In a quiet corner of Maple Leaf Village, Leon sat across from Alice and Oliver.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but the tranquil atmosphere did little to calm the turmoil within Leon.
His eyes revealed deep hesitation and struggle as he unconsciously fiddled with the hem of his clothing, seemingly grappling with a difficult decision.
Finally, Leon took a deep breath, slowly lifting his gaze to scan Alice and Oliver in turn.
"I have something I've been keeping from you," he said, his voice low and hoarse, as if the words were being forced from the depths of his heart.
Alice and Oliver exchanged glances, seeing confusion and unease reflected in each other's eyes.
They waited silently for Leon to continue, the air around them feeling almost palpable with tension.
"Actually, I'm not an ordinary traveler," Leon paused before continuing, "I am a noble of the kingdom, burdened with my family's mission and responsibilities." There was a hint of resignation in his tone, as if he were sharing a heavy secret.
Alice's eyes widened in surprise.
"Noble? But... why were you injured and here?" Her mind was filled with questions, struggling to reconcile the Leon they had worked and lived alongside with the lofty status of a nobleman.
Leon shook his head with a bitter smile. "It was a conspiracy; I was betrayed by enemies and escaped here gravely wounded. If it weren't for you two, I might have..." His gaze flickered with gratitude as he looked at Alice and Oliver.
Oliver furrowed his brow, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him.
"So, you were deceiving us all along?" His voice carried a hint of anger, feeling hurt by Leon's concealment.
Leon quickly waved his hands. "No, I never intended to deceive you. During the time I've spent with you, I've felt warmth and sincerity like never before. Everything here is real to me." His eyes were filled with sincerity as he tried to convince Oliver and Alice of his words.
Alice looked at Leon, her heart a mix of emotions. She recalled the days spent foraging for herbs with him, the moments she cared for him when he was injured; those memories were so vivid and beautiful.
"Leon, I believe you. It's just... this is all so sudden," her voice trembled slightly, clearly still struggling to accept the reality.
Leon nodded and continued, "Alex is right; I can't stay here for long. My identity could bring danger to the village." A hint of worry crossed his gaze as he looked toward the distant village.
"What do you plan to do?" Oliver asked coldly, still somewhat bothered by Leon's secrecy.
Leon paused for a moment before saying, "I want to go back, resolve my family's issues, and end this conflict. Only then can I truly let everything go." His eyes revealed a determined resolve, as if he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Alice listened to Leon's words, feeling a wave of sadness wash over her.
"If you leave, will you come back?" Tears shimmered in her eyes, fearing that Leon might not return after he left.
Leon looked at Alice, his heart aching.
"I will come back, Alice. I promise you." He held her hand tightly, trying to offer her some comfort.
Oliver watched the two of them; although he still felt some dissatisfaction, he could understand Leon's predicament.
"Leon, since you have made your decision, then go. Just remember everything here," Oliver said, his tone carrying a hint of understanding and blessing.
Leon looked at Oliver, his heart filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Oliver. I will remember all of you, and I will remember this village." His eyes were filled with reluctance; everything here had become an indispensable part of his life.
On that afternoon, Leon revealed his true identity, stirring waves of emotion within Alice and Oliver.
Leon’s departure might be for a better future, but they worried that this newly restored friendship would gradually fade under the tests of time and distance.
As for Leon, he set out on a path filled with uncertainty, carrying both hopes for the future and nostalgia for the past.
Ahead of him lay a difficult battle, but for the sake of protecting this precious bond, he was willing to pay any price.
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