NOVPUB
Chapter 76: A Corner of His Heart
A Corner of His Heart
Leon slowly turned, the twin moons’ silver light grazing his naked chest and scattering shadows across the space. Surprise flashed across his golden eyes at seeing the figure in front of him—but it immediately smoothed out to a boyish, roguish smile.
"Well, well... look who decided to drop by," he drawled, his voice a low, teasing vibration, humor humming along with each word.
By the door stood Cynthia, her silky black hair flowing in soft waves around her fragile shoulders. Her wide black eyes, shining under the moonbeams, revealed both wonder and uncertainty. Her face, crowned with soft locks and flushed with a rosy glow, had an almost angelic beauty—cute, innocent, but tempting enough to awaken any man’s passion.
She stood quietly in the doorway, wrapped in a midnight-blue nightgown that hugged her form like a second skin, the soft material flowing elegantly with every subtle movement. A thin slit ran up her thigh, showing smooth skin with every quiet step, and the low neckline provided a teasing glimpse of her collarbone and the gentle swell of her chest. The moonlight flooded over her, showcasing each elegant curve, illuminating her with an otherworldly glow. She was stunning—fragile but fearless, like a fantasy too beautiful to exist, yet indubitably human.
She stood there, windless, her heart pounding away.
When she entered his room, pushed open the door, looking for his characteristic mischievous grin, she stood stock-still. The room was quiet, lit by faint moonlight pouring across the wooden floor. Leon stood by the window, shirtless, his back turned a little, muscles outlined and glinting slightly from a fresh shower. The chill air kissed his rumpled hair surrounded a face absorbed in thought. His eyes were far away, staring at something beyond the window, his face gentle with unvoiced yearning. She couldn’t tear her eyes away—he didn’t appear real. He resembled a statue come to life, gorgeous, unattainable, and unwittingly compelling. Her breath caught, her heart pounding louder than her feet.
She couldn’t turn away. He wasn’t real—more a statue come to life, handsome and unattainable, unwittingly enthralled. Her breath caught, her heart pounding harder with each step he made.
His voice cut through the silence, shaking her from her daze. "Well, well... look who came back."
Cynthia blinked in surprise. Her lips parted a fraction, but nothing emerged. Leon was fully turned to her now, his golden eyes aglow in the moonlight. His black shoulder-length hair was tousled, and his arrogant stance, barefoot and bare-chested, left her gasping. She could sense her pulse racing, her mind struggling to catch up.
Leon raised an eyebrow, his teasing amusement clear. "Priestess," he breathed, his voice low and taunting.
Nevertheless, Cynthia was speechless, lost in the moment, ensnared by his presence.
He laughed, moving closer to her gradually.
Nevertheless, Cynthia didn’t respond. Her mind was still distant, ensnared in awe.
He laughed, moving closer to her gradually, observing her intently. But She didn’t respond. Her mind was still distant, ensnared in his presence.
When he was an inch from her, he spoke once more, his voice playful. "Priestess."
Her head jerked up, taken aback. She hadn’t noticed how close he was—just inches away. Her eyes widened, gasp caught in her throat, and a wave of color flushed into her cheeks, betraying her flustered condition.
"L-Lord... L-Leon..." she stuttered, not daring to meet him straight in the eyes.
Leon cocked his head, a look of amusement flickering in his eyes. "So, my priestess," he whispered, voice low and teasing, "what do you do here, in such... lovely clothes?"
Cynthia’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. "I-I..." she attempted, but stopped.
Leon leaned forward a little, his warm breath against her skin. "Don’t tell me," He teased smile, "you came in Aria’s stead... to seduce me?
Her eyes widened, a flustered gasp on her lips. "N-No, Lord! T-That’s not... this isn’t what you think!" she stammered, hands raised in alarm, her whole body flushed with red color, from head to toe.
Leon smiled softly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Then what is it, my dear priestess?" he asked, his voice filled with playful curiosity.
Looking down, not able to look at him, Cynthia stammered, her voice shaking, "L-Lady Aria said... t-tonight, I-I should sle -sleep h-here. W-with yo-you..." She lost her words, her face burning with shame. She shifted uncomfortably, the blush deepening.
"She said... she had to f-finish some... some preparations for tomorrow’s trip," she continued softly, as if attempting to understand it herself. The faster she talked, the more agitated she grew, her heart pounding in her chest
Leon blinked in surprise, then raised an eyebrow with quiet amusement. I see, he thought to himself in wonder. My lovely wifey is playing behind the scenes to – smooth the way of my harem path. How He smiled inwardly, the thought warming his chest with mischief and affection. I must’ve done something very good or I’ve saint in my previous life... to have such wonderful and caring wifey.
In silent wonder, Leon thought, If Aria hadn’t set this up, I was already going to make Cynthia mine... and not her alone—Kyr and Syra, too
Today, as Leon spent the market with them, a gentle mechanical chime resonated within his mind. His quiet system had given him three new assignments.
No sooner did he think it than a clear display flashed into existence, showing the new assignments.
[Ding!]
