Episode 104: A Time for Friendship, and a New Comrade, Alex
Wanting to shake off the fatigue from the endless missions and training, Leon decided to spend a leisurely afternoon with his comrades for the first time in a while. At a tavern he often visited, he gathered with Ethan and other close friends, and the place was soon filled with loud conversation and laughter as they clinked their mugs of beer.
Leon sat and looked around at his friends' faces, a slightly surprised smile playing on his lips. Today, they had an unexpected guest. It was Alex. The man with whom he once had a strained relationship was now sitting here, a close comrade ready to share a drink.
Ethan was the first to raise his mug, giving Leon a playful look. "Hey, to our Battle Commander! You look like you just walked off the battlefield. You're allowed to rest today, right?"
Leon raised his own mug with a wry smile. "Hey, I told you not to call me that. You have no idea how much easier it was when you were by my side as a senior warrior."
Hearing this, Alex tilted his mug and chimed in. "He's right, you know. To be honest, I never thought you'd make it to Battle Commander." His voice was laced with playful teasing, but underneath, there was a clear sense of acknowledgment and friendship.
Leon shot a glare at Alex, but it quickly melted into a smile. "You know, Alex, you've become a much more reliable comrade than before. There was a time when we couldn't trust each other, but now, I know you're a dependable ally."
Ethan laughed and jumped into the conversation. "Alright, that's enough poking at each other! Aren't we all good comrades now?" He made a playful gesture to separate the two, brightening the mood as laughter erupted around them.
A moment later, Alex looked at Leon with a serious expression. "Actually, I have to admit, our unit has felt more solid since you became Battle Commander. And I wanted to thank you for showing me your trust. It's because of that I was able to open up."
Leon paused and met Alex's gaze, nodding. "Thank you, Alex. I think it's because we can all trust and rely on each other that I was able to get to where I am today."
At that moment, as if to lighten the mood again, Ethan raised his mug high and shouted. "Alright, a toast to our Battle Commander and his dependable comrades! Today is a day to celebrate each other!"
Everyone cheered and clinked their mugs together. In this place filled with laughter and warm camaraderie, Leon was reminded once again just how precious these moments with his dear comrades were. The fact that they had moved past the awkwardness of the past and were now moving forward as one team, with one heart, moved him deeply.
As the gentle laughter and fond jokes continued, Leon felt with certainty that the path ahead of him was becoming ever more solid.
**
Episode 105: Mariel's Wedding and Growing Emotions
Mariel, who had garnered attention for her beauty and charm since she was a child, was joining the upper class through her marriage to Adrian, a talented mage from a noble family. At Leon's suggestion, Serena accompanied him to the wedding, and she found herself watching Leon as he gazed at his old friend.
Through her marriage to a high-society noble, Mariel was now fully accepted into the upper echelon, and she seemed to shine even brighter in that setting. The wedding hall was decorated with splendor and elegance, and standing among the high-society guests, she no longer looked like a village girl but a member of the elite.
As soon as they arrived, Leon's eyes followed Mariel's form. Watching him for a moment, Serena felt a slight pang of jealousy and had to silently compose herself.
"Leon, Mariel looks so happy today. You must be proud of all the moments you shared with your old friend," Serena said softly.
Leon smiled and replied, "Yes, Mariel was always someone who caught people's eye. It's true I had feelings for her for a while... but now, having you by my side feels much more precious."
Hearing Leon's words, Serena felt the anxiety in her heart melt away into relief. His sincere confession was a great comfort to her.
The wedding hall was filled with high-society figures, and among them, the refined manners and glamorous attire of the traditional noble families stood out. As someone from a newly risen merchant family, Serena was keenly aware of her slightly different standing.
'Our family is also considered upper class, but there's a subtle difference between us and the traditional noble houses…'
Today's wedding was, in a way, a reminder of the standards and expectations that came with being part of high society. But soon, Leon's presence made all those worries seem trivial. He wasn't swayed by the glamour of the wedding; he was simply enjoying the moment with Serena.
After the ceremony, the two stepped out onto a terrace to talk in a quieter space. Gazing at the scenery, Leon suddenly murmured, as if to himself.
"I wonder if we'll have a wedding one day?"
Serena was slightly taken aback by his unexpected confession but soon offered a gentle smile. "Of course, a day like that could come someday." She met his gaze and continued, "But I hope we can have our own kind of wedding, one that isn't bound by the conventions of high society."
Leon nodded at her words. "Yes. I want to have the kind of wedding you want, too. One that's about us, not about status or appearances."
Serena felt a warmth spread through her at his reply. "As long as I'm with you, any kind of wedding would be fine. In fact, I think I'd be happier if we could build our own lives, free from tradition."
After the wedding, Serena felt a bit more certain that the love she had chosen was the right one. A resolve to create a life and love on her own terms, unbound by the expectations of the upper class, took root in her heart.
Meanwhile, Serena's mother, Elizabeth, while sincerely wishing for her daughter's happiness, couldn't help but ponder the limitations of a new merchant family. Even if the love Serena had chosen didn't meet the expectations of high society, she truly hoped the two could live happily.
"If Serena has chosen her own happiness, then all I can do is watch over her and support her," Elizabeth resolved, deciding to trust in and watch over her daughter's love.
**
Episode 106: The Decision to Marry
After attending Mariel's wedding, Leon and Serena's affection for each other deepened even further. One evening, the two met on a hill near their usual lakeside spot, quietly talking as they watched the sky. They shared the feelings that the wedding had stirred within them.
