The next day.
"We've finally arrived. I didn't expect there to be such a beautiful place in Mondstadt."
"Well, I've only passed through here a few times."
Leon and Jean were currently at the most famous lovers' spot in Mondstadt: Cape Oath.
This place is located at the southeastern edge of Mondstadt, on a windswept promontory overlooking a steep cliff.
Legend has it that long ago, a pair of lovers made a vow here, leaving behind a touching story. Because of that, it is regarded as a sacred place by couples throughout Mondstadt.
Every year, countless couples come here to go on dates, make confessions, or propose marriage.
If the confession is successful, the couple kisses and embraces, making a vow of eternal union or something along those lines.
If the confession fails, the confessor simply kicks the rejected party off the cliff.
Guaranteed death with no chance of reincarnation!
When the tide rises at night, the bodies are carried away by the waves and wash up in the land of Inazuma thousands of kilometers away by the next day. It has to be said—this is truly a convenient place for disposing of bodies and erasing all traces.
It is said that if the bodies of the lovers who fell from Cape Oath were piled up, they could reach the top of the cape itself.
As a result, Cape Oath is also known as the "Cape of Corpse Mountains and Seas of Blood," the "Cape of If You Don't Love Me," and the "Cape of Hell If You Don't Love Me."
Last night, after spending an entire day with Barbara, the girl was still resting in the mansion. Thus, Jean had this final day reserved just for herself.
"The view is so beautiful."
Jean nestled herself into Leon's arms.
The two of them sat at the very top of Cape Oath.
Although this place lay within her jurisdiction, Jean had rarely visited it before. After all, it was a destination meant only for lovers—a place she had only ever fantasized about from afar.
But there was no need for fantasies anymore.
She had found someone she loved, and now she was finally here.
Jean gazed toward the horizon—the endless blue sky and boundless sea making the vastness of the world feel vivid and refreshing.
"Yes—but the girl in my arms is even more beautiful."
Leon said with a smile.
"!!"
In the next second, her cheeks turned completely red, and the blonde knight lowered her head shyly.
"Oh? You're blushing now?" Leon teased.
"No one has ever said that to me before," Jean replied.
"Seriously? What a waste. But I'm not flattering you—it's the truth. Compared to this scenery, I really think you're more beautiful," Leon said.
"Your Highness, please stop talking… I can't handle this."
"Haha, you're so cute," Leon laughed.
He raised his hand and gently poked Jean's cheek.
She was usually so mature and composed, but when it came to love, she was a complete novice—easily flustered and effortlessly teased.
"When you said you were taking a day off today, everyone in the Knights was shocked. Jean, as rulers, we don't need to handle everything ourselves. We can leave things to the people below us," Leon said.
"…I'll pay more attention to resting in the future," Jean replied.
"Really? Why don't I believe you?" Leon raised an eyebrow.
"Well… I really will rest, Your Highness," Jean said shyly.
Leon still didn't quite believe her.
Just thinking about Jean's work attitude throughout the year and her constant overtime—despite being a lord, she was busier than anyone else in the city.
Today was the day Jean announced she would take a day off.
At the Knights' headquarters, the sound of countless objects hitting the floor could be heard as everyone erupted into applause. Anyone unaware would have thought they had just won a major battle.
"Hmph. In any case, I'll have Barbara keep an eye on you. You must take at least three days off per week, work no more than six hours a day, and rest properly," Leon said mockingly.
"Huh? That's way too little! Can you at least increase my working hours a bit?"
"No! We're keeping it like this. This is a decree from the Crown Prince. Miss Jean Gunnhild, are you going to resist the decree?"
"…No."
Jean accepted the domineering yet gentle order in a daze.
"But, Your Highness, the next time you visit, I will definitely make Mondstadt into a city that satisfies you. I won't disappoint you again," Jean said firmly.
"I believe you can do it, Jean."
Leon embraced the beautiful blonde and spoke softly.
This was his final day in Mondstadt.
No matter how reluctant he felt, he couldn't stop.
Because although love is beautiful, he would never allow it to interfere with his goals.
Still… indulging in it once in a while was fine.
Under the clouds and the gentle, slightly salty sea breeze—
Leon and Jean kissed.
Their figures overlapped.
Leon didn't ask anyone to hold a farewell banquet when he left. After all, having Jean and Barbara see him off was already enough.
Besides, the people of Mondstadt both loved and hated him, respected and feared him.
The prince who brought them freedom—when he returned—personally restricted that freedom and implemented countless harsh policies…
Some feared him.
Some adored him.
Some hated him.
But Leon didn't care.
First, he didn't care what those useless people thought.
Second, he understood very clearly that no matter what they thought deep down—
When he stood before them, the only choice they had was surrender and obedience.
---xXx---
After returning to his castle:
"Your Highness, you've finally returned."
"Yes, but I won't be staying long this time. Help prepare the supplies. I'll depart after resting for one night," Leon instructed.
"As you command."
The moment he appeared in the castle, his vampire maid Leini and a group of maids came forward to greet him.
The beautiful girls skillfully helped him unbutton his clothes, remove his cloak and coat, and offered him water and warm towels.
Shortly after his reincarnation, Leon hadn't been accustomed to this level of care, but now he had fully adapted.
Still, it had to be said—it was incredibly difficult to maintain discipline under the care of these professional maids.
They could help him brush his teeth, wash his face, feed him, sleep beside him—there was nothing they wouldn't do for their master.
Soon, a massive amount of supplies was delivered.
Luxurious clothing in various seasonal styles, vast quantities of fine food and wine, and tens of millions of gold coins—these were just the basics.
In addition, there were hundreds of magical items, ancient relics, and more.
That was all.
Whether they were useful or not didn't matter.
These supplies alone would be enough for Leon to form an army if necessary.
"Just for emergencies."
He raised his hand, and a crack in space suddenly appeared, swallowing all the mountains of supplies.
These resources were enough to last for hundreds of years.
Yet every year, he added another batch.
Of course, the old supplies were never discarded—just stored continuously. After all, there was no need to worry about expiration or dust accumulation within the storage space.
Now, the materials inside Leon's storage space were enough to build a small nation.
---
(End of Chapter)