A radiant panel glowed before his eyes—only for his eyes:
-------------
{ [Mission Triggered: Fuck Cynthia]
[Objective: Make Cynthia completely yours]
[Reward: Love Meter Unlocked, +70 Black Points]
[Warning: Failure will disable "Touch of Charm"]
[Time Limit: 18 Days] }
{ [Mission Triggered: Fuck Kyra]
[Objective: Make Kyra completely yours]
[Reward: Charm Maximiser, +40 Black Points]
[Warning: Failure will disable "Touch of Charm"]
[Time Limit: 18 Days] }
{ [Mission Triggered: Fuck Syra]
[Objective: Make Syra completely yours]}
[Reward: Covenant of Will, +40 Black Points]
[Warning: Failure will disable "Touch of Charm"]
[Time Limit: 18 Days]
----------------------
Leon smirked. Eighteen days? I doubt I’ll need anywhere near that long...
Grinning at the hovering prompt, he didn’t even see Cynthia looking at him in curiosity.
"Lord?" she asked softly, tilting her head curiously.
Leon blinked, having been drawn back from his thoughts, and turned to her, and spoke. "Hm—yes?"
She scowled slightly. "What. are you staring at in air?"
Leon blinked, coming back to reality. He waved a hand discreetly, causing the system panel to disappear. "Nothing," he replied with a gleaming teasing smile. "Just... admiring how unbelievably sexy you look tonight."
Cynthia’s eyes went wide, and a hot blush crept up onto her cheeks, burning to the very tips of her ears. Her mouth dropped open, but no sound emerged—nothing more than a tiny sigh escaped her. She glanced away, flustered and speechless.
Leon smiled warmly, entertained by her response. Too cute for her own good was her blush.
He drew nearer, his tone softer now, eyes warm. "Aria sent you, did she?"
Blushing, Cynthia nodded shyly.
Leon allowed his eye to follow gradually down her nightgown, the corner of his mouth curled. "And so tell me, dear... this little dress you’re wearing," he continued, his eyes sparkling with humor, "you purchased it today at the marketplace with Aria, didn’t you?"
She nodded steadily, her gaze falling, her hands fluttering at sides of her gown, too embarrassed to look at him.
Leon smiled softly. It appears my little Aria is becoming braver, he thought to himself. And I approve of her braveness... A smile curved his lips. Maybe she needs a special reward—and a sleepless night reward for her.".
Leon placed the idea aside with a serene smile, his attention coming back to the woman in front of him. He took another cautious step forward, bridging the gap between them until they stood a breath apart.
"Cynthia," he whispered, his voice softer now, with a touch of sincerity. "You know... once we cross that line... there’s no return."
Cynthia gazed up at him, her heart racing, cheeks still flushed. With a nervous hesitation, she nodded.
Leon smiled, his fingers lightly sweeping a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch soft and lingering. "Are you sure, dear?"
She faltered, then replied with quiet resolve, "Lord... you understand I am here to serve. As my goddess’s priestess, it is my responsibility to guard you, to stand behind you, and to do your bidding—whatever your heart desires. But..."
Leon’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly, interest flaring as he detected her hesitation.
"But..." she went on, her tone softer now, eyes dropping to the floor, "this morning... when you talked at breakfast about friendship, and how you look at things from your side... I noticed something in you. A greatness. A quiet kindness. A man I can trust. A man I would trust my life with. A man every girl dreamed of..."
She glanced up once more, her black eyes glinting with absolute sincerity.
"I don’t want to be merely your servant, as you put it," she whispered, her emotions trembling in her voice. "I want to be your companion... someone by your side in this world. I don’t require much... I don’t even require a title. A little room in your heart is sufficient. A small corner where I can remain... even when one day, you no longer require me."
Leon stood stock still for a heartbeat, her words ringing in his head. They were straightforward... but they cut deeper than any great promise ever had. He felt the spark of something warm and solid in his chest—a pang, really, chipped out of her unadorned sincerity, left vulnerable. She wasn’t giving him her body. She was giving him loyalty, devotion, the rawest sort of love, without hope. Just a spot at his side. Just a niche of his heart.
Gently, he cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb across her skin. "Cynthia," he whispered, forehead resting against hers, "you’re already in my heart, dear...."
Cynthia’s breath caught as his words rested in her heart. Her eyes sparkled with vulnerability, and her voice trembled slightly, hardly above a whisper. "Please... never leave me behind," she begged, her hand shaking against his chest. "Let me remain at your side. Even if it’s quietly... forever."
Leon didn’t respond in words. Leon took a step closer, drawing her into his arms.
Cynthia’s breath was stolen by the shock of sudden closeness, her mind reeling with shock at his proximity
Then—without speaking, his mouth on hers.
It wasn’t a needy kiss. It was slow... deep... sincere. Her mind, briefly, short-circuited. Not with lust—but with emotion.
She dissolved into him, her arms going around his waist automatically, as if he would vanish. And in that instant, in the light of the silver moons, Cynthia was simply a woman—wanting nothing so much as a space in his heart.
