Then, the five girls had a sumptuous dinner to celebrate.
Leon assigned them new identities and gave them their next objectives.
"Esdeath, starting tomorrow, you may join the army to expand your power. I've appointed you to the highest military position within my authority."
"Jean, Alice, Asuna, you are to form a cavalry. The current one is overcrowded and of poor quality. Create a new unit so I can replace the existing one. I'll give you the necessary authority and resources."
"Noelle... It's a pity you lack leadership talent. So, for now, stay with me and become my Maid Knight. I'll train you to be stronger than anyone else."
Leon effortlessly mapped out paths for the five of them.
At that moment, they were stunned. It was as if someone had handed them plenty of money, greeted them, and sent them off on a long journey.
Later that night, in bed, Euphilia asked Leon, confused:
"Your Highness, aren't you going to organize things more carefully? They seemed a bit lost."
"What, Euphie? Do you think I should draw detailed plans for them and teach them step-by-step how to take over the army and form a cavalry?"
Leon caressed Euphilia's silver hair, softer than the finest silk. Just last week, she had tested the scent he liked and decisively changed her shampoo to it.
The girl before him had completely molded herself to Leon's ideals. In the future, Euphilia would have no choice but to become his wife.
Euphilia's cheeks turned slightly red.
"Because Your Highness is so good at strategy… I don't even know your plans. I thought you'd give them a foolproof strategy."
"Then what would I need them for?"
Leon shook his head and replied with scorn:
"If everything goes exactly according to my plan, even if they succeed, they'll just be puppets, not subordinates."
"What I need are brave wolves, not chained dogs."
"Don't worry. I believe they'll all surpass my expectations."
Leon pulled Euphilia closer.
There's no need to give many orders or commands to those who are truly capable. That only limits their abilities. A leader's job is to give them a platform where they can express themselves freely.
Euphilia nestled in his arms, still a little worried about how bold Leon was being.
"But they'll definitely be questioned at first. Your Highness, you've given power and wealth to people with no merit. Those around them will certainly be dissatisfied."
That's only natural. The others worked hard to achieve their status, and suddenly several young girls seemed to drop in out of nowhere. It would be strange if public opinion accepted that easily.
Surely, rumors would spread, saying the girls used their bodies to gain Leon's favor and become leaders.
"There's no helping it. I know that's how it'll be at first, but it's a trivial issue. The ones I like won't be defeated so easily. They'll prove their strength."
"You really trust them."
"You don't need to doubt so much. I'm sure they've realized that by following me, they can go higher and farther."
"Haha! That's true."
Euphilia smiled as well, her confidence in her beloved absolute.
Once someone comes into contact with Leon, no one betrays him. After all, there's no more foolish choice in the world than going against him.
Still, Euphilia felt anxious.
Even though she was very close to Leon, she was still far from becoming his primary wife. She hadn't forgotten that before her, there had been a mysterious woman capable of leaving bite marks on the Black Prince's neck.
And more people kept appearing, making the competition fiercer. Esdeath's performance that day had truly shaken Euphilia.
But she wouldn't give up so easily.
"Your Highness—" Euphilia was about to speak when Leon interrupted her.
"How many times have I told you to just call me Leon when we're alone?" Leon pinched her cheeks.
"But—"
"No buts. Call me Leon."
"Erm… okay… Leon, I remember that you'll be going to the Kingdom of Midgar soon for that 'exchange and study' program."
"Yes. What about it?"
"Please let me go with you! I won't get in your way, I'll definitely be of help." Euphilia said with a serious expression.
She needed to achieve more.
She needed to give more to this man.
If she stagnated here, she'd be nothing more than a concubine from now on.
Leon looked at Euphilia, now burning with determination, and thought: a woman's heart truly is the greatest unresolved mystery in the world—more complex than any maze.
The smarter and more capable a woman is, the more complex she becomes. But that's what makes it interesting.
"Alright. Like I said, I need a capable wolf, not an obedient dog. A wolf doesn't need me to give orders."
"I understand. I'll follow you."
"Excellent\~ I really like you, Euphie. Just know you're in the top three now."
"Yes!"
She felt a little disappointed at not being the first, but the silver-haired girl quickly adjusted her mindset. She was already making countless plans in her head.
The purpose of this trip was to conquer the Kingdom of Knights. Euphilia was determined to stand out in this mission and become the first in his heart.
"So let's stop talking. Time to sleep. We leave for the Kingdom of Midgar tomorrow, and we can't be late."
"Yes."
Euphilia nodded, but when the lights went out, she curled up next to Leon's waist — and what happened next almost made them oversleep the next morning.
---
**"ROOOOAAR!"**
In the sky, a hundred meters above the ground, a cyan dragon soared like a meteor.
Leon sat astride the dragon's back, with Noelle and Euphilia at his left and right sides.
As a prince, how could he go alone to a foreign country for an exchange program? The two girls were now his companions.
"Your Highness, isn't it too flashy to appear riding a dragon? Is that really okay?"
"The flashier and more exaggerated, the better. Let's give them a bit of a shock."
Noelle looked nervously at the ground vanishing beneath them, glancing around. It was her first time riding a dragon — a truly thrilling experience.
Leon was already used to it. At that moment, he was arguing with Dvalin about whether there were other dragons in the world.
Dvalin had now been officially designated as Leon's mount.
But Leon felt he needed to find another dragon to ride.
*(End of Chapter)*
I literally completely forgot to update here yesterday 🌚
Give me some power stones there you go~😉