Supreme Spouse System.-Chapter 91: Spoils of Wager

Spoils of Wager

And as the trees grew less dense.

Leon emerged into the clearing —his shape outlined in silver by the moon. Dragging, the Earthhide Dreadmaw’s great body across the forest floor, making a deep trench like the swathe of a storm.

On the edge of the clearing, four familiar faces turned towards him—Aria, Cynthia, Syra, and Kyra. Their angelic beauty shone under the twin moons, a stark contrast to the grime and dust still adhering to their garments. Beyond, the five top guards were standing a little distance away, silent sentries beneath the moonlit cover with yes sharp.

And then they saw it.

Their gazes deepened, however—on the enormous creature Leon pulled behind him with casual ease. The eyes of the elite guards widened. One even took an unconscious step back. Syra’s lips parted in silent amazement. Cynthia’s breath caught Aria’s gaze darted from Leon to the beast and returned. Kyra released a soft sigh, eyes wide with admiration.

They were all looking—at Leon... and the creature he pulled like a worn-out cloak.

Leon noticed their looks and smiled, rather than being proud. He released the Dreadmaw’s tail with a flick of his wrist.

Thump!

The creature’s body fell to the forest floor, its body making the ground shudder.

Leon rolled his right shoulder lazily, stretched his neck, and waved in greeting.

"Hey," he murmured, a crooked smile on his face. "What’s up?"

Aria’s lips tried to curvacec a small, tender smile at this. Cynthia slowly shook her head, a soft, throaty laughter escaping beneath her breath. Syra smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride and something else—something fierce.

Kyra folded her arms, a tiny, lovely smile curving on her lips.

Behind them, the elite guards slowly came to their senses, standing back up into their strict postures—eyes ahead, jaws clenched, but still wonder in their eyes.

"Darling, precisely why were you fighting a Master Realm creature?" Aria said, arms crossed with feigned annoyance. "And here I am, oblivious, asking myself why you’re running behind."

Leon grinned, wiping dirt off his cheek with a careless hand.

"Well, what else would I be doing in the middle of the forest? Certainly hunting lethal magical creatures and sparring to hone my skills."

He grinned and inquired. "But... am I really too late?"

Aria’s eyes narrowed, recoiling as she processed his ripped coat and burn marks.

"Definitely late." She tilted her head, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "And judging by that coat, you’ve been flirting with something that’s definitely not us."

Leon threw his head back and laughed. "Can’t help it. The forest was full of admirers tonight. Big claws, tough shells ... charming personalities..."

Leon threw his head back and laughed.

Cynthia threw her hair back and smiled. "And evidently zero sense of fashion. You resemble a scorched scarecrow."

Leon gave a saucy finger-gun and a wink. "That’s just the new ’battle-hardened rogue’ look. Very stylish."

Kyra smiled softly and nodded. "You resemble a heroic warlord. A very toasted one."

They all laughed softly, the tension dissipating— even the guards showed faint smiles behind their stoic facades.

Syra advanced; her gaze locked onto the enormous corpse Leon was pulling behind him. A sly smile played on her lips.

"So, Lord Leon," she said, the amusement evident in her tone, "how did you kill this monster? And why are you pulling the entire thing around like it’s some sort of trophy?"

Leon’s smile grew wider, pride gleaming in his eyes as he shook his head slightly.

It wasn’t easy," he replied, a low chuckle rumbling through his throat. "This one’s got earth affinity, tough skin, and some insane regeneration. Took me a while, but I managed to find its weakness."

He spat on the ground beside the snapping, dragging carcass, then looked up at her with a smirk.

"And dragging it? Well, we’re having a feast tonight. Nothing beats fresh meat from a Master Realm beast.

The guards gasped in shock; eyes wide. Aria’s smile grew wider with approval. Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra shared laughing, proud glances. Syra nodded, eyes shining with brightness and voice full of cheer.

"Yeah, Lord Leon, you’re absolutely sensational. And fresh meat from a Master Realm creature? Nothing beats that for dinner tonight!"

Her cheerful remark broke the tension and got everyone smiling. Aria, Cynthia, and Kyra all shared approving glances and nodded in agreement, faces warm and amused.

The lighthearted mood lifted the group’s spirits even more, turning the moment into one of shared excitement and camaraderie.

Leon’s heart warmed as he clapped his hands, signaling a shift in focus.

"Well," he said with a grin, "enough about me. Let’s see what treasures you’ve all gathered."

The women stepped forward in turn, revealing the fruits of their hunt.

Syra was the first to step forward, a warm smile gracing her features. She held out a small pouch full of Moonshade Roots, Blackgale Petals, and a Crimson Pearl Fruit.

"These are rare, but mercifully not too deadly to harvest," she said with a grin. "The Moonshade Roots have a soothing quality—ideal for healing wounds or to soothe nerves temporarily."

Cynthia trailed behind, drawing out of her pack a bunch of Ashvine stalks, an Iridescent Berry, and a softly radiating orb held in the cup of her hand.

"This orb," she explained, "is a Soullight Seed. It grows around springs protected by stingbeasts. It gives magical energy a brief boost when used—just enough to swing the battle in favor of the user."

Kyra’s turn came next, and she revealed her haul with a quiet confidence that caught everyone’s attention.

