Episode 60: An Unexpected Meeting, a Moment of Awareness
At last free from drills, Leon chose to spend the evening with his close comrades over a simple meal. The tavern was warm with laughter and stories of training. After some hesitation, he invited Serena to join them. Her research had ended early that day, and she accepted.
When she arrived, she felt awkward among the warriors, but the comfort of Leon's presence eased her nerves. His companions welcomed her with curiosity and good humor.
"Leon, to think Lady Serena herself would join us for supper," Ethan teased, grinning broadly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last," another added warmly.
Serena offered a polite smile and settled at Leon's side. Soon the questions came—about her studies, the mysteries of magic, and her daily work. At first reserved, she gradually opened up, sharing in their laughter.
Across the tavern, by the window, Mariel and Adrian sat together, quietly enjoying their own meal. When Mariel's gaze drifted, she caught sight of Leon and Serena seated side by side. A flicker of emotion crossed her face—something sharp, quickly hidden.
"Serena's there with Leon," she murmured, forcing herself to turn back. A pang of jealousy rose in her chest, though she pushed it down with a gentle smile toward Adrian.
Adrian followed her glance, then nodded thoughtfully. "They suit each other well, don't you think?"
Mariel's lips curved in a practiced smile. "Perhaps. Serena may look fragile, but she has a strong heart. She'll be a good friend—and ally—for Leon."
Adrian sipped his tea, watching her closely. "It matters, having someone at your side to support you—even if it's only as a friend."
Mariel laughed lightly, though her eyes betrayed a trace of unease. "You're right. Supporting someone… it isn't such a bad thing." Yet within her words lingered a softer, more conflicted feeling.
Back at Leon's table, the camaraderie deepened. One comrade, half in jest, asked, "Lady Serena, if you could cast a spell for Leon, what would it be?"
She hesitated, then answered with a shy smile. "He's already a brave warrior. If anything, I'd give him a protection spell—to keep him safe in battle."
Leon flushed faintly, smiling at her. "Serena, I already fight safely—because of you."
Laughter and warmth rippled across the table. The bond between them was visible to all. And from the window, Mariel watched with a small, wistful smile, her eyes betraying the faint shadow of jealousy.
**
Episode 61: Camilla's Provocation and Leon's Resolve
The Merchant Guild of the Kingdom of Elysium had recently requested a guard unit to safely escort important trade goods to an outlying region. This time, the escort involved transporting a valuable item belonging to Camilla's distinguished merchant family to another kingdom, and the unit entrusted with this task was none other than Leon's—widely respected for their reliability.
As the soldiers carried the weight of their mission and focused on their duty, Camilla greeted them with a warm smile. Yet, she approached Leon with particular familiarity, speaking in a tone that seemed tinged with subtle mockery—likely having heard rumors about his closeness with Serina.
"Leon, I hear you're very close to Serina. A person so absorbed in research must need a change of pace every now and then. Don't you think she should occasionally step outside her books to grasp the kingdom's affairs? Surely knowledge alone isn't enough."
Leon returned her words with a calm smile."Serina is contributing greatly to the kingdom. Through her research, she is dedicating herself to the safety and advancement of us all."
Camilla nodded, though a faintly bitter smile tugged at her lips."Is that so? But to truly understand the kingdom's matters, one needs a sense of its relationships and traditions. If one's family is newly risen, that sense might be… lacking."
Leon paused for a moment before answering evenly."Serina is not simply a scholar. She pursues knowledge vital to the kingdom's future, and she knows her role better than anyone. Her efforts deserve respect, regardless of rank or origin."
Camilla's smile lingered, poised and leisurely."Of course, I'm not denying her talent or research. But in this kingdom, family name and tradition wield great weight. Without them, even brilliance can only shine so far. To guide or to lead within such a framework… that requires more than knowledge."
Leon's smile slowly faded. His voice hardened."Serina gives without being bound by status. Her path is not one to be belittled."
Camilla let the silence stretch before speaking again, this time with a sly glint in her eye."You truly do respect her. I understand. But surely that respect doesn't… cross into something more than friendship?" Her gaze was pointed, prying, as if to test his feelings.
Leon clenched his jaw but replied calmly."Serina and I share trust and respect, nothing more. She knows her worth, and I honor the path she has chosen. Above all, I support her contributions to the kingdom."
For the first time, Camilla seemed caught off guard by his tone. She quickly recovered with a faint, wry smile as the horn signaled that the convoy was about to depart. She glanced at the unit with her usual poise, but when her eyes returned to Leon, a flicker of jealousy betrayed her feelings toward Serina.
Leon walked back to his post, troubled. Camilla's barbed remarks lingered in his mind—not only her disdain toward Serina, but the way she framed everything in terms of status and family.
