In the lounge of the Elengrad City Hall, Rhodes and Mayor Alves were sitting on a bench chatting.
Holding a thick booklet, Alves reported to Rhodes the income and expenditure of Erengrad throughout the winter. But Rhodes was not concerned about these. He believed in Alves' ability and believed that he could do the job.
He managed the city very well when he was away. What Rhodes was concerned about, or should be said to be worried about, was actually another person...
"There was a slight surplus in the fourth quarter, and there will be more surplus in the following spring and summer. The growth of population makes us have to consider planning new districts."
After Alves finished speaking, he picked up the wine glass and drank the sweet wine in one gulp. Only after drinking did he see Rhode's melancholy face.
"I guess you have something on your mind."
Alves put down his wine glass and stared at Rod and asked.
"hehe……"
Rhodes forced out an awkward smile.
"Let's talk, old friend. Although we have a superior-subordinate relationship, based on my understanding of you, you must have something on your mind. You have been so depressed since you came back from Kislev City."
Alves's small eyes stared at Rod.
Rhodes would not be frightened by these little eyes, nor would he see through them. However, since his old friend was so concerned, it seemed that it was not good for him not to vomit.
"Lyanna, is she okay?"
In the quiet air, Rhodes asked in a low voice.
Sarlacc Priestess Lyanna, yes, Rhodes has not seen her for a long, long time. It is not that he misses her, but more of concern and guilt. He knows that that woman loved him and sacrificed too much for him.
But he couldn't give her anything, not even a little warmth. This kind of guilt was like a knot in his heart, which always troubled him. He occasionally thought of it while he was busy on the march, and occasionally thought of it late at night...
"What a fuck, you finally remembered to care about her."
Alves turned his head and complained feebly.
"She is the most infatuated woman I have ever seen, and also the kindest woman. Damn it, you can't accept her."
Ignoring the bitter look on Rhodes' face, Alves continued to complain -
"What's even more disgusting is that you actually let her fall in love with you and then ignored her."
"I can't do anything to her. The better I treat her, the more harm I will do. I can't be good to her even if I'm good to others."
Rhodes said feebly.
"Then you shouldn't have been so close to her in the first place, or just let her go. Don't think about setting up a medical school when you were in Blackhammer Castle. Oh my God, Rhodes, you are much more ruthless than me. Rai
Anna is undoubtedly the victim of your selfish desires."
Alves complained. His expression was equally ugly. Rhodes knew what he was referring to. Back then, Blackhammer Castle was in dire need, and Lyanna, as the best and most suitable female doctor in the city, was retained.
In daily contact, making the other party fall in love with him is Rhode's biggest debt. At the same time, Rhodes also saw Alves' special concern for Lyanna...
She is like a moth to a flame, loving someone who doesn't love her, and so is Alves. He humblely guards the goddess in his heart and helps her silently. But he also never gets love in his life.
"You can say whatever you want to me, but I can't handle this well. You know, I've never been good at emotional matters..."
Rhodes sighed.
In the cold room, the silence of the two men was left...
"You'd better not see her again and let her slowly forget about you."
As soon as Alves finished speaking, the guard's report sounded outside the door——
"The High Lord, the Chief Priest, and the Director of the Great Hospital, Ms. Lyanna, would like to see you."
"Damn it!" Alves complained, "Did you tell her?"
"NO, I have not."
Rhodes spread his hands, looking innocent.
"This cruel fate, well, you have to figure it out yourself."
After saying that, Alves jumped off the bench and left through the back door with extremely unnatural steps, leaving Rod alone in the cold room feeling melancholy.
It has to be said that he has seen all kinds of big scenes, but at this moment, Rhodes is a little afraid to see Lyanna. How should he face her? As a pure lord? Or as a scumbag?
"Let her in."
As soon as he finished speaking, that familiar figure broke in.
Although he was walking very slowly, Rhodes could still clearly see that familiar face, but it was already a bit unfamiliar after not seeing him for several months... She was a lot more haggard and a bit older...
Unlike elves or mages, Lyanna is just a mortal and cannot use magic to delay her life. As time goes by, she will gradually grow and age. At least, a few years ago, she was still a skinny little girl.
Girl, now, some fat has gradually appeared on her body. How much youth can she still have? Rhodes looked distressed, but couldn't do anything.
"Don't you want to see me? Great Lord."
Seeing that Rhodes was silent, Lyanna made a joke first to resolve the embarrassment.
"No..." Rhodes smiled awkwardly, "How are you now? Is everything okay?"
"It's okay...life is pretty good, and I'm quite rich materially. Work is sometimes busy and sometimes relaxing. It's all okay."
"That's good……"
The opening was as polite as ever. But Rhodes didn't know how to continue the conversation. He saw the anticipation in her eyes and the love that couldn't be completely let go. So Rhodes had to look away and didn't dare to look directly.
"Alves said he introduced you to several young talents, but you..."
Rhodes spoke again, but as soon as he said it, he felt clumsy. He shouldn't have mentioned this...
"Haha... it's my problem... I still can't fall in love with others..."
Lyanna said softly, her voice gentler than before, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the room. Rhodes did not dare to continue, so he could only change the topic——
"You don't need to worry so much about medical school. The order has been established and it will run on its own like a machine. We just need to take good care of it and don't let it get corroded. Also, I plan to let craftsmen work in the city.
Several monasteries were built in Rideau, and the population increased. They needed faith so that the city could be stable."
"The great lord..."
Lyanna interrupted Rhodes.
"How is Caroline doing now?"
Lyanna's sudden question made Rhodes a little confused. She must have known something, so how should she answer? Tell the truth? Definitely not. Weave it with lies? It doesn't seem possible... But as a person
Great Lord, the family must be maintained. Even if it is just superficial maintenance.
"Fortunately... there are many things at the Magic Academy, so she is also quite busy..."