Chapter 168: Athena's Suspicion and an Agreement

"Leon?"

Upon hearing Liliana's exclamation, Leon, who was poised to unleash the power of chaos to fend off Athena, was instantly stunned, his face pale and his body frozen in place like a statue.

As Athena's attack halted just before reaching his face and confusion clouded her expression, cold sweat trickled down Leon's forehead.

'Damn it!' Leon cursed inwardly, intending to retreat, but he suddenly felt a force pulling him, and Liliana materialized before him, wielding the Eternal Disaster Magic Staff in her right hand.

Her eyes, blood-red and icy, fixed on Athena as a red aura condensed around her.

"Athena Hellness, why are you attacking him!?" Liliana inquired in a chilly, indifferent tone.

At Liliana's words, Athena snapped out of her daze, her face still showing traces of shock.

Slowly, she shifted her gaze to Liliana, who stood opposite her, her expression turning equally frigid.

"Liliana Crimson, this is none of your concern; it's between him and me," Athena declared in a firm, cold tone, pointing at Leon.

Liliana showed no sign of weakness in response to Athena's harsh statement. Instead, she stood proudly and confidently.

"Hehehe~ None of my concern? I'm sorry, Athena Hellness, but let me enlighten you," Liliana proclaimed, her huge chest rising slightly as she grasped Leon's right arm. "This man is my husband, and naturally, his affairs concern me. So, please refrain from making impolite remarks, okay?"

A faint, proud smile graced Liliana's lips as she spoke, a declaration of sovereignty that left Leon feeling somewhat helpless behind her.

Hearing Liliana's words, Athena widened her eyes in disbelief, casting glances between Liliana and Leon.

"Liliana Crimson, what did you just say? You didn't deceive me, did you?" Athena asked, astonishment coloring her tone.

Liliana shook her head. "No, this time I'm telling you the truth, Athena Hellness. This man is my husband. The reason I lied earlier, pretending not to know him, was because your sudden arrival put us on alert."

As Liliana began to explain everything, Athena's eyes narrowed, anger contorting her beautiful face as she realized she had been deceived.

Yet, her emotional control was excellent, and she swiftly regained her composure as she scrutinized Leon once again with a careful gaze, unsettling him instantly.

Athena's intense stare felt like it was stripping him bare, and he was acutely aware that if he didn't act quickly, he'd be in grave danger of being discovered.

After a moment, Athena withdrew her gaze from Leon and turned to Liliana with a cold stare.

"You mentioned he was your husband, and just now you called him Leon, right? So, can you tell me his full name?" Athena inquired.

She wasn't entirely sure why she was asking. It was evident that this man's appearance contradicted that of Leon, the man she loved. However, after Liliana referred to him as 'Leon,' curiosity naturally piqued Athena's interest in his full name.

Liliana frowned slightly upon hearing the question, puzzled by Athena's sudden curiosity.

Nevertheless, she felt inclined to divulge the information, considering she had deceived Athena twice before. Offering this answer could be deemed compensation for her actions.

Taking a small breath, Liliana's expression softened as she turned her gaze towards Leon behind her and began, "You should be familiar with him, Athena. This man is Leon—"

"Ahem! My name is Leon Orion," Leon interrupted abruptly, cutting Liliana off before she could finish her sentence.

Liliana was naturally taken aback by his introduction, but before she could react, Leon promptly pulled her back and stepped forward with a faint smile adorning his lips.

"Ahem! Forgive my impoliteness and rudeness for not introducing myself earlier, Dragon Empress Athena Hellness. Though I am belated, allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Leon Orion. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Leon said with the utmost respect, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor.

"Leon Orion?" Athena frowned slightly, finding the name somewhat unusual.

"Yes, my name is Leon Orion, and you may find it a bit strange," Leon lied without the slightest change in his expression, continuing, "But this is natural since I am a demon born in a desolate region."

'Leon Orion' was his name in his previous life, given to him by his parents in the previous world.

Originally, he didn't want to mention this name again because his memories of his family in his previous life weren't pleasant, but he found himself compelled to use it in order to deceive Athena.

Athena scrutinized him once more, detecting no hint of deceit in his expression or voice, which compelled her to believe him.

With a slight nod, Athena reclaimed her indifferent yet commanding demeanor as she said, "Very well, Leon Orion, let's revisit our previous discussion. Why did you decline my offer? I expect a satisfactory explanation, or else be prepared for me to take matters into my own hands."

Leon smiled slightly at her familiar domineering demeanor, reminiscent of the time when this woman had coerced him into submission.

"Well, it's not that I intended to refuse, but it's simply not the right time to meet your ancestor, Athena Hellness," Leon said lightly, then continued, "I can't provide a detailed explanation, but you can assure your ancestor that when the time is right, I'll visit your place to meet him."

After considering the matter of the hidden races for a moment, he understood the importance of not displaying excessive wariness towards them, knowing it could have adverse consequences.

Furthermore, he harbored confidence that Miranda would soon awaken, allowing him to broach the topic with her later.

Upon hearing Leon's words, Athena fell silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding. S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Alright, I won't pressure you," she conceded with a slight sigh, her dominering demeanor now softening as she contiuned, "I'll convey your message to my ancestor."

To be frank, if it were anyone else, she wouldn't hesitate to take them away immediately.

Yet, this man standing before her seemed far from ordinary, emanating an aura that unnerved her. Moreover, with Liliana's presence beside him, she knew she stood little chance against the two.

Rather than risk embarrassment, she decided it was wise to surrender and inform her ancestor about the situation; as for her ancestor's reaction, she paid it little mind—it wasn't her concern.

Leon breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her agreement, his body relaxing slightly.

"Thank you," he said in his true voice, catching Athena off guard and prompting her to gaze at Leon with a blank expression.

She had once dreamt of Leon expressing gratitude to her in a similar manner, causing her heart to race.

Sensing Athena's intense scrutiny, Leon immediately realized his mistake, cursing himself inwardly.

"Ahem! Dragon Empress Athena, is there something on my face?" Leon's voice returned to its usual tone, prompting Athena to snap out of her thoughts.

"No, I'm sorry," Athena replied, shaking her head slightly.

'Perhaps it's just my mind playing tricks on me from missing him too much,' she murmured to herself, feeling a mix of longing and frustration.

Years had passed since she last saw Leon, leaving her with a deep sense of yearning.

If it weren't for the constraints of her palace and the rules prohibiting direct involvement with heroes, she would have captured Leon long ago, confined him in her chambers, and claimed him as her own!

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Athena directed her gaze to Liliana standing behind him, who met her stare with equal hostility, intensifying the tension between them.

After a moment, Athena softened her demeanor slightly and said, "Liliana Crimson, could I have a private word with you?"

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A/N: Thank you, and stay tuned! BTW, don't forget to show your support~