Chapter 1099

"I'd rather get beaten up by Delphine…" muttered Lamarie, while Hesper raised an eyebrow in response. "What did you say?" Observing Hesper's reaction, Lamarie shuddered on behalf of someone else and repeated her previous statement. "I said, I'd rather get beaten up by Delphine." 'Oh yeah! Why hadn't I thought of Delphine earlier?' Although it was highly unlikely that Ranfik would choose Delpine, her presence at the scene would surely add to the excitement. With this idea taking shape in her mind, a mischievous smile graced Hesper's lips. "You've given me a brilliant idea. I'll let you know when something good comes up... Anyway, it's getting late now. Rest well and prepare yourself to compete for the position of Ranfik's wife." "Hesper, do you have to keep bringing it up? I haven't agreed yet..." Before Lamarie could finish her sentence, she watched Hesper swiftly depart from her room. Under the swaying shadows of the trees outside, Hesper held hands with another person. Lamarie did not need to think twice to know the person's identity. She redirected her gaze and pouted. "She comes to disturb me late at night and acts all lovey-dovey in front of me. This world is truly unfair." * Although Hesper had shifted her focus towards Delphine, it seemed impossible to make Delpine attend Ranfik's wife-selection party. Lying on her bed with her eyes wide open, Hesper contemplated the feasibility of various methods. Rickard turned off the bedside lamp beside her and said, "You should rest for now. After all, you still have to go to the Rikihisas' villa tomorrow to treat Master Rikihisa." Hesper knew she should sleep now, but sleep would not come to her. Even in the darkness, she could not calm her thoughts. One matter weighed upon another, and she had grown accustomed to contemplating everything in the dark. Suddenly, a hand clasped hers. Hesper paused for a moment, turning her head to look at Rickard. Yet, enveloped in complete darkness, she could not make out his face. However, the touch of their fingertips grew more palpable within the obscurity, emanating a warmth that reached even her ears. Despite having shared a bed for a considerable amount of time, they maintained their boundaries. Each of them lay on their designated side, never crossing the invisible line between them. Although they had held hands before, this particular moment felt distinct from their previous encounters. Perhaps it was because of the late hour, as Rickard's voice carried a trace of hoarseness. "Don't dwell on things too much. With me by your side, you never have to worry about anything." Upon their arrival on Leafdelle Island, Hesper came to a sudden realization that Rickard had consistently been a source of solace for her. She had become accustomed to living her life with such caution and meticulousness, and she saw no fault in it. However, Rickard felt differently. He thought she was becoming exhausted. "I'm just worried that something unexpected might happen," Hesper uttered, shifting her body to face Rickard. Even though the darkness rendered her unable to discern his face, a sense of relief washed over her heart. "Rickard, we've come so far." It was more than just weathering a few hardships. It felt as if they had spent half a lifetime constantly strategizing, calculating, and fussing over every little thing. Finally, they arrived on this day.