For a couple whose "work" often carried a life-or-death intensity, the night had been surprisingly tranquil and gentle.
The candlelight cast a warm, intimate glow, setting the stage for a new, more deliberate approach—one that was tender and unhurried. Rossweise was free of her customary armor, both literal and metaphorical, her powerful tail resting in a relaxed, languid curl beside her.
This subtle shift in their dynamic brought a profound new depth to their connection, warming their bond in a uniquely intimate way. It was a reminder that sometimes, happiness could be rekindled simply by changing the rhythm—a lesson worth remembering.
On the bed, Rossweise curled her long legs, the smooth scales of her calves rubbing gently against his skin in a soothing, rhythmic motion.
"Mmm..."
A soft, contented sigh escaped her lips, the pleasant exhaustion of a long, fulfilling night finally settling in.
"Five times... that should be sufficient, don't you think?" she murmured, her voice drowsy.
Under most circumstances, five would have been merely the opening act. But tonight, they had paced themselves. While both were in peak physical condition, the weight of their conscious decision had lent a thoughtful gravity to their lovemaking, preventing it from becoming a mere frenzy.
Leon relaxed against the headboard, savoring the peaceful aftermath. An open book lay beside him, forgotten, as he gently kneaded the tension from her shoulders.
"Actually... I read recently that if fortune favors you, once might be enough."
Rossweise let out a soft, indignant huff, sitting up abruptly. The movement sent the silken blanket slithering from her shoulders. She narrowed her luminous silver eyes at him, a mix of amusement and mock outrage on her face.
"Once might be enough, you say. And yet, you proceeded to add four more rounds," she chided, shooting him a piercing glare.
Leon straightened up, a defensive grin playing on his lips. "Hey, in my old dragon-slaying days, we had a term for this: saturation tactics!"
"Go to hell!" Rossweise laughed, grabbing a plush pillow and launching it at his head.
Leon, reflexes honed by countless battles, snatched up a pillow of his own. Soon, the royal bedchamber was filled with the soft, rhythmic thumps and shared laughter of a full-fledged pillow duel.
"How about we name the fourth baby 'Pillow'?" he managed to tease between breaths and laughter.
In the end, Rossweise emerged victorious, pinning him down by sitting triumphantly on his chest, her legs wrapped securely around his waist. With a smug smirk, she used the very tip of her tail to press the pillow firmly against his face.
"You're such a cheater!" Leon's voice was muffled by the downy fabric.
"How am I cheating?"
"You used your tail!"
"There's no rule against using tails," she retorted, her tone dripping with playful superiority.
"I hate that tail!" he grumbled in mock frustration.
At this, Rossweise pulled the pillow back and brushed the sensitive, silken tip of her tail along his cheekbone. "Funny... you don't seem to mind it when it's... helping you enjoy yourself," she teased, her voice a low, knowing purr.
Leon's face flushed a deep red, and he averted his gaze. "That's... different."
With a final, victorious smirk, Rossweise drew her tail back and settled beside him once more, clutching the pillow to her chest like a trophy. They lay there in comfortable silence, side-by-side, looking up at the intricate patterns on the canopy above.
After a long, peaceful moment, Leon broke the silence. "When did you first start wanting another child?"
Rossweise thought for a moment, her expression softening. "It's been a while, I suppose..."
"Was it that time we went to Sky City for that live-action game?"
She blinked, caught off guard by his specificity. "Why do you say that?"
"Because that first night, you sneaked into my room and asked if I'd ever thought about having another baby with you."
"Oh..."
The memory returned to her vividly. She had originally intended to ask where he'd hidden the Black Sacred Stone for the game's puzzle, but on a whim, the entirely different question had slipped out.
"Yes, I did ask you that. And I remember your answer... You said you'd thought about it." She chuckled softly, a hint of vulnerability in the sound. "Although I knew you weren't really asleep, so I thought maybe it wasn't entirely sincere—"
"It was sincere."
"Really?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
Leon continued staring at the ceiling, his tone calm and utterly genuine. "Yes, Rossweise. I truly meant it."
A brilliant spark of joy lit her eyes from within. "Truly?"
"Absolutely."
For reasons she couldn't fully explain, hearing this confession lifted a weight from her heart. She had harbored a quiet worry that if she were the only one who deeply wanted another child, it might place an unconscious burden on Leon. Knowing he shared her desire filled her with a profound sense of relief and unity.
"So... I bet you wanted another baby even before I did," she declared, a triumphant, smug smile gracing her lips.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Why would you say that?"
"Isn't it obvious?" she teased, leaning closer. "You love me more than I love you. That just means you've been completely and utterly under my spell."
Leon's jaw dropped in feigned offense. "Impossible! Following that flawed logic, then surely you wanted a baby first!"
"Do you really think I'd lose to a mother dragon in something like this?" she fired back, her pride as a Dragon Queen surfacing.
Their playful argument quickly escalated, each trying to claim the superior position in this newfound, absurd competition of affection.
"No, it was definitely you who wanted it first. You love me more!"
"No, you love me more!"
"You!"
