Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 486 - 2051 to 1502 [2]

Following a brief stroll, they arrived at the lake.

Crystal-clear water shimmered there, soft ripples spreading from a little stream trickling in from the distant side.

Rheanne dropped to her knees by the shore, gathering water in her cupped hands to rinse the blood and grit off her face and arms.

Brandon knelt nearby and mirrored her actions, splashing refreshing water over his face, neck, and chest to cleanse layers of sweat, blood, and sand.

The chill felt refreshing on his skin, easing the lingering pains.

*splash*

He looked over at Rheanne, startled to see her dive straight into the lake.

A vibrant splash erupted as the cool surface parted around her, ripples expanding in flawless rings.

Moments later, she broke the surface, water cascading down her face and shoulders.

Her ripped white dress stuck to her form, the soaked fabric turning see-through in spots.

A soft, relieved sigh escaped her lips as she floated on her back briefly, allowing the chilly water to wash off the blood, sweat, and sand from their tower trials.

Brandon blinked, briefly mesmerized by the view.

Then a quiet sigh slipped from his mouth.

He slipped off his tattered boots and leaped in after her.

The water hit with a startling chill initially, but it soothed his bruised skin wonderfully.

He emerged next to her, flinging water from his hair, and released a long, contented exhale.

They glided through the lake side by side in easy silence for some time, using relaxed, leisurely strokes. The setting sun dipped toward the horizon, tinting the water in shades of gold and pink.

Rheanne pulled ahead slightly, then rolled onto her back, drifting with ease.

Brandon drew nearer, matching her pace alongside.

"I used to come to places like this after clearing a tower," she murmured. "To wash away the blood and to remind myself that the world still has beauty in it. That not everything is monsters and rifts."

Brandon nodded, keeping afloat beside her.

At last, Rheanne headed to a shallow, grassy shore and hauled herself from the water.

She perched on the edge, legs still trailing in the lake, squeezing water from her lengthy white hair.

Brandon swam up and climbed out next to her, settling so close their shoulders almost brushed.

Cool evening breeze grazed their damp skin, prickling faint goosebumps.

Rheanne rose gracefully, flicking stray drops from her arms.

"I will go and change my clothes. As for you, I will go and get some clothes from a nearby village. I don’t have male clothes inside my storage after all."

Brandon nodded slightly, "Alright."

Rheanne gave him one final tender smile before pivoting and heading into the woods.

After she vanished a bit away, concealed by dense trees, she accessed her dimensional storage.

Space twisted near her hand as she withdrew a new outfit.

Meanwhile, Brandon plunged back into the lake with a subtle splash.

Soon, faint footsteps sounded near the shore.

Rheanne stepped out from the trees in her clean attire.

In her arms, she held a basic bundle: a loose linen shirt and pants fetched from the close village.

She paused at the water's edge, observing him swim briefly.

"You look like you’re enjoying yourself," she called softly.

Brandon faced her, "It feels good to bathe here."

Rheanne chuckled lightly and crouched by the water, extending the clothes bundle.

"Here. These should fit you well enough."

Brandon swam to shore and clambered out, water pouring down his frame.

"Thank you."

He ducked behind a close tree to swap clothes swiftly.

The linen shirt and pants felt cozy and remarkably crafted for the time.

Emerging again, he found Rheanne seated on the grass, legs tucked under, gazing serenely at the lake.

He settled beside her once more.

Rheanne eyed him from the side "Feeling better?"

"Much better,"

They lingered in cozy quiet for quite some time, the lake's soft waves and forest's gentle whispers filling the air between them.

Finally, Rheanne spoke up again "Also Kael, I realized something while you were sleeping on top of me on the grass."

Hm? Brandon tilted his head her way with interest.

"That you can absorb ether from me."

Brandon's eyes widened in real shock, though he hid it fast "Oh... so that’s why I can feel some more ether in my body when I wake up."

He grinned wryly inwardly ’Well that’s the reason I slept on top of her and was expecting her to find it. Guess my plan worked.’

