Female Novel
Chapter 1958
The azure sky stretched endlessly above, with a lively stream meandering below. The grass by the
riverbank was lush, and the kingwillow's reflection danced upon the ripples. Across the water, rolling
hills spanned into the distance, a vast and wild panorama.
Sylvia made her way to the river's edge, where the water was so clear you could spot the pretty
pebbles beneath the surface. A few small fish and crayfish darted playfully in the water.
Could this really be twelve floors underground?novelbin
The blonde sat under a sun umbrella, a clean tablecloth spread before her laden with an assortment of
fresh fruits and pastries. A double swing sat nearby, evidence of the leisurely times she and Professor
Bernard must have spent here.
After sitting for a while, the blonde led Estelle and Sylvia back through the corridor to another door.
Stepping through, they were greeted by a sandy beach and the vast ocean, a quintessential summer
scene.
The third door opened to an endless golden wheat field, with a wooden watchtower rising above the
stalks. A scarecrow perched atop, reminiscent of the rice paddy view Estelle had seen her first night in
Citadel; only here, it was even more breathtaking.
The fourth door revealed a winter wonderland, a large ice rink with all the trappings of a professional
venue.
So, in this subterranean twelfth layer, one could experience all the seasons without ever stepping
outside!
Standing in the winter's frost, Sylvia watched the blonde, who was changing her clothes to ski suit not
far away; reaching out her hand, she caught a snowflake and murmured to Estelle, "He's arranged for a
woman, the changing seasons. Mr. Raiden must want Professor Bernard to stay here forever."
Estelle's clear eyes reflected the chill of ice and snow, equally piercing.
To betray one's country, team, and to abscond with the fruits of their collective labor to live a life hidden
from the sun - was it truly worth it?
No, he must be suffering greatly. And so, she was here to end his pain.
Estelle turned to Sylvia, "It's time to go back."
Illusions, after all, were just that - an escape from reality.
Sylvia nodded, "Alright."
They made their way back down the lengthy corridor to the living room, where Jonathan looked up from
the couch as Estelle approached.
Lambert, who had been searching for Estelle, came through a side hallway and, following Jonathan's
gaze, saw the two women arriving together. He smiled and remarked, "Mr. Alvis must be quite fond of
Ms. Jarvis, huh?"
Only fondness would make one so attentive, so eager to know the other's whereabouts.
Jonathan's gaze swept over him, noncommittal, as he stood up, "Time to head back."
Sylvia approached, smiling, "Estelle and I saw so many wonders here. It's truly beautiful."
Jonathan nodded and looked at Estelle, his tone light, "We’ll come again next time."
Estelle understood his meaning, nodding in an imperceptible manner.
Mr. Raiden bid the group farewell and returned to his adjacent castle office to continue discussions on
new energy sources.
Sylvia turned to Estelle, "They're busy with their talks. May I invite you over for a cup of coffee at my
place?"
Estelle nodded, "I'd be honored."
Sylvia smiled coyly and said her goodbyes to Jonathan.
Lambert made a point of telling Estelle, "I'll come to pick you up soon."
His words were meant for Sylvia and Jonathan, of course. Estelle nodded slightly and left with Sylvia.
Mr. Raiden sat back in his chair, his gaze dark and brooding as he watched Estelle's retreating figure,
his deep eyes filled with an indescribable complexity.