TFSAWE - Chapter 242: Secured and Protected (Patreon)

"Ah..."

As I opened my eyes, dizziness overwhelmed me. Slowly blinking, I saw Leon looking at me with a concerned expression.

"Leon? Why am I?"

"Do you not remember? You fainted while I was briefly gone."

Fainted?

Leon's words triggered a recollection of my last memory. I distinctly remembered seeing Leon leaving, assuring me that he would be back soon. I also recalled playfully mentioning that he would be hurt if he took too long to return.

"The doctor said there was nothing serious, but..."

While saying so, Leon still couldn't erase the worry from his face as he continued speaking.

"I was worried when I found you collapsed next to the desk. I was afraid you might have hit your head when you fell. Are you feeling extremely dizzy? Do you feel like vomiting? If anything feels even slightly off, please tell me right away."

In response to his words, I slowly rose to my feet.

"I don't think there's anything particularly strange."

"In that case, I'm relieved. They said it might be due to fatigue, considering everything you've been through recently."

As he spoke, I gazed at Leon discreetly. It was him who bore much of the burden of that fatigue. Understanding the message conveyed by my gaze, Leon scratched his cheek with a sheepish expression. After an awkward pause, he spoke again.

"So, I promise you this: I won't let anything happen to you until we reach the palace."

While listening to his words, spoken with confidence as if he had made an incredibly momentous decision, I realized something important.

"Wait a moment, until we reach the palace?"

Upon my comment, Leon smiled. It was a smile that appeared gentle yet carried a resolute determination.

"Isn't that obvious? I've fulfilled every promise I made to you. Half of the Third Legion will stay here to continue opposing the Temple Knights. So now, it's your turn."

Leon approached me and gently grasped my hair before kissing me.

"Please become the perfect princess consort. Everyone in the empire will welcome you. Not only will no one dare to mention the incidents at the Temple, but they will sincerely bow their heads in respect."

"But..."

"Our departure is tomorrow, Lina. So get a good rest. We'll be travelling by carriage, but it will be a challenging journey."

From Leon's words, I understood that no matter what happened, he intended to take me to the empire.

At that moment, suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the tent. I could hear the fierce wind, screams, and shouts blending together. There was no need to ask what was happening. I was well acquainted with that oppressive force that seemed to weigh down on my body. And Leon knew it too.

"Aslan?"

"Aslan?"

We both called out his name simultaneously.