381. Leo Ep – The Meeting

“Hooray for Saint Leah!”

With a flash—when my vision cleared from the blinding whiteness, Reb found himself witnessing an unfamiliar sight.

The backs of six white horses were in view, and he realized he was riding in a carriage without a roof. The streets were bustling with a crowd.

The scorching summer sun beat down. Reb frowned. Squinting as he raised his head, he perceived the Oberg Royal Castle ahead.

We were headed there.

Wait, we?

As his field of vision widened, Reb noticed Leah was sitting next to him.

He placed his hand on Leah’s shoulder and shouted.

“Leah!”

“Get your hand off me.”

Leah looked up and smiled sweetly. It seemed she was trying hard to maintain her calm demeanor.

“I know you’re surprised, but stay still. Don’t look around. People can see us.”

She was composed. However, seeing Leah’s outfit, Reb couldn’t help but ask dumbly.

“Why are you wearing the clothes of a saint?”

Leah snorted lightly and replied.

“Because I’m the saint. And you, are a Holy Knight.”

“Oh, really?”

Just as Leah said, he was indeed in the attire of a Holy Knight. Reb was in need of an explanation.

“What happened? You know, right?”

“I do.”

“What’s going on? Tell me. Quick! I’m getting dizzy! If you don’t tell me, I might faint right here!”

Leah burst into laughter. Reb thought how incredibly cute she was as she teasingly responded.

“If you want to embarrass the church, go ahead and faint. Just keep quiet and pretend to be graceful, like a Holy Knight guarding the saint.”

Leah occasionally waved to the crowd.

Tch, this isn’t working. Reb suppressed his curiosity and focused ahead.

Cheers erupted from all directions.

Flowers were showered without reserve.

The carriage soon arrived in front of the royal castle, where the king had come out to greet the saint, even to the gardens.

“Welcome, Saint Leah. I genuinely appreciate your visit.”

“Not at all. I’m delighted to see you, King Khmian de Tatalia.”

The king escorted Leah as she got out of the carriage. But he wasn’t the king Reb recognized.

Cardinal Michael.

In place of the Caroman de Tatalia who should have been devoured by Astroth, a shabby priest in tattered robes stood wearing a crown, sipping clean water.

What is that guy doing here?

Has Astroth been destroyed?

As the message could only be seen by Minseo, Reb couldn’t comprehend the current situation. He followed the two, hoping Leah would explain.

As the king walked, he said.

“Most of the princes and princesses have arrived. Only those from the Orun Kingdom are missing, but I’ve received word they might be a little late. The banquet will likely start a bit later. I sincerely apologize to you, Saint.”

“Why would you apologize, Your Majesty? I’m perfectly fine. Plus, given that all six countries’ princes and princesses are gathering, being slightly late means you’ve done remarkably well. I can certainly see how much effort you’ve put into opening this meeting.”

“Your words bring me joy. I’m truly honored to host such a significant event in my later years. So, if you could just wait a moment, I would be grateful. When the banquet begins, we will notify you, but would it be too much to request a brief opening address?”

“Not at all.”

The king nodded to Leah, took his leave, and disappeared with a heavy gait.

Even as a cardinal, he had an imposing presence, being a robust elder who captivated the room.

Meanwhile, Leah, after the king left and the door closed, stood elegantly and prettily like a saint, holding her position…

“Ouch, this is exhausting.”

The moment the door swung shut, she tossed off her shoes. Those heels were high, indeed. Yet that wasn’t enough, as she gestured toward Reb.

“Reb, unbutton my back. I’m dying of heat.”

“What if someone comes in?”

“If they don’t open the door, then no problem. Hurry up.”

Leah tossed aside the ornate robe she was wearing, finally ready to breathe comfortably.

Not quite her inner garments, but her skin-tight underclothes revealed her arms and legs, which felt refreshing.

“Aren’t you comfortable, too?”

“I’m fine. But tell me quickly. What in the world happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“We were just fighting Astroth. You held me afterward, and then suddenly…”

“Maybe you got overheated and were dreaming?”

What? But Reb noticed her nose scrunching up slightly.

“Stop joking around.”

“Hehe. Time was reversed. Astroth has perished. But not just reverted—our lives have somewhat changed too.”

“How so?”

“Hmm~ I became a saint when I was young. Well, that’s how my memories depict it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying I didn’t fight Astroth with you. In any case, I became a saint, went to the Monastery Church, and you were left in the village and became a Holy Knight who appeared before me. I took you on as my knight. Got it?”

“Sort of. So why are we here?”

“We’re on our way back from a pilgrimage toward the Conrad Kingdom. Since Cardinal Berg was trying to split the church and gain independence, I had to warn him. The event to gather the princes and princesses of six kingdoms is to be hosted in Belita. They said if you attend, you’d be generously compensated… We’re here for the money, to be blunt.”

What else could I be doing? — Leah muttered, indicating she had lived through the current life since time was reversed.