"Y-You!" They suddenly paused, the childishness of their exchange dawning on them simultaneously, and burst into shared, helpless laughter.
Rossweise was still chucking when Leon leaned over and captured her lips in a soft, tender kiss. The tough, battle-hardened exterior he so often presented to the world seemed to melt away entirely in these private moments.
"Alright, fine. I'll admit it, Rossweise Melkvey. I love you more."
He had learned, through six years of marriage, that sometimes surrendering a pointless argument was the surest way to win in love.
The sudden, sincere declaration caught her off guard, and her silver eyes shimmered with emotion. "W-What? What do you mean you love me more? I love you more!" she insisted, leaning in to seal her rebuttal with another gentle kiss.
Their eyes met, gazes warm and unwavering, each kiss drawing them closer, erasing the last traces of playful contention. And before they knew it, what had started as a silly contest of words had transformed into another silent, intimate conversation of touch and feeling.
After several rounds of this tender back-and-forth, the embers between them reignited into a warm flame, and soon they found themselves back where they had started the night.
After another long, passionate embrace, Rossweise blushed and murmured softly against his shoulder, "So... one more time?"
Leon chuckled, a low, warm sound. "Didn't you say five was plenty?"
She pouted adorably, looking away. "This is... uh, advanced saturation tactics. I learned it from you."
With a fond grin, Leon lifted her delicate chin and kissed her again. As their bodies entwined, the faint, beautiful glow of their intertwined dragon markings reappeared on their skin, lighting the room in soft, pulsing shades of silver and purple.
.
.
.
Half a month later, Leon found himself at the border of the Silver Dragon territories.
"This mission shouldn't be as dangerous as the last. I'll wrap it up within five months. If you feel any... symptoms..." he said, his hand resting tenderly on Rossweise's shoulder, his eyes dipping meaningfully to her abdomen, "...let me know immediately, alright?"
She offered him a steady, reassuring smile. "Of course."
Leon's resolve was iron-clad. He was determined to end the threats of Shadow and Adam once and for all. He knew that true, lasting peace would remain elusive until these enemies were neutralized. Now, however, he and Rossweise faced this task with renewed clarity and courage, fortified by Claudia's blunt encouragement and Milan's simple, profound wisdom.
"By the way," Rossweise added, "Noah begins her advanced training assessment this term, so she'll be residing at the academy. As for Muen and Little Light, I will manage everything here."
"Thank you. If I finish early, I'll come straight home," he promised, his smile warm as she reached up to straighten the collar of his travel tunic.
"Most importantly, come back safely, alright?"
"I will come home to you, safe and sound. I promise."
She gave him a playful nudge to the chest. "Idiot."
As they shared this quiet moment, the sound of approaching hooves and carriage wheels echoed from the path. A small convoy pulled up, and from it emerged Rebecca, Martin, and a contingent of Lionheart Society members.
"Captain! Sis~!" Rebecca called out, waving energetically as she jogged over. "I rushed here with the team as soon as I got your letter! Do you have a solid lead on our target?"
Leon nodded, his expression turning professional. "Yes, but the details will have to wait until we're back within the Empire's borders. It's too complex and sensitive to commit to writing."
"Understood." Rebecca then turned her bright, energetic gaze to Rossweise. "Sis, are you coming with us this time?"
Rossweise shook her head, her smile warm but firm. "No, I cannot be away from the clan for so long. Your captain will accompany you this time."
Rebecca's face fell into an exaggerated pout. "Aww, I was hoping for some quality bonding time with you, Sis~"
Amused, Rossweise opened her arms and wrapped the younger woman in a warm, crushing hug, giving her a face-full of maternal affection.
"Oh~ I feel alive again!" Rebecca exclaimed, her voice muffled by Rossweise's shoulder. "No wonder the captain never wants to leave; he's got it so good!"
Leon reached out, gently lifting Rebecca by the collar of her jacket to extract her from his wife's embrace. "When the mission is over, you'll have all the time in the world to 'bond' with her."
Rebecca wrinkled her nose at him, feigning indignation. "Hmph! Stingy! Men are all so stingy!"
"It's getting late, Captain," Martin interjected, ever the pragmatist. "We need to reach the next outpost by sundown."
"Alright." Leon nodded, then turned back to Rossweise, taking her hands in his for a final moment. "If there's any sign—" he repeated, his eyes once again conveying the unspoken message about a potential pregnancy, "—send word immediately."
"Relax, I will handle everything here. Go, do what you must. I will keep in touch."
Leon's smile returned, softer now. "And write to me, even if it's just to share your thoughts."
"Of course."
"If the girls start missing me, let me know."
"I will."
"And if Claudia arrives with donkey before I'm back, make sure she receives the hospitality due to her station."
Rossweise laughed softly, nodding patiently at each of his requests, her heart full.
As he finally turned and walked toward the waiting carriages, Rossweise stood watching him, her dress billowing gently in the morning breeze, her silent prayers for his safety carried on the wind.
Just as the entourage disappeared into the shimmering horizon, a sudden, belated thought struck her, and her eyes widened in realization.
.
.
"Oh no... I forgot to ask him to help me name the baby!"