After temporarily bidding farewell to Claudia, Leon and Roswitha plan to return to Lionheart Association first to discuss matters with Rebecca and the others.

After all, while they could freeload off the Empire's paper lanterns, they still didn’t know the exact details about the warehouse.

Details such as the warehouse's precise location, its surroundings, the number of personnel guarding it, and whether or not the Empire's royal family had stationed guards there were key pieces of information.

If they headed there rashly and something went wrong, the entire Lantern Festival operation could be ruined.

Walking along the streets of the middle district, Leon scratched his head, looking a bit irritated.

Noticing his subtle emotional shift, Roswitha gently asked, “What’s wrong?”

Leon sighed softly, “The Lantern Festival is the day after tomorrow. If we can’t complete our preparations tonight or tomorrow night, this plan will fall apart.”

As the leader of the team, Leon always bore greater pressure during critical moments than anyone else.

Though Leon was once the leader of the Dragon Slayer Army, leading his warriors into countless battles over the years, the current situation was vastly different from back then.

Back in the day, General Leon was renowned for his innate Dragon Slayer Holy Physique. If it involved dragon-slaying, he didn’t feel stressed; instead, it was the opponents—those dragons—who feared him.

But now, leading a group of oppressed revolutionaries who were forced to rise up in rebellion? That was a first for him.

On one hand, he feared failure. As a victorious general, famous for a decade-long streak of undefeated battles and requiring sabotage from insiders to stop his victories, Leon was hard to stomach even the thought of failing.

On the other hand, he feared letting down the members of Lionheart Association who had placed their hopes on him.

They had gathered here, waited for so long just for his return, believing that Leon could lead them in overthrowing the corrupt Empire.

But if in the end, all their efforts came to nothing, the consequences would be unbearable for Leon.

He owed it to those who trusted and depended on him. He couldn’t let his mentor or his comrades down.

And so, the pressure felt like an invisible mountain, weighing heavily on his shoulders.

Roswitha quietly observed his profile.

She knew what Leon was worried about, and what he feared.

And she also understood that, at times like this, any words of comfort would seem pale and powerless.

Leon didn’t need comfort, nor did he need an outlet to release his stress.

What he truly needed, only Roswitha in this world would know.

The queen withdrew her gaze and looked ahead, her tone light and breezy, “You used to hardly ever worry about ‘what if it fails’ before starting anything.”

Leon gave a wry smile and shook his head. “This time is different, Roswitha.”

“What’s different?”

“This time I’m leading everyone to accomplish this. If the whole plan fails because of a mistake in my decision-making, then—”

“Then I will bear the consequences of failure together with you.”

Roswitha’s tone remained light, as if she were speaking of something mundane.

“No matter if it’s the disappointment and criticism from Lionheart Association or the joint backlash from the Empire and the Dragon Clan—whatever it is, I’ll face it with you.”

Simple words, an unassuming tone, yet filled with unwavering conviction.

Leon’s steps faltered for a moment, and he subconsciously murmured, “Why...”

Roswitha took a few steps ahead, then turned back. Her face carried no smile; her expression and gaze were deadly serious.

“Because you’re my captive, and if you’re not properly trained, it’s my responsibility too.”

…

What the hell, seriously.

Leon let out a snort of laughter and stepped forward, and before Roswitha could react, he wrapped her tightly in a tight hug.

By the time Roswitha realized what had happened, it was already too late.

“Hey, what are you doing?—In broad daylight, with so many people watching—let go, you idiot!”

Roswitha gave a token struggle.

It wasn’t until Leon leaned in close to her ear and said softly, “Thank you,” that she stopped resisting and let him embrace her.

Compared to Rebecca, Tiger, or Charlotte, Roswitha might not have spent the longest time with Leon, but...

She certainly understood him the most.

Right now, Leon didn’t need comfort, encouragement, or provocation.

What he needed… was companionship.

And Roswitha’s stance was consistent as always:

No matter what happens, no matter the outcome, I’ll face it with you.

Just like the Saint Hiss Academy’s family sports day, just like the Stardust Dragon King battle, just like the “journey” to the Far North, just like...

Every single time in the past.

