Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 495: Sneaking

The warm embrace of the water filled the bathing chamber, accompanied by the gentle lapping sounds against the massive wooden tub.

Wisps of steam ascended lazily, carrying the subtle, calming aroma of medicinal herbs added by the castle staff.

Brandon settled into the tub, leaning back against the smooth, sculpted wood with a sigh of profound contentment.

He briefly closed his eyes, his head resting against the tub's edge.

'Success today's dungeon raid was.'

A soft exhale escaped him as he submerged a little deeper, 'It reminded me of the dungeon raids I used to have with Naevora.'

The recollection sparked a gentle wave of fond memories.

'Blast it, I miss riling up Naevora.'

His eyes fluttered open, fixing on the rising steam, a dance of vapor dissolving towards the ceiling.

'It feels peculiar, bathing alone like this...'

He was accustomed to the comforting presence of one of his wives nestled against him.

A slow shake of his head, an attempt to dispel the lingering sense of yearning.

'It's merely a temporary state,' he reassured himself.

As he cleansed, his thoughts circled back to the day's activities, 'My synergy with Rheanne is quite effective.'

'However, due to ether conservation, I couldn't deploy my abilities. My sword was my sole reliance.'

'And because my contact with Rheanne was superficial, I couldn't replicate her ether skill.'

'Greater intimacy is required to copy her formidable capabilities.'

Her image materialized in his mind, eliciting a wry smile, 'There's no way she'd permit that given our current dynamic.'

He could acknowledge their closeness, yet a certain awkwardness persisted.

She was a figure of seriousness and discipline, exuding a quiet dignity that spoke of self-reliance.

'...Never mind.'

His bath concluded, he rose and towelled himself dry with a plush linen provided.

Donning the fresh attire laid out, he returned to the main room.

Brandon lowered himself onto the bed's edge, his hand sweeping through his damp hair.

His gaze settled on the spread of food near the window. The aroma was inviting, and just as he prepared to dine... a faint sound reached him from outside.

*creak*

Hmm?

The balcony door swung open silently, and a figure emerged from the shadows.

Amelia entered the room, concealed by a dark cloak over a simple gown.

She secured the balcony shutters and turned towards him.

Brandon's eyes widened in surprise, 'Amelia?'

She met his gaze with a slightly sheepish, wry smile, 'Good evening, Sir Kael.'

Proceeding further into the chamber, she elaborated, 'I came to offer my congratulations on clearing the dungeon.'

'The dungeon will remain dormant for a period. Scout reports indicate the rift has stabilized. The villagers can soon return to their homes.'

Brandon inclined his head, 'That is welcome news.'

He paused, then added with a light chuckle, 'You should really cease your wall-climbing escapades to sneak into balconies.'

A subtle flush crept up her neck, yet she lifted her chin with a hint of regality, though her embarrassment was palpable.

'It's the sole means by which I can navigate without attracting the entire castle's attention,' she murmured.

'Furthermore, it's hardly a clandestine entry for thievery. I merely... wished to express my gratitude properly.'

Her eyes flickered to the table laden with food, then back to him.

'You are dining alone? Where is Lady Rheanne?'

Brandon offered a shrug, 'She retired to her chambers. I was about to partake in the meal myself.'

Amelia hesitated briefly, then moved closer, her hands clasped before her.

'Might I... join you for a short while? I shall not linger. I simply wished to converse.'

Brandon readily agreed, 'Of course. Please, sit. Would you care for something to eat?'

Amelia declined with a shake of her head but accepted the offered seat, 'No, thank you. I dined with my aunt earlier.'

A brief silence ensued as she toyed with the edge of her cloak before speaking again.

'Recall the hundred guards you subdued yesterday? Their captain still speaks of it. Some of the men have begun referring to you as 'the Goddess's Shadow'.'

Brandon emitted a short laugh, 'I see.'

Amelia's lips curved into a faint smile as she observed his amusement, 'I heard you depart tomorrow.'

Taking a bite of his food, he gave a nod, 'Indeed. You are aware that dungeons and towers are materializing across the globe.'

'Rheanne must venture to every location to clear them. She cannot remain stationary.'

Amelia's gaze dropped to the table, her fingers tracing the rim of her empty cup.

She nodded slowly in understanding, 'True... May your journey be fortunate.'

The words were spoken more softly than intended, carrying an undertone of nascent farewell.

Brandon detected the subtle alteration in her demeanor, indicating, "It isn't permanent. We'll likely return when the tower or the dungeon stirs once more."

A faint, strained smile touched Amelia's lips, responding, "I'm aware. It's merely that... last night was the first occasion in a considerable while where I felt a sense of freedom. Strolling through the marketplaces, enjoying the melodies of the musicians, sampling street delicacies without the necessity of concealment regarding my identity... it was a pleasant experience. And now, you and the Goddess are departing."

Her gaze lifted to meet his, expressing, "You both possess such liberty. You travel wherever the towers manifest. You engage in combat as a unit. There's no need to seek authorization or concern yourselves with the opinions of others. I find myself envious of that."

"While I understand my father's good intentions, his overprotective measures leave me feeling stifled at times."

She cast a glance toward the balcony door, continuing, "Last night, when you accompanied Aunt Freya and me on our outing... it was the closest I've felt to that sense of freedom in years. I thank you once more for that opportunity. Even if it was only for a handful of hours."

"Furthermore, I doubt my father will permit me to venture out again without your presence."

Brandon offered her a small, earnest smile, stating, "There is no need for thanks. You were deserving of that experience. And perhaps the Emperor might ease his restrictions if he witnesses your competence and your ability to defend yourself."

Amelia emitted a soft, disbelieving chuckle, replying, "One can only hope. However, he has maintained this stance ever since my mother's passing. While I comprehend his reasons, it still evokes pain at times."

A comfortable quiet settled between them for a brief period.

She rose slowly, adjusting her cloak back over her shoulders.

"I ought to depart before my absence is noted once again."

Halting at the balcony door, she turned back to him, a bashful smile gracing her features, "If... you and Lady Rheanne happen to return... might we perhaps venture out together again?"

Brandon inclined his head in agreement, responding, "I would welcome that."

Amelia bestowed a final glance upon him before gracefully exiting onto the balcony, vanishing into the night as unobtrusively as she had arrived.

---

The evening air carried a gentle coolness as Amelia meticulously descended from Brandon's balcony.

Her heart still thrummed with an unusual rapidity, a consequence of their conversation and the peculiar sense of warmth she experienced while speaking with him.

She gradually settled onto the narrow ledge situated below, only to have her eyes widen in sheer astonishment.

Rheanne stood upon the balcony of her own adjacent room, a short distance away.

The goddess remained motionless in the silver moonlight, her cascade of white hair swaying softly in the breeze, her gaze fixed directly upon Amelia.

Amelia's eyes darted in trepidation, thinking, 'G-Goddess Rheanne?'

She had been discovered in the act of sneaking out of a man's quarters under the cover of darkness.

The circumstances appeared exceedingly precarious, irrespective of any impropriety.

The fact that Rheanne, whom she held in such high esteem, was the witness amplified the situation tenfold.

Being caught in such a clandestine manner felt utterly mortifying.

Swiftly averting her gaze, she turned without uttering a sound and commenced her ascent back toward her own room, moving with all possible haste.

She dared not glance back at Rheanne, her sole desire being to retreat into her chambers and erase the memory of the entire encounter.

As Amelia landed safely on her own balcony, Rheanne released a gentle sigh.