凯撒,把温暖诱人的查西抱在怀里,strode up the stairs. Under her guidance, he reached the innermost room on the upper floor. Without hesitation, he kicked open the door and tossed the beauty onto the grand bed in the center of the room. Stripping off his clothes with lightning speed, he turned to Chassie, and the room was soon filled with passionate intimacy.
Afterward, silence fell upon the room, broken only by the sound of their labored breaths. The soft moonlight filtered through the window, illuminating Chassie's flushed cheeks, which seemed even more delicate and enchanting in the pale glow. She clung tightly to Caesar's left arm, her eyes shimmering with contentment, as though she wished time could freeze in this perfect moment.
As Caesar lay there, his mind wandered to a small black stick he had once seen in Uncle York's drawer—a cigar, gifted by the baron. Uncle York had a habit of lighting it after meals, taking a few satisfied puffs before putting it out to save for another time. The memory of Uncle York's relaxed expression lingered in Caesar's mind, and he wondered if a cigar right now would make this moment even more perfect.
Chassie, draped lazily over Caesar's chest, felt an unfamiliar sense of security. Caesar, despite his rugged demeanor and lack of refinement, wasn't a cold-hearted man. Earlier, he hadn't intervened in her plight because their relationship hadn't been close enough, but now that things had changed, he felt an obligation to secure her future.
As Caesar's thoughts drifted, Chassie spoke softly, "The tavern's wine stock can last another week. If no one comes to rob us, I can still make some money. After that, I'll go to the occupied zone and find work. You don't have to worry about me."
Caesar frowned. "How can that be enough? Two silver coins a week won't get you far." In the remote regions of Garrel Kingdom, two silver coins could last months, but in the chaotic, resource-scarce occupied territories, they might not even cover basic needs for a week.
Hearing his words, Chassie fell silent, her grip on Caesar tightening. Realizing he'd inadvertently hurt her feelings, Caesar reassured her, "Don't worry. I'm not the kind of man who walks away after this. I'll take care of you."
"Really?!" Chassie lifted her head, her eyes filled with hope.
"Of course. I'm already working on a plan," Caesar replied firmly.
It had been a long time since anyone had shown Chassie such genuine care. Many who approached her either desired her beauty or her money. While Caesar was no saint, she sensed his sincerity. Her heart softened, and she whispered, "You're the best person I've met in years. I won't look for another man. I'll stay by your side."
Caesar's heart stirred at her words. For a soldier like him, beautiful women were either unattainable dreams or fleeting encounters. Yet, here was Chassie, offering her loyalty to him. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I might not make it back one day."
"Don't say that!" Chassie interrupted. "If you die in battle, I'll collect your body and mourn you. But I'll still be your woman."
Caesar laughed lightly. "Don't worry. The man who can kill me hasn't been born yet."
Chassie blushed and rested her head against his chest. They spent the rest of the night sharing their pasts. Chassie spoke of her childhood, losing her parents early and growing up with only her brother. At seventeen, she had been married off to a tavern owner, but the war had shattered her dreams. Her husband eventually abandoned her, leaving her to fend for herself.
Listening to her story, Caesar felt a pang of sympathy. Compared to her hardships, his life seemed far easier. He told her about his village, Maple Leaf Village, in Del Province, and his family—loving parents and a caring older sister. Chassie was surprised to learn Caesar had been a soldier for four years despite being only eighteen.
When she realized their age difference, Chassie was momentarily embarrassed. "Oh heavens, am I... am I too old for you?" she muttered internally.
Sensing her unease, Caesar grinned and said, "From now on, I'll call you Xixi."
"No!" Chassie protested. "Only my brother and my elders called me that. It feels strange coming from you."
"But aren't I your 'real brother' now?" Caesar teased.
Reluctantly, Chassie accepted the nickname.
Caesar soon realized Chassie wasn't just a pretty face; she was intelligent and resourceful. She could read and do arithmetic, skills Caesar sorely lacked. With her help, he began strategizing for the upcoming squad leader selection. Caesar confided in her about the camp's power dynamics and the impending assault on Phalanx City.
Chassie listened carefully, quickly piecing together the situation. Her sharp mind immediately identified Young Master Soren as a key ally for Caesar's promotion.
"Hold onto Soren," she advised firmly. "He's your best chance."
Caesar nodded. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't facing the world alone. With Chassie by his side, his path forward seemed a little clearer.