TFSAWE - Chapter 228: Joined Forces (Patreon)

Listening to the conversation between the two, I murmured to myself.

"A promise?"

"Did you hear my voice?" Leon said to me.

"Yes, I had made a promise to those who were searching for Lord Latvan, having departed from the Grand Pavilion. I told them that I would provide them with an opportunity to find Lord Latvan."

Upon hearing Leon's words, Carl exclaimed as if unable to believe the situation.

"Prince!"

Leon looked at Carl with a hint of mockery.

"That's why I pretended to capture them. Although the prisoner escort carriage was not the most comfortable, it allowed them to eavesdrop on all the information within the Grand Pavilion and make their way here without the need to evade the crowd. Oh, of course, it was thanks to the excessive efforts of Deputy Carl to bring them here, one by one, in front of Lord Latvan to threaten him and execute them."

As Leon spoke, Carl's face grew increasingly stiff, as if frozen by his words.

At this point, I could discern the state of affairs. Just as I had witnessed in the marketplace, there are many who follow Latvan. Among them, the Temple Knights are the ones who believe in and follow Latvan more than anyone else. Even if Carl were to become the deputy and issue commands, they would not easily comply with an order to capture their own commander. However, those who had refused Carl's orders were also being pursued by the Grand Pavilion, and since their numbers were considerable, it would have been difficult for them to move while hiding their identities, like me and Latvan.

"So, Leon proposed a way to find Latvan faster than anyone else, even without having to conceal ourselves and risk our lives."

While being transported as prisoners, Carl must have heard news about me and Latvan and taken action, leading Leon's subordinates to set them free. And they would have subdued the Temple Knights who sided with Carl, confiscating their garments and helmets.

But not all the questions were answered yet.

The Temple Knights, who follow Latvan, joined forces with Leon, successfully rescuing their commander. So, what does Leon gain from this?

At that moment, Leon and the Imperial Knights who followed him stood in Carl's path. And Leon spoke.

"Well then, take your commander and depart quickly. I hope you go as far away as possible. If you sense any danger, even if it means resorting to force, take him far away once again."

Upon hearing Leon's words, the deputy knight commander gave a bitter smile and, along with the other knights, escorted Latvan away. As I stood there, staring blankly at their retreating figures, I looked at Leon.

"Leon, could it be?"

"Indeed. Do you think I helped them without gaining anything in return? For the sake of Sir Latvan?" Leon carefully brushed away the strands of sweat-soaked hair from my forehead.

"That partnership between him and me has come to an end. In fact, I even considered letting him die. It would have been advantageous for me. However, he protected you while I was absent. Saving him is an expression of gratitude for that deed. He saved you, allowing himself to preserve his own life. If something had happened to you during that time."

Leon whispered as he pulled me close.

"I would have killed him before Carl. The chilling words left me unable to do anything but watch as Latvan moved farther away. Leon turned his body and shouted, "Leave! And never cross paths again. We will meet as enemies then."

Upon hearing those words, the commander nodded politely and quickly walked away. The Templar Knights under Carl's command attempted to chase after him, but the swords of the Imperial Knights blocked their path. If Carl were to relentlessly pursue Latvan, they would have to engage in a major battle with the Imperial Knights.

Either way, a significant blow would be dealt. Even if they managed to defeat the Imperial Knights, it would be even more difficult for them to pursue Latvan afterwards.

Amidst this tense standoff, Latvan's figure was gradually receding.

I silently gazed at that sight. So much was happening rapidly. My weary body could no longer muster the strength to think. All I knew at that moment was that Latvan was getting farther away. Perhaps, I might never see him again. But I couldn't tell him to stop. If I did, he would die. To Carl. No, perhaps to Leon.

As my vision blurred, tears streamed down my face. Leon wordlessly wiped my tears away with his hand. Meanwhile, he tightened his embrace around me.

At that moment, Carl's angry voice came from behind.

"Do you think you can get away with this and remain unscathed, Prince? You seem to be greatly mistaken. The person you are holding is a criminal against the Order. She belongs to the Order! All rights are ours!"

My body trembled at his words. Carl was not wrong. Evelina, upon becoming a saint, ceased to belong to any country on the continent. She was the embodiment of the Order itself. In other words, it also meant that the Order possessed all rights and authority over her.

"Do you think we will just sit idly by like this? Do not forget that the Empire is still at war with other kingdoms. Do not foolishly believe that you can tamper with the authority of the Order and escape unharmed."

Leon loosened his grip on the arm that held me. Suddenly, I became frightened. Leon was a prince. He had been the one who had exerted all his efforts for the advancement and glory of the Empire.

"A fake saint. That's why the Order is clinging to her so desperately."

Mumbling to himself, Leon suddenly adjusted his attire. Then he glanced at me and smiled slightly.

"It seems that your other identity, which will silence them, is required."

Saying so, Leon unexpectedly knelt before me, one knee touching the ground. In this unexpected situation, neither I, nor Carl, nor the knights from both sides could utter a word. In that silence, Leon looked at me and spoke.

"Lina, will you marry me?"