Chapter 552: Chapter 553 Traveling Together to Uphold Justice_1
"Then, letās do as you say," Deborah responded without insisting further and then revealed a smile, "Having your own principles is quite attractive, and it makes me like you even more."
Standing to one side, the server discreetly observed the two, undoubtedly the lady possessed a beauty that could make any man fall for her. If she wished, the number of outstanding men willing to gather at her feet could be countless.
It was hard to imagine what background the man across from her might have to prompt such enthusiastic pursuit from her.
On the other hand, the male companionās reaction was noticeably cooler. The waiter made many guesses about the man, but could not find a suitable one.
Aiden ordered, then returned his gaze to Deborah, only to find that she was still staring at him, a smile on her lips. Her gem-like eyes reflected the crystal lights from the restaurantās chandeliers, shining with dazzling brilliance.
"Miss Deborah, Iāll be straightforward," Aiden said as he met her gaze, "I have quite a few questions Iād like to ask you at this meeting."
"Good, Iāll be an open book, even if it involves some private matters." Deborah playfully blinked, "Of course, I still prefer it if youāre a bit more gentlemanly."
"Then I might, disappoint you," Aiden said slowly.
"I donāt mind that kind of boldness either," Deborah smiled.
"What I mean is, Iām here with the Code, and according to its rules written on it, lying is not allowed, and the field probably only covers this dining table," Aiden explained seriously, "You do know what the Code is, donāt you?"
After much consideration, Aiden decided to bring the Code and surprise Deborah with a sudden strike. It was a bit impolite, but it was indeed the most efficient way to figure out who Deborah really was.
Deborahās smile faded as she thought, as if she had finally understood, "Ah, Mr. Aiden... you still donāt trust me, do you?"
"Iām sorry, but you are still a stranger to me," Aiden said frankly.
"No, no, I was careless. Iāve been only focused on closing the distance between us, without considering your feelings," Deborah gestured dismissively, "This is the right approach, itās never a bad thing to be cautious."
"Thank you for understanding," Aiden nodded.
Without asking too much about the Wordless Code, it seemed Deborah was aware of it. However, since she accepted the questioning so calmly, she appeared to genuinely have no ill intentions.
But the questions still had to be asked clearly.
"When you sought me out, aside from proposing, is there... possibly any other motive?" Aiden asked directly to the core of the matter.
Deborah was visibly taken aback by this question, "Ah, that..."
"Is there?" Aiden became vigilant at her reaction.
When lying was not an option, silence and hesitation sometimes served as an answer.
"I do have other motives, but I have no intention of harming you!" Deborah quickly explained, "My desire to join with you in marriage is also genuine; please donāt misunderstand."
This time it was Aiden who was taken aback.
Lies were forbidden within the field of the Code, so this meant Deborah... actually intended to propose to him!?
He thought for a moment and then said, "You should explain your other motives first."
"Alright, I hope youāll allow me to support your cause for justice," Deborah said earnestly.
"What?" Aiden felt he hadnāt heard correctly.
"That is to say, I hope to become your partner, just like my parents were."
"Partner?" Aiden was still confused.
"Maybe I should start from the beginning. Mr. Aiden, have you heard of my fatherās exploits?"
"Iām fairly familiar," Aiden nodded. "Can you tell me what heās up to in the Northern Continent?"
"Heās leading the local people to form a revolutionary army, fighting against the Empireās colonial rule over the Northern Continent. Impressive, right?" Deborahās eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"That is indeed very respectable," Aiden said sincerely.
She was aware of this fact, which significantly increased the likelihood that she was connected to Duboman.
"Iāve always admired my father greatly; he is the greatest hero in my eyes," Deborah said wistfully. "Being raised and taught by him is the pride of my life."
"He has many followers," Aiden said.
"Heās like a messenger bringing justice to the world," Deborah said. "Iāve thought if I were to choose a partner, heād have to be someone like him."
"Hmm?" Aiden was momentarily bewildered. "Youāre not suggesting..."
"Itās you!" Deborah said, fixing Aiden with an intense gaze.
"But I am not like himā"
"You are, youāve also apprehended many extremely vicious criminals on your own, havenāt you?" Deborah said with admiration.
"That was part of the Heretic Inquisitorās job," Aiden answered. "And I am no longer a Heretic Inquisitor."
"But even after landing in prison, you never stopped eradicating evil, did you?" Deborah said with a smile. "The vampires from the Blood Moon Cult who were killing people everywhere were caught by you. And the Red Shark Pirate Crewāmy father told me about the things they had, Iāve wanted to deal with them for so long but never found a way. Only to arrive on the Southern Continent and find out that these people have already been taken down by you."
"Iām not as noble as you think," Aiden quickly denied.
"Youāre being too modest," Deborah chuckled behind her hand.
"This isnāt modesty, arenāt you aware of the Wordless Codeās properties?" Aiden asked.
The rules of the Wordless Code apply to its holder as well.
"I know. So doesnāt that prove your modesty is sincere?" Deborah said, looking at Aiden.
Aiden found himself at a loss for words. Things were starting to feel a little tricky; Deborahās fondness for him was real, and moreover... it was unsettlingly high. No matter what he did or said, Deborah could find a positive spin to put on it.
"All along, Iāve wanted to find a man whoās as upright and strong as my father, to support him, help him, and practice chivalry together, just like my parents did," Deborah said earnestly. "After witnessing your deeds, Iāve decided that youāre the man Iāve been looking for!"
"Speaking of which, Mr. Duboman, is it true that he paired up with that masquerading thief Liv...?" Aiden, feeling overwhelmed, changed the subject. "Forgive me for being blunt, but arenāt they supposed to be at odds like a cat and mouse?"
In the "Hound Knight" series, the hero and the female thief indeed make up a pair with high popularity, though their relationship has undergone some artistic embellishment. He never thought their real-life counterparts would actually end up together, engaging in activities that the books wouldnāt dare to write about. It all sounded a bit far-fetched.