After parting ways with Claudia, Leon and Rossweise decided to head back to the Lionheart Society to discuss their new plan with Rebecca and the others.
While they could now take advantage of the Empire's own stockpile of paper lanterns, they still lacked crucial intelligence about the warehouse: its precise location, the surrounding environment, the number of guards, and whether any imperial mages were stationed there.
Charging in blind was not an option; a single misstep could ruin the entire Lantern Festival operation.
Walking down a bustling street in the middle district, Leon ran a hand through his hair, a visible flicker of annoyance on his face.
Rossweise noticed his shift in mood and asked softly, "What's wrong?"
Leon let out a heavy sigh. "The Lantern Festival is in two days. If we don't finalize our preparations by tomorrow at the latest, this whole plan could collapse."
As the leader, the weight of responsibility felt heavier on his shoulders than ever before.
Though he had once commanded the Dragon Slayer Corps, leading warriors across battlefields, the current situation was fundamentally different. As a general with a natural advantage against dragons, the pressure in those fights had always been on his enemies. But now, leading a resistance of oppressed citizens against their own rulers, he felt a new, gnawing kind of pressure.
On one hand, he feared failure—a victorious general who had survived countless battles couldn't bear the thought of defeat in this crucial endeavor. On the other hand, he dreaded disappointing the trust placed in him. Everyone had gathered under his banner, believing Leon could lead them to overthrow the corrupt Empire. If all their efforts came to nothing because of his decisions, the consequences would be unbearable.
He had to answer to those who believed in him; he couldn't let his mentor, his comrades, or the people down.
This pressure settled on him like an invisible mountain.
Rossweise observed his profile, reading the worries and fears he wouldn't voice aloud. She understood that no simple words of comfort would suffice here. Leon didn't need placating or a pat on the back.
Only Rossweise knew what he truly needed in this moment.
She turned her gaze forward, speaking in a deliberately light tone. "You rarely used to worry about 'what if I fail' before taking action."
Leon offered a wry smile. "It's different this time, Rossweise."
"What's different?"
"This time, I'm responsible for everyone. If my judgment causes the plan to fail, then—"
"Then I'll share the consequences with you."
Rossweise's tone remained utterly calm, as if she were discussing the weather.
"Whether it's the disappointment and blame from the Lionheart Society, or the combined retaliation from the Empire and the renegade dragons, I will face it all alongside you."
Her words were simple, delivered evenly, yet they carried an unshakable conviction.
Leon's steps faltered for a moment, and he almost muttered instinctively, "Why...?"
Rossweise took a few more steps before turning back to face him. She wasn't smiling, and her silver gaze was solemn and steady.
"Because I'm your Wife."
.
.
.
Well, then.
Leon let out a soft, amused snort, stepped forward, and wrapped her in a sudden, tight bear hug before she could react.
By the time Rossweise's brain registered the action, it was too late to evade.
"Hey! What are you doing? It's broad daylight, with so many people watching—let go, you idiot!" she protested, feigning a struggle.
Leon leaned close to her ear, his voice a low, sincere whisper. "Thank you."
She immediately stopped struggling and allowed him to hold her.
Compared to people like Rebecca, Tiger, or Charlotte, Rossweise may not have known Leon the longest, but...
She undoubtedly understood him the best.
Leon didn't need comfort, encouragement, or prodding right now.
What he needed was... partnership.
And Rossweise's stance was crystal clear:
No matter what happened, no matter the outcome, she would stand with him.
Just like during the family sports day at St. Heath Academy, the battle against the Star Flame Dragon King, the journey to the Far North... and every other challenge they had faced together.
After a long moment, Leon released her. Rossweise quickly pushed him away, a faint blush on her cheeks as she smoothed down her dress and adjusted her hair.
"Honestly, aren't you a little too old for such public displays?" she scolded, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness.
"It was a momentary lapse, my dear wife," Leon said, grinning.
Rossweise rolled her eyes in mock irritation. "Don't call me 'wife' like that—it's far too sentimental."
Leon spread his hands innocently. "But didn't you declare yesterday that you're my wife in public?"
"That was yesterday. Today is today. Today, you are my captive, and I am your queen."
"...You change roles faster than the weather."
"That's none of your business."
Her steadfast support for Leon was unwavering, even if her outward attitude could shift in a blink.
As the couple continued their banter, a faint, almost imperceptible breeze brushed past Leon.
He didn't pay it any mind.
But Rossweise's expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing.
"You know," Leon continued, oblivious, "your attitude is so rigid sometimes, I'm surprised my magic doesn't just bounce right off."
Ignoring his jab, Rossweise kept her eyes focused behind him. "Perhaps it's a matter of speed?"
Leon paused. What? Was she actually interested in discussing magical theory right now?
"Uh... you've seen my speed—it's incredibly fast," he boasted.
Finally, Rossweise raised her hand and pointed calmly behind him. "With speed like that, I'm sure you can easily catch that pickpocket who just stole your wallet, right?"
Leon: What?! 😱
He spun around just in time to see a shadowy figure dart into a nearby alleyway.
Rossweise patted his shoulder with an air of detached amusement. "Just a reminder—your wallet contains the operational funds Rebecca allocated for us. We still need to purchase those backup lanterns, you know."
Leon's eyes narrowed, a determined glint replacing his earlier frustration. "Just a common thief. I'll have him apprehended in no time."
Rossweise covered her mouth, pretending to be impressed as she gave a slow, mocking clap. "Wow, you're so amazing, hubby!"
"Now I'm your 'hubby' again? Not your captive?"
"Whether you are my husband or my captive is for me to decide, not you."
Leon waved her off, deciding not to argue further, and sprinted after the thief.
Rossweise followed at a more leisurely pace, her movements effortlessly keeping up.
Honestly, for the Empire's former greatest dragon slayer and a dragon queen renowned for her speed to team up against a mere pickpocket... it was the definition of overkill.
The thief wove through the maze of alleys with the practiced ease of someone who knew the terrain intimately.
But he had overlooked one critical thing:
Leon had grown up in these very streets.
The chase led them through a labyrinth of narrow passages, and soon Leon and Rossweise caught sight of the thief's fleeing silhouette.
They turned into a particularly tight alley, and Leon's eyes landed on a wooden stick leaning against a wall. An idea sparked.
Grabbing the stick, he charged forward, channeling his dramatic flair. "Hah! You think you can escape? Taste my Lightning Whirlwind—"
Before he could finish the incantation, the thief made a sharp, unexpected turn at the next corner. Leon, caught off-balance by his own momentum, plunged headfirst into a large pile of discarded cardboard boxes with a crash.
The thief vanished into the warren of alleys.
Rossweise strolled over, glancing in the direction the thief had disappeared before looking down at Leon, who was now buried up to his waist in cardboard. She crossed her arms, a wide, teasing smile spreading across her lips.
"Lightning Whirlwind... what?" she asked innocently.
"Strike!" Leon grumbled from within the boxes.
"Ooh, what a mighty move!" she praised mockingly. "Does it only work on inanimate cardboard?"
Laughing, she extended a hand and pulled the "dummy" out of the pile.
Leon glared in the direction the thief had fled, muttering darkly, "I've changed my mind. Not only will I catch him, but I'll also personally stuff his head into one of these boxes."
Rossweise's laughter echoed in the narrow alley. "Sounds like a splendid plan! Let's make it a race—see who catches him first."
Leon raised an eyebrow, her challenge instantly reigniting his competitive spirit.
"All right, you're on! Let's race!"
Oh, dear thief, he thought, a predatory grin forming, why on earth did you have to provoke him ?