Chapter 2 National Treasure

Silence ensued. Leopold instantly recognized the young woman who had never left his thoughts—Athena Swallow. “Athena, it's me, Leopold Jantz. I've returned to fulfill the promise I made that year. I've come back to marry you,” he said eagerly, his voice tinged with a blend of guilt and a sense of duty as he gently held Athena's hand. “It's you?” Athena's expression changed when she realized who he was. “I'm busy. You should leave first. We can talk later.” “I know you're on a blind date with this young man. Did the Swallow family force you against your wishes? If so, let me know, and I'll back you up!” Leopold declared as his gaze shifted briefly to Harvey, who was seated opposite Athena. “Excuse me, but who do you think you are to act so arrogantly in my presence?” Harvey's displeasure was palpable as he perceived that Leopold was looking down on him. “And what do you mean by the Swallow family forcing her? Athena and I have feelings for each other! Ah, I recall now. You're Leopold Jantz, the impoverished soldier who was Athena's simp for a full five years!” “Impoverished soldier?” Leopold furrowed his brows. Harvey let out an icy snort. “Am I wrong? Do you think that by giving Athena access to the bank account containing your salary, she'll patiently await your return? I don't mean to be harsh, but the meager salary you earn wouldn't even suffice for a birthday celebration for Athena, let alone marriage. Your aspirations are nothing but a dream!” Leopold's frown deepened. Why does an outsider know that I gave my bank card to Athena? “Athena, he claims that no one forced you into this and that you both have feelings for each other. Is that true?” Leopold asked, his eyes locked onto Athena. As there was no way to hide the truth from him, Athena replied, “Yes. No one forced me to meet Mr. Chance. I came here on my own will.” Leopold was initially taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure. Removing a wooden pendant that hung from his neck, Leopold lowered himself onto one knee and spoke with sincerity. “Athena, I'm aware of the hardships you've endured these past five years. Regardless of your thoughts, I can empathize with your situation. I couldn't leave my post on the battlefield as I had to protect our country's borders. Now that I'm back, please marry me so I can make amends and bring happiness into your life.” Before Athena could respond, Harvey snorted out loud and mocked, “Leopold, have you lost your mind? Do you genuinely believe that Athena will accept your proposal just because of a mere wooden pendant? Are you intending to become the Swallow family's live-in son-in-law?” “Mere wooden pendant? This is Drago Tally. It is more valuable than the lives of all your family members combined!” Leopold retorted as he shot Harvey a cold look. Drago Tally was the only token capable of mobilizing the millions of soldiers within Drago Army. It held value beyond measure and was undeniably regarded as a national treasure. It was absurd to claim that it lacked sufficient worth to be used to ask for Athena's hand in marriage. Harvey couldn't contain his laughter. “Athena, even if you're considering a fallback guy, please choose someone reasonable. Drago Tally? Is he taking cues from historical dramas? He must think you're a gullible young woman who will fall for his tales!” Feeling deeply embarrassed, Athena erupted in anger. “Leopold, Mr. Chance is correct. I only considered you as a fallback option! In the past, you had someone convey your affection for me and promised a life of luxury once you achieved success. However, over the last five years, only a paltry sum of over twenty thousand was deposited in my bank account each month. It was barely enough for a handbag! Are you planning to support me with mere words? Look at the shabby military uniform you're wearing and the broken wooden pendant. You can't even afford a wedding ring. You're nothing but a liar!” Leopold felt his heart sink. “Athena, you—” Leopold paid no heed to the opinions of others, but hearing these words from the young lady he had committed to marrying and had felt remorseful for over five years was simply intolerable. “What? What's your rank in the military? Are you at least a major or have you received a substantial military discharge payout worth millions? If not, then shut up!” Athena interjected sharply. Leopold found himself momentarily without words even though the rank of a major wasn't that high and millions was insignificant to him. The materialistic nature of Athena was a stark contrast to the woman he had envisioned. “Why so quiet?” Athena continued, her tone dripping with disdain. “If you had come two days ago to propose, I might have been moved. But now, I have General Drago's invitation cards, and the Swallow family's fortunes are on the rise thanks to me. Meanwhile, you're just a destitute soldier clinging to a meaningless promise from five years ago. If anyone were to discover this, they would undoubtedly burst into laughter!” Leopold was left utterly speechless. What? Does she believe she can attach herself to a high-ranking figure after getting General Drago's invitation? I am the ultimate bigwig among all bigwigs! However, deep down, Leopold acknowledged that he had been in the wrong from the outset. He was now ready to confess to Athena that he was, in fact, General Drago. At that moment, Katherine, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, could no longer contain her feelings. “Athena, I may not understand why Leopold is fond of you, but he has cherished you in his heart for five years and given all his salary to you. And as soon as he returned, he sought your hand in marriage. Even if he isn't wealthy, his sincerity is undeniable. Why not accept the wooden pendant from him? You can take your time to consider whether you want to marry him,” Katherine suggested earnestly. Leopold finally took notice of Katherine and offered her a grateful glance. Katherine had opted for minimal makeup, but her innate beauty shone through. She possessed a natural allure and was considered by many to have more attractive features and a more curvaceous figure than Athena. Katherine had spoken up because she couldn't bear to see Leopold, who had invested five years of effort and devotion, humiliated in front of another man. Unfortunately, despite spending Leopold's money for five years, Athena hadn't shown much kindness or consideration toward him. She flew into a rage without hesitation. Athena initially brought Katherine to meet Harvey, as he had previously shown little interest in her but had been captivated by the attractive Katherine. However, the dynamics had shifted. Athena was set to attend General Drago's ceremony, so it was natural that Harvey had turned his attention toward her. She wanted to use this opportunity to humiliate Katherine. “Katherine, do you think my standards are as low as yours? You had a child out of wedlock, and you don't even know who the father is! Who did you sleep with on that winter night five years ago? The very next day, your father came to our house, begging to switch mansions with us. My father, out of sympathy, agreed. If I had known you would turn against me, we should never have...” As Athena prattled on, Leopold felt his head buzz. The young lady from five years ago wasn't Athena, but this stunning woman named Katherine Swallow who is now standing up for me?