Wait… but what is she doing now?

Leah, still uncomfortable, tossed her undergarment top aside. Reb averted his gaze for courtesy.

“Earlier, I saw the king turned into Cardinal Michael. Is that also because of Astroth’s demise?”

“Yep! Ah~ judging by your expression, you didn’t know Cardinal Michael was also of royal blood? He was the first in line for succession. What Astroth changed has returned to its rightful state, and this must bring you joy.”

“Huh? Why am I happy?”

Reb sensed Leah getting closer from the corner of his eye. Leah stepped up to him and said.

“Because the Cross Church won’t hunt down the Barbarians anymore. That was Cardinal Michael’s achievement.”

What!

Considering his father was a Barbarian, Reb had felt resentment toward the Cross Church for their slaughter of them.

And now that was undone!

His excitement turned to shock as he realized Leah had come quite close, handing him something fluffy. That was…

“Leah! What is this… Did you change your clothes…?”

“I’ve waited too long.”

“W-Waiting, you say?”

Leah pushed him down into a chair. It seemed she didn’t hear a word he said.

“When you grabbed my shoulder in the carriage earlier, I felt super happy. When you’re out of it, you’re like a puppet… I waited ten years since I became a saint for you to return. So don’t stop me.”

“Uh-oh!”

Leah lunged to take off his Holy Knight robe. Reb shouted, “Wait! Just a second!”

“I-I might like it, but is it really okay for a saint to do this?”

“Who cares? I’m the last saint. I’ll live life my way. I’ve already received permission.”

“Uh?”

Leah kissed him.

Reb became dizzy, pushing her shoulder away just after the kiss ended to buy himself some time with a question.

“L-last saint, you say? Why are you the last saint?”

“Well, it’s a bit of a long story… Fine, get your hands off of me.”

Leah sat on his lap. Perhaps still craving kisses, she traced his face with her lips while speaking.

“Because it’s the end of the myth that started with us… no, with Leonel and Leisia. The gods are withdrawing their mana and divine power. All of that originated from them.”

“Why? Why are they taking it back?”

“Stop dodging the question… Hmm. Apparently, it was decided to open the true era of humans. Just as the age of Leonel and Leisia became mere old myths, the time we live in will become legend and be forgotten. The priests, sorcerers, swordmasters, and knights will disappear. In a world without magic and blessings, humans will have to survive on their own power. I’m curious how the later generations will live. Of course, for that to happen, we need to have children!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Leah grabbed Reb’s face. Reb shouted.

“Ugh, wait! Just one more thing. Where are Ray, Lean, and Minseo? They’re not in any trouble, right?”

“Right now, the only thing you’re doing wrong is your behavior, Reb. They’re all fine, so don’t worry. Plus, you haven’t met our kids yet. Noya and Soya. I can’t wait anymore.”

“N-no. I get it, but the banquet is about to start, and even so, this is a little…”

“Shut up. I’m the saint. You’re my Holy Knight. If you don’t want to be excommunicated, do as I say.”

Not even a Swordmaster still chatting away.

Ahh—just as Leah’s divine power flared, Reb let out an embarrassed scream. On the other side of the palace, Lean and Reriana were present.

*

Steam wafted from a teacup.

Just like Reb did earlier, Lean blinked, scratching his head as he found himself in the same spot.

He looked up at the ceiling once, and after glancing at the people gathered around the table, he calmed down as if he understood.

‘Time has been reversed. History has changed.’

He quickly realized his situation. He gulped his tea and contemplated the conversations amongst the others.

“So, did you find us? You must have been worried sick.”

The one who asked was Princess Iina de Isadora. She, along with two other ladies, were engaged in small talk.

“Of course. We found you right away. But do you know what she was doing? She went inside the theater, claiming she wanted to become an actress!”

“Oh my! Lady Ksenia? No way. So?”

There were three ladies chatting, but they were not the only ones present.

Sitting side by side were Edlyn Peter and Count Gustave Peter, who had advised his daughter to do it right if she was going to do it.

Next to them were Princess Iina de Isadora and Count Hermann Forte, while beside Lean…

“I was worried it was because of our son that she left home, but thankfully that’s not the case.”

A cheerful-looking lady sat beside Marquis Benard Tatian.

That lady must be the wife of Marquis Benard Tatian.

Lean casually opened his mouth.

Of course, he wasn’t intruding on the ladies’ gossip, but instead addressed the increasingly impatient Marquis.

“We’ve waited quite a while. When do you think it will begin?”

He didn’t even know what ‘it’ was that was supposed to start.

But it was clear to him the nobility was waiting around for some event in the royal palace.

Bored, perhaps the wives who had familiarized themselves were just chatting away.

The Marquis, stirring nearly empty tea, replied.

“It should begin soon. I heard just now that the prince of the Orun Kingdom has passed through the city gate… You’re not going to head out, Count Forte? As the First Knight Commander, you must be busy.”

