Chapter 231: An Unwilling Departure

Lia spoke, her voice soft and gentle, "Our allies won't be a problem, but there are two clans who will undoubtedly test your strength and try to undermine you until we are officially married.

The first is the genius of the Wolf Mountain Sect, and the second is the heir of the Strongblaze clan. Both clans have been vying for Father's favor and have sent numerous marriage proposals, especially the boy from the Strongblaze clan."

Rio was grateful that she had already found the opponents he would be facing but he wasn't aware how much behind he was from those people who would be challenging him.

The girl continued as she still had to answer his second question, "They are both in the Red stage, but Helia can take them both alone if she fought them."

'That means I can aim to get as strong as the Lioness within one month...'

Rio's mind raced as he contemplated the challenge ahead. He knew that he had to prove himself as a worthy match for Lia's hand in marriage in front of the Shamor Empire's people, but the thought of facing off against opponents who were likely stronger than him was disconcerting.

He didn't want to appear weak or unworthy of Lia in others' eyes, especially on their special day and the girl's Birthday when he would be officially announced as her better half to the world. He didn't want to let her down or embarrass her by turning down the challenge, even if he knew that he was at a disadvantage in strength and it was okay to decline the duel requests.

As he held Lia close to him, Rio's thoughts continued to swirl. The weight of the challenge seemed to press down on him, and for a moment, he felt overwhelmed. He wanted to be strong enough to prove himself to everyone, but the problem was that He didn't have much time.

More importantly, he also had to find something he could give to his Wifey on her special day.

Lia seemed to sense his contemplation, and she snuggled closer to him, giving comfort and silent support.

Thinking of the solution for the upcoming event, he thought to ask Eve via telepathy, "Do you have any suggestions on what I should give her for her birthday? And any method for how I can reach the strength I need to defeat those opponents?"

Eve smiled mischievously as her voice echoed in his mind, "I can help you with everything, Partner. However, first, you need to defeat the monarch beast of the purple stage. Then, and only then, I might be able to aid my dear Rio with all other problems."

Rio sighed, knowing that the monarch beast was going to be a mysterious obstacle and hard trial that would be no easy feat to defeat.

He took a deep breath and spoke, "Wifey, I will have to leave soon."

Lia's face immediately fell, and she sat on his waist, staring at him with sad eyes.

Rio's heart sank as he looked at Lia's face. The boy could feel her disappointment, and it made his heart ache. He knew she didn't want him to go, and he couldn't blame her. The thought of leaving her made him feel like a piece of him was missing just how it felt to be apart from Layla. But he had no other choice.

"I'm stuck at the purple stage, and I need to defeat the next monarch beast, I will come back before the banquet starts." He explained his situation, hoping she would understand him.

Lia didn't say anything, but her expression spoke her silent response. Rio could see the sorrow and disappointment in her eyes, and it made him feel reluctant for leaving her. He wished he could stay with her forever, but he knew he had to face many challenges ahead of him and get stronger if he wanted to protect her from the future's dangers.

Rio sighed, not knowing what hurdles the monarch beast was going to bring for him. He only knew it wouldn't be an easy feat to achieve, and the thought of it made him a little edgy. But he had to try. He couldn't let Lia down, and he couldn't let himself appear weak in front of his rivals and everyone at the banquet.

'I have to hold my Wifey's pride, for that, I can not sit here and sip some tea.'

He knew he had to leave soon, but the thought of seeing her like this tugged at his heartstrings. Despite knowing that he had to go, he didn't want to leave her feeling upset and alone since Helia and Nyla had gone on their own adventure together.

"I will leave tomorrow, so let's not waste the time being sad," he said, pulling her closer to him in an attempt to comfort her. Lia's face still looked sorrowful, but she didn't protest his embrace.

The boy understood the weight of his words and the impact they would have on Lia. He wanted to make their remaining time together count, to fill it with love and happiness.

Rio could feel her delicate body pressing on his as he hugged her tighter. The warmth of her body against his own made him delight, as he could sense her breathing brushing past his skin, savoring every moment of their embrace.

Slowly, Lia's expression began to change as Rio held her close, and he could see a faint glimmer of hope return to her eyes.

He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. It was a small gesture, but it held the richness of his immense love.

Lia's face gradually radiated, and for a moment, Rio forgot about everything else in the world. All that mattered was the girl in his arms, the one he loved more than anything.

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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow