Arthur's soft words brought a blush to Malinda's face.
She felt a little shy, but mostly embarrassed.
Because-
She had used that very trick on Anna before.
Poor Anna had been so moved that her tears flowed freely, and Malinda had coaxed her into bed that very night.
Malinda had simply never imagined that she would be fooled herself one day.
No!
She wasn't being fooled!
They were fooling someone else together!
At once, her shyness and embarrassment vanished, leaving only an anticipation tinged with excitement-Malinda certainly didn't mind deceiving that woman.
More than anything, Malinda wanted the false information to make that woman lose utterly.
So Malinda tightened her arms and leaned into Arthur's embrace.
Together, they watched the fireworks rising endlessly from the shore.
Bang, bang, bang!
The fireworks bloomed one after another.
Thump, thump, thump!
Their heartbeats gradually fell into sync.
Arthur could clearly sense Malinda playing along.
And that was exactly what he wanted.
Lady Yura, thank you for your contribution. May you die a horrible death.
Arthur thought silently, lowering his head slightly and bringing his lips close to Malinda's ear.
A woody fragrance mingled with the scents of smoke and mint, a little like a campfire extinguished by rain. Far from unpleasant, it carried a sense of flourishing life.
Arthur controlled his breathing.
"The moon is beautiful tonight."
His soft words reached her ear just as a breeze swept over the river.
With wintertide long gone, the river breeze had lost its chill, yet it held none of midsummer's sweltering heat. It was simply, perfectly gentle.
Instinctively, Malinda gave a slight nod.
"The breeze is gentle, too."
Arthur paused.
Then he smiled.
"Yes, the breeze is gentle, too."
They stood atop the Eastern, watching Xilond's fireworks and listening to the music drifting over. Naturally,