My Love Debts Are Everywhere!-Chapter 604: Behind-the-Scenes Mastermind - Part 2

"What!? There are serious internal injuries in Her Majesty's body?"

Vaelira and Naeriel were stunned by her words.

They immediately checked Zelda's condition—and sure enough, they discovered a critical wound deep within her body.

Their faces turned pale, and their bodies stiffened.

"I'm sorry, three elders," Leon said in a heavy tone. "It seems the mastermind's control technique caused severe damage to Zelda. I apologize for failing to save her."

Nymiel took a deep breath and slowly shook her head.

"It's not your fault, Fated One. The blame lies with us for letting our guard down and allowing the enemy to strike Her Majesty without our knowledge," she replied softly.

"We can't waste any time. Take Her Majesty to the Pool of Life Water now—any delay might worsen her condition," Naeriel urged anxiously.

The Pool of Life Water was a sacred place, known for its miraculous healing powers. Its waters could mend any wound, both external and internal.

It was said that as long as the injured still drew breath, the pool could bring them back from the brink of death.

There was no time to hesitate—they had to get Zelda there before her injuries grew any worse.

"Understood." Nymiel nodded without hesitation.

With the help of the maids, they carefully lifted Zelda and headed toward the Pool of Life Water.

Vaelira didn't immediately follow them. Instead, she turned to Leon, a guilty look on her face.

"I'm sorry, Fated One. I never expected something like this to happen. I hope you won't hold it against Her Majesty Zelda," she said, her voice filled with remorse.

Leon gave a faint smile as he slowly stood up with Elina's support.

"It's alright, Elder Vaelira. I won't be angry with Zelda over something like this. I know she was under the enemy's control and didn't truly mean to attack me," he said, waving his hand calmly.

Vaelira let out a breath of relief. If the Fated One bore a grudge against their queen—or worse, their entire race—it would be disastrous.

After all, Leon was the long-awaited figure. The glory and future of their people rested in his hands.

"Don't worry, Fated One. We'll take care of everything. We'll also see to your injuries and prepare a new room for you," Vaelira assured him.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you," Leon replied calmly.

At Vaelira's command, Leon was brought to another room, just as luxurious as the previous one.

He sat in a chair while the maids came one by one to tend to him.

Leon watched quietly and simply smiled without saying a word.

An hour later, everything was done. His wounds had been treated, his new room was ready, and he could have gone straight to sleep.

But of course, sleeping wasn't an option—not yet. The real event hadn't even begun.

*Clack!*

The door creaked open slowly, and Elina stepped inside, her face etched with concern.

"Young Master, are you alright? Do you need anything?" She inquired softly as she walked toward Leon.

Leon smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine. An injury this minor doesn't affect me at all. You know how strong I am, don't you?"

Elina let out a relieved breath. Clasping her hands together, she said, "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to tell me, okay?"

"Of course!" Leon nodded without hesitation. "By the way, how's your sister? She's still unconscious, right?"

Elina's cheerful expression faded. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "She's still unconscious. Even after being immersed in the Pool of Life Water, she hasn't woken up. I don't understand… Are her injuries really that bad? It doesn't make sense..."

The Pool of Life Water had been revered for thousands of years, its healing power well-documented in countless historical records.

So why hadn't it worked on her sister? Was there something deeper—something hidden—at play?

For a moment, Elina even wondered if her sister was pretending. But she didn't have the courage to say it out loud.

Had Leon known what was going through her mind, he would've been pleasantly surprised—and even inwardly impressed.

Just as I expected from Elina. She may look like a silly, airheaded girl, but she's actually sharp and observant.

What happened to Zelda was nothing more than a charade. She wasn't truly injured—let alone unconscious.

The wounds Nymiel discovered were part of a carefully crafted plan Leon had devised with Miranda.

Naturally, the injuries didn't cause Zelda any real harm. Leon had personally confirmed their safety with Miranda several times.

"I'm completely fine now," Leon said gently, patting Elina's head. "Go back to the Pool of Life Water and stay with your sister. What she needs most right now is your presence."

Elina closed her eyes for a moment, savoring his touch, then nodded. "I understand."

With that, she quietly left the room, leaving Leon alone in silence.

He crossed his legs and leaned back, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"Now," he murmured, "all that's left is for the prey to walk into the trap."

