Surprising News from Liliana, and Leon's Sense of Relief

"That is... The Great Holy Sword Zenith!?"

Jim could scarcely believe the sight unfolding before him on the magic screen.

The Great Holy Sword Zenith, once wielded by Sword Hero Leon Kruger, had returned to the Three Heroes Hall.

This revelation confirmed that Sword Hero Leon was truly deceased, as reported by the news from the battlefield.

Initially, despite already believing the news of his death, there lingered a hunch within him suggesting that the hero Leon was not truly deceased as reported.

This hunch was reinforced by various speculations that arose in his mind, and with each passing day, these speculations grew stronger and more intense.

However, the scene before him now unequivocally proved that all of his speculations were unfounded and that the hero Leon was indeed deceased.

The automatic return of the Great Holy Sword Zenith to its original place signaled the official severance of the connection between it and the hero Leon.

Swiftly, Jim composed himself and turned his gaze towards Velix, seated proudly on the throne.

"Thank you for informing me, Your Majesty." Jim expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow, clasping his hands together.

With the uneasy feeling in his heart dispelled, Jim felt a newfound sense of calm wash over him.

Upon hearing Jim's words, Velix smiled faintly and gestured with a wave of his hand, causing the magic screen in the throne room to vanish.

"There's no need to worry about that. As my trusted Prime Minister, you are entitled to know," Velix remarked nonchalantly, his words carrying a mysterious undertone. 

"Furthermore, with the demise of Hero Leon Kruger and the reappearance of the Great Holy Sword Zenith, our postponed plans can now commence. Isn't that correct, Jim?" Velix continued with a meaningful smile toward Jim.

Jim was momentarily taken aback before a faint smile graced his lips.

"I see... I understand, Your Majesty..."

...

Meanwhile, on the edge of a small hill near the palace, Leon and Liliana strolled and settled on the grass, gazing at the late afternoon sun, which already appeared poised to descend below the horizon.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Leon turned his gaze toward Liliana beside him, his expression curious.

He puzzled over why this woman had brought him here solely for a conversation.

Was the topic of discussion something of great importance or sensitivity?

Or perhaps this woman intended to discuss the Holy Orthodox's forthcoming attack on the Demon Race with him?

Considering this, Leon found his assumption quite reasonable.

After all, with Liliana likely consumed by preparations for the impending war against the Holy Orthodox—the first direct clash between the Demon race under her command and the Holy Orthodox forces—it seemed unlikely that she would bring him here solely for conversation, didn't it?

Upon hearing Leon's question, Liliana, her expression still indifferent, shifted her gaze towards him.

"Don't be in such a rush. Won't it be better to relax first and enjoy the view of the afternoon sky?" Her unexpected response caused the corners of Leon's mouth to twitch.

He hadn't anticipated such words coming from Liliana, who typically appeared serious.

Had he misinterpreted Liliana's coldness and indifference all this time?

Leon shook his head, unable to suppress a silent laugh.

"I didn't expect such words to come from you, Liliana Crimson. Besides, shouldn't you be occupied with organizing the Demon army and preparing for the Holy Orthodox attack on the border?" Lazily, he reclined on the grass and spoke in a casual tone.

He was convinced that Liliana intended to seek his advice on handling the Holy Orthodox attack and perhaps some other suggestions. 

However, he acknowledged that if Liliana did indeed seek such counsel, it would be futile, as he himself possessed limited knowledge of the structure and strength of the Holy Orthodox.

The Holy Orthodox were known for their secrecy and infrequent involvement in wars, a stark contrast to the ambitious nature of the Holy Empire of Elysium. 

Therefore, he found himself lacking in understanding the true extent of the Holy Orthodox's power.

He only knew of the five great guardians who stood as pillars under the leadership of Holy Orthodox Saint Arshely, his childhood sweetheart.

Just when he felt confident in his assumptions, Liliana's next response left him utterly stunned.

"The Holy Orthodox are withdrawing all their troops from the border, and this is also one of the matters I wished to discuss with you," Liliana revealed.

Leon's eyes widened, prompting him to swiftly sit up from his reclined posture.

"You're not joking with me, are you?" Leon's expression shifted to one of seriousness as he asked hesitantly.

Liliana nodded slightly and replied, "I assure you, Leon Kruger, I'm serious. The Holy Orthodox troops have indeed been withdrawn from the border, as if they were resigning rather than preparing for war."

Subsequently, she began to recount the report she received to Leon in detail and with clarity.

She couldn't comprehend why she felt such concern for Leon, prompting her to explain everything to him.

Perhaps it was because Leon was considered a hero of mankind, and she hoped to gather information from him to aid her in the preparation for the upcoming war against the Holy Empire of Elysium and the Holy Orthodox.

Or perhaps it was for some other reason that she could not comprehend.

However, one thing was certain: after she disclosed everything to Leon, she experienced an inexplicable sense of comfort and calmness.

Meanwhile, as Leon listened to the entire story with a serious expression, a sense of relief washed over him, as if the stone that had been blocking his heart had suddenly been lifted.

'Phew~ I didn't anticipate that Arshley was so astute and capable of maintaining her composure, thereby avoiding the potential trap set by the Holy Empire of Elysium against the Holy Orthodox...' Leon muttered, his expression brimming with satisfaction.

In truth, this matter gave him a tremendous headache, and he was extremely anxious about the possibility of Arshley losing her temper and ordering an attack on the Demon Race—a scenario that might have been orchestrated by the four-eyed demon of the Holy Empire of Elysium.

Given his deep understanding of Arshley's possessive nature towards him, it was a relief that she could temper her emotions and suppress her anger upon learning the news of his death.

Suddenly snapping out of his reverie, he shifted his focus to Liliana with a more kind gaze.

"So that's the situation. I understand now. Thank you for sharing this crucial information, Liliana Crimson," Leon exclaimed, his smile widening with satisfaction.

Lazily, he stretched his sore body, worn out from playing with Fiona, before gradually rising to his feet.

Observing his sudden movement, Liliana frowned, her gaze turning cold. 

"Where are you going?" she asked indifferently.

"Of course, back to the room. Wasn't that all you wanted to tell me?" Leon scratched his head, feeling there was nothing else significant to discuss, correct?

Upon hearing his words, Liliana narrowed her eyes and angrily pulled Leon's hand down.

"Who said I was finished?"