Supreme Spouse System.

Chapter 41: Shifting Tides of Life

Chapter 41 – Shifting Tides of Life

The carriage had disappeared down the curving road, engulfed by distance, and Leon stood still, his eyes resting on the place where it was gone. The sun had just started to rise, and the long shadows crept across the courtyard as the warm, golden light spread over the big mansion. The coolness of the night still lingered in the morning air, but there was a faint promise of heat in the wind.

Leon exhaled slowly, his fingers stroking the edge of his jaw contemplatively. "Now, my temptress daughter is no longer here," he whispered with a small laugh, his tone infused with love and a hint of sorrow.

Aria stood by him, her gaze after the carriage until it was out of sight. She nodded softly, understanding. Her own face was reflective, a little wistful, as if she too felt the loss of the younger woman.

Leon turned to her, and suddenly his arm wrapped about her waist, drawing her into his side.

"Leon!" Aria exclaimed, her voice filled with shock, her body twitching minutely as she pushed against him, the sudden motion surprising her.

She hadn’t anticipated it—certainly not in the presence of the guards still on duty, or the maids standing quietly a little way away. Her heart missed a beat, and a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks. "What are you doing?" she whispered, voice a little more subdued than normal, betraying the embarrassment she felt at the surprise show of affection.

Leon chuckled deeply, his lips brushing against her ear as he held her against him. "What does it look like, dear?" His tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of affection that made her heart flutter. "I’m hugging my wife. What’s the harm?"

Her cheeks turned an even brighter red, and she looked around hastily at the other staff members still lingering by the gates, as if expecting someone to see this little, private moment. "But. the guards. the maids." Aria muttered, glancing from Leon to the others at the gate, a bit uncertain. "What will they think?"

Leon’s grip around her waist tightened slightly, drawing her in just a little closer. He smiled down at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "So what?" he said, almost casually. "Let them think what they like. I’m not shy about showing love to my wife."

Aria blinked, still embarrassed but also trapped in the heat of his touch. She moved slightly in his arms, attempting to move away, though her body was resistant to releasing him. "You only tease me, don’t you? Always teasing," she whispered, her voice little more than a breath as she gazed up at him through half-lowered lashes.

Leon’s smile grew broader, his chest expanding at seeing her. "Perhaps I do," he replied quietly, his thumb caressing the edge of her waist. "But you can’t lie and say you don’t enjoy it." There was a gentle but teasing note in his voice, and love was evident in his eyes.

Aria bit her lip, her blush deepening, but there was a softness in her gaze that made the teasing feel almost comforting. "I do love it, but still. let me go, Leon. People will think we’re. Shameless couple" She trailed off, not quite finishing the sentence.

Leon laughed softly, his laughter rich and warm, and there was no mistaking the deep affection in his voice as he tightened his hold around her waist. "What? You’re my wife. There’s nothing wrong with me holding you." He leaned in closer, brushing his lips against the side of her forehead. "I’m not doing anything to be ashamed of."

Aria could feel the heat of his words, and her body eased a bit more, although her cheeks remained flushed. She allowed herself to sink into him for a moment, enjoying the sensation of being held by him. There was an odd sense of comfort in his arms, a reassurance that made everything seem right.

With a tiny, hardly perceptible sigh, she nodded her head against his chest. "You could be subtler, you know," she said softly, though her words were not imbued with much strength. She couldn’t truly disagree with the manner in which he treated her. Safe. Cherished. Loved. _{𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂}

Leon smiled gently, his heart overflowing with her gentle words. "Subtlety doesn’t come naturally to me when it’s you, Aria," he replied, his voice warm and genuine. "I’ll never apologize for letting you feel loved."

They strode side by side in silence, the tread of their footsteps filling the still air. Leon’s thoughts, however, weren’t quite calm. As they walked through the corridors of the mansion. Leon, couldn’t help but savor the sensation of Aria’s soft body against him, the aroma of her hair, the rhythm of her soft breathing. It was like he could almost get lost in this moment, in the warmth of her, in the serenity that enveloped them. This was his new existence; one he would defend with every fiber in his being.

