Chapter 36: A Proposal of Hearts

LThe sun rose on the Aetherwind estate, golden rays filtering through the tall windows, casting a warm glow across Leo's room.

He sat up, excitement coursing through him at the thought of what lay ahead.

Today was the day he would present his heartfelt plans for the future—not just for himself, but for Roxanne as well.

He quickly prepared himself, dressing in his finest attire, and made his way to find Roxanne.

As he approached the courtyard, he spotted her tending to the blooming flowers in the garden, her soft laughter dancing in the air as she chatted with the playful butterflies.

"Roxanne!" he called, a grin spreading across his features.

She turned, her expression shifting from surprise to delight.

"Leo! Good morning!"

He approached her, the weight of his proposal heavy on his heart.

"Can we talk? There's something important I want to share."

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she nodded.

"Of course!"

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The Confession

They strolled beneath the vibrant boughs of the cherry blossom trees, the petals fluttering around them like confetti.

Leo took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before speaking.

"Roxanne, I've been thinking a lot about our future."

His words seemed to hang in the air, electrifying the space between them.

Roxanne's cheeks flushed a rosy hue.

"What do you mean?"

"I want to marry you," he stated firmly, locking eyes with her.

Roxanne's expression shifted from surprise to a gentle, shy smile.

"Marry? Me?" she stuttered, her shyness painting her cheeks with deeper colors.

"Yes, you! I believe you're the one I want to share my life with. You make me happy, and I can't imagine my future without you by my side."

She looked down for a moment, a rush of happiness crashing over her as she processed his words.

"I… I would love that, Leo. But are you sure? Your mother…"

"Will undoubtedly be delighted," Leo interjected confidently.

"She wants to see me happy, and you make me the happiest."

Before she could respond, excitement filled the air as Lady Aetherwind appeared, her entrance as grand as the aura surrounding her.

"There you are! I've been looking for you both!" She smiled warmly, the light glinting off her hair.

"Mother," Leo said, caught slightly off guard.

"I was just talking to Roxanne about… our future."

Lady Aetherwind's eyes widened with interest.

"Oh? And what are the plans you have in mind?"

Leo looked at Roxanne, and seeing her nodding gently, he stated, "I want to propose to Roxanne. I wish to marry her."

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A Mother's Delight

"Marriage? My dear boy!" Lady Aetherwind exclaimed, eyes sparkling with joy.

She turned to Roxanne, her expression softening.

"You must be Roxanne! What a pleasure to finally meet you."

Roxanne blushed under the scrutiny of Leo's mother.

"It's wonderful to meet you as well, Lady Aetherwind," she said, her voice a gentle murmur.

"Oh, don't be so formal! Call me Mother!" Lady Aetherwind urged, embracing Roxanne.

"You are truly beautiful, in both heart and spirit. I can see how much you care for my son."

Roxanne glanced at Leo, her nerves easing slightly, comforted by his reassuring smile.

"Thank you," she managed, her words sincere but shy.

As they began to chat, Lady Aetherwind shared stories from Leo's childhood—most notably, the embarrassing moments that made Leo squirm uncomfortably.

Roxanne listened with rapt attention, giggles spilling forth at the tales of young Leo's antics.

"Oh, you should have seen him trying to impress his first crush! He was such a clumsy little thing," his mother continued, laughter infusing her words.

Leo turned beet red at the stories being told, his typically confident demeanor momentarily overshadowed by embarrassment.

"Mother! Please!" he protested, though the smiles on their faces soothed the atmosphere.

"You see, it's true! Only my mother can bring out this side of me," Leo laughed, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his own amusement.

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A Parting Gift

Later that afternoon, as the conversation wound down and joy settled over the trio, Leo felt compelled to express his appreciation.

He had prepared something special for his mother—a token of his gratitude for supporting him in his endeavors.

"Mother, I have something for you," he announced, retrieving a small ornate box from his robe.

Carefully, he opened it to reveal a shimmering divine elixir and an eternal beauty potion.

"Leo? Is this…?" Lady Aetherwind gasped, her eyes wide with awe.

"Indeed! It's a blend crafted to enhance vitality and ensure lasting beauty. I thought you'd appreciate it," he replied with a proud smile.

She clasped her hands together, sparkling with delight.

"Oh, my baby! This is too generous! Come here, give Mama a kiss!"

Before Leo could react, she leaned forward, placing a kiss on his cheek.

The gesture startled him, and he instinctively took a step back, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Mother!" he exclaimed, half-laughing, half-yelping as he turned to flee from the playful assault of affection.

Lady Aetherwind laughed heartily, chasing him through the gardens.

"Don't run away from me, my dear!"

Meanwhile, Butler Wang, standing nearby, looked on with a bright smile, clearly enjoying the harmonious scene unfolding before him.

He appreciated how well the family bonded, noting how far they had come.

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The Next Morning at Bladecrest

The following day, Leo and his mother prepared to visit the Bladecrest family to discuss the marriage alliance.

Leo watched his mother as they traveled, the pride in her expression fueling his ambitions with each passing moment.

As they arrived at the grand estate of the Bladecrest family, the opulence of their home was evident—large stone pillars framed the entrance, and lush gardens bloomed with vibrant flowers, all meticulously cared for.

Leo felt a stir of confidence as he stepped forward, his mother by his side, embodying the strength of his lineage.

Once inside, they were graciously greeted by Lord Bladecrest and his wife, who ushered them into a lavish sitting room filled with fine art and rich tapestries.

The atmosphere was cordial, but Leo could sense an undercurrent of expectation in the air.

"Lady Aetherwind, Leo, welcome! We are honored by your presence," Lord Bladecrest said, raising his glass in greeting.

"Thank you for having us," Lady Aetherwind replied smoothly, her demeanor regal as she took her seat next to Leo.

"We come with an important proposal regarding a union between our families."

"Ah, yes. Leo and my daughter Selena have always been good friends," Lady Bladecrest said, her smile warm but her eyes pulled tight with concern.

"But we have a different understanding of commitment in our family."

Leo's heart sank slightly at the mention of Selena.

However, he swiftly redirected his focus.

"While Selena and I have shared a bond, my intentions inspire me to pursue a different path now. I wish to marry Roxanne."

An air of surprise swept through the room.

Lady Bladecrest exchanged brows with her husband, stunned yet intrigued.

"Roxanne, you say?" Lord Bladecrest's voice was measured as he regarded Leo.

"And what of Selena?"

Leo took a steady breath, readying himself for the defense of his choice.

"I respect Selena and our history, but I believe Roxanne embodies the ideals I seek in a partner. She complements me in ways I have come to grips with—and frankly, we believe together we can forge a stronger alliance."

His mother nodded in agreement, adding, "It is essential for young couples to find mutual companionship and understanding. Roxanne fills that role effortlessly, and I can see a true love forming between them."

After a deliberation, the Bladecrests exchanged glances, weighing this new development.

"We appreciate your honesty. If Roxanne is indeed the one you desire, and she has expressed her affections adequately—"

"She has," Leo interjected confidently, keen to solidify their stance.

"I urge you to consider this arrangement, one that can fortify the bonds between our families."

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Finalizing the Arrangements

After an extensive discussion and heartfelt inquiries about each family's expectations, Lady Bladecrest finally spoke.

"We shall agree to an engagement, and we would like to make a grand announcement to commemorate this union."

Leo's expression brightened, fueled by a mix of relief and triumph at their reasons for acceptance.

He felt a swell of pride awaken within him, echoing in harmony with his mother's.

"When would you like to make the announcement?" Lord Bladecrest asked, looking directly at Lady Aetherwind.

"In a few short days," Lady Aetherwind said decisively.

"Let it be a spectacle renowned across our territories. We will invite all significant families; news of this engagement will become the talk of the realm!"

As Leo glanced at his mother, he couldn't help but admire her commanding presence and tact.

She was unwavering in her drive to forge connections that would elevate their standing.

Once the details were finalized and pleasantries exchanged, Leo and his mother made their way out of the Bladecrest estate, invigorated and exhilarated by the day's events.

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A Son's Pride

Once they were back on the road, Leo turned to his mother, feeling lighter than air.

"Thank you for supporting me, Mother. I couldn't have done this without your encouragement."

"I'm proud of you, Leo. You've come so far, and I believe your future with Roxanne will thrive," she replied, her eyes radiant with affection.

Leo beamed, filled with gratitude and expectation for what lay ahead.

His heart was buoyed by love for his family, his determination for his plans, and the vision of the life he wished to build with Roxanne.

As they continued their journey home, laughter filled the carriage, an ambiance that promised bright beginnings and passionate futures.

And with each passing moment, the looming shadows of adversity fell behind them, eclipsed by the strength of their bonds and the joy of new opportunities blossoming before them.

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