TFSAWE - Chapter 232: Heartfelt Confession (Patreon)

If Leon had wanted to kill Latvan, this would have been the perfect opportunity. Of course, it would have been challenging to confront the Temple Knights who were protecting Latvan, but if he hadn't released them, he could have easily killed Latvan.

But he went as far as to aid Latvan's escape, even going against Carl. Leon had given up too much, thinking of it as mercy bestowed upon Latvan for protecting me. I couldn't understand why Leon would do such a thing.

Leon immediately responded, as if he had anticipated my question.

"Because there is nothing to gain from killing him. No, I would only lose."

He answered in such a way and approached me a little closer.

"If I were to kill Lord Latvan, I wouldn't be foolish enough to think you would turn your love towards me. Such foolishness can be satisfied with just my father alone."

"My father killed Mother's fiancé and presented his head as a gift. It wasn't just that fiancé he killed that day. He also killed Mother's hope. What kind of life do you think someone left with only despair will lead? It's not living, it's dying."

"Lina, as long as Latvan's spirit lives, I know that you will continue to live with hope."

"Leon..."

"Even if you resent and hate me, you won't live a dying life. I... that alone is enough for me. Latvan took your heart, so I have done everything I could to take the rest. Now, our marriage is sealed. Your name will forever be intertwined with mine. Do you realize how much joy that brings me?"

Caught in Leon's heartfelt words, I didn't know how to respond.

"At the very least, you will continue to smile at me, be kind to me, and embrace me as long as I am of use. So please, use me to the fullest. I will demonstrate my worth with all my might."

Having said that, Leon closed his eyes, waiting for me like a tool awaiting purpose.

No matter what I do, Leon will not impose any restrictions on me. Perhaps even if I were to leave this tent, he wouldn't hold me back. No, if I were to go somewhere far, he would protect me by my side. But that's the extent of it. He would do anything for me, but I have nothing to offer him. If I want something, I must use him.

That being the case...

I looked straight into Leon's eyes and spoke.

"Leon, I like you."

My response seemed to startle Leon. I reached out my hand to him and pulled him close, burying his face in the softness of my chest. I could feel his rigid body trembling slightly, so I ran my fingers through his hair.

"Ha..."

A slow sigh escaped his lips and settled beyond his formal attire, reaching his chest.

It is not a lie that I like him. I genuinely liked him. When I first shared a bed with him, even if I had memories of Evelina, I was too full of fear to think clearly. Added to that was the self-loathing, making everything seem terrible.

But was Leon terrible to me afterwards? Despite the sudden situation, he treated me with great tenderness. I did not feel distressed or embarrassed as I looked at him, recalling that night.

That's not all. Afterwards, I expected him to mention our relationship, demanding another night or expressions of affection. But he didn't. He always helped me in the place where he should be, told me in detail about things I was curious about and liked, and spent time simply having meals together. Truly, like a friend who understands me.

He gave me a sense of tranquillity similar to friendship. Does Leon realize that it was a precious respite for me, as my life was filled with tension due to the impending war?

"Leon, I thought you were a really good friend to me."

"I don't desire a friendship with you."

Leon replied in a low voice.

"I know. That's why I'm sorry."

I let go of him and his mouth soon had to close. It was because I started unbuttoning his formal attire.

"I... From now on, I will be relying on you."

At my words, Leon looked up at me. His eyes were shaking with confusion. I cupped his face with both hands, then leaned in and kissed him. The sound of moist tongues intertwining filled the air, and our breath quickened.