The Decisive War Against the Barbarians

Even though Liliana tried to stay calm, the words "one year" made her body tremble slightly.

Her pink lips parted, then pressed together again, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the right words.

A minute passed before she finally regained her composure—though not completely.

"Is it really that long?" she asked, feigning indifference.

Leon could sense the frustration and sadness in her voice, making him sigh softly.

"I'm not sure yet, but this time, I'll probably be away longer than before," he explained gently. Then, in a soothing tone, he added, "Still, it's just an estimate. I might return sooner."

Hearing that, Liliana brushed aside her sadness and gave a slow nod. "I know. Don't worry."

She understood all too well that Leon's journey was inevitable. As the Fated One, he could never be confined to the palace.

Like a bird, he was meant to soar freely across the sky.