Dimensional Descent

It wasn't the most romantic kiss as kisses went.

In the stories, the couple would be on a hill by a setting sun or beneath the rain and awashed in emotions. But, there was no beautiful scenery to be seen. In fact, with a look around, there was nothing but a bland Royal Court still suffused with a heavy atmosphere.

In the stories, maybe some loving words would have just been said. But, Leonel had just finished with telling Aina that he had no intention of saving her if she went off and did something stupid on her own.

In the stories, the female lead would be gorgeous and flawless. But, Aina was still scarred. Even as he kissed her, Leonel could feel the imperfections running across her lips.

Still, even with all of this said, Leonel felt as though he was on the top of the world. To veterans of love, Leonel had barely given Aina a peck on the lips. But to him, it felt as though he had conquered the world. It felt better than anything he had ever experienced before… no game he had ever won, no battle he had ever claimed victory in, no complicated thought he had ever finished could match up to the euphoria he was experiencing now.

It was only when Leonel sensed his hastily put up [Light Refraction] spell wavering that he retreated despite his reluctance. However, his actions allowed him to see a scene he would never forget.

Aina still sat on her chair, her legs swung in his direction. But, her two hands were over her heart, one balled into a fist and the other wrapped around it. They pressed against her chest as though she was trying to stop her heart from escaping.

Her lips were slightly separated and trembling, her breathing wild an erratic. A blush travelled up from her neck and through her face, not missing even her trembling eyelids that still hung closed.

Though she only remained in this position for a fraction of a moment, Leonel's burned the image into his mind, even down to the way she slightly leaned forward as though subconsciously asking for more.

"Ah!"

Aina awoke from her stupor, the flash of crimson across her face and neck deepening by several shades.

"You… You… I…"

Aina's words stuttered.

rumbling cadence of his

can't deny that you like me

Aina was

stood up quickly, wanting to run away. But, this time,

Don't run anymore… Okay?" Leonel's grin faded and his

feeling short once again. But, seeing the look in Leonel's

from her standing position, her gaze a wild mix of emotions. But, Leonel's own remained steady, like a pillar waiting for her to lean

Okay…" Aina nodded almost imperceptibly, her voice

a level of peace to it that made

height. The way he almost cast a shadow over Aina made her oddly feel at peace, the erratic beat of

me from now

Leonel stroked her hair. For some reason, she

nodded almost

like this as though they were in their own world despite everything going on around them felt like a remedy to all that had ailed

he had lost contact with his only family, he had lost his home, he had constantly been on the run or in a perpetual state of battle… Ironically, the first time he truly got any

had found a self-sustaining peace. He felt that no matter where he was or what he was doing, even if he was in the midst of blood and war… As

one put into something never paid off when you truly

whole lives working toward becoming the best of the best, but after winning it all once, it

richest men and women in the world devote themselves to growing their net worth to heights still yet unseen, but no matter how much they make,