Once satisfied with the hug, Leon released her.

Roswitha quickly pushed him away and tidied her wig.

“Good grief, acting so shamelessly at your age.”

“A sudden impulse, darling.”

Roswitha gave him a mock-disdainful look. “Don’t call me darling, and definitely not so intimately.”

Leon spread his hands innocently. “Didn’t you say yesterday that you were my wife while we're out?”

“Yesterday was yesterday; today is today. Today, you’re my captive, and I’m your queen.”

“…Such quick changes in roles.”

“Not your concern.”

Her unwavering support for Leon was as consistent as ever, and her swift changes in demeanor… were just as unchanging.

As the quarreling couple carried on, Leon suddenly sensed a slight breeze pass beside him.

He paid no attention to it.

But Roswitha’s expression shifted slightly, ever so subtly.

“You know,” Leon began, “that tough stubbornness of yours must be impenetrable, even for my Chidori.”

Instead of reacting to Leon’s teasing, Roswitha just listened to the air behind him.

“If Chidori is ineffective, could it be a matter of insufficient speed?” she remarked.

Leon froze. What? Was the great dragon queen truthfully trying to discuss advanced magical application with him?

“Uh… you’ve seen my speed. It’s incredibly fast, suuuper fast.”

At this moment, Roswitha slowly raised her hand, pointing behind Leon. Her tone was mild as she asked, “Well, since you're that fast… surely you can catch the pickpocket who just stole your wallet?”

Leon: What? (ΩДΩ)

Whipping around frantically, Leon caught sight of a dark figure darting into a nearby alley.

Roswitha leisurely patted him on the shoulder. “Just a reminder—our wallet contains the funds Rebecca gave us for shopping, including the money to buy those paper lanterns.”

Leon clenched his jaw. “A mere petty thief. Watch me apprehend them in no time.”

Roswitha concealed a giggle behind her hand, clapping lightly as though in awe. “Wow~ Honey, you’re so amazing~”

“So now, I’m your husband again and not your captive?”

“Whether you’re my husband or my captive, that’s up to me to decide.”

Leon waved a hand dismissively, no longer dwelling on their banter, and set off after the thief.

Roswitha followed closely behind.

To be honest, having the former Empire's strongest Dragon Slayer team up with the speediest queen of the Silver Dragon Clan to chase down a mere pickpocket? It was overkill, like using a cannon to kill a mosquito.

That’s the life of this comedic couple: they should just stick to plotting against the tyrannical emperor. Meanwhile, the hapless pickpocket had so much more to worry about.

The thief dashed this way and that, zigzagging through the alleys and side streets of the middle district.

Clearly, he was experienced. A rookie wouldn’t be so adept.

But the thief overlooked one crucial fact:

Leon also grew up around here.

The chase intensified, and soon the couple managed to spot the thief's silhouette ahead.

As the chase led them into a narrow alleyway, Leon’s eyes caught sight of a wooden stick leaning against the wall. A sudden idea struck him.

Snatching up the stick, Leon charged forward. “Hmph, no escape now. Lightning—Tornado—ouch!”

Before General Leon could finish calling out his attack name, the thief abruptly made a sharp turn around the corner. Unable to react quickly enough, Leon careened forward… directly into a pile of cardboard boxes.

The thief vanished into the distance.

Roswitha strolled up, her gaze briefly following the thief’s retreating figure before settling on Leon sprawled in the box pile. Crossing her arms, she smirked.

“Lightning Tornado what?”

“Strike!” Leon grumbled.

“Wow, what a fantastic spell. Its effect is launching yourself straight into a pile of cardboard boxes?”

Teasing him, Roswitha extended a hand to help the bumbling general out of the mess.

Leon turned his head toward the direction the thief had fled, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

“I’ve changed my mind. In addition to bringing that thief to justice, I’m going to shove their head into a box.”

Roswitha chuckled softly. “Great idea. Go on, then. Let’s see whether you or I catch them first.”

Leon raised an eyebrow, his ignited fighting spirit further fueled by Roswitha’s playful challenge.

“Fine, you're on!”

Mr. Pickpocket, why did you provoke him?!