Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough?

Chapter 17 Lilith Will Stay With You for a Month

"There's one last thing for you." Merrick took out a nameplate from his sleeve—

The three large characters "[Military Merit Plaque]" are engraved on it.

She simply shook it twice and tossed the medal to Rhodes.

"Your military merit badge has been completed. Now you are a sergeant in the Linlank Empire."

You can go to the military headquarters to collect a monthly salary of one gold coin, and use the points in your medals to exchange for some upgrade items.

Your reward for killing the witch and saving the students is 100 points. Make good use of them.

Rhodes stared at the medal in his hand, slightly taken aback, but then understood.

The Linlank Empire does not usually issue merit badges to foreign states, at least not to someone like Rhode with such a special status.

But now, Emperor Linlank understands that the fate of the empire is in turmoil, and therefore it is necessary to use all means to ensure that the empire can get through this period peacefully.

In fact, Emperor Linlan was also very anxious about Rhodes' side. After all, Rhodes and his daughter had known each other since childhood and were the best marriage partners. If other nobles had lived together for a year, they would probably be pregnant, let alone be together.

And what happened? They made absolutely no progress... which stands out all the more in the face of the current empire's turmoil.

Therefore, it is reasonable for him to use other methods to win over Rhodes, the future king of the Melanie Empire.

In short, with this medal of honor, it became much easier for Rhodes to receive awards or be promoted.

"Thank you, Professor Merrick."

"Thanking me is useless." Merrick shook his head indifferently, then deactivated the [Six-Sided Crystal].

After all—their coffee was finally served.

"Get it packed for him," Merrick said to the maid, pointing to Rod's cup of coffee.

"There's one last thing, Rhodes."

There are still a few things to do...

"Um?"

"The woman in your room is dangerous; try to avoid contact with her."

……

...

It was midnight when I got back to my apartment.

In winter, once night falls, a desolate and cold feeling washes over you.

It is still amazing that Merrick's magic restored Rhodes' house to its original state in just one hour, even removing the bloodstains and everything else inside.

As soon as Rhodes opened the door, he saw Lilith sitting on the sofa as always.

Um……?

An hour has passed, and Lilith is still sitting here?

"Miss Lilith, haven't you gone to your room to rest?"

"...Okay. I'll wait for you." Lilith said calmly, but her heart was actually beating very fast, and her face was slightly flushed.

She lied.

At least, in the short time after Rhodes left, she secretly looked around Rhodes' room, did some naughty things with great interest, and then returned to the sofa outside to wait for Rhodes.

Undeniably, although she still felt a little uncomfortable after venting her emotions, at least she was able to control herself now.

At least... I don't want praise as much anymore... right?

The thought of it made her feel wronged again.

However, Rhodes didn't believe Lilith would lie in a place like this.

The Lilith he knew was someone who disdained lying.

Rod walked into the house, went to the sofa, and placed the takeout coffee on the table. "Miss Lilith, would you like some coffee?"

"Hmm? Normal... I wouldn't drink this before bed, would I?" Lilith replied somewhat blankly.

"That's what I was thinking too." Rhodes nodded. "Let's drink it tomorrow morning. It's cold now anyway, so it won't spoil."

Rhodes was soon seated on the same red sofa as before, his eyes blinking slightly as he turned to look at Lilith:

"Things are mostly sorted out. I didn't get a chance to thank you for your help before I left, thank you."

"No...it's nothing. I said this is mutual rescue, so we don't owe each other anything." Lilith shook her head, her slender white fingers pinching the hem of her skirt. She seemed indifferent, but in reality, she was so happy that she almost collapsed to the ground.

It's finally here...! Her praise!

Although it's not exactly warm or cold, at least it's happening...

"So...that..." Lilith hesitated, then stopped herself.

"I know what you're going to say, Miss Lilith. Don't worry, I won't refuse," Rhodes interrupted Lilith calmly.

"Miss Lilith, would you like to tell me your request now? Or perhaps we can discuss it tomorrow when you wake up? Either way is fine."

"……Now."

The atmosphere was already strange.

When Rhodes brought the topic back to the commission, the atmosphere became increasingly unsettling.

Rhodes was indeed puzzled by Lilith's "commission." After all, if her explanation was correct, then her crying was probably just because she was overwhelmed by her warm bed after being shattered by the Dragon God.

In other words, the "delegation" and Lilith's crying are unrelated. But if that's the case, then what exactly is the "delegation"?

There shouldn't be any enemies in Phillips that Lilith would even notice... What's in it for her?

Rod was puzzled, but he became even more serious. "Okay."

Eyes facing each other.

Both of them had a lot of mixed feelings inside, but they were both restraining themselves and "acting".

Lilith's fingers quietly gripped the edge of the sofa. She thought about it repeatedly in her mind, and it stuck in her throat several times before she finally made up her mind.

Well, it's just... a very ordinary task, so it's nothing special.

Besides, there's no one else here now.

Thinking of this, Lilith moved her lips and slowly uttered:

"My request is very simple."

"Hmm. Tell me about it?"

"I'll be working with you for the next month."

Upon hearing the words, Rhodes' pupils froze, and his hands, which were not frozen, stiffened.

"Huh...?" He felt something was off, so much so that he asked, "Your purpose is...?"

Rhodes sensed something was wrong; he had never expected Lilith to do this, it was so unlike Lilith.

"Your strength is too weak, Mr. Rhodes. I can't explain my purpose to you, but in short, I won't harm you."

At least for the next month I'll be working with you, I can guarantee your safety.

Lilith's words concealed some of her demands, but offered a generous reward.

It's strange and attractive to think that a powerful person who has been promoted four times is being protected for a month for free, without any mandatory follow-up goals.

Rhodes knew that he had probably fallen into a trap set by Lilith.

She cried and made a scene, and then deliberately "did something for him," all for the sake of such a huge trap?

But he didn't understand why Lilith, who didn't play dirty tricks, would stay by his side for a month.

Deep down, Rod felt increasingly disgusted.

He tried his best to get close to him in the past but couldn't, and now that he doesn't want to do it anymore, he insists on sticking to him.

So you just have to go against him no matter what?

Rhodes calmed down slightly, then asked with a smile:

"Excuse me, may I refuse?"

"No. You promised me. And even if you refuse, I will still follow you."

Lilith paused for a moment, then added, "You can't escape."

See, you're in a hurry again.

This is troublesome...