Rheanne gave a slow nod, her face serious. "I think your power is that you can absorb ether from others who also have ether in their bodies. It flows naturally when we’re in close physical contact. I felt it clearly when you were resting against me earlier."

Brandon pretended to be puzzled, cocking his head a bit like he was hearing it all fresh.

"Oh... that makes sense. That would mean I have to be in physical contact with you to get ether."

Rheanne nodded faintly. "Yeah... we can hold hands if you want. That way you can get ether from me."

She stretched her hand out to him, and Brandon glanced at the proffered palm before shifting his gaze to her features.

Her face showed no reluctance or unease, only calm readiness and a spark of intrigue over her newfound insight.

He extended his arm and softly grasped her hand, their fingers lacing together effortlessly.

As soon as their skin met, a soft, warm stream of ether surged from her straight into him.

Rheanne’s gaze softened with the bond forming. "It’s working. I can feel my ether moving toward you. It’s strange, but not unpleasant."

Brandon squeezed her hand gently and flashed a smile.

For some time, they remained seated that way while she transferred her ether to him.

Minutes later, she rose gradually, grip still firm on his hand, and tugged him upright beside her with care.

"Let’s go to the Eurasania Empire."

"I came to this region because the Emperor requested me to clear a tower that spawned in his nation. We can rest there properly and find our way forward."

Brandon blinked as he absorbed the name. "...Eurasania, yeah."

A subtle nod came from him, face impassive despite his thoughts whirling.

History books held no recall of that empire for him; it had to be among the countless realms thriving in 1502 prior to the emergence of today’s global layout.

Even so, her decisions earned his full faith.

Suddenly, she ascended fluidly into the sky, and Brandon sensed that unseen power envelop him once more, her ability hoisting him aloft to hover at her side.

Wind whipped around them while trees smeared into a vast emerald ocean below as speed built up.

During their flight, the landscape shifted: thick woods yielded to undulating hills, then expansive meadows sprinkled with hamlets and dancing torch flames.

Far off, Brandon spotted the dim radiance of a grand town, probably Eurasania’s heart with lofty edifices and fortress-like barriers etched against the skyline.

His ether stores were filling up consistently, he noticed.

Eventually, Rheanne started their descent.

They swooped toward a serene glade just beyond the edges of a massive, fortified metropolis.

From inside the barriers, torch and lantern fires poured out, accompanied by faint echoes of nocturnal sentries and equine noises.

Gracefully, she touched down on the tender turf, maintaining her hold on his hand until both stood firm.

"This is close enough. The Emperor’s palace is inside the city, but we don’t need to announce ourselves tonight."

Brandon eyed the remote urban glows before turning to her. "Hmm. Lead the way."

At last, Rheanne let go of his hand, and they strode together toward the city entrance.

---

Before drawing near, Rheanne and Brandon drew their hoods down to shadow their visages.

Her white locks were neatly concealed under a plain dark mantle pulled from her spatial storage.

They resembled typical fatigued wanderers, and nothing else.

The sentries spared them hardly a look, waving them through the portal with mere acknowledgment.

No inquiries were made.

During those times, folks moved about unbound unless stirring chaos.

Beyond the fortifications, avenues unfolded into a labyrinth of tight stone-paved lanes and broader thoroughfares flanked by timber and masonry homes.

Iron brackets bore lanterns that spilled cozy glows.

Outside a pub, a handful of evening revelers guffawed boisterously, as a nocturnal patrolman wandered by with his light dangling.

Upon rounding into a broader lane edged by shuttered vendor booths, a figure snagged Brandon’s peripheral vision.

A woman.

She lingered by the doorway of a humble two-level hostel, murmuring with an elderly lady who seemed the proprietor.

Mostly facing away, she tilted her head to chuckle at the elder’s words, letting lantern rays illuminate her countenance sharply.

Golden tresses bound in a plain plait draping one shoulder.

Those identical warm hazel eyes, that familiar soft arch to her mouth in a grin.

His pulse hammered fiercely in his chest.

"F-Florence...?"