Chapter 618 - Leaving? (2/2)

It was the same for Rhode too.

Although Grenbell was a deserted mountainous range, it didn’t mean that there weren’t any benefits for him to uncover. He knew all the hidden locations with maze dungeons, treasure chests, missions, and even classes and organizations. All these were all too easy for him as an experienced player of the Munn Kingdom. Although the nobles treated Grenbell as simply a symbolic compensation for Rhode, he knew clearly that this ‘extra territory’ contained an abundance of treasures!

He didn’t have the time and strength before. But now… if everything turned out as smoothly as he had imagined, he wouldn’t need to worry about the Country of Darkness invading his territory anymore. He would kick them back to where they came from!

However, nothing was perfect and as to Rhode, he won some and lost some.

Marlene had left.

After the banquet had ended, Marlene and her father left Golden City. She didn’t have the time to bid goodbye to Rhode’s group. Although Anne was grumbling over why Marlene didn’t leave with them, Rhode felt that his guesses might have possibly come true. Even though he couldn’t understand why Lydia had only given Marlene the symbolic rewards, he understood the importance of the heir of the Senia Family. Besides, after this incident, Marlene might need to put more priority in her family matters and Rhode believed that this was perhaps the end of his fate with Marlene, especially after her unusually passionate behavior. Perhaps Marlene knew that she wouldn’t be able to be by his side in the future, which was why she gave her all for her desires.

Rhode couldn’t bear to part with her. He wasn’t iron-hearted, after all. Besides, it wouldn’t be right of him to simply forget about Marlene just because he had Lize and Canary by his side. Every woman was unique in their own way. If they were all the same, why would men even have extramarital affairs? Wouldn’t they be satisfied just from hugging their wives at home? But many situations weren’t within their grasps. He didn’t have any feud with the Senia Family. Also, Marlene wasn’t a melodramatic princess who was imprisoned by her family and waiting for her prince to rescue her. She had her pride and honor. If Rhode barged into her home, dragged her away with him, and threatened anyone who tried to stop him with his sword… He would count his lucky stars if Marlene didn’t give him a tight slap and fall out with him.

But now…

On the second day, Rhode didn’t leave Golden City immediately. Although he had packed his luggage in the morning, he stayed in the inn for the entire afternoon. In the end, he didn’t get to see the scene he had hoped for.

Forget it. I knew that this would happen and this is nothing more than a confirmation.

Rhode shrugged and exited the inn.

“Let’s go, Anne, Lize. There are many matters in the Fortress waiting for us to handle.”

Lize sensed that Rhode’s thoughts were wandering and she knew the reason why he behaved this way. It seemed that Marlene had left them.

Lize couldn’t bear to part with Marlene either. They were the best of friends and even though they had to be separated due to certain situations, their friendship didn’t fade over time. However, it was different this time. Not only did Lize feel reluctant, but she also felt regretful because she was determined to confess to Marlene about her encounters with Rhode. But now that Marlene had left them, perhaps they wouldn’t have a chance to talk about it anymore.

It was due to this that Lize also appeared to be preoccupied. On the contrary, Anne had the purest of hearts. One without any troubles would be free from headaches. Apart from grumbling over why Marlene didn’t return to the Fortress with them, she wasn’t bothered by anything else because since Marlene was still a member of the Guild, she would surely return one day. Anne believed that Marlene was merely tied down by family matters and she would return once she had dealt with them.

The chariot drove off and Lize gazed at Rhode who was admiring the picturesque views through the window. Her head was filled with the exchange of words that she had with Lydia the day before.

“As your elder sister, I have to give you my blessings in finding your happiness, Lize. This is what you deserve. A diamond will eventually emanate a unique, shimmering radiance after wiping off the filthy dust. But I hope you can understand, Lize. Not only will a beautiful diamond bring happiness, but it will also bring danger. You must know that you’re not following an ordinary man. You will face all sorts of unimaginable dangers whenever you’re with him and the dangers won’t be as simple as those that you’ve experienced as a mercenary. Lize, the immense pressure might overwhelm and crumble you. I’m not trying to scare you. You should also know that he isn’t an ordinary man by now.”

Yes, Sister. I’m clear about this.

Lize shifted her gaze to the azure sky.

If this man didn’t rescue me by the Floating Boat, would I have survived until now? Perhaps I would’ve turned into an ice-cold corpse like the rest.

Back then, she knew that this man wasn’t ordinary at all. But now, she felt that she could accept this reality.

As long as I stay by his side… No matter what sort of danger and difficulties I face, I won’t be afraid.

She was confident.

“—”

As the chariot reached Golden City’s gate, it abruptly slowed down and came to a halt.

What happened?

Rhode and Lize came to their senses and exchanged curious glances. Seldom would there be chariots stopped when they were leaving the city.

Could it be that there was some kind of a roadblock? But they had never heard of such problems arising in Golden City. Or could it be that members of the Reformist Party had escaped?

Suddenly, someone knocked on the chariot and the door opened.

The trio curious turned toward the door.

“Rhode, why did you come so late?”

Clad in her usual Mage robe, Marlene stepped into the chariot and sat beside Anne, twitching her brows and displaying her gorgeous smile.

“I’ve been waiting this entire afternoon.”