Chapter 72

Amidst the applause and cheers, many people surged towards the two. Of course, they were all men.

The reason, of course, was to ask Sylvia to dance. Leoard took the opportunity to escape while Sylvia was surrounded by many men.

He ran to the wall and finally let out a sigh of relief. Thirsty, he took a drink from a servant and stood there, blending in with the wall.

While sipping the drink, he watched Sylvia, who looked troubled from a distance, and sighed with relief as the cold drink soothed his throat.

"Ah~! So good~"

The music started again, and the dance resumed. This time, Leoard didn't need to dance, so he watched the dance listlessly.

Then, his mother approached.

"The dance just now was splendid, Leoard."

"Thank you for your kind words."

"There's just one thing I'm curious about. How did you manage to win Princess Sylvia's heart?"

"I didn't try to win her heart. I don't know why, but she seems to like me."

"Oh~! That's wonderful! I thought you couldn't get married, but to think Princess Sylvia would like you!"

"Mother, what are you saying all of a sudden!

I, a sinner, am far too unworthy to be with a princess!"

"Indeed, you have committed a crime. But that doesn't mean you can't get married."

"That may be so, but it's one thing to say that, and another to be with a princess, isn't it?"

"Oh, do you think so? Leoard, you might have forgotten, but it's not unusual for a princess to marry into a duke's family."

Olivia was right. Indeed, royal women often marry into other countries to strengthen ties. However, they also sometimes marry into noble families within their own country to strengthen internal ties.

In other words, there is a possibility for Leoard, a duke's son. However, it would be more fitting for Regulus, the next head of the family.

"Even if there is a possibility, the people around us won't approve. And what will His Majesty say?"

"Yes, that's true. But somehow, I think it will be fine."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a mother's intuition. There's nothing else to it."

"Haha, I see."

Leoard thought that Sylvia would eventually be drawn to Sieg, just like Shelia, a secondary heroine in Fate 48, who was drawn into his harem.

(Well, it doesn't matter. I'll focus on surviving.)

Leoard gulped down the remaining wine.

Eventually, the party ended, and Leoard returned home with his family. On the way back in the carriage, his father asked him similar questions, and he couldn't stop laughing wryly. His twin brother and sister accused him of using unfair means, filled with resentment.

With that, his business in the capital was over. Tomorrow, he would return to Zeato. Leoard finally felt relieved and went to sleep.

The next day, Leoard woke up feeling good and was led to the dining room by a servant. Only his father was there.

After greeting and sitting down, Leoard didn't know what to say and remained silent.

"Leoard, I have something to talk to you about. After breakfast, come to my office."

"Understood."

Leoard was taken aback by the sudden request but replied calmly. Soon, his mother and twin brother and sister arrived in the dining room. They had breakfast together.

Perhaps because they knew Leoard was leaving today, Regulus and Reira were in good spirits. On the other hand, Olivia's mood was low. She felt disappointed because she had only a short time with Leoard after not seeing him for a long time.

Leoard continued his breakfast, observing the contrasting reactions of his family. He didn't say anything. In fact, saying anything would cause a big reaction from one of them. It was a difficult situation, and it was a sad family gathering.

After breakfast, Leoard went to Beluga's office as called. He knocked and entered, finding himself alone with his father for the first time in a while.

"What is it?"

"Um, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Father, you want me to do it? Not Regulus?"

"Yes, you."

"What is it?"

"I want to entrust you with full authority over Zeato. In other words, you will be the acting lord of Zeato."

"Huh...?"

How many times does he have to freeze since coming to the capital? Leoard's head might as well overheat and burn out.

"Zeato, as you know, is my territory and jurisdiction. But you are here now, and your recent achievements are significant, and the knights have been cheering for you.

So, Leoard, I want to entrust Zeato to you."

"I am a sinner! The people would be more at ease if you continue to govern as usual.

It's an honor, but it's too much for me..."

"I see..."

(Oh! He understands!)

"I thought you would say that. So, I already have an imperial decree from His Majesty."

"Wha...!?"

"Are you still going to refuse, Leoard?"

"I will dedicate my life to governing Zeato!"

"I'm counting on you, son."

(Damn! How did this happen!)

Leoard lamented, but it was all his own doing. If he had just focused on surviving, he could have quietly trained and only shown his strength when necessary.

However, this time, while there was an element of being ordered by his father, his efforts to save the knights were his own decision.

Thus, it was his own doing.