"A Wind Crystal Core," she explained, displaying a small, whirling gem that glimmered like a caged storm. "Two Ether Lilies, which heighten spiritual awareness for hours. And this..." She picked up a curved, fang-like tooth from the monster she had killed alone. "This fang carries the essence of the beast’s spirit. When shaped into a blade, it provides lasting strength and resilience."

The room went still for an instant—everyone knew how precious such a discovery was.

Aria, always the dramatic, stepped forward last, slowly unfolding a single shining Starlight Blossom in her palms.

Her voice was gentle but proud. "This blossom blooms only under the twin moons, and it holds a rare, lingering enchantment that temporary enhances one’s energy reserve."

Syra gasped, eyes wide with awe. "You actually found that?

Cynthia nodded, a note of awe in her voice. "That’s incredible... and dangerous to find."

Aria’s smirk deepened. "Danger’s kind of our thing."

Leon laughed; the sound full of genuine warmth. "Alright, alright. These are some damn fine treasures."

He turned to the guards next, who snapped to attention as he approached.

"Let’s see what you’ve got."

Each of the guards came forward, holding out their spoils—chiefly magical fruit, exotic herbs, and pieces of magical beasts. Though these treasures were not very helpful for Leon’s cultivation, to the guards, they represented valuable pickings.

Leon smiled warmly and slapped a hand on the closest guard’s shoulder.

"Not bad at all. These may not be of much use to me, but to you." He grinned reassuringly. "They’re treasures to be held onto, aren’t they?

The guards exchanged hesitant glances. They weren’t sure what to make of their haul—uncertain if it truly held value to their lord—but when Leon called it treasure, their eyes widened with cautious hope. Though they kept their expressions guarded, a flicker of pride and relief passed through them.

"I’ll have Black deliver your rewards tomorrow. And keep what you’ve found—it’ll help your cultivation."

Shock crossed their faces, immediately followed by gratitude, and then they found themselves set in firm, unshakeable loyalty. One at a time, the guards bent low, then the rest followed.

They looked at each other in grateful, proud glances before they spoke as one, "Thank you, Lord Leon."

Leon inclined his head, a pleased smile pulling at his lips.

With the offerings spread out before them, the time everyone had been waiting for had finally come.

Facing his women, Leon crossed his arms, a taunting smile dancing on his lips.

"Now... that small gamble between you, my beauties."

The four women stood tall; the playful tension hanging in the air. Aria’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she smiled with knowledge. Cynthia leaned forward, eagerness lighting her face. Syra lifted a curious brow, and Kyra’s quiet self-assurance was unmistakable as she cocked her head.

Leon tapped his chin, a slow smile curling on his lips.

"I almost tempt to called it a tie."

Aria cut him off with a teasing grin.

"But you won’t, will you?"

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Can’t lie—I’m a little biased." He scanned their gathered spoils once more before lifting Kyra’s hand.

No question. Kyra’s finds just barely beat everybody else’s." He pointed to the Wind Crystal Core and the fang. "That fang by itself? It’s not a trophy. Permanent strength, increased resilience of weapon—those change everything on battel."

Kyra’s cheeks filled with color as a soft smile spread over her face. The others groaned, trading good-natured jabs.

Aria pretended sympathy with a melodramatic sigh.

"Looks like you get to be the lucky one sleeping in the Lord’s arms tonight."

Kyra blinked, her own composure faltering just a little as a soft flush crept up her neck. Her lips parted as if to protest, but she remained silent. She glanced instead at Leon—his easy smile, the way his eyes softened when they came to rest upon her—and her heart gave a small, traitorous flutter.

She wasn’t the kind for public displays of emotion. Not like Aria, with her brash teasing, or Cynthia’s perpetuity of charm. But now? Now, she felt it. That subtle glow of pride... and something much deeper.

He did. He selected her.

Even if it was just a game, a playful wager—it meant something. Her mind flicked back to the fight, to the moment she’d driven her blade into the beast’s neck alone, unshaken. She hadn’t done it for praise. But still... it felt good to be seen.

Cynthia bumped Leon’s side with a cheeky grin.

"Next time, I’m winning."

Syra folded her arms with a confident smile.

"I’m not planning on losing either."

Aria, more subdued now, grumbled,

"I’ll get you all next time."

Kyra said nothing. She simply stood there, cool smile lingering—her hand tensing fractionally on the fang at her belt, a reminder.

Next time... or not.

Tonight, she had won. Quietly, utterly.

Leon’s laughter was warm and heartfelt as he gazed at the group.

"You all did great. This was one hell of a hunt."

The guards, sensing the moment had passed, respectfully stepped back, giving them space. Their eyes drifted toward the fallen beasts in the moonlit forest, awe softening their expressions. The massive creatures still pulsed faintly with lingering magical energy—a reminder of their might, even in death.

Leon broke away from the women and faced the guards.

"Bring that beast back to camp. We’ll feast tonight."

A guard nodded and motioned for others to help drag the enormous corpse away.

Turning back to his women, Leon’s smile deepened.

"Let’s head back. Rest up—we’ve earned it."

As they moved toward the camp, the quiet buzz of excitement mixed with the calm night air. There was a hunger for more—more battles, more growth, more moments like this.