Grandeur Fantasia

Chapter 57 ~ Love

AN: So... This is the challenging chapter I talked about last Saturday. It wasn't challenging in the writing sense, but kinda more like challenging in romance and harem sense... Anyway, I don't want to spoil the chapter so I'll shut up now XD Hope you enjoy it!!!

After returning from the guild, Leon and the others returned to their inn to start preparing for the summoning and banquet in the royal castle.

"Hah... It's actually happening huh?"

"Hah... I'm really nervous for what's to come..."

Mia and Rafael sighed in unison and voiced their nervousness. Lily also seemed nervous but she wasn't voicing it out like they do. Though judging by her shaking hands, she might be the most nervous of them all.

"There's nothing we can do about it. Just... Be careful. Nobilities are crafty and skilled with their words. Also be really careful of the noble named Pavel von Gerard and the Gerard house. They're most probably the ones who assaulted the princess. Although Ms. Yves will also be helping us, we still need to be vigilant."

Now all three of them became more nervous about it. Leon felt bad for making them even more nervous, but it's necessary. He needed to tell them the dangers of high society.

"Freya, Vyra, Lily, Mia and Charlotte. All of you especially need to be careful."

"Eh?"

All five of them looked at Leon in confusion.

"They might be planning on pushing marriage requests for all of you in order to tie you down to this country. All of you are first rate adventurers with incredible talent. Not to mention, you are all exceptionally beautiful. They would never let someone like that get away."

All of them immediately blushed at Leon's words. Mia unconsciously looked at Rafael, as if to find confirmation, in which he nodded shyly which made her even more red.

"I know I have no rights to tell you who you should marry. And if it is your wish to marry them, I can't stop you. However, if you do not wish for it, then please be careful. They might use underhanded tactics in order to force your hand into marriage."

It pains him to say it, but he can't stop them if they wish for it. He had no right to. Especially regarding Freya, Lily and Vyra. His heart ached so much when he said that. Just imagining them with another man cause anger to well up in him and made him unable to think straight.

"Okay, thanks for warning us Leon."

Mia smiled and fist bumped him. Leon's concern genuinely made her happy. It feels as if the barrier Leon had to separate them was thinning and they truly become his friends.

"Darling! I love you and I won't marry anyone but you! Why are you worrying?!"

Freya jumped at him and tackle hugged him while screaming that. Although she was saying such sweet things, Leon could feel a tinge of anger in her voice,

"I'm sorry for doubting you, Freya. Even though you've told me that countless times..."

... I'm so broken aren't I?

As if trying to make it up to her, Leon hugged her back. Sounds of muffled sobbing could be heard from Freya. Even without having to see her face, Leon knew how much it hurt her. How much his doubt had hurt her...

"I-I won't accept any marriage proposals from anyone else too, my liege!"

"M-Me too!"

Leon knew that Freya is holding a feeling of love towards him. However, did Vyra and Lily hold the same feeling towards him? Vyra might be doing it out of loyalty and Lily might just be obeying his words. But even then, it's still strange.