Worth attention!

ㅤ Marian knew why Hugo had brought her. And she was afraid of it... The better she got to know sweet Emilio, the more she wanted to protect him. From herself... From the influence she unwittingly exerted, driving him into a deadly trap. His sincere, warm feelings were heartbreaking... Marian found only one solution: to redirect Emilio's attention to someone else. To find a partner who was his equal, so that he would have hope for the future.So that she would have hope... She found her in the temple. A young novice of noble blood, who prioritized study and self-improvement. Her keen intellect was impressive, and her sweet appearance charming. Marian offered her to become a sort of governess: her charge was "slightly" older. She tempted her with the promise of new experience and a good cause. And her joy knew no bounds when she received his consent. However... "You want her to teach me? She's still a child!" Leon protested, rightly so. "Don't your opponents think the same of you until you fight them?" Marian retorted. Especially since, despite Leon's protests, the unwanted teacher was still older than him. Marian tactfully didn't mention this. "You're both geniuses, but in different ways," she flattered Leon's vanity. But it wasn't the praise itself that made his heart tremble, but the person giving it. "So give Ange a chance." Skepticism was clearly visible on his face. But Ange wasn't the least bit embarrassed by her future student's attitude: she had long since become accustomed to such treatment. And time and again she proved that there was no point in doubting her abilities. Not intentionally, not out of spite. She simply did what she loved, ignoring any rudeness or prejudice. And so she did this time. They both had their share of stubbornness, fortunately their personalities meshed well. Calm and gentle, Ange never grew angry, despite her strictness, so she easily managed to quell all of Leon's emotional outbursts—his teenage rebellion never escalated into anything more. While at first Leon was helped to restrain himself by thoughts of Marian, his promise to her, Ange also managed to focus his attention on something else, which allowed her to honestly teach her trusted student. To inspire in him an interest in learning. Not to allow him to obsess over anything... or anyone. Expanding his horizons also benefited Leon's personality. He became more reserved, began to better understand those around him, including his own people. And his father. To whom he still obeyed, understanding the consequences of disobedience. But he felt that at the right moment, if things got really bad, he would be able to fight back. He thought less about Marian during class. He stopped pining for her when she wasn't around. Gradually, Marian adjusted her plan so that she spent less time with Emilio, encouraging him to pay more attention to Ange. Even outside of class. Just talking. Walking outside the mansion. And after some time, he himself came up with the idea of ​​holding his classes outdoors. Far from the oppressive place, filled with confinement and dark thoughts. It took a long time before Leon stopped noticing Marian's absence. Reaching out to her... Before he allowed himself to take Ange's hand. Look into her eyes not as a teacher, but as a person. A girl who had broken through the thick wall of fear and forced loneliness. "I heard it's common for knights to go on pilgrimages." "Huh?" Leon was surprised by the sudden topic. "Why don't we go on a journey?" Ange liked the idea, even though it wasn't her idea. Seeing that the relationship between Leon and Ange was improving, Marian asked to take him as far away as possible from his home, which was shackles him. She couldn't tell her the whole truth, but Ange could tell from her eyes that something was wrong. And Marian certainly didn't wish them any harm. "I'm sure," Ange continued, "His Majesty will gladly let you go if you assure him that your expedition will benefit the kingdom. After all, you'll be able to gather much valuable information about the affairs of his subjects." "But I think I'll be more useful in the capital, at the king's side." Leon doubted it. He himself felt the need to get away from Hugo, to break his control. He just needed to gain confidence. To solidify the right idea. "Oh, really? Didn't I teach you to expand your horizons? There's still so much you don't know. And so much I don't know. So why not break away from the familiar and challenge yourself?" "If you look at it that way..." Leon paused. A look like that could influence Hugo, too, and protect Marian, who couldn't be abandoned so easily. After all, if the king himself sent Leon on the pilgrimage... Ange understood that her next words wouldn't be a trump card, that she'd already said the most significant part, but they still held meaning, so she concluded, taking Leon's hand and raising it to her heart: "This will help us grow closer, too. If, of course, your heart desires the same." Desired. To what extent, Leon himself had no idea. Ange's words and the beating of her heart touched his soul, giving him another new vision. Dispelled his last doubts. "I will speak with the king." Leon gave a rare smile. He was already considering arguments to persuade the king. He was anticipating the future. After all, hope, long forgotten under the oppression of his father's tyranny, had settled in his heart too. And he so desperately wanted to believe in a bright future... ㅤ