Chapter 19: Proud Leon, and Liliana's Suspicions
Meanwhile, inside his room, Leon, having just finished his breakfast, lazily stretched his stiff body.
"Sigh~ Despite only skipping a day or two of exercise due to the recent incident, my body feels incredibly uncomfortable, as if I've neglected exercising for an entire year," Leon muttered to himself while flexing his hands, feet, and other limbs.
In his peak condition, he never faltered in his physical training, whether it was one-on-one combat training or any other form of exercise.
After all, back then, he believed that even though he had undergone the baptism of the holy sword and become an exceedingly powerful figure, physical training should never be neglected.
Therefore, in addition to his astonishing holy magic power, his physical strength was also at its peak back then.
Enhanced by the baptism of Zenith's holy sword, he even engaged in battle against one of the Demon Generals, relying solely on basic martial arts and abstaining from using the holy sword.
Recalling how his former strength contrasted with his current weakness, akin to that of a chicken, filled his heart with profound sadness.
"Damn Loli Rain! Once I regain my strength, just wait and see how I'll give you a punishment." Leon muttered inwardly, seething with annoyance.
Instantly, Rain's expressionless face flashed through his mind, igniting a series of imagined punishments, such as suspending her in the air and chastising her in the name of morality, cough!
"Uhuk! It appears this recent incident has led me down a dark path." Leon coughed in embarrassment, swiftly discarding all his negative thoughts in an instant.
He then directed his focus inward, sinking into contemplation of his own body.
"Well then, it seems gentle exercise will suffice," he mused thoughtfully.
He harbored a slight fear that engaging in strenuous activities might have negative repercussions on his body, given the lingering presence of the deadly poison within.
Who knows what consequences his body might face if he were to engage in strenuous exercise, a risk he dared not take?
Having resolved his decision without hesitation, Leon swiftly removed his shirt, revealing his impeccably sculpted physique.
His chest boasted muscles as strong as iron, his eight-pack abs were impeccably defined without exaggeration, and the lines of his oblique muscles were so pronounced that any woman who laid eyes on him would undoubtedly be entranced, even left drooling.
"Let's begin!" Leon clenched his fists and commenced his workout routine.
The spaciousness of his room provided him with ample space to execute exaggerated movements.
After a full hour of training, Leon ceased his movements, his entire body drenched in sweat.
"Huft~ Seems like that's sufficient for today," Leon whispered to himself, his handsome face glistening with sweat, a sight that would undoubtedly tempt any woman who saw him in his current state.
His breathing was slightly labored after the exercise, yet he found a sense of comfort in it.
"Hmm? A mirror?" Leon's attention was suddenly captivated by the large mirror at the end of the room, prompting him to approach it.
Instantly, his entire appearance was reflected with remarkable clarity in the mirror.
Gazing at his flawless physique in the expansive mirror, Leon smiled with contentment.
"Tsk tsk! This body of mine never disappoints! Even Hercules himself would weep with envy at the sight of my perfection," Leon remarked with a pleased expression, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
If he had to pinpoint what fueled his confidence beyond his good looks, strength, magic, intelligence, and more than 100 other advantages, it was undoubtedly his body!
Who says only women take pride in and care for their bodies? Men are just as dedicated to maintaining their appearance and physique as women!
Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many men willing to invest their time and money in the gym in his previous world.
Especially in this fantasy world where looks and strength reign supreme?
There exists an ancient saying, renowned for hundreds of thousands of years in this world, which goes, "It's acceptable to be weak, as long as you possess a handsome face and a perfect body."
This guideline is also what motivates him to train hard and maintain a regular workout routine to keep himself in peak condition!
After feeling satisfied with his reflection in the mirror, Leon swiftly made his way to the bathroom to clean up his body, drenched in sweat.
He hadn't forgotten about his appointment with Fiona to play with her, and it appeared the little girl was already waiting for him in the garden.
As a father, how could he possibly disappoint his beloved little daughter?
Feeling refreshed after his shower, Leon decided to leave his room without delay.
However, as he stepped out of his bedroom door, a thought crossed his mind, causing the corner of his mouth to twitch.
"By the way, where is the garden?"
...
Meanwhile, inside her workspace, Liliana sat in her chair, her gaze indifferently scanning the array of documents spread across her desk.
As the Demon Emperor and leader of the entire Demon race, she bore numerous responsibilities, including governmental duties and overseeing the ongoing war with humanity.
Due to these tasks, she found herself with little time to spend with her three little daughters, a situation that left her feeling deeply saddened.
However, with Leon's presence, she found herself feeling more at ease, and her workload seemed to lighten as she no longer bore the burden of worry alone in caring for her daughters.
"The conflict with the Elysium Holy Empire appears to be easing. Could the defeat in the desert of chaos have prompted them to exercise caution?" Liliana mused as she held a file in her hand, quietly reading its contents.
She had already anticipated this outcome, as the defeat and loss of humanity's hero should have prompted the Empire's forces to become more vigilant.
"However, it's been almost over two days, and the Elysium Holy Empire's side seems oddly calm, doesn't it?" She narrowed her eyes, harboring suspicions as she pondered within.
If there were no signs of the Elysium Holy Empire's war efforts, it would be understandable.
However, if their calmness persists with little to no movement or activity, such as searching for Leon, whose whereabouts are likely unknown to them, it would be highly unusual.
"Could they be assuming that Leon is dead and thus see no need to search?" Confusion deepened within her mind, leaving her utterly perplexed about the intentions of the Elysium Holy Empire.
She lazily leaned back in her chair, lost in contemplation, before eventually snapping back to reality.
"No matter the circumstance, I must stay vigilant," Liliana resolved, sitting up straight once again and placing the document back on the table.
Just as she was about to continue reading other documents, her gaze was suddenly drawn to a letter at the end of her desk.
"Hm? A letter?" She muttered curiously to herself, prompting her to pick it up.
The moment she read the title, her expression immediately tensed.
"Huh? This...
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone