Rosie's Games - Chapter 455: Stroll

“Eat more… here,” Lucas handed her another piece of cake, a generous slice of the delectable Blissful Mirage. Its pink hue beckoned her, tempting her taste buds with its alluring appearance. She had been indulging in a culinary feast since they entered the restaurant, but this particular dessert held a special allure.

Rosalind blinked, her eyes fixated on the slice of pink perfection in front of her. Contemplating whether to indulge further, she couldn’t resist the temptation any longer. She knew Lucas had taken note of her fondness for this specific treat.

With a mischievous smile, Lucas leaned in, ready to unveil the secrets behind Blissful Mirage. “Blissful Mirage,” he began, his voice filled with enthusiasm, “is more than just a dessert. It emerges as a mesmerizing oasis in the midst of a barren desert, captivating all who encounter its remarkable presence.”

As she listened to his description, Rosalind’s gaze lowered, fixating on the dessert before her. The velvety texture of the cake resembled swirling sand dunes, elegantly tinted with a captivating shade of pink, reminiscent of a breathtaking sunset. It was a culinary masterpiece, an oasis of beauty within the confines of a plate.

However, a growing suspicion about Lucas’s intentions gnawed at Rosalind’s mind. She couldn’t help but narrow her eyes and question his motives. “Why did you really bring me here?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of doubt.

Lucas met her gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity. “To eat with you,” he replied without hesitation. “Is there any reason for me to enjoy this remarkable view without your delightful company?”

Taken aback by his response, Rosalind leaned in closer, searching for any signs of discomfort or illness in Lucas. Was he feeling unwell? What was he really trying to convey?

Lucas gestured toward the enchanting view outside the restaurant, prompting Rosalind to follow his lead. There, adjacent to their table, was a captivating aquarium, a man-made tableau of colorful fish swimming gracefully amidst the water’s gentle current. The lighting within the restaurant illuminated the water, causing the fish to sparkle and shimmer in a mesmerizing display.

Lost in the pleasure of their sumptuous meal, Rosalind had failed to notice this captivating sight earlier. Her focus had been solely on the delectable food that graced their table. But now, she appreciated the thoughtfulness behind Lucas’s choice of venue.

With the slice of Blissful Mirage untouched before her, Rosalind’s suspicion lingered, her gaze narrowing as she studied Lucas. “What is it?” she asked, her tone tinged with skepticism.

She couldn’t simply believe that he had brought her here solely for the purpose of indulging in a meal. This was a man known for his cunning and hidden motives, a man who effortlessly navigated the intricate web of the politics in the North.

Lucas, his smile slightly amused, replied, “Did you forget something?” His playful tone hinted at a hidden meaning as if he found her reaction rather comical.

“Did I?” A frown etched across Rosalind’s face as she pondered his words. Did she forget something?

“You are already my wife and this is the first time that we took a stroll outside of Wugari as a married couple.”

“Oh,” she arched an eyebrow, a hint of realization dawning upon her. “You’re right… this is indeed a special occasion. We should do it more often.” Inwardly, she acknowledged that Lucas had always been busy with his responsibilities, leaving him with little time to accompany her on such leisurely strolls.

Lucas, his smile unwavering, played along with her response. “Of course. Should we visit Sloryn next?” His words sounded casual, but Rosalind knew better. Sloryn, currently engulfed in chaos and on the brink of a potential war with the Korusta Empire, was not a place they could simply stroll into without consequence.

“No,” she replied firmly, her tone indicating her understanding of the delicate situation in Sloryn.

Curiosity sparked in Lucas’s eyes as he leaned in slightly. “Do you have something specific in mind?”

“We can discuss it once we’ve finished our meal,” Rosalind suggested, determined to make the most of their time together. Since Lucas refused to divulge his true intentions, she decided to focus on enjoying the delicious food instead. There would be time for serious conversations later, but for now, she embraced the moment, relishing in the shared experience and the delectable flavors that danced upon her palate.

After their satisfying meal, Rosalind and Lucas departed from the restaurant, eager to explore the vibrant market that lay before them. As they strolled through the bustling alleys, their eyes roamed over a myriad of intriguing stalls displaying an array of swords, artifacts, maps, and ancient relics. However, Rosalind refrained from purchasing any supplies she may have needed, a conscious decision to avoid drawing attention from potential spies lurking in the shadows. She remained acutely aware of the delicate dance of secrecy that was necessary in this environment.

Although the primary objective was to maintain the facade of a leisurely visit to the black market, Rosalind couldn’t help but acknowledge the absurdity of their situation. The black market was hardly a place one would typically visit for a casual stroll! Yet, under the guise of pleasure-seeking, they continued their exploration, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of this clandestine world.

Their escapade led them to several other unique establishments, where they indulged in more delectable meals and sampled exotic wines sourced from distant Empires. The flavors danced on their tongues, tantalizing their palates with each sip and bite. The experience was a testament to their shared sense of adventure and a celebration of their unconventional bond.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a blanket of darkness over the land, Rosalind and Lucas realized it was time to retreat to the sanctuary of their mansion in Wugari. Before departing, Rosalind instructed Mr. Pratt to gather the necessary items she needed for their upcoming endeavors. She emphasized the urgency of the situation in Korusta, warning him of the impending war that loomed on the horizon.

Mr. Pratt’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, his mind already calculating the potential business opportunities that lay within the chaos of war. To him, conflict was more than just a battle; it was a chance to capitalize on every aspect. With Rosalind’s instructions in mind, he set off to gather the supplies, eager to ensure they were prepared for whatever lay ahead.