Leo was well known for his work, obviously. The swords came out shining and brand new! Though he often wondered what the knights actually did with them when they weren't parading around the castle.

But recently he'd become interested in something different: his own creations and inventions! Starting with small trinkets, modifying weapons here and there. Nothing too ambitious. At least not until now.

A festival. The chance he was waiting for!

Leo nervously adjusted the cogs on his latest project. He was known for blacksmithing, not inventing. This was new territory, and the thought of failure made his palms sweat. But his starting point had been the rumor that you would be there.

Not that he was doing it to impress you, of course. Pfft. He would have showcased Festus regardless. Maybe just a little bit to impress you.

The day arrived, and Leo set up near the castle—prime real estate where everyone would pass by. Blacksmiths, knights, peasants... princesses. Not that you were a princess, but you might as well have been, in his eyes.

But that wasn't Leo's focus now! No, Festus needed to be something never seen before, and he would make sure of it.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Leo called out, his voice cracking slightly before he cleared his throat. "I'm here to present a creation you've never seen before!"

A crowd gathered—enough people to make his heart race. "And—"

His words caught in his throat as his gaze fell on yours. Leo felt his cheeks flush, suddenly forgetting half of his carefully prepared speech.