### Chapter 176: The Choice
Roswiser recounted, in vivid detail, the year-long promise she and Taige had made to Leon.
Upon hearing this, Leon’s emotions were all over the place. Talk about mixed feelings!
But he wouldn’t dare think that Roswiser was hiding anything. After all, Master had said he couldn’t return to the Empire for a whole year. If he found out earlier, he’d be a nervous wreck, unable to settle down for a year!
Sitting on the couch, Roswiser said softly, “Your Master didn’t tell me what he’d be doing during that year, but I suspect he’s off handling business in the Empire. And, of course, that might involve some danger, which is why he doesn’t want you going back.”
Leon wore a serious expression as he moved to sit next to Roswiser on the couch. “But my Master is just a retired Dragon Slayer! He’s been running his farm for years and barely talks about his time in the Dragon Slayer Army. Even the Master’s wife said he was just an average Joe back in the day. What sort of important business could a guy over fifty be doing in the Empire…?”
“You don’t know much about your Master’s past. Your understanding of his military days comes mainly from the words of his wife,” she replied, her tone serious. “So, Leon, I think he might be more than just a simple farmer.”
Roswiser recalled the immense pressure Taige had exuded when she first met him—way more than any other human besides Leon.
She believed anyone capable of producing a freakishly strong individual like Leon wasn’t an ordinary fellow.
Leon furrowed his brows, at a loss for words.
Roswiser sat quietly beside him; she had shared the facts about his Master and the year-long promise. Now it was Leon’s turn to make a choice.
To prevent this fool from frying his brain, Roswiser decided to clarify the situation for him.
“Leon, before I met your Master, he had no idea you were still alive. He was just hoping… praying, actually, that you were. Back then, he and your Master’s wife were hiding out in a valley, living a peaceful life where the Empire couldn’t easily find them.”
“But once he learned you were alive, it was like he made an instant decision.”
“I believe he’s heading back to the Empire to take on some dangerous business… for you.”
“Honestly, I didn’t want to tell you about this. I wouldn’t let you go until I got my revenge, no matter if it takes a year or two.”
“And this family of ours… even if it’s built on air, you’ve become an irreplaceable part of it. You’re the father of Noia and Moon, and you’re my…”
She stumbled on those last words, her silver eyes flitting away. “My husband.”
“If you leave, this home won’t feel like home anymore.”
“But I understand, Leon. In the realm of humans, there’s another home for you.”
“Your Master and his wife are waiting for you too.”
“Right now, your Master might need you more than we do… you deserve to know all of this.”
“You also have the right… to make a choice.”
Leon stared blankly at the former enemy beside him. Did she just hand him the reins of choice?
Not only that, but she also laid out all the conditions so clearly before him, probably worried he would lose his mind and make the wrong decision.
Her statement about “your Master needing you more than we do” wasn’t lost on him either.
Recently, he had defeated the proud Red Flame Dragon King, Constantine, which boosted the Silver Dragons’ status quite a bit in the Dragon Race.
For the time being, no other dragons would dare provoke Roswiser’s Silver Dragon Race.
So, his daughters were safe, and Roswiser was safe.
But his Master? Silence. No word on what had become of him.
According to his Master’s instructions, a year had passed, and he could return to the Empire now—Roswiser hadn’t wasted a single minute.
She—
Wait a minute.
Leon suddenly realized this was the reason for Roswiser’s recent somberness.
“Roswiser… you knew what decision I would make, right?”
Roswiser nodded silently.
“So, that’s why you’ve been so distracted these days?”
She sighed, graceful fingers brushing her face, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “At this point, what good are those thoughts, Leon?”
With that, Roswiser stood slowly. “If you’re ready, we… can leave tonight.”
Anyone could see she had her own selfish motivations.
She didn’t want Leon to leave this home, to leave their daughters.
But she was the Silver Dragon Queen, not some self-centered girl. She knew what battles were worth fighting.
Leon felt the same way.
He could easily pretend he knew nothing and stay here, enjoying the love and admiration of numerous people as the Silver Dragon Prince, watching his adorable daughters grow up, eventually growing old peacefully as he had always dreamed.
But if he did that, he wouldn’t be Leon Casmod anymore.
How could a man who takes responsibility just leave his father figure, his Master, to face the unknown dangers alone?
Once Roswiser handed over the choice, both Leon and she understood he would inevitably choose to return to the Empire.
He had to go back, to help his Master, to unearth the traitor who had set him up.
Leon stared at her for a long time, his stomach swirling with countless words he wanted to say.
But in the end, all he managed was a simple, “Thank you, Roswiser.”
Roswiser didn’t respond with a “You’re welcome.”
She merely half-turned her head, her cold expression failing to mask the slight quiver in her voice. “Before you depart, do you want to hug our little daughter?”
Hug the baby…
Now he understood why she had asked him to play with Noia and Moon earlier and hug them—was that a goodbye?
Unfortunately, Leon didn’t connect the dots. The goodbye hug felt rushed.
Sighing, he stood, slowly walking to the bed.
Gazing at his sleeping little girl, he couldn’t help but smile despite his heavy heart.
He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.
“Grow up and listen to your sisters. Take care of your mom.”
The baby let out a soft coo in her dreams.
Leon wasn’t sure if that was her response.
Reluctantly glancing at his daughter, he straightened up, gathering the things he might need, and then headed for the balcony.
Roswiser had transformed into her dragon form, hovering outside the balcony.
Leon easily vaulted over the railing and landed on her back.
“Do Noia and Moon think I’m a lousy father?” Leon asked quietly.
Without hesitation, Roswiser replied, “No, you’re the best father in the world.”
And the best… husband.
But wasn’t it a bit late to say that now?
The silver dragon flapped its wings, vanishing into the night.
The curtains in the bedroom fluttered softly as the gust from her wings swept through.
The little baby in bed tightly clenched her tiny fists, restlessly wriggling in her sleep.
In the quiet room, the sound of a door lock clicking suddenly broke the silence.
The entrance door squeaked open, and a petite figure, calling out for mom and dad, tiptoed into the room.
But all she heard in response was the soft whimper of her little sister.
Mom and Dad weren’t here.
She walked over to the bed, humming a lullaby to coax her sister back to sleep, then made her way to the balcony.
The window was open, the railing bore footprints, indicating someone had recently left through there.
Noia slowly lifted her head, gazing up at the deep night sky.
“Dad, Mom… what’s going on?”
###
Good news! Leon has advanced in the selection rounds!
Better news! There will be an extra chapter tonight! It’s a way to thank you all for your support and to keep the plot moving along.
We’ll draw lots for groups at 4 PM, and the PK matches start at midnight. I hope everyone continues to support Leon. We’ve made a powerful impact in the selection rounds, and now we need to keep the momentum going! Let’s charge forward!
