My Love Debts Are Everywhere!-Chapter 603: Behind-the-Scenes Mastermind - Part 1

"Ahem! Can you listen to my explanation first?" Leon coughed lightly, getting into a defensive stance just in case Zelda decided to slap him.

After all, it was a reaction he'd often seen in anime or novels from his previous life. frёeωebɳovel.com

Fortunately, Zelda didn't seem inclined to do that. Her face was as red as an apple, and white smoke seemed to rise from her head.

She looked away, covering her eyes, and stammered, "Don't just stand there. Get off my body. It's… a bit heavy and painful."

Hearing that, Leon relaxed and immediately stepped aside without saying a word.

Zelda sighed in relief, then sat up, biting her lower lip.

"What exactly happened?" she asked, confused.

Leon smiled and pointed around. "Look… what happened."

Zelda followed his gaze, and her expression instantly stiffened—filled with fear.

"What happened!? Why is your room in ruins like a shipwreck?" she exclaimed, staring sharply at Leon. "Is this an enemy attack? If so, how dare they!? Don't worry, Leon. I'll take care of this right away. I'm so sorry this happened!"

Leon let her rant without interrupting. It wasn't until she stopped talking that he finally spoke.

"You don't have to do that." He shook his head lightly. "Actually... the culprit is you, Zelda."

"What!?" Zelda gasped, pointing at herself. "Me?"

"Yes." Leon nodded calmly, then began to explain everything.

Zelda listened closely, her expression slowly hardening.

"So you're saying... someone controlled me and forced me to attack you?" Her eyes flashed with anger, and she clenched her teeth in hatred.

Leon could feel the overwhelming fury radiating from her. Well, it wasn't surprising.

Anyone would be furious if they were controlled and used by someone else.

Even Leon himself would hunt down the culprit relentlessly, no matter if they hid at the edge of the world.

Moreover, Zelda was the Queen of the Elves, the supreme leader of her people.

The fact that she could be controlled without her knowledge was undeniable proof that there was a traitor among the elves in the Emerald Palace.

This was a grave issue that could not be ignored.

"How do you plan to solve this problem, Zelda?" Leon asked.

Since this involved a traitor among the Elven race, he decided not to interfere and let her take charge.

Still, he could already guess what steps she might take.

"Hehehe..." Zelda laughed coldly, her indifferent gaze filled with deadly intent. "Of course... we'll find the culprits and punish them severely. I might even execute them on the spot."

Leon just smiled, as if he had expected that answer.

"You're right," Leon said. "But finding them won't be easy. After this incident, I'm sure the culprits will hide deep and won't act again anytime soon."

Zelda fell silent at the logical explanation. After a moment, she raised her head and looked at Leon solemnly.

"If you can deduce that much, then you must already have a way to uncover who the culprit is, right?" she asked cautiously.

"Yes, you're right." Leon chuckled softly. "But I'll need your help."

"My help?" Zelda's surprise was brief before she nodded firmly. "Just say the word, Leon. I'll cooperate however I can."

Leon nodded briefly and glanced at Miranda beside him, who gave a slow nod in return.

"The plan is simple..."

With that, Leon, Zelda, and Miranda—who was invisible to Zelda—began strategizing to uncover the real culprits.

***

*Bang!*

A loud knock came from Leon's bedroom door. Moments later, Elina's worried voice called from outside.

"Young Master! What's going on!? Why is there noise in your room? Please open the door!"

*Bang! Bang!*

The knocking continued urgently, showing how panicked Elina was.

"Ahem... Come in, Elina. The door is unlocked," Leon replied weakly.

*Clack!*

The door opened at once, and Elina appeared, her face full of worry.

Behind her stood three elders—Nymiel, Vaelira, and Naeriel—as well as palace maids, all with anxious, panicked expressions.

But when they saw the scene inside, their faces immediately paled, filled with fear and disbelief.

"What happened!? Why is this room in ruins!?" Nymiel shouted in panic.

The bed, wardrobe, and all the furniture were smashed to pieces. The right wall was badly damaged, torn open by a large, gaping hole.

The sight was so horrifying it left everyone speechless.

Elina was shocked too, but her eyes were drawn to Leon and Zelda lying on the floor.

Their condition was clearly dire. Leon looked battered, bloodstains darkening his stomach and chest. Meanwhile, her sister's nightgown was torn, exposing her green underwear.

More worryingly, she had fainted in Leon's arms—her face pale, with a faint, barely noticeable blush.

"Sister!" Elina cried as she rushed to her side.

She quickly sat cross-legged beside her sister's body, shaking her anxiously.

"Sister! What's wrong? Why did you faint?!" Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks as she desperately tried to wake her—though her efforts were futile.

"Ahem!" Leon cleared his throat softly, his face tightening. "Stop, Elina. Your sister is unconscious. If you keep shaking her like that, it could make her injuries worse."

His words immediately stopped Elina. She looked at him nervously and worriedly, then asked quietly, "What exactly happened, Young Master? Why did you and my sister end up like this? Who attacked you?"

Leon shook his head slowly and gently patted her head to calm her down.

"Don't worry," he said softly. "Your sister was controlled by an enemy and went on a rampage. We fought, and I managed to stop her until she lost consciousness."

His gaze darkened as he stared at Zelda's pale face.

"Unfortunately, I haven't yet uncovered the mastermind behind this, nor can I completely break the control's hold. That's why I need your help—and the elders'—to save her."

Nymiel, Vaelira, and Naeriel entered the room. Listening to Leon's explanation, they looked stunned.

Their wrinkled faces quickly hardened with seriousness and worry.

"Fated One, allow me to check Her Majesty's condition," Nymiel said firmly.

Leon nodded without hesitation, granting permission.

Nymiel crouched beside Zelda and began a careful examination.

Soon, her expression grew tense. Her voice trembled as she said, "This isn't good... Her Majesty's body has suffered significant damage!"