Ten minutes later, another knock echoed from the study's heavy oak door.
Leon, now seated behind his desk, straightened his back and act like a noble deeply immersed in official duties. His golden eyes flicked over city documents with an air of nobility, posture straight and composed—as if nothing scandalous had just transpired in this very room.
Behind him stood Aria—her silver-blonde hair perfectly tied again, her face as stoic and composed as ever. But anyone who looked closely could spot the faint blush on her porcelain cheeks. She had cleaned up the mess they'd made earlier, inside and out, and now stood like a dutiful secretary. Only the slight trembling of her fingers behind her back hinted at anything improper.
Leon cleared his throat. "Send them in."
With a soft creak, the heavy library door opened.
A tall, thin man stepped inside, dressed in a plain brown tunic and travel-worn cloak. His build was lean, bordering on wiry, with sunken cheekbones and intelligent eyes that flicked across the room as if scanning every corner. His short, unkempt black hair gave him the look of a common man—but the glint in his eye said otherwise.
Leon's gaze narrowed. He searched through the former Duke's fragmented memories, trying to place the man's face. It took only a breath before recognition struck him.
The man dropped to one knee, placing a clenched fist across his chest.
"Your Grace," he said with reverence, "Ronan greets you."
Ronan... The name echoed in Leon's mind. Of course.
Ronan had been one of the former Leon's most trusted confidants—his hidden dagger in the shadows. Officially, he was the owner of a low- key yet popular tavern in the city called The Moon's Shadow. But in truth, he was the duke's eyes and ears within the city, watching both citizens and officials alike. Corruption, treason, rebellion—any whisper that passed through city eventually found its way to Ronan's ears... and then to Leon's.
Only two people knew of his true identity—Leon and Aria. Not even his own daughter, Rias, had the slightest clue. Not because he didn't trust her. Simply because former Leon didn't want her tangled in the political undercurrent that was already too deep and too dangerous for her.
Leon exhaled softly and gestured with two fingers. "Stand."
Ronan rose gracefully, his movements as disciplined as a soldier despite his ragged appearance.
Leon's eyes remained sharp. "Well? What's happening in the city?"
Ronan nodded. "Everything runs smoothly, my lord. Trade, security, patrols—nothing unusual on the surface. But..."
Leon caught the hesitation immediately. He leaned forward slightly. "But?"
Ronan's expression grew grim. "A group arrived yesterday. Foreigners. Their presence is... unusual. They did not register at the main gate, and their attire and behavior do not match any known noble faction or merchant caravan. They move as if searching for something, but they speak to no one. Silent. Focused. Suspicious Observing key locations. Following patrols."
Leon's eyes sharpened. "You're saying they could be more than they appear?"
Ronan nodded. "I suspect they're spy of neighboring kingdom."
Leon leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming the armrest. A cold thought passed through his mind.
If they're spies and up to something, it could get bad...and getting involved could be lethal.
If in his place former Leon have, he would've crushed threats like these without blinking. He had been a Grandmaster realm cultivator. But now... this body, though noble in blood, was empty of power. His former cultivation was gone, drained entirely in process to heal his body and he was a mortal now, fragile and easy target. Neither Aria nor Rias had realized it—Aria, though loyal, was only a Master realm cultivator and could not sense the subtle differences of the higher stages. And Rias... that girl was still at the peak of the Novice realm.
"Keep a close watch," Leon said firmly, his voice cold and crisp. "If they act—anything—report to me immediately. No hesitation."
Darin bowed again. "As you command."
He turned and left without another word, disappearing beyond the heavy doors like a shadow returning to the dark.
As the door clicked shut, Leon exhaled and leaned back with a deep sigh.
"So even in this life, peace won't come easily..."
He sighs and aside the thought then, his golden eyes flicked to Aria, who was already looking at him. Her gaze met his, calm and composed, but her flushed cheeks betrayed the flicker of memory still fresh between them.
He raised a brow, smirking. "What are you standing there for? Come here."
Aria's cheeks deepened in colour, but she didn't move.
"My lord," she said in a voice that tried to be stern but trembled slightly, "you still have several documents to review. The city's development budget and zoning approvals require your signature before tomorrow's official meeting."
Leon groaned and leaned his head back dramatically. "Can't it wait?"
She shook her head, lips pressed together in mild embarrassment. "Unfortunately, no."
"Who knew being a Duke meant drowning in paperwork..." he muttered under his breath. "This work is so boring,"
Still, he straightened, reached for the nearest scroll, and opened it with a resigned sigh. Aria stepped forward, taking her place beside him, her fingers occasionally brushing his as she pointed out details.
Still, he straightened up with a dramatic sigh, pulled the nearest scroll toward him, and began reading.
Aria handed him a quill with a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips—just barely there. Leon caught it.
And so, with parchment stacked high and the scent of ink and wax filling the study, Duke Leon Eldrin buried himself once more in the dull but necessary duties of Dukeship.