But as they walked, his thoughts went to other things—things darker. Thoughts of the obstacles that were ahead. He breathed softly, enough for Aria to catch it. He knew that this new life would not be free of troubles. It was like a rose: lovely, soothing, scented. but with a thorny stem that could cut at any moment.

He had so much to guard now—his wives, his future, his new lovely life. It wasn’t romance or luxury anymore, though. It was to keep them safe, happy, and secure. He felt that urge burning inside of him, the urge to guard what he loved.

And then there was more. Leon’s thoughts went to his fighting methods. His cultivation had fallen to the mortal world, and he was now newly become novice. He had depended too much on the system, purchasing skills and studying theories. But now he realized that he needed hands-on experience. If he was going to really protect what he cared about, he had to be stronger. He couldn’t depend on his system forever. If he remained average, if he didn’t challenge himself, then someday he could fail to defend those he loved. And that failure would cost him everything.

His arm around Aria’s waist constricted a little at the thought. His mind whirled with plans, with the knowledge that his future hung in the balance of his potential to develop, to struggle, and to defend.

Aria picked up on the change in his energy, but she remained silent. She merely let herself melt further into his arms, her body pressed against his, his muscles under the gentle folds of his clothing. There was no need to ask. She knew it—the heavy weight of his thoughts.

She leaned in a little closer to him, reassured by his proximity. When they arrived at the door to his study, Leon released her just enough to open it with one hand, moving with fluid ease.

As soon as she entered, Aria stood in the center of the room, somewhat bewildered. "Leon," she inquired, her tone filled with curiosity. "Why did we go to your study so early? We have a lot of time before we begin our work."

Leon smiled at her comment, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Well, dear," he said softly, his voice rich with affection. "I thought I’d get some work out of the way early today."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "What kind of work?" she asked.

Leon laughed, reclining in his chair with a relaxed smile. "Well, you see," he started, his voice adopting a more serious tone, "my cultivation fell to the mortal world and recently I become novice and I feel I ignored my training." A twinkle appeared in his eyes as he looked at her. "So, I want to train, become accustomed to my power once more. And how better to practice than with you?"

Aria blinked, her face flushing as the truth sank in. "You want to. practice with me?" she asked in astonished voice.

Leon nodded, his eyes becoming a mite more intense. "Yes. I need to be sharp, more skilled on my realm and power. And you, my dear one, are just the right fit for this." He leaned over a little way, his words falling to a whisper. "I trust in you to guide me to improving."

Aria experienced a small thrill of expectation pass through her as she nodded, comprehending the gravity of what he was telling her. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

With that, Leon sat back in his chair, and Aria walked over to his desk, collecting the papers she knew he would require for the day’s work. But in doing so, she caught him off guard by sitting on his lap, settling herself into his arms comfortably.

Leon froze for a moment, his eyes widening in shock at her boldness. But then, his arm instinctively tightened around her waist, pulling her closer as he whispered, "Now you’re acting like a proper wifey."

Aria’s cheeks turned bright red, but she managed a small smile. "I am," she said softly, her voice playful yet still holding that hint of embarrassment.

But then she added in a mock-serious voice, "Now, no more teasing. Let’s get to work." Her words were breezy, but there was a hint of a playful challenge in her voice.

Leon smiled, his lips curving into a smirk as he pressed a soft kiss to the nape of her neck. Aria shivered a little at the touch, her body responding to his nearness in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

"I said work, Leon," she whispered, attempting to keep a handle on herself.

Leon hesitated for an instant, recalling what his charm skill did to her. He sensed the tiny changes in her posture, how she was responding to him more acutely. Though a small smile played on his face, he turned off his charm, not wishing to abuse her.

"Okay, my love," he murmured, his voice warm with love. "Let’s get down to work."

And so they spent the remainder of the morning working together, side by side. Aria discussed the reports, sharing her views and opinions. Leon listened carefully, making occasional teasing comments but always valuing her brains and opinions. When it was time to make a decision, he sought her opinion and stamped the documents accordingly.

Their work was productive, efficient, and yet, amidst the jobs, there existed a quiet, unspoken rapport that went from one to the other. The banter, the touches, the silent conversation—it was all part of their life they were constructing together.