My Love Debts Are Everywhere!-Chapter 606: A Charade

The Pool of Life Water lay hidden a hundred meters from the great tree that supported the Emerald Palace.

Concealed among the trees, it was protected by powerful and intricate magical formations—barriers created not only to preserve the pool's sacred properties but also to keep elves from bathing in it recklessly.

After all, the pool was legendary among them. Without strict protection, it wouldn't be surprising if many tried to bathe in it, which could ultimately diminish its effectiveness.

At that moment, Zelda floated unconscious in the pool.

Standing on the rocks at the edge were Nymiel, Vaelira, and Naeriel, their faces marked by anxiety and concern.

"How is it possible that Her Majesty hasn't regained consciousness yet? Has the pool lost its effect?" Nymiel asked, her voice filled with doubt and confusion.

The Pool of Life Water's power had never been questioned. Countless elves on the brink of death had soaked in its waters—and survived.

But now, the miracle didn't happen.

And that only deepened their shock and confusion.

Vaelira and Naeriel remained silent, seemingly lost in their own thoughts.

After a few moments, Vaelira let out a long breath and said, "Let's wait a little longer."

The other two nodded slowly, choosing to be patient.

Five minutes passed... then ten... fifteen...

Time kept moving, yet Zelda showed no signs of regaining consciousness.

Their anxiety grew unbearable. Just as Nymiel was about to speak, something unexpected happened.

Zelda, who had been floating unconscious, suddenly opened her eyes and shifted from lying on her back to standing upright in the water.

The three elders stood stunned, none expecting her to awaken so suddenly.

Even more astonishing was how her consciousness returned instantly—as if switched on—leaving them no time to react.

But they quickly snapped out of their shock and called out in unison, "Your Majesty!"

Zelda turned to them and gave a small nod before swimming to the edge of the pool and stepping out toward them.

With her body submerged in water, her wet dress clung to her skin, revealing her beautiful and graceful figure, modestly covered by light green underwear.

Fortunately, there were only the three elders present, so Zelda felt no embarrassment at all.

"How long was I unconscious?" she asked calmly.

The three elders fell silent, exchanging glances with slightly furrowed brows.

"About twenty more minutes, Your Majesty," Vaelira replied respectfully.

"Twenty minutes, huh? Good—that's enough time for Leon to make his move," Zelda said with a satisfied nod.

Three question marks seemed to hover over the elders' heads.

They were about to ask what she meant when Zelda raised her hand to stop them.

"I understand you're confused. Let me explain."

She then began to outline the plan she had coordinated with Leon earlier.

The three elders listened intently, their expressions slowly shifting to surprise.

"So, it was all a charade?" Naeriel asked incredulously.

"Yes," Zelda confirmed. "To catch the culprit, I had to pretend to be unconscious. The wounds inside my body were part of the plan—Leon infused his chaos power into me to make you panic and bring me to the Pool of Life."

She lowered her head apologetically. "I know this must upset you. I deceived you, and I'm sorry for that."

Slowly, the elders shook off their shock and offered wry smiles.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Your Majesty," Nymiel said gently as she helped her up. "I admit I was upset, but what you did was the right move."

"Exactly," Vaelira added with a small nod. "Though you lied to us, your plan was clever. I'm not angry—so don't worry."

Naeriel stayed silent but smiled softly, clearly in agreement.

Zelda sighed in relief, patting her chest. "Thank you, elders."

The three chuckled softly and nodded in return.

"By the way, do you think the Fated One will find the culprit?" Nymiel asked with curiosity.

Zelda smiled confidently. "I'm sure he will, Granny Nymiel. Leon may look weak and injured now, but if I were the enemy, I'd take this exact moment to strike him."

"After all, we're all here at the Pool of Life. If there's ever a perfect chance to attack Leon, it's now."

Her clear reasoning impressed the elders.

"In that case..." Nymiel began, but before she could finish, a sudden explosion echoed from the direction of the Emerald Palace.

Startled, they all turned toward the sound, witnessing a blinding wave of energy shoot into the sky.

It surged like a raging dragon, tearing through the calm night.

The once peaceful sky was instantly illuminated, the terrifying light waking elves from their deep sleep.

They poured out of their homes, stunned by the fierce glow burning in the distance.

***

"How is this possible!? How can you still stand and unleash your power!?" Melissa screamed in terror inside Leon's room.

Leon, who had looked weak and drained just moments ago, slowly rose to his feet, his body radiating holy energy that erupted outward.

The force shattered the furniture, sending it scattering across the room.

The space around them warped, threatening to collapse at any moment.

It was the first time Melissa had witnessed such immense and awe-inspiring power.

Leon smiled coldly but said nothing. His eyes glowed with dazzling white light, and a golden symbol of the hero's destiny gradually appeared on his forehead.

"You're too naive, Melissa," he said with icy calm. "Do you really think such a weak poison could take me down? Heh... your dreams are far too sweet."

Even before consuming the herbs, Leon had sensed the poison within them.

His extensive study of poisons within the inner palace had greatly sharpened his knowledge.

More importantly, he had survived the Devouring Poison—the deadliest one known.

If such a lethal poison couldn't kill him, how could the weak poison Melissa prepared stand a chance?

Hearing his arrogant words, anger and resentment surged in Melissa—but she dared not act rashly.

She thought she had trapped Leon, but in truth, she was the one caught in his snare.

"I have to run and report this to them."

That was the only thought racing through her mind.

If she didn't escape immediately and warn them, tomorrow's planned attack would be doomed to fail.

Without hesitation, she turned to run—only to realize her legs were frozen in place.

"How is this possible!?" She screamed silently, panic rising.

No matter how hard she struggled, her body refused to move.

"Planning to escape? That's no longer an option."

Leon's cold voice came from right in front of her. When Melissa turned, she was stunned beyond belief—the man was already standing before her.

Under her fearful gaze, Leon raised his index finger and pressed it lightly against her forehead.

"Don't worry," he said with a cold smile. "The Dark Elves and that bastard from the Temple of Twilight, who will arrive tomorrow... will catch up to you soon enough."

A bright light burst from his eyes and from the glowing mark of the hero's destiny on his forehead.

"Hero Technique..." His voice resonated with a power that shook the room.

"World... Domination!" freёnovelkiss.com