"Your Highness, forgive me for disturbing you at this hour."
The door to Leon's chambers creaked open softly.
Jean stood in the doorway, dressed in a delicate white silk nightgown. It was obvious she had just taken a bath—her cheeks were lightly flushed, and droplets of water still slid from the tips of her golden hair.
With a gentle motion, she undid her single ponytail.
The knight who seemed so noble and fearless by day now appeared fragile and dazzling under the moonlight.
"Come in, Jean."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After all, one does not refuse a delicacy that knocks at their door.
Leon softly pulled her inside and closed the door behind them.
His eyes glided over her figure as if admiring a masterpiece. If he were an ordinary man—or hadn't already tasted many beauties in life—he might've devoured her right then and there.
But Leon was no ordinary man. He was a connoisseur of life—a gourmet who preferred to savor slowly rather than consume in haste.
A delicacy so rare should not be rushed. It must be admired, cherished… and only then, tasted. After all, the dish wouldn't cool so quickly~
"You look breathtaking, Jean," he said with a serene smile.
"I think destroying the Lawrence family was far too small a price... to win you."
Leon sat on a chair and lightly patted his lap.
Blushing, Jean sat down timidly.
"I don't think I'm worth that much… and I doubt Your Highness would do something like that just for a woman."
"Jean," he replied, his voice low and gentle,
"saying that only shows you still don't understand me. Anything I desire in this world—women, treasures, kingdoms—I will claim as mine. I hesitate before nothing."
He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.
Destroying a family over a woman? It sounded like the whim of a tyrant.
But those who knew Leon understood: if he had gone that far, it was because the woman in his arms held immeasurable value.
Besides, while commoners write their love with flowers and poetry, a king's romance is sealed with blood and conquest.
"But you've already conquered me," Jean whispered.
"And now… you're sending me away."
Sadness glimmered in her eyes.
"Oh? You mean my decision to leave you in Mondstadt as its ruler? Wasn't it your dream to protect this land?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It was… But now, more than that, I want to be by your side. I want to be your knight."
Leon chuckled softly.
"So the noble and powerful Duchess Jean wants to be just a knight under my command? Are you sure this isn't duty or gratitude… but love?"
"I-I don't know…" Jean lowered her gaze, her blush deepening.
Perhaps no one truly knew.
To others, Jean had always seemed strong and dependable. But beneath her pillow, she hid countless romance novels—many written by Beta.
Jean Gunnhild was a knight burdened by duty. But deep down, she was just a girl longing for the kind of love found in those pages.
"Hmm~ So you really fell for me. Tell me, when exactly did I steal your heart? Sometimes even I don't notice."
"Your Highness…"
"Though I'm moved by your feelings, you must stay. This city must flourish, and you're the only one I can trust with that mission."
Leon gently caressed her cheek.
And with that simple gesture, he pulled her deeper into the abyss of her feelings.
It was cruel. Irresponsible.
He knew he would leave her one day. Yet he kept drawing her closer, letting her fall further for him, ignoring the loneliness that would haunt her later.
"Will you still come to see me?"
"Of course. Distance means nothing to me. I might even drop by unannounced… on a random night."
"Don't say that… If you do, I'll end up waiting for you every night."
Jean murmured, her voice soft. She had never lived through something like this, but she had read enough to know exactly what would follow.
She would wait for him every night.
She would be disappointed each time he didn't come.
And when he finally did, all that pent-up longing would explode—only to trap her even deeper in his arms.
"…That sounds wonderful."
Leon was silent for a few moments before smiling slyly.
One day, he would be a king loved by his people, a hero who saved countless lives.
But in love… he was the perfect blend of gentleman and scoundrel.
Having a beautiful girl wait for him night after night—loyal, devoted, submissive—was the kind of thought that made Leon feel victorious.
"Jean, you're even more adorable than I imagined."
"Please… don't say things like that anymore…"
"Then surrender yourself to me now."
"Yes, Your Highness…"
Jean clutched her chest, trying to steady her racing heart. Everything she had ever read in her books was now about to happen—for real. She was nervous… and excited.
But then—
"Sister...? Your Highness?"
Barbara's sweet voice called from the door.
The young girl, also freshly bathed and wearing pajamas, froze upon seeing the two entangled in kisses and touches.
"Barbara, this isn't what it looks like—!"
"Ahh~ Barbara, why did you come so late?" Leon interrupted, giving Jean's bottom a light squeeze to silence her.
Then, with the most flawless smile in the world, he welcomed Barbara into his arms... It was undeniable: his nature was truly wicked.
Barbara stood in shock.
She had never imagined witnessing such a scene. She never thought her sister and the prince… were together like that.
"I'm sorry… I think I came at the wrong time…"
"No," Leon said.
"You came at the perfect time."
With one arm around Jean, Leon extended the other and pulled Barbara closer.
"Eh?"
"Don't worry. No one will ever know what happened tonight. Sisters should be honest with each other, don't you think?"
"Barbara… you too?" Jean asked, her voice trembling.
In that moment, she understood everything. The way Barbara was dressed, the time she had appeared… It was obvious. Her sister had fallen too.
Barbara wanted to run away.
She had fallen for Leon at first sight.
In her mind, he was the prince who saves the maiden from the dragon—a fairy tale brought to life.
Even if it was just an act, her heart had responded truthfully.
But never… never had she imagined her sister would be here too.
"Sister, I'm sorry… I didn't know…"
"Don't say that. I… I can share him with you."
"This isn't right! You always dreamed of someone who truly loved you!"
"But still…"
The two of them were ready to give up their first love… for each other's happiness.
Leon, watching in silence, thought the same. And as the cause of it all, he saw only one solution.
There was no need to choose.
He would have the best of both worlds.
---
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."