Chapter 794 - A Perplexing Journey (1/2)

Lilian stood above the city wall and gazed at the battlefield. The fluttering snow wasn’t able to cover the aftermath of the battle. The corpses had been cremated and what remained was the pitch-black vestiges and blood.

“Just as Mr. Rhode said, if I don’t look at the world personally, I won’t see anything.”

The little girl said in her shaky voice without turning back.

“Due to our incapabilities, the flame of wars continue to spread across the land with countless people sacrificing their lives…”

Lilian held her hands together tightly and looked down as though it was unbearable to witness everything before her. Rhode shrugged in silence. There was only two of them here. The Light Parliament’s military representative had also intended to join them, but Lilian rejected his suggestion. Her purpose of coming here was to meet Rhode and she didn’t wish for others to interrupt them.

But now, she felt as though she made the wrong decision. This was the first time that she felt so powerless after witnessing the land that was perished in the flames of war. She heard the war reports earlier on and the Light Parliament constantly assured her that they were ‘properly handling’ the situation. Even though they sounded respectful, Lilian understood what they meant.

But what could she do? She didn’t know anyone outside of the palace. Apart from the Light Parliament, she had no other ways to receive any information and all she could do was hear from the Battle Angels. After Serene left, Lilian felt incredibly helpless. Casabianca was so huge, but she felt as though she was all alone.

“Lily.” Rhode called.

Lilian had stopped him from addressing her formally and he complied. Anyway, to the players, it was the same no matter what they called her because they lacked the fear that the natives had. Shortly after, Rhode continued.

“… Even though I want to lie and say this isn’t your responsibility, I can’t do that. In fact, you should be responsible for everything.”

“Mr. Rhode…”

Lilian turned around in astonishment. In fact, she disagreed that this wasn’t her responsibility. However, after hearing what he said later on, her heart started pounding. But this wasn’t due to sadness or anger. Instead, it was a sense of agitation. Lilian had been searching for her personal problems and their solutions. Should she continue to sit on the throne like a decoration? Or work hard to carry out her own will?

But… would her decisions always be right? The Country of Light was facing a crisis and if she acted on her own accord, would it cause the country to sink into further chaos and destruction? If that would happen, wouldn’t she be better off listening to the Light Parliament?

When Lilian opened the doors that she had never opened before, what presented before her wasn’t just brand new scenery. It was also a whole different path that she had never stepped foot on. The path was uneven and wasn’t as beautiful and clean as she had expected. Instead, countless vines and potholes obstructed her way. More importantly, it was complete darkness at the end of the path. She couldn’t see anything and didn’t know if she would fall over the cliff and sink into the endless abyss at any point.

Right now, Lilian stood before the door with her hands clutching the handles, gazing forward hesitantly. She knew that if she put her foot forward, she couldn’t turn back anymore. After she stepped out of the greenhouse, the door would shut tightly behind her and she would have no other choices apart from moving forward.

“I’ve said that this is your problem and you have to make your own choice, Lily.”

Rhode stared at her, which left her rather panicky because she had never looked face to face with anyone before. Rhode’s gaze was so sharp that it had as though penetrated into her heart and seen through all her secrets. She turned around instinctively, but quickly gritted her teeth and lifted her head bravely. Rhode revealed the trace of a smile in his eyes—it seems like my choice was right.

However, this wasn’t enough.

“I know what you’re thinking. You’re afraid and worried that your choice may bring terrifying consequences. But in fact, you have already made your choice.”

Rhode extended his arm and pointed at the pile of burnt ashes on the battlefield.

“That is the result of your decision.”

“…”

Lilian trembled, bit her lip, and lowered her head. After a short while, she looked up once again.

“B-But I can’t do anything alone!”

Lilian felt much more relaxed now. She had never spoken to anyone about her troubles and distresses before, not even Lydia. But now, for some unknown reason, she held the urge to confess everything to Rhode.

“I’m alone and can’t do anything! Rhode, do you know? In Casabianca, I can only think about Sister Lydia and you. Only both of you!”

“…”

Rhode widened his eyes in astonishment. He was truly surprised because he thought that Archangel Serene and Boulder would be around her no matter what. But now, it seemed like she was alone and helpless in Casabianca?

What are the two Archangels doing?

Boulder…—forget it. Rhode couldn’t care less about that bastard. But what about Serene? He heard from Lydia that Serene was considered Lilian’s tutor and babysitter. Logically speaking, Serene had been watching Lilian grow and the latter should be closer with her than with Rhode. In all honesty, he had only met Lilian twice and didn’t make her consume any mind-controlling drug, so why?

Lilian would rather grumble to him than seek help from the two Archangels?

Rhode found this situation increasingly strange. He felt that the two Archangels maintaining silence might possibly foretell some unfavorable inside stories. As Archangels, wouldn’t they do their best to protect Lilian?

This strange thought emerged in his mind for a split second. Then, he quickly calmed down.