Chapter 434: Kiss (1/2)

It wasn't the most romantic kiss as kisses went.

In the stories, the couple would be on a hill by a setting sun or beneath the rain and awashed in emotions. But, there was no beautiful scenery to be seen. In fact, with a look around, there was nothing but a bland Royal Court still suffused with a heavy atmosphere.

In the stories, maybe some loving words would have just been said. But, Leonel had just finished with telling Aina that he had no intention of saving her if she went off and did something stupid on her own.

In the stories, the female lead would be gorgeous and flawless. But, Aina was still scarred. Even as he kissed her, Leonel could feel the imperfections running across her lips.

Still, even with all of this said, Leonel felt as though he was on the top of the world. To veterans of love, Leonel had barely given Aina a peck on the lips. But to him, it felt as though he had conquered the world. It felt better than anything he had ever experienced before… no game he had ever won, no battle he had ever claimed victory in, no complicated thought he had ever finished could match up to the euphoria he was experiencing now.

It was only when Leonel sensed his hastily put up [Light Refraction] spell wavering that he retreated despite his reluctance. However, his actions allowed him to see a scene he would never forget.

Aina still sat on her chair, her legs swung in his direction. But, her two hands were over her heart, one balled into a fist and the other wrapped around it. They pressed against her chest as though she was trying to stop her heart from escaping.

Her lips were slightly separated and trembling, her breathing wild an erratic. A blush travelled up from her neck and through her face, not missing even her trembling eyelids that still hung closed.

Though she only remained in this position for a fraction of a moment, Leonel's burned the image into his mind, even down to the way she slightly leaned forward as though subconsciously asking for more.

”Ah!”

Aina awoke from her stupor, the flash of crimson across her face and neck deepening by several shades.

”You… You… I…”

Aina's words stuttered.

Leonel grinned like a madman, the deep, rumbling cadence of his heart making his emotions clear.

”You can't deny that you like me now, right?”

”I… You…” Aina was speechless.

She stood up quickly, wanting to run away. But, this time, Leonel grabbed onto her wrist.

”… Don't run anymore… Okay?” Leonel's grin faded and his tone softened.

Aina's chest heaved, her breath feeling short once again. But, seeing the look in Leonel's eyes made her shudder, a wave of guilt overwhelming her.

She took deep breaths, allowing Leonel to lightly hold onto her wrist. She looked down at him from her standing position, her gaze a wild mix of emotions. But, Leonel's own remained steady, like a pillar waiting for her to lean on it.

”… Okay…” Aina nodded almost imperceptibly, her voice as quiet as the wings of a butterfly.

Leonel smiled. It was no longer a wild grin, but it had a level of peace to it that made Aina almost start shedding tears again.