Chapter 72: The Crowd’s Murmurs [Part 2]

The Crowd’s Murmurs [Part 2]

"What did you say?" Cecilia’s voice rose several octaves.

Her eyes went wide.

Unable to believe what she was hearing.

"I’ve signed a contract with Leon. I’m his beast-girl now."

Though Evelyn’s voice was soft, it cut through the silence like a blade.

"Th-This... how is that possible?!"

Cecilia’s voice trembled.

She turned to Leon, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

"Leon? How could he possibly—?"

The students around them erupted into murmurs.

They never expected the quiet, unremarkable Leon to have contracted a genius beast-girl like Evelyn.

"Did Evelyn dissolve her contract with Levis and get together with Leon?!"

"Wait—let me get this straight... our school beauty is now with some nobody?"

"Damn!"

"It makes no sense! Why would Evelyn choose an ordinary guy?"

"Exactly—she’s the most promising beast-girl in Aurelia City!"

"I’m speechless. First Selena, now Evelyn—he’s got two stunning beauties!!"

"Can’t he spare one for me? Damn!"

"Leon? What gives him the right?"

"I’m honestly numb. She could have had a wealthy heir from Spiritan City—but she chose a low-rank, broke loser?"

The murmurs swelled into a chorus of disbelief.

Evelyn stood among the crowd, her expression calm.

She had already made up her mind.

Since she was on Leon’s ship, there was no turning back.

One path, to the very end.

Under Leon’s orders, she had already betrayed her family.

If that ever came to light, she would be cast out completely.

Since a break with her family was inevitable, she might as well cling to Leon.

A rising star.

At this point, following him might not be such a bad thing.

That skill earlier—Selena’s devastating attack—had truly shaken Evelyn to her core.

She had thought reaching Level 10 was impressive.

But in seconds, she had been boosted to Level 20!

Terrifying!

Absolutely terrifying!

Even she had been afraid in that moment.

With such a powerful backer, Evelyn found her confidence restored.

In this world, strength was everything.

With such a beast-girl backing him up, she didn’t mind playing second fiddle to Leon.

If even Selena had submitted to him willingly, then Evelyn knew she had to pick a side.

And Leon’s side was the winning side.

Evelyn was no fool.

She knew that if she wanted to rise, Leon was her only hope.

Her only hope.

With Selena’s power, there probably weren’t many in the entire province who could match her.

Evelyn looked at the murmuring crowd and found it almost amusing.

Wait until the martial exams begin.

Then they’ll understand how wise her choice was.

She was practically guaranteed to win without lifting a finger.

Leon’s hand found her waist.

Squeezed gently.

"Don’t let them get to you, dear Evelyn."

She looked at him.

"Who said they’re getting to me?"

Leon smirked.

"Good. That’s my girl."

Selena stepped closer.

Her golden eyes scanned the crowd.

"They’re just jealous, darling. They can’t stand seeing you succeed."

Leon pulled both women closer.

His arms around their waists.

"Let them talk. They’ll be eating their words soon enough."

Evelyn leaned into his touch.

"Are you sure about this, Leon? The whole city is watching."

"I’ve never been more sure of anything."

He kissed her forehead.

"Trust me."

Evelyn’s heart fluttered.

Trust him.

She did.

Completely.

---

Cecilia’s face twisted with contempt.

"Evelyn—you actually chose Leon?"

"How utterly ridiculous."

Leon’s aptitude was abysmal.

Even his own homeroom teacher didn’t think much of him.

You gave up a wealthy young master who adored you—for a failure?

What were you thinking?

In the crowd, another figure watched Leon’s cold expression.

His fists clenching tightly.

It was Evan Blackheart.

He didn’t dare show his face.

In fact, he even used his clothing to obscure his identity.

Terrified of being recognized and mocked.

"Leon... Mother... I will defeat you both!!"

Evan’s voice was low and bitter.

But then—he remembered how easily his eleventh uncle had been defeated.

A bitter smile crossed his face.

Defeat him?

Was that even possible?

"Just who are you, Leon? You’ve even bewitched my cousin..."

"Could it be... as others said... you seduced her?"

What Evan didn’t notice was—

Behind him, Anna—his contracted beast-girl—was staring at Leon with a distant, thoughtful gaze.

He’s interesting, Anna thought.

Not like the others.

He actually has power.

And he’s not afraid to show it.

I wonder...

---

Leon stood among the crowd, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon him.

But his heart was undisturbed.

They could talk all they wanted.

Talk was cheap.

If they had the skill, they could try to beat him.

"Waste of breath."

Leon didn’t take any of them seriously.

But their constant chatter was starting to grate on him.

In his eyes, none of them were worthy opponents.

His gaze was one of pure contempt.

"Hey—what did you just say?"

"I can’t believe you actually think you’re someone important!"

Many were already burning with jealousy and resentment.

Seeing Leon look down on them only fanned the flames.

"Everyone—if any of us face Leon in the exams, let’s knock him off the stage first!"

A burly student named Gian shouted.

"Exactly!"

"Show him what happens when he acts so high and mighty!"

The jeers echoed across the square.

Leon smirked.

"Knock me off? You couldn’t even touch me."

"You—!"

Gian’s face went red.

But before he could respond, Principal Lawrence’s voice boomed from the podium through the speakers.

"Quiet down, everyone."

The time had come.

"Please make your way through the teleportation arrays in an orderly fashion and enter the examination venue."

"The first exam is a combat placement test."

"Once you enter, every 50 students will be assigned to one arena. Points will be awarded based on the order in which you are eliminated."

"Alright, everyone—enter the exam hall."

"Ten years of hard work—all for today!"

"I wish you all the best results! May victory be yours!"

Leon turned to his women.

"Ready?"

Evelyn nodded.

"Ready."

Selena smiled.

"Always, darling."

Leon pulled them close.

His lips brushed Evelyn’s ear.

"Stay close to me. I want to see their faces when they realize they can’t touch us."

Evelyn laughed.

"You’re impossible."

"You love it."

She didn’t deny it.

Because he was right.

She did.