"Seeing Mariel look so happy during her wedding made me wonder if a day like that could ever come for me," Serena said with a gentle smile. Her gaze was quite serious, and Leon felt his heart tremble at her words.
"Serena, do you think we... could we welcome a day like that together someday?" Leon asked in a serious voice. It was a question he had pondered many times, but today, more than ever, he wanted to hear her answer.
Hearing his question, Serena was lost in thought for a moment. She had envisioned a future with Leon many times, but the word 'marriage' had always felt weighty. Thinking of her family and the expectations of those around her, she knew that marriage wasn't something that could be achieved through love alone. But as she looked at Leon, she felt a conviction that with him, she could overcome any difficulty.
"Leon, to be honest, I dream of that kind of future too. But..." Serena hesitated for a moment before speaking her mind. "I worry a lot about my position, and the world we live in. For our love to be more than just a feeling, I think we'll have to face a great many things."
Leon understood her anxiety and squeezed her hand tightly. "I know, Serena. But if we're together, we can protect each other, no matter what happens. With you by my side, I have the confidence to overcome any obstacle." A strong conviction shone in his eyes.
Serena squeezed his hand back and nodded. "Then, shall we decide to get married?" Her voice trembled slightly, but within it was a firm resolve. It was the moment she began to seriously consider a life with Leon.
Leon looked at her, his eyes filled with joy, and answered. "Someday, let's have a wedding of our own. It doesn't matter what kind of life we build together. Just be with me."
That night, Leon and Serena felt the preciousness of each other's existence even more and pledged their future together. They held each other's hands tightly, making a quiet promise known only to them.
Serena looked up at the sky for a moment and whispered, "Leon, I know there will be many practical problems ahead for us. But what's more important than that right now... is that I truly want to be by your side."
Moved by her words, Leon gently pulled her into an embrace. "It's the same for me, Serena. With you, I feel like I can overcome anything."
The two reaffirmed the conviction and love in their hearts, taking the first step toward marriage.
**
Episode 107: A Conversation with Elizabeth and Her Counsel
After deciding to marry, Leon and Serena agreed to tell their respective families. Serena worried about how her mother, Elizabeth, would react. She knew her mother had always respected her choices, but she was also well aware of her concerns regarding the expectations of the upper class and Serena's position within it.
One evening, Serena sat down with her mother and quietly brought up the subject of marriage.
"Mother, I've decided to marry Leon." At her words, Elizabeth showed a momentary flicker of surprise. But soon, a calm smile graced her lips as she took her daughter's decision seriously.
"Serena, if you've decided you want to be with Leon, that must be a very significant decision," Elizabeth's voice was gentle, yet tinged with a hint of concern. She folded her hands and looked at Serena, a thoughtful expression on her face. "However, as you know, in the society we belong to, the shackles and expectations of the upper class always follow, do they not?"
Serena nodded at her mother's words. She understood Elizabeth's concerns. "I know, Mother. The path we've chosen won't be easy. But I believe that with Leon, I can handle all those difficulties."
Elizabeth could see that her daughter's resolve was firm. However, she still worried about the complex relationships of high society and the practical challenges they would face.
"Serena, marriage in high society isn't just a matter between two people. The honor of families and houses are intertwined. Leon is a truly fine young man, but the worry remains whether he has the strength to protect you, and whether you can stand fully by his side," Elizabeth advised sincerely.
Serena took her mother's worried words to heart. But she replied with a voice full of conviction. "Mother, we didn't make this decision just based on our feelings for each other. Leon genuinely cares for me. He is a strong person. He is someone who will walk this path with me and support my life."
Elizabeth felt the weight in her heart lighten a little at her daughter's words. She knew that Leon truly and sincerely cared for Serena. At the same time, she felt a little wistful that this courageous daughter before her was about to begin a new journey called marriage.
In that moment, Elizabeth made a decision. "I understand, Serena. I fully understand why you've chosen him. I only wish for your happiness. But promise me one thing. That in the face of all the choices and hardships of married life, you will always cherish yourself."
Serena smiled at her mother's words and nodded. "I promise, Mother. I will live my life keeping the promise I made to be with Leon as the master of my own life."
Elizabeth hugged her daughter warmly and offered her final counsel. "In that case, I give you and Leon my sincere blessing. I hope you will be a source of strength for each other, no matter what difficulties may come."
The next day, Serena went with Leon to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth took Leon aside to speak with him privately.
"Leon, I have also given much thought to your marriage with Serena. You are a truly sincere man of conviction. But for Serena's happiness, you will need a resolve greater than anyone else's." Elizabeth's voice was firm, but it held a deep trust in Leon.
Leon nodded with a serious expression and replied, "I am confident I can make Serena happy. And I will protect her, no matter what happens. I promise to do my utmost for the future Serena and I will share."
Elizabeth smiled at Leon's firm resolve and nodded. "Then, I ask that you stay by Serena's side. And I ask that you protect her with all the strength you possess."
Leon bowed his head once more, strengthening his resolve. For the sake of his future with Serena, he vowed to become even stronger, reaffirming his conviction before her mother, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth took her daughter's and Leon's hands, offering them her heartfelt blessing. Serena and Leon had now taken the first step to protect their love by each other's side, and in their hearts, a deep sense of trust and devotion was engraved.