even so, the Patriarch had the duty to let others understand that the Senia Family was still a massive figure in the Munn Kingdom and they wouldn’t bow down to others.

It was late at night and the celebratory banquet had ended with nobles leaving Golden City with all smiles. This event represented the end of an old age and also the start of a new phase. To some extent, the Munn Kingdom and the Country of Darkness were rather similar. They were powered up and rising young forces who went against the ancient families. However, their paths were entirely different. The Country of Darkness had chosen to expand externally in order to dampen the new forces’ desires while the Munn Kingdom had chosen to adjust internally. As for the Reformist Party, they were the best sacrificial offerings for them.

But no matter if it was external or internal, they represented the same thing: this was the beginning of a new wave of power expansion.