.
Far from the warm atmosphere.
In a completely different place. Something started....
.
.
Royal Palace, Lian – Capital of the Kingdom of Rikos
The golden gates of the Royal Palace loomed ahead as Leon descended from his carriage, his boots clicking against the white stone pxioedath. The banners of the kingdomi fluttered above in the wind—crimson and gold, the emblem of the Lion Throne watching all.
Leon adjusted the lapel of his coat, straightened his back, and strode forward.
It had been three days since he left the Skyster's House.
Three days since he watched Suzine stand beside Dian Skyster.
Since she chose him.
And now, he had returned to deliver his report, not just returned. He left his carriage near Lian Town and came by foot, so he can come fast.
But more than that…
"I'll make the King see what kind of man he truly is." and maybe....
A smile crept on his face as his brain stormed..
---
Throne Hall – Moments Later
Reus Rindell - The King sat upon the obsidian throne, his crown gleaming in the sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows. His gaze was cold, sharp, but tired.
Two high-ranking nobles stood at his sides, and a few court advisors lined the base of the steps.
Leon bowed low.
"Your Majesty."
The King motioned with a hand. "Rise, Leon. You were tasked with observing the state of House Skyster and its young heir. Speak."
Leon straightened, drawing a Letter from his coat.
"A formal reply from the Skyster household," he said, handing it to a nearby court attendant. "Delivered to me by the family butler before I departed."
The scroll was passed to the King. Whose eyes went for it's seal first. Real.
Then he opened it and began to read in silence.
His eyes momentarily went towards Leon as he read, then again back to the letter.
Meanwhile, Leon stepped forward with his own parchment—neatly written, his mission report.
"I observed Dian Skyster's recovery, his estate, and his political position. As requested."
The King gave a slight nod. "And your findings?"
Leon hesitated—just for a moment.
Then, with a smooth voice: "The Skyster estate has… changed."
He clasped his hands behind his back.
"The boy—Dian—is not what he used to be. He is intelligent, charming… unnaturally composed. Now under his rule the once degrading Skyster family is starting flourishing again."
The King raised an eyebrow. "Hm"
Leon's jaw tensed for a moment.
Suzine… standing beside him. The way she looked at him. The way she smiled only for him…
"And" Leon said, a little too quickly. "There are two woman near him, Suzine and Gianna Measter." Leon paused
Murmurs spread through the nobles.
Seeing his words settling down, he continued. " There isn't a formal announcement from them yet, but Lord Dian says they are his wives"
Leon didn't need to tell them who his wives were, mainly –Gianna Measter. Everyone knew about her.
A Princess of Another kingdom. It wasn't just a marriage in their eyes, it was more. A backing, a connection of families and powers. And maybe... A threat?
The King leaned forward slightly. "What was the context?"
Leon paused, the. Spoke.
"I'm sorry your majesty, but I don't know about that. They were already together before I arrived. But I just fell it that... it can cause... power disruption..."
The room stilled.
Leon looked down, not out of humility—but to hide the burning in his eyes.
"He is gathering influence. Among women. Among foreign powers. Even among the common people."
He met the King's gaze now.
"He is dangerous."
A long silence followed.
Finally, the King spoke, voice heavy with thought.
"…You believe Dian Skyster poses a risk?"
Leon nodded once. "I believe he must be… watched."
The King tapped his finger against the armrest of the throne, his face unreadable.
"Very well," he said at last. "Your concern is noted. You have served well, Leon. You may go."
Leon bowed again.
But in his chest, pride warred with bitterness.
As he turned and walked out of the throne hall, his mind was no longer on duty.
It was on her.
The heavy doors of the hall 'creaked' open and closed after.
Birus – King's advisor and a friend from childhood spoke as he saw his Majesty's conflicted expression. " Your majesty?"
Instead of answering him, Reus forwarded him the letter given by Leon from the Skyster's.
Birus took it and started reading it... his eyes opened a little more... he checked the letter's seal and magic signature. It's real.
Seeing him done, Reus finally spoke. " He is lying." His voice firm.
" And now," his eyes looking towards the letter in Birus's hand. " We owe the Skyster family a apology, a big one."
Birus nodded, his grip tightening on the letter. How can sir Leon do this...?
In the letter, the incident about Leon trying to attack Dian was clearly mentioned and highlighted. But not only once, but twice. It's basically waging a war against the Skyster family under the name of the Royal family...
Reus tapped the side of his throne,the spoke. " Arrange a meeting with the lord of Skyster family, I have to go myself."
Birus nodded
But they didn't knew, what more surprises awaited them...
---
Later – Leon's Private Quarters
The chamber was lavish, but cold. Leon sat at the edge of his bed, his hands clasped tightly on the photo, his breathing steady—but shallow.
"He has everything now."
"He took her."
Suzine. The girl he loved since they were children. The girl who looked past him now, only to smile at him. Dian.
He had tried. He had become strong. He had waited.
But it was never enough.
He stood up abruptly, his hand clenching around the hilt of his sword.
"If I cannot take her back by name, I will take her back by force."
"Power… That's what I lack. Power to rewrite fate."
He crossed to his desk and pulled open a drawer.
Inside, sealed in dark red wax, was a letter.
A sigil none in the capital dared speak of.
The seal of the Black Star Circle—a forbidden order of magic and warriors said to dwell beneath the roots of the kingdom.
Leon stared at it.
His heartbeat pounded in his ears.
"I will surpass him. I will take back Suzine. I will tear down his castle if I must."
And in that moment, jealousy twisted into something darker.
Ambition.
Obsession.
And the first steps of betrayal.
---
[Ding!]
[Hidden Sub-Quest Triggered: Rival's Flame]
A rival has stepped into the shadows. Driven by love. Fueled by envy.
Objective: Disrupt House Skyster's influence
Reward: ???
Penalty: ??? ]
---
"What the—?". Dian hissed.
.
.