The World Is Mine For The Taking

I'd realized this some time ago, but whenever Leon was nearby, my eyes always seemed to find him. I wasn't sure if it was because he was my best friend and I wanted to call him out for something, or if it was for some other reason entirely. All I knew was that I kept looking for him, consciously or not.

At first, I didn't understand it, and it left me feeling confused. Even now, that confusion lingered. I didn't know why I had asked him to come to my wedding, especially knowing how furious my father would be about it. Yet, despite that, I'd still invited him. Even I was surprised by myself.

"Well, it looks like you're officially married now."

It was Leon's turn to offer his congratulations. He had waited until last, probably out of deference to the others with higher status than him.

"Thank you for attending, Leon. I really appreciate it," I said, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me.

He turned to Tris then, bowing gracefully. "Congratulations on your wedding, Lady Tris."

"Thank you," Tris replied warmly. "And you don't have to call me 'Lady.' If you're Johanne's friend, then you're my friend too." She smiled brightly, then added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "Although, Johanne could've told me he was friends with someone like you, Leon."

"Someone like me?" Leon raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I just mean I never thought Johanne could be paired with anyone other than my brother." Her smile turned into that peculiar, playful smirk she wore when she was about to say something outrageous. "You see, I love watching handsome men get it on with each other. Honestly, I think anyone who finds that weird is the real weirdo. I mean, what's not manly about two men kissing? It's probably the manliest thing ever!"

Leon's expression shifted to one of mild concern, clearly unsure how to respond to her bold proclamation.

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Don't mind her, Leon. She's always been—"

"Hm. I wouldn't say two men kissing is particularly manly," Leon interjected, surprising both of us, "but I can understand the appeal."

"Really!?" Tris practically leapt from her seat, her chair clattering to the floor behind her. She grabbed Leon by the shoulders, her excitement palpable as she huffed and puffed like an overeager dog. "You understand?! You really understand?!"

"O-Of course," Leon replied with a strained smile. "It's… fascinating to imagine how two muscular, manly bodies could, uh, press against each other like that. Although I wouldn't do it myself, I get why some people might enjoy it."

"So you do understand!"

"Ahem!" I coughed loudly, trying to cut through the escalating scene.

Both of our families had started to stare, their expressions ranging from disapproval to thinly veiled glares. They were familiar with Tris's quirks, but that didn't mean they were particularly accepting of them.

"Tris," I said firmly, "it's fine to be excited about… things like that, but maybe keep it private? Especially in a setting like this."

Realizing her mistake, Tris flushed slightly but still couldn't stop herself from grinning. "Leon, I need to talk to you about the wonders of men falling in love with each other. You'd love it!"

"I'll pass," Leon said with a polite smile, brushing her off gently.

"Why?!" Tris exclaimed, genuinely shocked.

Leon just shrugged, letting the question hang as he turned back to me. "Anyway, like I said, congratulations on your wedding. I wish you and Tris a happy married life. I'm sorry I couldn't bring a proper gift, but I'm glad I could be here."

He smiled warmly.

That smile… Something about it made my heart race. I didn't know why, but every time I saw Leon smile like that, I couldn't help the strange fluttering in my chest. It was confusing, frustrating even, but I couldn't stop myself from feeling this way.

And with that, Leon left.

By the time the night wore on, most of the guests who had come to congratulate us and attend the wedding had already gone. Even Leon was probably long gone by now. The Princess, whom I had been serving since I was a child, had offered her final congratulations before bidding me farewell, wishing me the best with a soft smile before she, too, departed.

Now, the only people left were my family and Tris's family.

"I am truly happy about this union, Carl," said Tris's father. Like my father, he was also a Duke. "I never thought our families would be joined like this. After years of friendship and alliance, this is the first time we've been united in such a meaningful way."

"It is an honor," my father replied, his tone filled with pride. "This union opens doors for many opportunities to come. And with our children now married, it's only natural for the future of our houses to take root, wouldn't you agree?"

"A wedding, after all, wouldn't be complete without stained sheets tonight," Tris's father added with a smirk, his words making their intentions clear.

I, of course, knew exactly what they were talking about. It was an unspoken expectation that a newlywed couple consummate their marriage on the very night of their wedding. The tradition ensured that efforts to produce an heir began immediately. Personally, I thought it should wait until after we graduated from the academy, but both families had made it clear that a child from this union was essential to solidify the bond between our houses.

"So, the both of you," Tris's father said, his voice commanding, "get to work—and fast. I want to see my grandchild as soon as possible."

Tris and I exchanged glances. Her expression was unreadable, as it often was. I wasn't sure what she truly thought about this wedding, about me, or about the expectations placed on us. She rarely spoke about anything other than her usual topics, those odd things she loved to obsess over.

I couldn't deny that we had grown closer over time. I felt that, given the chance, I could come to love her as a husband should love his wife. But whether she wanted this union or not, I couldn't say. Maybe I didn't really know anything at all.

Still, our parents were right. This was our duty now—to fulfill the expectations placed upon us and create an heir. Whether we wanted it or not, this was the life we had been given.

With that, we headed to the bedroom.

"Johanne, it's only proper for the husband to carry his wife to the bedroom," Tris's father said, his voice tinged with amusement.

I glanced at Tris, who was smiling at me, her hand extended. Without hesitation, I took her hand, then moved behind her, bending slightly. My other arm slipped beneath her knees, lifting her into a princess carry.

She didn't resist, her weight surprisingly light as I carried her. I wasn't sure if she felt awkward about this, but I kept walking toward the room, determined to see it through.

While I walked, her fingers wandered, brushing against my bicep.

"Guhehehe…" she chuckled strangely, her voice teasing. "You know, Johanne, this would've been more fitting if the real heir—my brother—had married you instead."

I couldn't help but laugh at her joke. "I don't think your brother would like me much."

"Really? I think you two would make a great pair," she teased, her grin widening. "Or maybe you and Leon would hit it off better. Your chemistry earlier was pretty on point."

"Well, Leon's a good friend," I said, shrugging. "Maybe that's why it seemed that way."

"Could be," she mused. Then her tone shifted, softer, almost wistful. "Huh… I guess none of us can really escape fate. My parents are determined to control my life, and I don't think I'll ever reach my dream because of it. Do you have a dream, Johanne?"
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"I do," I admitted. "I want to become a Sword Saint."

"That's an incredible dream," she said, her tone genuinely impressed. "Far more ambitious than mine."

"And what's yours?" I asked.

"I want to be an author," she said, her voice lighting up. "I want to write a story where…" She paused, her breathing deepening as her face lit up with a peculiar excitement. "Two guys fall in love. But I wouldn't just stop there! I'd make it a push-and-pull dynamic—two characters from vastly different worlds, struggling with their differences. Over time, they'd come together, overcoming it all to live happily ever after! Isn't that a fantastic story idea?"

I was... unsure how I would respond to that. "I'm sure someone will love it," I said finally.

By then, we'd reached the bedroom. I gently set her down on the bed, her form sinking slightly into the plush mattress. She sat at the edge, gesturing for me to sit beside her.

"Johanne," she said. "You don't need to worry about anything. We just have to do what we need to do and make our parents happy with the result."

Before I could respond, she suddenly pulled me forward. I lost my balance, stumbling onto the bed as she pushed me down.

In the blink of an eye, Tris was on top of me.