Leon froze upon hearing Kayden's words once again. Looking at this dead serious face, Leon's heart plummeted to the ground in confusion and panic.
How was he supposed to feel about this?
His friend, one and first to know his deepest secrets.
One and first to know who was in her heart, now says that he would not support him in pursuing it.
'Why would he suddenly say this?'
'Could it be that he thought I did not deserve Eli?'
'Could it be that he thinks it was not yet time?'
'Or could it be… that he was feeling something for… no… impossible!'
The turmoil in his heart grew as he tried to figure out what was the reason. He tried to stay calm on the outside but how could he?
Kayden observed his friend who was deeply in panic, he raised his brows in interest when he saw the colorful expression on Leon's face.
It was amusing, and he was feeling a bit helpless too… because he could see how Eli really buried herself deep into Leon's heart.
Shaking his head as he saw his friend struggle, he decided to end his agony and explained his side,
"After this has ended, it is to say that to all who knew the truth, Eli's value will be much more precious than before…
And those who do were the ones who also loved her dearly… people who would think best for her wellbeing, like me.
Although you are my friend, Eli was already my sister, and as a brother, I do not want her to be put into a situation where she would be tainted with disgrace. Another thing to consider was also your worth, after this war, everyone will know that you are stronger and was actually not that 'trash' prince they used to think of.
Many noble families will try to get you now that you are a giant fish in the sea, and many ladies will aggressively try to get on your side too…
If you suddenly tell the Empire that you will marry Eli and Little Han was the fruit of your love, the people will point their heads, not to you… nor Little Han but to Eli."
"Why so? Isn't Little Han's bloodline not enough to shut their mouths? Once they see Little Han, no one would argue that he was not my child…" Leon looked at his friend and did not really understand what he was trying to say.
"That may be so… but in fact… it adds up to the fire. The key is, right after you showed your talents, Eli showed up and Little Han showed up… what do you think the malicious people would say if you had not prepared their minds and just suddenly announced that she would be your wife and you two had already begotten a son?
We are in a patriarchal society… by no means they will not think that it was you who opted to hide them… But their minds would point at Eli first… that she was only willing to reveal herself now that you are an honorable prince!" Kayden slowly explained everything to his friend, letting him consider and digest his points slowly.
"This… I did not really consider these things… it seemed that this would really be possible." Leon's eyes squinted in deep contemplation, wearing his stoic face, there was a trace of realization in his expression.
In battle and warfare, he was very thorough and diligent in considering all scenarios before executing any plans. However, when it comes to the matter of society, he was never interested, adding to the fact that he has been living like a nuisance in high society because of his previous reputation.
"I know you wouldn't, that's why I had to catch your attention when I was about to say it. Now you understand why I don't agree with you putting your marriage ahead of everything… You will only damage Eli's well-earned reputation…Though we cannot really completely take out the murmurs the moment you reveal Little Han… isn't it good to not put any unnecessary stain on Eli's reputation?" Kayden replied calmly.
"What should I do then? How shall I introduce her and Little Han properly?" Leon looked at Kayden, his crystal blue eyes still serious but they had a hint of anticipation and eagerness to rectify his plans.
"Simple… show everyone how you love her, duh?" Kayden, who was a known genius in the field of medicine was now looking at Leon, who was now a giant warlord as if he was ridiculing his intelligence.
"That simple?" Leon replied. He was showing her love for her every time he had a chance. He just had to show it when there are people too, right? How hard could it be?
"You're thinking that was easy? No! I'm saying you have to show people that you are pursuing her… and could not live without her… and even though you already had a son, you will still honor her by giving her a grand proposal! Aiyooo, looking at your face, you must have planned on just asking for her hand in the cottage aren't you?!"
"I…" Leon flinched as he remembered how he visualized how he would ask Eli.
He would ask the Forgeworn and Farauld Elders to take care of Little Han first while he and Eli spend a peaceful day in the cottage.
He would then surprise her with a special dinner on their gazebo, and then finally, he would ask for her hand. In fact… the ring was already being made by the legendary artisan in the Rubino Kingdom, Seirende's allied nation, which was also called the Jewel nation.
However, he did not think that this would not be enough. Although, he knew that Eli would not have any problems with this… it was one thing to propose to her, but he also needed to protect her honor, just as Kayden said.
"Think about it properly… plan thoroughly. I know that Eli will not really be disappointed if you ever chose to keep your relationship as lowkey as it was, however… you are still a prince of the Empire, a legendary one at that… Eli and Little Han must also be prepared to be in the limelight." Kayden looked at the people around and gestured to Leon to finally take a good look at his surroundings.
From a far distance, there the people in the crowd cheered when they saw that he finally looked on their way.
"Great Third Prince! A hero of the Empire!!"
"Thank you for saving us!"
"We will never forget how you used all your mana to teleport us to safety!"
"Long live the Third Prince!!!"
"Long live His Highness Third Prince Leon!!!"
Hearing their cheers and praises, Leon's mind went completely blank, as it was the first time he experienced being thanked and praised by the majority of the people in the Empire, since his first victory in war.
Indeed, his life will change, he was no longer a prince that was used to being ridiculed and ignored. He was now a prince that was outstanding and capable enough to be exalted by the people. That goes to say, people will watch him every more, including the people around him.
"I will take your words to heart…" Leon finally replied as he acknowledged the people's praises with his nod.
"Wow… the crowd was really so lively today…" Suddenly, Joab and Keren went to their positions, they were wearing their official ceremonial uniform looking so gallant and priestly at the same time.
"Vice-Captain Joab and Vice-captain Keren… How's the Paladin?" Leon greeted the two and asked about Eli's whereabouts.
"Well she was already with the Captain and His Eminence High Priest, in a while she will finally perform her purification," Keren answered as she led them to look at the highest point of the temple.
There they saw three figures, it was Eli in the middle with her paladin uniform given by the late High Priest, and on her side were High Priest Enoch and Mishael.
As people were already watching Leon, they also looked up in the direction where Leon was looking and saw the three figures.
"It's the Great Paladin!"
"His Eminence High Priest and the Captain of the Temple Knights were there too!"
"Heavens! I shall witness another miracle!"
The crowd cheered once again and they excitedly called out to Eli who was preparing for the ceremony.
Joab and Keren also went to their respective positions, ensuring that there would be no mishaps or disturbances in the ritual.
Finally, Eli stepped into the air and calmly walked like she was not really bothered by the height. As if there were invisible stairs, the height on where she was floating was increasing as she continued to walk.
Her pure and majestic suite gave her a saintly aura, which made everyone feel like they were mesmerized just by looking at her countenance.
Everyone held their breaths, their hearts were beating fast as they watched and waited for her power to manifest.
