BXBX NOVEL Chapter 41: "Challenged?"
"It was," she agreed. "But it also made me stronger. And now, with everything that's happened, I feel like I can face anything."
Leon nodded, admiring her resilience. "You've handled everything remarkably well. It's one ofq the things I admire most about you."
Amelia's smile widened. "Thank you, Leon. That means a lot."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. The world outside might be filled with uncertainties, but here and now, in this cozy restaurant, everything felt right.
They continued eating, their conversation shifting to lighter topics. Amelia shared stories about her childhood, the antics she got up to with her sisters, and the traditions of her family. Leon listened intently, fascinated by her tales and the glimpse they provided into her world.
As they settled in, the warmth and coziness of Appetizing Chalice began to ease the lingering tension in Amelia's heart, allowing her to fully enjoy the moment with Leon.
Meanwhile, a man with a sturdy build and a wild presence barged into the restaurant. His tanned skin and chestnut hair framed a face filled with anger. He looked around the main dining area but couldn't spot Leon. Frustrated, he walked over to one of the attendants.
"Which special room is Leon, Lady Amelia's proposed fiancé, dining in?" the man demanded, his voice loud with anger.
"Sir Euwen, Leon and Lady Amelia are special guests. According to the rules of the restaurant, their room shouldn't be disclosed. We have the satisfaction of our respective customers at heart," the attendant spoke as professionally as she could, trying her best not to offend the man in front of her. This was Sir Euwen, the husband of Elara, born just before Amelia.
He had an infamous reputation for his temper.
Euwen scoffed and brought out a token. The attendant's eyes widened upon seeing it. She quickly led Euwen deeper into the restaurant to meet the shopkeeper.
Meanwhile, the diners began whispering among themselves, spreading rumors and speculating about the situation.
"I heard Euwen is very possessive of his wife. What has Leon done to anger a hot-tempered man like that?"
"Don't you know? Leon's otherworldly handsomeness attracts everyone. Euwen must have noticed and felt threatened. Now he probably wants to put on a show for his wife so she'll never approach Leon again."
"It will probably be a duel."
"I heard that Euwen once took down a group of bandits single-handedly when they attacked him and Elara while they were moving back to visit his family, the Mountain Heart family."
"Leon might have the looks, but Euwen has the strength and experience. There's no way Leon can match him in a fight."
"What are you even talking about? Leon is a mortal; he doesn't even stand a snowflake's chance in hell. Euwen is sure to utterly disfigure that face he cherishes so much."
"Remember when Euwen caught that thief trying to steal from Elara? He broke the man's arm without breaking a sweat. The man was a Leon better watch out."
"Leon may have a mysterious aura, but Euwen's reputation in the estate is unparalleled. This could get ugly fast."
They were filled with expectations, their ears at the ready for what will happen next.
Meanwhile, at her office, the shopkeeper bowed and said, "Sorry sir Euwen, but you'll have to wait for Leon to finish to have chitchat with him, it's not the restaurant style to invade a customers privacy"
The veins on Euwen's forehead bulged as he tried to contain his anger, but he still complied, asking for a dessert as he waited.
Meanwhile, Leon and Amelia were having a lovey dovey moment, with each food the swallowed it down with wine that tasted great, the meal was a delight!
Soon, it was time to leave.
The attendant came, and Leon paid the bill, surprising Amelia. She had thought he had no money on him. The extravagant meal cost close to 100 spirit stones. Leon, with no information about the world, had no idea he had spent a huge amount of money on a single meal, but even if he knew, it's highly unlikely he would care.
After paying the bill, they left the secluded room.
They were just about to leave the restaurant premises entirely when a voice boomed behind them.
"Leon!" The man's voice echoed through the restaurant, silencing all conversation. Diners turned to watch, their expressions a mix of curiosity and alarm.
Leon, already outside the restaurant building, turned and looked up at the one calling him, his serene demeanor unbroken. Amelia placed a calming hand on his arm, but he gently moved it away and walked forward, facing the furious intruder. He could sense the killing intent.
The man was nothing in Leon's eyes...
"Can I help you?" Leon asked, his tone calm and composed.
The man's face twisted further in anger. "You dare pretend ignorance? You know exactly why I'm here!" He pointed a trembling finger at Leon. "You think you can just seduce anyone's wife with your looks? Do you think you're untouchable?"
Leon raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. He let out a dry, hearty laugh. "Is this what this is all about? You're blaming me for your inability to keep your wife to yourself?"
Euwen gritted his teeth, his body vibrating slightly as he found it hard to contain his anger. This was a blatant insult and disgrace that he found hard to refute. His veins bulged, threatening to pop out from his skin, his hands clenched into fists, his anger boiling over.
Ewen was finally able to retort, his voice louder than ever. "You're a disgrace, hiding behind your pretty face. I won't stand for it!"
Leon remained unfazed, his smirk taunting. Ewen nearly vomited blood out in anger seeing that smirk. "So, what do you propose?"
Ewen's hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles white. "A duel."
His eyes blazed with pride and fury. "I want to disfigure your face and disgrace you. The next time my wife looks at you, it will be with disgust. Accept my challenge if you're man enough!"
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A/N:
Cliff hanger?