Chapter 361: Because We Are Husband and Wife
The morning sunlight spilled through the window, falling on the two people embracing in the room.
When Rhodes opened his eyes, his first sensation was warmth. Incomparable warmth.
Not the room temperature regulated by magic, but the heat transmitted from the other body pressed tightly against him in his arms.
Serie was curled up beside him. Her long golden hair spread over the pillow, a small lock spilling onto his arm.
She was sleeping soundly, but due to the awakening of the person beside her, this sleep was rapidly diminishing.
How long had they slept embraced like this?
Decades? Centuries? The specific time was somewhat blurred in Rhodes's long life, but this warmth of close dependence had long become an inseparable part of his existence, like breathing.
Rhodes recalled the first time he and Serie slept together.
Back then, the elf lady still wore a cold facade, acting indifferent to his embrace.
Now, she naturally curled up in his arms, revealing that serene and cute sleeping face.
He turned his head slightly, looking at Serie in his arms. His fingertips unconsciously brushed the hair scattered on his chest. Last night's conversation, and her final question, quietly surfaced in his mind.
He didn't know if Serie was suspicious or had thought of something.
After all, he hadn't told anyone about his thoughts except Frieren. Not even Serie.
Because he couldn't guarantee what consequences adjusting life structures for others would bring to himself.
To prevent Serie from worrying and strongly opposing it, he had to bury this matter deep in his heart until Frieren's pestering forced him to reveal it.
He had even specifically instructed Frieren not to tell Serie.
Concealment wasn't distrust.
Quite the opposite—it was because he understood her too well.
He knew Serie's attitude toward experiments with potentially huge risks, especially when they concerned him.
He didn't want her to bear this worry prematurely, nor did he want her opposition to shake his near-paranoid determination to gamble for an exception for Flamme.
But this concealment itself was like a tiny thorn.
Fortunately, it wouldn't affect their relationship.
While his thoughts drifted, the person in his arms moved slightly.
Serie unconsciously nuzzled against his chest, finding a more comfortable position. One arm draped over his waist, her cheek pressed against his chest, as if confirming his existence.
In response, Rhodes tightened his arms, hugging her closer, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, which emitted a faint fragrance.
After a while, as more sunlight poured in, Serie's breathing rhythm changed. Her eyelashes fluttered a few times before her eyes slowly opened.
She blinked blankly at first, feeling the familiar and warm aura around her, before fully waking up.
"Awake?"
"Mmph..." Serie hummed vaguely. She didn't get up immediately. Instead, like a lazy cat, she nestled in his arms for a while longer, enjoying this warmth that belonged solely to her.
A moment later, she looked up at Rhodes. "Are you going to research all day today too?"
"Mn. After all, it is a very long project." Rhodes answered, smoothing her messy bangs. "Why? Is there something in the Association that needs my presence today?"
"Not really." Serie lowered her eyelids, her fingers unconsciously pulling at the hem of the man's clothes. "Just... haven't you been obsessed with research a bit too long recently?"
Serie felt she hadn't spent a leisurely day with this man for a long time.
Only when returning to the bedroom at night could she enjoy a moment of peace with him. Even so, this man often researched late into the night, making this time even shorter.
Serie wasn't satisfied with this. She was a very greedy elf.
Even though the Magic Association was bustling with activity now, she wanted to stay with this man a bit longer.
Rhodes thought about it and didn't deny it. It was indeed a fact.
He had indeed poured most of his energy into research recently, causing his sense of time in the outside world to blur.
"I will pay attention next time." He lowered his head, placing a light kiss on her smooth forehead. "Or, how about we go on a date today?"
Serie's heart moved, but then she seemed to think of something and shook her head. "Forget it. There are quite a few things to handle today."
"Then let me help you," Rhodes offered actively.
But he was rejected by the elf lady again. "No need. None of it is urgent." Serie wrapped her arms around Rhodes's neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck, and said muffledly, "I am just worried you are too tired. Those things... there is no rush."
"I know." Rhodes stroked her back, his voice gentle. "Do not worry. I know my limits."
The two were intimate for a while longer before getting up together.
Serie stepped onto the soft carpet barefoot, walked to the window, and stretched in the sunlight. Her slender waist was fully revealed through the soft fabric in the light.
"By the way," Serie turned around, leaning back against the windowsill, "in two days, the Southern Mage Alliance will send a delegation here for an exchange visit."
"Although they claim the purpose is friendly exchange, I think their real goal is still your immortality magic."
"Especially their leader, a guy named Hess. He seems very interested in the immortality runes you published."
She frowned slightly. Clearly, she didn't welcome such visits with obvious ulterior motives, but as the Association manager, she had to deal with them.
Rhodes understood. "Need me to show up?"
"Mn. The other party seems quite famous among humans. You had better show your face to hold the fort." Serie nodded. "Hess is strong and ambitious, but he still holds awe for you. With you present, everything will be much simpler."
Serie had a very clear understanding of her fame among humans. It was enough to deal with the vast majority of mages, but occasionally, a few heaven-defying existences would appear among humans.
Decades of effort could match thousands of years of cultivation for elves.
Therefore, these people naturally became arrogant. Even Serie, known as the Elven Saint, was just "so-so" in front of them.
But fortunately, the Magic Association had more than just her.
Rhodes heard a trace of annoyance in Serie's tone.
Dealing with these complex interpersonal and political games wasn't what she liked, but for the sake of the Association and for him, she always did it well.
"Alright. I will attend." Rhodes agreed. "Do I need to prepare any statements?"
Serie thought for a moment. "No need to say anything special. Just maintain your usual appearance and respond to their questions occasionally." She walked over, sat naturally on the edge of the bed, picked up a comb, and began combing her long hair, messy from sleep. "However... I might use your appearance a little."
"Oh?"
Rhodes raised an eyebrow. He reached out, took the comb from her hand, and skillfully began combing her hair for her, just as she had done for him last night.
"Recently, there have been some different voices within the Association too." Serie narrowed her eyes slightly, enjoying Rhodes's service. "A portion of the newly promoted First-Class Mages feel the Association's current management system is too strict, restricting their freedom to research immortality magic. They have started connecting in secret."
"Although they can't make big waves, it is annoying nonetheless."
"I want to take this opportunity of the external visit to let you demonstrate the absolute gap in power, and incidentally, beat some sense into certain restless people inside."
Serie felt her own action wouldn't make these people feel the despair of a dimensional gap in power. Only Rhodes acting could make them realize it.
"I understand." Rhodes stopped combing, hugged her gently from behind, and rested his chin on her shoulder. "You have truly worked hard."
Serie turned her head, rubbing her cheek against his. "Who asked... us to be husband and wife?"
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