After parting ways with Claudia, Leon and Rosvisser decided to head back to the Lionheart Society and discuss their plans with Rebecca and the others.

Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m freewebnøvel.com.

Although they could take advantage of the Empire’s paper lanterns for free, they still lacked crucial information about the warehouse, such as its precise location, surrounding environment, number of guards, and whether any imperial personnel were stationed there.

Rushing in without knowing these details could ruin the entire Lantern Festival operation.

Walking down the street in the middle district, Leon ruffled his hair, looking a bit annoyed.

Rosvisser noticed his slight shift in mood and softly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Leon sighed. “The Lantern Festival is in two days. If we don’t finish our preparations tonight or tomorrow, this whole plan could be a bust.”

As the leader, Leon felt the burden of responsibility heavier than anyone else.

Although he once led the Dragon Slayer Corps, marching across battlefields with his fellow warriors, the current situation was unlike any from his past.

As a general with an inherent dragon-slaying physique, Leon hadn’t felt pressured when facing dragons—the weight was always on his enemies. But now, leading a group of oppressed people forced to rise against their rulers, he felt an entirely new kind of pressure.

On one hand, he feared failure—a victorious general who had survived countless battles couldn’t bear the thought of defeat. On the other hand, he dreaded disappointing those who trusted and relied on him. Everyone had gathered around him, hoping Leon would lead them in overthrowing this corrupt Empire.

If all their efforts ended up wasted, the consequences would be unbearable for him.

He had to answer to those who believed in him; he couldn’t let his mentor and comrades down.

This pressure weighed on him like an invisible mountain.

Rosvisser observed his profile, reading his worries and fears. She understood that no words of comfort would suffice.

Leon didn’t need solace or a way to release his stress.

Only Rosvisser knew what he truly needed.

She turned her gaze forward, speaking lightly, “You rarely used to worry about ‘what if I fail’ before doing something.”

Leon smiled bitterly. “It’s different this time, Rosvisser.”

“What’s different?”

“This time, I’m leading everyone. If my decision causes the plan to fail, then—”

“Then I’ll share the consequences with you.”

Rosvisser’s tone remained calm, as if she were discussing a casual matter.

“Whether it’s the disappointment and blame from the Lionheart Society or retaliation from the Empire and the dragons, I’ll face it all with you.”

Her simple words, spoken in an even tone, carried unshakable conviction.

Leon’s steps faltered, and he almost muttered instinctively, “Why...?”

Rosvisser took a few more steps before turning back. She wasn’t smiling, and her gaze was solemn.

“Because you’re my captive. If I haven’t trained you well enough, then I’m also responsible.”

...

Well, now.

Leon snorted, stepped forward, and wrapped her in a bear hug before she had a chance to react.

By the time Rosvisser regained her senses, it was already too late.

“Hey! What are you doing? Broad daylight, with so many people watching—let go, you idiot!” she protested, feigning resistance.

Leon leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Thank you.”

She stopped struggling and let him hold her.

Compared to people like Rebecca, Tiger, or Charlotte, Rosvisser may not have known Leon the longest, but...

She definitely understood him the best.

Leon didn’t need comfort, encouragement, or goading right now.

What he needed was... company.

And Rosvisser’s stance was unwavering:

No matter what happened or how things turned out, she would stand with him.

Just like the family sports day at Saint Heath Academy, the battle against the Star King Dragon, the journey to the Far North... and every other moment in the past.

After a moment, Leon released her, and Rosvisser quickly pushed him away, adjusting her hair.

“Honestly, aren’t you a little too old for this?” she scolded playfully.

“It was just the heat of the moment, my dear wife.”

Rosvisser rolled her eyes in mock irritation. “Don’t call me ‘wife’ like that—it’s way too affectionate.”

Leon spread his hands innocently. “Didn’t you say yesterday that you’re my wife in public?”

“That was yesterday. Today’s today. Today, you’re my captive, and I’m your queen.”

“...Changing roles so quickly, huh?”

“Mind your own business.”

Her steadfast support for Leon was unchanging, as was her quick switch in attitude.

While the couple bantered, a faint breeze brushed past Leon.

He didn’t think much of it.

But Rosvisser’s expression shifted slightly.

“You know,” Leon said, “your attitude is so stiff that even my magic couldn’t break through.”

Ignoring his taunt, Rosvisser replied while still watching behind him, “Maybe it’s a matter of speed?”

Leon paused. What? Was she really interested in discussing magic right now?

“Uh... you’ve seen my speed—it’s super fast.”

Finally, Rosvisser raised her hand and pointed behind him. “With that speed, I’m sure you can catch the pickpocket who just stole your wallet, right?”

Leon: What?! (ΩДΩ)

He spun around, just in time to see a shadow slip into an alley.

Rosvisser patted his shoulder calmly. “Just a reminder—your wallet contains the funds Rebecca allocated for us. We still need to buy some lanterns.”

Leon narrowed his eyes. “Just a petty thief. I’ll bring him to justice in no time.”

Rosvisser covered her mouth, pretending to be impressed as she clapped. “Wow, you’re amazing, hubby!”

“Now I’m your hubby again, not your captive?”

“Whether you’re my husband or captive, that’s up to me.”

Leon waved her off, choosing not to argue, and chased after the thief.

Rosvisser followed closely behind.

Honestly, for a former Empire’s greatest dragon slayer and a queen renowned for her speed to team up against a pickpocket... well, it was overkill.

As the thief weaved through the maze of alleys, it was clear he was experienced.

But he overlooked one thing:

Leon had grown up here too.

The chase led them through winding alleys, with Leon and Rosvisser soon catching sight of the thief’s silhouette.

They turned into a narrow alley, and Leon spotted a wooden stick leaning against the wall, an idea forming in his mind.

Grabbing the stick, he charged at the thief. ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) “Hah! You think you can escape? Lightning—Whirlwind—”

Before he could finish shouting his move, the thief made a sharp turn at the corner, and Leon, caught off guard, plunged headfirst into a pile of cardboard boxes.

The thief disappeared into the distance.

Rosvisser strolled over, glancing at the thief’s retreating figure before turning her gaze to Leon lying among the boxes. Crossing her arms, a smile played on her lips.

“Lightning Whirlwind what?”

“Strike!”

“Ooh, what a mighty move! Does it only work on cardboard boxes?”

Laughing, Rosvisser extended a hand to pull the “dummy” out of the pile.

Leon looked toward the direction the thief had gone, muttering, “I’ve changed my mind. Not only will I catch him, but I’ll also stuff his head into a box.”

Rosvisser chuckled. “Sounds good! Let’s race and see who catches him first.”

Leon raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit reignited by her challenge.

“All right, let’s race!”

Oh, dear thief, why on earth did you provoke him?