"As long as you become my wife, it's no exaggeration to say you'll be the happiest woman in the world."
"!!!"
Eula's eyes widened.
Her heart skipped a beat when she heard that.
"Your Highness, you speak far too gently. Who knows how many maidens you've charmed with those words."
"Well, anyone who knows me would probably say that. But I never lie… almost never. And there's no doubt that my wife will be the happiest woman in the world. That's simply a fact."
Leon said this casually, and that overflowing confidence made Eula unconsciously want to believe him.
She had to admit that Leon had spoken something far too tempting, something powerful enough to shake any woman in the world. After all, isn't life supposed to be a pursuit of happiness?
No one lives to suffer.
Even in the deepest abyss,
Even the children of slaves instinctively reach for the light of freedom and joy.
Leon had long understood that all life is lived in pursuit of happiness.
No matter what world we inhabit—that truth is eternal.
That was why Leon had decided to create the utopia everyone desired.
"One day, I'll become king. One day, I'll have power over the world and all the happiness and beauty it holds. My first wife will have the very best of everything I possess."
He raised his hand, touched Eula's head, and added:
"And I also happen to be the best man in the world."
Leon sounded a bit narcissistic, but it felt more like he was stating a simple, everyday truth.
And it was true.
He was handsome and powerful enough to do whatever he pleased.
Affectionate and romantic, dominant yet gentle, talented and approachable.
The prince charming in fairy tales couldn't compare to Leon at all.
Was there a man in the world who could meet such an impossibly high standard? Of course the women he loved would be happy for the rest of their lives.
Eula's throat felt dry. She swallowed unconsciously and then took a sip of wine to moisten it.
She couldn't help but feel that the man before her… was so beautiful it was frightening.
Fortunately, very few people in the world knew this—otherwise, women everywhere might start a bloody war over Leon.
But that wasn't the important part now.
What mattered was that Eula realized she wasn't far from that position!
Even though it seemed there were others vying for the same title, there was no doubt that Eula Lawrence was far ahead of 99.99% of the women in the world.
Because she had been noticed by Leon.
And that meant she was qualified to compete for the title of queen.
The ice-blue-haired girl didn't know whether to laugh or cry. In that moment, she finally understood what it meant for life to have its highs and lows.
Up until now, she had lived a life far more miserable than the average person's. Not only was she born into the worst possible family, but she had been separated from her relatives at a young age, and after they passed away, she suffered constant discrimination and contempt.
Her life had been nothing short of a tragedy.
And yet, she met Leon by chance.
He overturned Eula's entire tragedy and showed her a future so bright it was blinding—if she could reach the end of that path.
She might even become the happiest person in the world.
Eula couldn't help but sigh at the thought.
He could rewrite the fate of those around him so easily, turning the worst into the best and tragedy into joy.
Eula felt that her heart was no longer under her control.
Was there truly any woman in this world capable of resisting Leon's charm? No—it was impossible. Any woman who sought happiness would surely be drawn to him.
Even though this man had destroyed her family,
Even though he was her greatest enemy—the one who had ordered the execution of her entire bloodline—Eula felt none of that mattered at this moment.
It was just a trivial act of vengeance.
Let the grudge scatter with the wind~~
"Your Highness, I…"
Without realizing it, Eula lifted her hands and wrapped her arms around Leon's neck. Her body, its instincts loosened by alcohol, longed unconsciously for the prince.
But just as she was about to kiss him—
"I'm feeling really dizzy."
"???"
Fortunately, Eula lost consciousness.
The girl fell asleep in Leon's arms. She was completely drunk.
"...Damn it, I overdid it again."
Leon smacked his own forehead, speechless, wearing an irritated expression. If he hadn't offered her wine in the previous chapter, he would have gotten his first kiss just now.
What a waste!
They had been just a few centimeters away!
But forget it.
"Alright, I'll deal with this next time. There's still plenty of time ahead, and there's no point in clearing the route on the first day. Fine delicacies are meant to be savored slowly—that's what a true gourmet does."
Looking at the girl nestled quietly in his arms, Leon lifted Eula's chin and ran his fingers along her soft, rosy lips.
In this moment, Eula was completely defenseless.
If he wanted to, he could proceed without hesitation.
After all, this pub was Leon's territory, and getting a soundproof room where no one would disturb them would be no problem at all.
But…
"This time, I'll let you off. Taking advantage of someone isn't my thing—and I have an appointment today," Leon said, squeezing Eula's cheeks.
A certain pair of sisters from Mondstadt were still waiting for him.
They could deal with this sleeping beauty next time.
Leon drank from his glass and then smirked mischievously. It was impossible for him to get drunk in front of strangers.
There had been water in his glass.
Otherwise, even with his tolerance, he couldn't drink a whole bottle of strong white liquor without getting drunk.
"By the way, where does Eula live?"
"ZZZZZ"
"Forget it… in that case, I'll just take her with me."
Leon scratched his head helplessly.
He had forgotten where Eula lived.
But since he promised to send her back, Leon would definitely keep his word—except…
Although he did say he would take her back,
He never specified where he would be taking her back to, right?
(End of chapter)