The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 59: The Date

Chapter 59: The Date

In the serene stillness that enveloped the modest and sparsely adorned chamber nestled in the western wing of the Holy Temple, a hushed obscurity, Altair was startled awake by a fleeting succession of subtle yet disruptive moans. As he emerged from the clutches of a disquieting dream, his pallid eyes fluttered open, his perspiring hands tremulously clutching at the pristine sheets beneath him.

In a state of partial bewilderment, he gradually assumed an upright posture, propping himself against the headboard of his wooden bed. Veiling his face with both hands, he released a prolonged, somewhat weary sigh. With a languid gaze, he directed his attention toward the diminutive window adorning the opposing wall. Through its panes, he observed the slender, slate-hued clouds darting across the grand silver disc of the resplendent moon, all while the lonely night wind bestowed a breath of life upon the nocturnal solitude.

’In this newfound clarity, as your mesmerizing presence becomes increasingly evident to my senses, an overwhelming desire for you courses through my very being, transcending all restraint. So intense is this ardor that each night, I inadvertently tarnish my pristine sheets, merely from beholding you within the realms of my impassioned dreams. However, fear not, dear Rosalie, for destiny’s hand shall soon unite us, irrevocably binding our fates together.’

Summoning his remaining strength, Altair rose from the bed, his weary frame supporting the burden of his emotions. Purposefully, he advanced toward the distant corner of his chamber, where a familiar ebony whip awaited him, suspended from a metallic hook beside the door. With a steady determination, he departed his quarters, leaving behind an ominous void that echoed his solemn resolve.

***

Rosalie’s gaze remained transfixed upon her reflection within the expanse of the grand, circular vanity mirror perched atop the elegant toiletry table. Meanwhile, Aurora, preoccupied with her artistry, skillfully tended to her cascading brown hair.

"Are you certain this is appropriate? After all, he is a prominent figure within the temple."

Notwithstanding his enigmatic nature, Altair had been a steadfast ally, rendering invaluable aid ever since Rosalie took up residence in the esteemed duke’s mansion. Lady Ashter found herself boundlessly appreciative of the manifold acts of kindness he had extended thus far. His instrumental role in the restoration of Sir Logan’s health, alongside his testimony on her behalf within the court, further solidified her conviction that the time had come to express her heartfelt gratitude.

The only problem that befuddled Rosalie lay in the fact that Altair Nestor, being a devout individual, left her uncertain about what would be deemed fitting for someone of his faith. Thankfully, Aurora came to her rescue, wisely proposing that she treat him to a delightful repast at a choice establishment in the Central Capital. After all, even esteemed servants of the Holy Temple deserved the occasional indulgence in pleasant outings.

As if orchestrated by some enchanting force of destiny, just as Rosalie completed her preparations, Altair was summoned to her chamber, presenting her with his customary warm smile. Despite his seemingly normal demeanor, Lady Ashter couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. There was a discernible lack of genuineness in his countenance, and his movements appeared unusually restrained.

’Something is definitely wrong with him... I wonder if he is alright."

***

Upon completion of their customary treatment routine, Rosalie met Altair’s gaze, her bright eyes locking onto his pale face. In a tone that was at once cheerful yet cautious, she asked,

"Altair, are you perhaps free at this moment? If so, would you honor me with the pleasure of accompanying me on a date?"

Taken aback by that unpredictable question, the man rounded his eyes and asked,

"A date? Pray tell, what does that entail?"

It dawned upon Rosalie that a man who had dedicated his entire life within the confines of the Temple might be unfamiliar with such a concept. With a gentle curl of her pink lips, she adorned him with a kind smile and resolved to elucidate the matter.

"A date can mean different things depending on the type of relationship two people have. I consider you my friend, Altair, thus, we can have dates as friends."

Despite the clarity of her explanation, Altair appeared to remain somewhat puzzled, particularly given the alteration in their relationship dynamics now that he was perceived as a friend.

"Do you truly consider me your friend?"

Rosalie affirmed his query with a swift nod, gracefully acknowledging their newfound bond of friendship.

"Indeed, it warms my heart to hear such kind sentiments from you. Your friendship would be an honor I cherish."

Altair responded, his emotions stirred by her gracious words. With an unwavering gaze, he beheld the radiance emanating from Lady Ashter’s smiling face, a flicker of unanticipated restlessness fluttering within him.

