After Dusk
In a luxurious room.
Leon sat lazily in a soft chair, admiring the moonlight with a glass in his hand. The red wine swirled in the cup, glimmering like a ruby in his grasp.
"Master, everything is going as you expected.
Princess Alexia has been kidnapped.
We've already located all the local fortresses."
Three beautiful girls wearing slime suits silently entered through the window. They knelt before Leon with deep reverence, lowered their heads, and reported the situation.
"Raise your heads."
"Yes, Master." ×3
They only lifted their heads after receiving permission.
The three girls looked at him like devout nuns gazing at their god, their eyes filled with love and admiration.
They knew very well that the seemingly defenseless figure before them was actually beyond reach—more distant and exalted than anything else. Under Leon's proud and noble demeanor, even the ordinary chair he sat in looked like a throne.
"How is Alexia?"
"Although her movements are restricted, there is no threat to her safety nor any sign of torture. It seems the Service doesn't want anything to happen to her."
Now that almost all the girls with [demonic possession] had been rescued by Night Raid, Alexia had become a rare asset for the Service.
"Is someone watching her now?"
"Yes, Master. Shino is preparing her weapon."
"Tell Shino that Alexia's life must be preserved at all costs—but don't alarm the members of the Service. Only small fish have bitten the bait so far. The big ones haven't shown up yet."
"As ordained."
Leon gave the order without a hint of expression. Although Alexia was being used as bait, he had no intention of abandoning her. After all, she had been doing quite well recently.
For now, she'd have to endure being trapped—but it was just a slightly more uncomfortable lodging for one night.
As a descendant of a hero that the Service had spent years trying to capture, her captors would likely have to feed her well—let alone harm her.
"Go and notify Gamma. Get ready for battle."
"Yes, Master."
"Has she returned?"
"Yes. Master Alpha returned the day before yesterday."
"Tell her to come to my room tomorrow."
"Yes!"
After speaking, Leon waved his hand, signaling that they could leave.
The three women immediately bowed again and then disappeared without a trace, as if they had never been there, closing the windows as they left.
It was only once they were outside Leon's mansion that the three girls let out a breath of relief, relaxed their tense nerves, and began chatting like fangirls meeting their idol, cheeks flushed with excitement.
"For sure, our Master is the most beautiful man alive!"
"He was just sitting there, but he radiated pure majesty!"
They no longer looked like the elite, well-trained agents from moments ago—but that was just how all Night Raid girls were.
Meeting Leon was a great honor. The three women were bursting with excitement as they gushed about him.
"It's so great to be chosen to report the mission! I have to thank Shino-sama later!"
One girl clasped her hands together gratefully.
"I'm so jealous of Master Alpha... If only I could be summoned to Master's room... Kyaa, I can't stop thinking about it!"
Another girl cupped her face, already lost in a daydream.
"Don't let your perverted fantasies taint your thoughts! Master and Master Alpha are probably just discussing plans to destroy the Service."
One of them replied, a look of reverence on her face.
"I know, but... I still think the two of them make a great couple."
"I feel the same!!" ×2
Most regular Night Raid members were constantly aware of the distance between themselves and Leon, and they held deep respect for the Seven Shadows who had met him and received their powers from him.
As a result, they all unconsciously believed that, as the founders of Night Raid, Leon and Alpha were a perfect match.
Unbeknownst to them, Leon could easily hear everything they were saying—but he simply pretended not to notice.
"They've finally decided to make their move... how exciting..."
He downed the rest of his wine in one sip, narrowed his eyes, and licked his lips.
"You've been hiding for so many years... Now watch me destroy everything you've built."
In the past, while he was in Palettia, Leon had refrained from showing off his power too openly, not wanting to stir things up in his home kingdom.
But now things were different. He was in another land.
Leon no longer intended to hide his strength.
The Next Day...
Leon acted as if nothing had happened and went to school as usual, with Euphie Noelle by his side.
"Prince Leon, may I have a word?"
During lunch, Zenon appeared with several members of the knights, approaching Leon with a serious expression. The tense atmosphere confused the students around them.
"Hmm? What's the issue?"
"Princess Alexia has been missing since yesterday. According to our investigation, she was with you all day yesterday, correct?"
As he spoke, the knights stepped in front of and around Leon, emanating hostility.
"So what?"
Leon calmly finished his last bite, dropped the cutlery, picked up a napkin, and wiped his mouth.
Zenon frowned. Leon's composed attitude was far beyond what he had expected. Even now, Leon hadn't looked at him once.
"While this may be a misunderstanding, we have eyewitnesses claiming that you kidnapped Princess Alexia. Would you please come with us to assist with the investigation?"
"I refuse," Leon replied bluntly.
He still hadn't even glanced at them directly. His arrogant stance made Zenon and the others turn pale. Their hands moved to grip the hilts of their swords.
"Even if you are a prince here for exchange and study, this concerns the princess of our kingdom."
"If you cooperate, nothing will happen."
"But if you don't cooperate..."
"This could escalate into a diplomatic incident between our kingdoms."
"For the sake of the princess, we may be forced to use strength."
Zenon issued the threat precisely.
"Just you?"
Leon finally looked at Zenon and the others, his eyes full of mockery and disdain.
A rat dares to bare its teeth at a lion?
"Everyone, apprehend Prince Leon."
"Yes!" ×
The knights quickly drew their swords and glared at Leon with fierce expressions. They were Service agents planted within the knight ranks.
Their goal was to frame Leon.
If they could capture and assassinate a prince from another kingdom, it could spark a war between Palettia and Midgar.
However...
"Noelle. Euphie."
Leon called the names of the two women beside him.
"Your Highness, I will protect you!"
"I won't let them act recklessly."
There was no need for Leon to act alone—he had two powerful and beautiful guardian angels at his side.
Noelle drew her heavy sword and stepped in front of Leon.
Euphyllia unsheathed her rapier and moved to guard his back.
(End of Chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉
Finally, I am back and with good news, after spending the whole weekend overwhelmed with things to do, I finally finished everything and now I am on vacation. The glorious 'paid vacation'. I believe that now I will be able to write everything without delay, unfortunately Saturday and Sunday are still out of the question due to other responsibilities I have on those days.