“It’s about time to get moving.”

The atmosphere felt warm. Lean noted that Marquis Benard had changed a lot lately.

His distinct blue eyes.

But they weren’t as cold as before. Lean subtly turned his head to investigate the cause.

Under the table, the Marquis was holding his wife’s hand.

Ah, it seems the death of his wife really impacted him.

Lean guessed what had become of that marquis’s wife.

It must have been caused by Astroth. Since there was nothing to be done about the Marquis, Astroth vented his frustration elsewhere. That must have been restored when Astroth was destroyed.

The effects of Astroth didn’t seem to end there.

Seeing Princess Iina de Isadora here means she likely hadn’t divorced Count Hermann Forte. Looking through the noble society information, she noted that Count Hermann was not a Swordmaster.

And Swordmasters tended to neglect their families while being wary of evil gods. Just then, the door opened, and two handsome young men entered.

“Good ladies. It is about to start.”

Gilbert Forte and Toton Tatian. Next to Toton was a female knight named Irène.

“Oh my, really? Then shall we start rising? But… it seems our princess is quite tired. What shall we do?”

“It’s all right. You go ahead. I’ll wake her up and bring her along.”

“Will you do that?”

The high-ranking nobility all began to stream out. Marquis Benard sweetly escorted his wife away, and Count Hermann asked his son to take care of his mother before leaving. Lean quietly observed them.

Gilbert Forte.

It seems this once notorious roustabout of Oberg has improved his reputation.

He donned a sword at his waist. Even if it was just a ceremonial sword, his grip seemed pretty firm.

He suggestively wrapped his arm around his mother’s and strolled off.

Toton Tatian sneakily held the hand of Lady Irène behind him… Lean sighed.

“Finally.”

It was over. It had ended.

Seeing everyone restoring their places, Lean leaned back in his chair. Forgetting for a moment his princely demeanor, he struggled to suppress laughter.

Hah. Hahaha…

He enjoyed the laughter that erupted from deep within him. However, that didn’t last long as he straightened up.

Other matters aside, raising Lena hasn’t come to an end for me just yet.

He glanced at his little sister, who was dozing next to him, making a resolution.

All right, I need to find the strength to keep going. I must protect my lovely little sister’s life.

Lean gently shook Reriana awake. Reriana blinked and looked around.

“Uh, huh? Brother. Where’s the monster? Where did the monster go? Where is this place?”

Was it a dream? Lean calmly answered.

“A monster, you say? It seems my little sister was dreaming. We need to go out now, so hurry and wake up. Stretch a bit.”

“…Huh?”

[ The beggar siblings realize Lena has royal qualities! They discern the truth from lies. ]

Reriana stared up at her brother with wide eyes. Cocking her head, she followed him.

In the hall they were guided to, many people had already gathered. Not only were the nobles from Belita Kingdom present, but also members of royalty. Especially considering the number of foreign princes and princesses…

“I’m glad we came. It’s rare to meet so many princes and princesses. My little sister should try to build friendships with them.”

“Uh-huh. But brother, I want to ask something.”

“Go ahead and ask.”

“Do you love me, brother?”

“Of course.”

“Mm… Hehe. Good. That’s all I needed. But can I ask just one more?”

Reriana’s expression turned incredibly serious.

“I’m not dreaming, right?”

“…”

“All those things I dreamed, they were real, right? Please tell me.”

Lean hesitated for a moment before answering.

“You were dreaming.”

“Thanks for your answer.”

After that, Reriana fell silent. She walked ahead without looking where she was going, prompting Lean to adjust her path. Eventually, she encountered proof that this wasn’t a dream.

“Reb brother?”

“Yeah. What is it… Ah! Princess.”

“That’s right!!”

Reriana suddenly burst into tears. She wanted to rush into either of her brothers’ arms, but couldn’t, weeping like a chick with tears rolling down her cheeks.

She remembered very clearly what she had done to her brother, Reb.

And how heavy the burden had been for her older brother, Lean.

Yet, these brothers…

Had never once abandoned her. She had sometimes doubted them, even antagonized them.

As Reriana cried, the eyes of those around her turned, some getting too close out of curiosity.

It was Prince Aton de Lognum and Prince Alzeor de Lognum from the Orun Kingdom.

Lean blocked their gaze with his mantle so they couldn’t lay eyes on his sister. In that moment, Reb embraced Reriana. She buried her face in his arms, sobbing.

“I’m sorry. Brother, I’m sorry. I… I…”

Reb gently stroked his sister’s hair. Now, he truly think it was all okay.

Finally, the king appeared holding hands with Queen Danijela Tatalia.

The blessings of Saint Leah and her greeting marked the opening of the gathering of the six kingdoms, which wrapped up successfully, except for a dispute between Prince Lean de Yeriel and Princes Aton and Alzeor de Lognum.

Reb, Ray, and Lean.

The three Leonels gathered at the lakeside north of Oberg the following morning.