’How does she maintain such brightness and cheer, having endured so much?’

He found himself entranced by the resolute glimmer in her deep gray eyes, which brimmed with an undefeated hope. Their magnetic pull left him defenseless, irresistibly drawn in by her unwavering spirit.

"Alright, Lady Rosalie... let’s have a date then."

"Marvelous! Now, let us discreetly slip away from the mansion, just the two of us. Though I am aware that both Logan and Aurora might be eager to join, this day is solely dedicated to you, Altair!"

With a carefree yet graceful gesture, she took hold of the man’s hand, guiding him discretely beyond the confines of her bedroom. Every step they took was marked by cautious glances, akin to those of clandestine spies on a covert mission.

’Considering I am accompanied by the esteemed man of the Temple, there should be no cause for concern, right?’

***

The temple’s carriage was drastically different from the one owned by Damien – it was smaller in size, however, due to its light and reserved interior, somehow still felt comfortably large and cozy, contributing to the unfathomable serenity that surrounded those who were lucky to embark it.

As exciting as their date sounded at first, now that the two of them were going to the Central Capital together, it seemed like the only thing they could really share was an awkward silence.

"Altair, when we reach the shopping district, is there a particular activity you’ve longed to experience, something you’ve never had the chance to do before?"

The man met her inquiring gaze, his pale eyes reflecting genuine bewilderment.

"Anything I’ve always wanted to do? I cannot think of anything, I’m afraid."

This unexpected reply caught Lady Ashter off guard, leaving her visibly surprised by the unforeseen revelation.

"Truly, nothing comes to mind? What about food? Do you have any preferences? Or perchance, is there something you’ve always yearned to try but have never had the opportunity? Please, feel free to share, it is my treat!"

In an instant, an eerie weight seemed to descend upon the carriage, shrouding it in an unsettling darkness. Altair’s gaze remained fixed on the world beyond the window, his countenance now tinged with a mixture of sadness and pain. With a touch of melancholy, he lightly tapped his long index finger against the glass as he spoke in a hushed and subdued tone,

"I believe... It would be more meaningful if these destitute souls could savor a meal instead."

Rosalie followed Altair’s gaze and directed her attention to the view outside the carriage. The sight that greeted her was nothing short of deeply shocking and profoundly sorrowful. Dilapidated structures, resembling more of makeshift shanties than proper dwellings, lined the desolate landscape. Thin and destitute figures meandered through dim, narrow alleys, their appearance so emaciated and unkempt that they seemed on the brink of lifelessness. Some lay exposed, using whatever discarded materials they could gather as makeshift covers.

The heart-wrenching scene before them painted a stark picture of the Capital’s forsaken slums, a realm forgotten by society and abandoned to its tragic fate. Imperial Knights stood watch, ensuring that the struggles of those within the slums remained contained, effectively disrupting any chance for a better life that might have been attainable elsewhere.

’These wretched souls appear no better than living corpses... How can such suffering be left unchecked?’

The young lady’s gaze alighted upon a small child, his tiny hand clutching the hem of his mother’s woefully frail skirt, both of them huddled on the chill September ground. The child bore his burden of deprivation silently, making no entreaties, perhaps not even knowing how to articulate his wishes. The realization of his unspoken yearning only served to compound the heartbreak.

With a heart entangled in barbed wire, she settled down beside Altair, her mind resolved to address the heartrending scene before them. To that end, she gently rapped on the wooden partition that separated them from the coachman, capturing his attention.

"Pardon me, sir! Could we make a stop at the nearest food market, please?"

Such an unforeseen request caused Altair’s eyes to widen in astonishment, turning to Lady Rosalie with evident surprise.

"Lady Rosalie?"

The young lady responded with a brief nod, her countenance adorned with a warm smile.

"Today is dedicated to you, Altair, and thus, if your desire is to provide nourishment for these unfortunate souls, then that shall be our noble pursuit!"

In an instant, the world around Altair seemed to fade away, leaving behind naught but the thunderous pounding of his own heartbeat and a sensation of suffocating unease. Emotions hitherto unknown and unsettling swirled within him like a tempest, leaving him bewildered and overwhelmed.

’Why? Why does she go to such lengths?’