The King’s Summons [Part-2]
In a matter of minutes, the quiet cadence of steps attracted notice once more.
They all turn as one and then, their eyes go wide.
Coming down the stairs now was a changed Leon. His messy locks were now neatly slicked back. A black robe of kingship, with subtle golden threading, hugged his frame like royalty itself had cut out the fabric.
Sunlight streamed through the window and shed a divine radiance across his face, enhancing his already fatal charm. He was a legendary noble—regal, assured, magnetic.
All five women blinked—enchanted by his charm. A subtle breath swept through the room as if the letting go of tension they hadn’t even known they were carrying.
Leon raised an eyebrow with laughter as he caught their glances and smiled. Without comment, he strode down to the dining table, and when he came to the end of it, he clicked his fingers in the air.
The spell was broken.
The women blinked at the same time, a silent exhalation moving through the room like the release of pent-up energy.
"Hm," Leon laughed. "Still under the spell of my charm, ladies?"
Rias smiled, unruffled. "And what’s wrong with that, Daddy?"
"Right on," Syra added, grinning. "Let us gaze in peace."
Aria laid a napkin across her lap. "The more we gaze, the better we like."
Cynthia and Kyra laughed, nodding.
Leon laughed, drawing out his chair at the table’s head. "Thanks for the flattery, my lovelies. Now... let’s dine.".
A gentle ripple of laughter crept around the table, their previous silence giving way to warmth.
The ornate lids on the platters were lifted. Shreds of fragrant steam curled upwards as heat emanated from the plates. Due to the magical runes etched into the middle of the dining table, the food stayed impeccably hot and fresh.
Freshly baked bread, golden honey-glazed pastries, roasted duck covered in herbs, and a bowl of white rice served with flavorful stew.
The wives gently put food on Leon’s plate, their hands soft and delicate, like ceremonial gestures of affection. Leon’s chest felt warm with the sight. A gentle smile pulled at his mouth as he watched them.
Soon, they filled their own plates, and the quiet clinking of cutlery began. Though they wished for leisure, time was short—and they ate quickly, savoring every bite with a hint of urgency.
Midway through breakfast, Rias spoke up about her plan to him, "Daddy... after breakfast, I’d like to take Aria, Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra with me to the Princess’s Palace."
Leon didn’t debate or even question. He just nodded. "Good decision. I’ll be at the king palace as well—I don’t know when I’ll be able to leave there. Take them with you. Don’t let them get bored here."
Without further ado, their fast breakfast resumed.
When Leon’s plate at last was clean and napkins refolded, he stood up with a friendly smile. "Now then, ladies... I take my leave."
"Go ahead, dear," Rias smiled, with several bites remaining on her plate. "We’ll leave after we’re finished eating breakfast." And other smiled in agreement.
He stepped along beside both wives, bending to brush a gentle, lingering kiss onto their cheeks. The move was sweet—unhurried—as if he was saving the heat of their touch for when the day took him away.
"And don’t miss me too much, okay?" he remarked with a soft smile, voice being playful but endearing.
Syra placed both hands on her heart, swaying slightly. "Too late. I already miss you, my love..."
Leon let out a chuckle, clicking his tongue lightly. "Tsk, tsk... looks like someone’s craving discipline."
She raised her chin with a teasing pout. "Heartless man..."
He leaned forward with a sly smile. "Then let this ruthless man earn it back for you tonight, my lady."
Her lips spread wide in a smile. "Mmm... you might get that privilege—if you beg nicely."
Their teasing produced a circle of gentle laughter from the others. It wasn’t boisterous—just warm, mutual laughter that filled the morning air.
Cynthia shook her head with a warm smile. "All right, you two—teasing is for tonight. And don’t forget, sweetie, you’ve got a meeting with the royal princess to attend."
"Oh—right!" Leon smiled wickedly. "My fault."
He waved with a roguish grin. "Take care, my sweethearts."
"Take care, darling," they said in unison, almost in harmony—each one keeping his eyes on his a fraction of a second longer than necessary, as if not wanting to release it.
Outside, the sun beat high. Captain Arin and Captain Black stood outside the entrance, speaking in hushed tones. Guards stood at the perimeter in disciplined lines.
As Leon came into sight, all the guards turned, saluting with a swift bow.
"Rise," he told them calmly.
They did as they were told.
Leon approached both captains, moving steadily and calmly.
He turned to Arin with an air that was calm but commanding. "Let’s go, Captain Arin. We shouldn’t keep His Majesty waiting."
Yes, my Lord Duke," Arin said, inclining his head minimally before falling into step beside him.
Captain Black gave one last, deferential bow. Leon responded with a slight nod.
Then the two captains shared a quick glance and a small nod of comprehension.
With nothing more, Leon moved forward, his black robe gleaming in morning light as he departed the grounds of the mansion with Captain Arin.
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The gentle warm light of morning sun fell upon Moonspire’s magnificent palace complex, bathing its white towers and shimmering banners in a golden light. Striding abreast down the sheen-ed stone walkway, a respectful hush fell between them, punctuated only by the rhythmic beat of their footsteps.
The royal palace of the Moonstone Kingdom in Moonspire occupied a grand 2 square kilometers of ground—its enormity a reflection of the kingdom’s prosperity and strength. The whole palace was separated into two separate halves: the Outer Palace and the Core Palace.
The Outer Palace, where Leon was currently staying, comprised some 1,200 square meters. This area was the kingdom’s diplomatic and aristocratic center. It entertained foreign delegations, visiting royalty, top-ranking nobles, and other high-level guests. Its courtyards buzzed with elegantly dressed courtiers, intricately groomed gardens, training grounds, and private residences such as the Moonwalker Guest Mansion. Numerous royal banquets, ceremonies, and public celebrations took place in the courtyards here—grand but still accessible to the upper levels of society.
But behind the Outer Palace was the Core Palace—a considerably more luxurious area. Covering the last 800 square meters, this innermost sanctum was reserved only for members of the royal family. Access to the Core Palace was closely guarded, day and night, and only members of the royal command—or those who were summoned—were ever admitted. It was within this core that the King conducted his court, where real power was wielded, alliances forged, and the future of the kingdom determined.
Leon and Captain Arin navigated quietly along the curving paths of the Outer Palace, their footsteps evoking glances from the guards and staff, though no one dared to stop them. With each step, however, a subtle change in the mood seeped in—less ceremonial, more somber. Along the stone path, colorful flower beds flared up, and the occasional breeze swept the far-off hum of life in the palace. It was an atmosphere that spoke not of fanfare but of reverence.
Upon a consistent ten-minute stroll, the two arrived at the front entrance to the Core Palace.
Before them stood a huge, arched gate of majestic proportions and craftsmanship. Its size and elegance were composed of reinforced moonsteel and enamelled in the royal blue and white hues of the kingdom. Silver-gilded vines and delicate engravings of former monarchs climbed its surface. The Moonstone symbol, a crescent moon that held a gem, shone resplendent at the arch’s center.
Two lines of top royal guards stood beside the gate on either side. They wore ceremonial black armor adorned with gold runes, motionless, their spears held high, their eyes unblinking. Not a single nonessential movement filtered through them—only silent obedience and vigilant presence.
Captain Arin eased back his stride, giving a sidelong look to Leon. The silent understanding went between them—they had arrived at the door now. The entrance to the heart of the realm had been reached.