I grew up the son of a farmer, and now I serve as a soldier for the kingdom. Serina, by contrast, is a merchant's daughter who brings wealth and learning to her work. Between us lies an unspoken divide—one I cannot deny.
Though he tried not to show it, deep down Leon felt the sting of his humble birth. In Serina's presence, he could forget it; but in the eyes of others, in their jibes, the wound resurfaced.
No matter her rank or birth, Serina is someone I deeply respect. She is both my comrade and someone I must protect.
Resolving himself, Leon steeled his thoughts. Whatever others might say, their bond was built on trust that transcended titles—and that was what mattered most.
**
Episode 62: Leon, the Everyday Hero
One late afternoon, Leon took a rare moment of rest and strolled into the town square. Life had been filled with battles and drills, but walking leisurely among ordinary folk was a quiet treasure in itself.
As he wandered, he heard muffled sobs from a narrow alley. There, a young girl was crying, clutching a single gold coin tightly in her hand. Leon knelt gently before her."What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Through trembling words, she whispered, "Mother asked me to buy bread, but… I got lost."
Leon smiled reassuringly, extending his hand."Then let's go together. I know this town inside and out. You'll be fine."
Hand in hand, they walked through the streets. Leon eased her fears with lighthearted tales from his soldiering days, explained little tricks to find one's way in the city, and guided her step by step until at last they found her home. The girl thanked him with a radiant smile, and her parents, overjoyed, expressed their gratitude again and again.
Later, Leon lingered in a village square. Children soon gathered around, whispering, "That's the man who helped me find my way!" Curiosity lit their eyes. Leon, flustered, chuckled softly and beckoned them closer."Well then, shall we play?"
The square burst with laughter as they played hide-and-seek, Leon cleverly using the stealth skills he had honed on battlefields. He spun tales of bravery, adjusting them for young ears, drawing wide-eyed questions and cheers. When the games ended, he shared bread and fruit he had brought from home. The children ate eagerly, thanking him with shining eyes.
Soon, villagers gathered nearby, murmuring: "That's him—the one who fought for us." Pride and admiration warmed their faces. One elder stepped forward."To have such a protector among us—our village is blessed."
Leon scratched his head, embarrassed."Protector? I'm no hero. I just… care for this place. For you all. That's enough reason to stand guard."
As dusk fell and the children scampered home, Leon sat alone in the quiet square. He realized that what he truly defended was not only the kingdom's borders, but also the laughter of children, the peace of the streets, the simple beauty of ordinary life.
And so, with lighter steps, he returned home that evening—an everyday hero, unseen but never forgotten
**
Episode 63: Serina's Mother in Confusion
One evening in the Kingdom of Elysium, Serina's mother attended a social gathering with several noble ladies. The hall was filled with laughter as they exchanged lighthearted talk about recent happenings in the kingdom, and, as was often the case, conversation soon turned to their children.
In the midst of the chatter, one lady suddenly addressed Serina's mother with a playful smile."I hear young Serina has been keeping herself busy at the research institute. But wasn't she recently injured as well?"
Startled, Serina's mother widened her eyes."Injured? Why, I've heard nothing of the sort…"
Another lady chimed in with a knowing smile."Oh dear, it seems you weren't told. They say Serina suffered an accident at the institute, but fortunately, thanks to the help of a soldier, she avoided serious harm."
A third lady leaned forward, eyes glinting with curiosity."And that soldier—his name was Leon, wasn't it? Some say he seemed rather close to Serina. A common-born young man, I hear. What could their relationship possibly be?" She watched Serina's mother closely, her lips curled in a faint, amused smile.
Under the weight of their gazes, Serina's mother fought to keep her composure, replying with practiced ease."Serina is devoted to her studies. If there was an accident, it must have been nothing more than a small mistake during her experiments. As for the soldier, he was simply fulfilling his duty. Surely it's natural for comrades to look after one another's well-being."
But the probing glances of the ladies did not waver.
"They say that soldier practically saved her life. Not only that—he even saw to her recovery with great care. Everyone seems to think their bond is… quite extraordinary.""Indeed. It's rare for such a deep connection to form at their age. A soldier and a merchant's daughter—it's not something one encounters every day."
Though she maintained a polite smile, Serina's mother's heart swelled with unease. Shock that her steadfast, earnest daughter had gone through such an ordeal was quickly joined by disquiet at the suggestion of something more. As she parried the questions with grace, her thoughts tangled over the relationship she had never considered—that between Serina and this soldier, Leon.
For Serina to rely on him so deeply… just what kind of man is this soldier?
When the gathering finally ended, she returned home still unsettled, her mind restless with unanswered questions. By the time she stepped through her door, her resolve had hardened: for the sake of her daughter, she would learn more about this young man named Leon