Without further words, most of the spectators left the arena in a depressed state. A heavy silence hung in the air as disappointed aristocrats and commoners slowly dispersed. So were despondent, others—devastated.
"My money... Why did I place that bet?! I could've just held back..." one of the spectators lanted, clutching his head.
"What will happen to now...?" a young girl whispered, her trembling hands clenched. "My parents will kill when they find out I took out a loan and bet it all on the prince's victory..."
"How am I supposed to pay this back?" another unlucky gambler muttered bitterly, sinking onto the steps of the amphitheater.
Similar complaints and groans echoed from all sides, painting a scene of utter misery. However, on the opposite side of the arena, entirely different cries could be heard. Those who had taken the risk and bet on Leon were now in high spirits, practically glowing with joy.
"My god! This much money... I've never seen so much in my life!" one lucky winner exclaid, barely believing his good fortune.
"Now I can finally find myself a girlfriend!" another laughed, clutching a pouch full of coins.
"With this money, I can live like a true noble..."
"My father will be overjoyed when he hears how much I won!"
The triumphant conversations of the winners filled the air with an excited buzz, their sheer euphoria mixing into a celebratory atmosphere.
At that mont, Leon himself erged from the arena. The instant he appeared, the barons and viscounts who had been waiting near the exit rushed toward him. They showered the young man with gratitude and congratulations, genuinely admiring his victory over the prince and his elite group.
"Lord Leon, that was magnificent!"
"An unbelievable battle!"
"You are a true warrior!"
The crowd of enthusiastic aristocrats practically sward him, offering praises and respectful bows. Yet, Leon, maintaining his composure, simply smiled and responded with polite thanks, neither gloating nor showing arrogance.
This continued for so ti until his gaze caught sight of two familiar figures. Angelica and Olivia were making their way toward him through the crowd.
Leon quickly found an excuse to free himself from his admirers and moved toward the girls. As he approached, before he could even say a word, Olivia, her eyes shining with excitent, burst out:
"Leon, you were incredible! Every single one of your victories was astonishing! I never even imagined you'd be able to defeat all five of them... at the sa ti! That was amazing, right, Angie?"
"H-huh? Y-yes...!" Angelica hurriedly agreed, snapping out of her daze. Her voice carried genuine admiration. "Your abilities are simply astonishing. I'd say you're the strongest teenager in the entire kingdom... No, even on the entire continent!"
Hearing such words, Leon felt a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, co on, girls... If you keep praising like this, I'll get all flustered..." he mumbled, scratching the back of his head.
But at that mont, Olivia suddenly frowned and, cutting short his mont of triumph, said:
"Leon, you were too harsh..."
Angelica nodded in agreent.
"Yes, I have to agree with Livia on this..."
"Huh? Oh, co on... You just started praising , and now you're already criticizing ?" Leon grumbled, pouting slightly. "Whatever, doesn't matter..."
Shrugging, he stepped closer to Angelica, his usual carefree expression shifting into sothing more formal. Straightening his posture, he gave a slight bow and smirked.
"So then, my lady, what do you think? I have returned victorious."
Angelica, hearing this, gave a barely perceptible smile, her gaze warm as she looked at him.
"I suppose... Thank you, Leon."
Leon nodded, then, as if suddenly rembering sothing, added:
"If it's worrying you, I can assure you—I made sure not to cause the prince any serious harm. He should be in the dical ward now, so if you want, you can visit him."
Angelica flinched slightly, as if only now realizing she had the option to see the prince.
"Huh? O-oh... Alright..." she murmured hesitantly.
It seed as though a whirlwind of thoughts had passed through her mind, and for a mont, she genuinely considered leaving. But then, suddenly, she stopped.
"No... never mind. I'll visit him later. For now, I'd rather stay with you."
Leon blinked in surprise, montarily unsure of what had just happened. But was he opposed to such a decision? Of course not. He simply shrugged and smiled.
"As you wish, my lady."
At that mont, Leon felt Angelica grab hold of his ear with surprising force.
"A-n-g-i-e. Call Angie."
"O-ow, ow, alright! Whatever you say, Angie!"
However, their conversation didn't last much longer. Out of the corner of his eye, Leon spotted a familiar figure amidst the crowd. One of the five "idiots"—Jilk.
The sight of him sent a spark of excitent through Leon's veins. A predatory grin curled on his lips.
"Well now... Looks like it's ti to make use of my first wish," he muttered to himself, rubbing his hands together mischievously before heading straight for Jilk.
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