***

"Hmmm~"

In the palace hallway, Melissa pushed a trolley laden with food, softly humming a tune.

A bright, joyful smile lit up her face.

"Melissa, are you delivering food to the Fated One?" a maid asked, envy clear in her voice.

"Hehehe! Of course! This food is definitely for the Fated One!" Melissa replied, puffing out her chest with pride.

"Heh... Your job sounds so fun. I'm really jealous," the maid sighed long and deep.

The chance to serve the Fated One wasn't given to just anyone. Melissa had it—and that alone made the other maids envious and annoyed.

Melissa snorted proudly without replying and continued pushing her trolley.

A short while later, she reached Leon's door and knocked.

*Knock!*

"Young Master, I brought dinner. Most of it is made with herbs. May I come in?"

"Come in," Leon's voice called from inside.

Without hesitation, Melissa turned the knob and stepped inside. She found Leon sitting comfortably in a chair, reading a book.

"Sorry to disturb you, Young Master," she said politely, pushing the trolley further into the room.

Leon closed his book with a smile. "It's no trouble at all."

Melissa stopped nearby and carefully arranged the dishes on the table.

Since Leon had already eaten earlier, the food Melissa brought this time was a special herbal meal prepared under Vaelira's instructions.

There was no meat or heavy fare—just vegetables rich in vitality, meant to help restore his energy.

When she finished, Melissa stepped back with a smile.

"Please enjoy, Young Master. It might taste a bit bland—not like the food you're used to," she said with a soft giggle.

"Don't worry. I can eat anything, even vegetables," Leon replied confidently.

He raised his fork to take a bite but suddenly stopped, his eyebrows twitching as if something felt off.

"What's wrong, Young Master? Don't you like the food?" Melissa asked cautiously.

Leon shook his head gently and began eating.

"It's salty... yet bland," he muttered quietly.

Unbeknownst to him, Melissa's gaze had shifted—her eyes now filled with an obsession and love she barely tried to hide.

Twenty minutes later, Leon finished the meal and rubbed his stomach wearily.

"Phew... Though I'm confident I can eat anything, these herbs are truly the toughest," he admitted.

A wave of nausea and disgust settled in his stomach, forcing him to lean forward to keep from spitting it out.

"Pfft! You really tried hard, Young Master! You're amazing!" Melissa praised playfully, causing the corners of Leon's mouth to twitch slightly.

"You…" He opened his mouth to say something but held back.

Melissa kept smiling brightly as she tidied the dirty plates and cutlery on the table.

"By the way, Young Master, I'm curious," Melissa said, turning to him. "Is your body really okay after Queen Zelda's attack? You weren't seriously hurt, were you?"

Her worried eyes glanced toward Leon's stomach.

"I'm fine," Leon replied, shaking his head. "It's just a minor internal injury, but it won't heal quickly—it could take a few days."

Melissa looked apologetic but quickly encouraged him. "Don't worry, Young Master. I'll always be here to help you whenever you need it. So don't hesitate, okay?"

A gentle smile returned to Leon's face as he raised his hand to gently pat Melissa's head.

"Thank you, Melissa. I'm glad to have a servant like you."

"Hehehe…" Melissa squirmed happily like a petted kitten.

The longer Leon looked at her, the more fondness he felt for this innocent girl.

"Have you found the culprit, Young Master?" She suddenly asked.

Leon paused briefly, then gave a wry smile and shook his head slowly.

"Not yet. But one thing's certain—they're inside the palace… disguised," he said meaningfully.

"I see…" Melissa nodded quietly and fell silent.

Once she finished clearing the dirty plates and cutlery, Melissa stood still, motionless.

Leon blinked in surprise. "Do you need something, Melissa?"

She smiled faintly, her fingers brushing her lower lip. "No, Young Master. I'm just waiting for the poison to take effect."

"...Poison?"

Leon's eyes widened. Before he could react, his body stiffened. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

His heart raced, and suddenly a sharp, violent pain spread through him.

*Thud!*

He collapsed from the chair, hitting the floor hard.

"Argh..." Leon groaned, clutching his chest, his eyes locking onto Melissa in disbelief.

"Melissa... you…"

His words faltered as fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"Hahaha!" Melissa laughed harshly. Her usual innocent smile vanished, replaced by a cold, obsessed expression.

"Young Master—no, the Fated One... Who would have thought you could be this foolish…"