Outside the towering iron gates of the Palisson estate, Leopold stood with his arms folded, the edge of his cloak fluttering in the cool night breeze. His steel-gray hair glinted faintly beneath the manalamps, and his pickle-green eyes were sharp, fixed ahead with little patience.
In time, three figures emerged from the manor, their dark garments rustling softly, masks concealing their identities. The one in the fanged mask walked at the forefront, silent and evidently skilled.
Leopold pushed off the wall and stepped forward. His gaze immediately locked onto the masked man. "I knew it," he said, his voice low but certain. "That aura—I've felt it before. And the golden chains inside… they're your doing, aren't they?"
The masked man tilted his head slightly. "Can you be trusted?"
"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't," Leopold replied.
Golden pupils flickered behind the mask. Then, with a single motion, the man's hand reached up—and the mask dematerialized like mist.
Leopold's eyes widened. "You… you're the kid who saved Blazin and me from the Armored Arachnid."
His jaw tightened slightly as he took in the youthful face beneath. "I knew I recognized that aura… and those golden chains. But wait—" he furrowed his brow. "You possess the same mana signature as Lady Sophia. And the frost magic… it's nearly identical."
Instead of answering, Daisuke gave a small smirk. A swirl of light overtook his body, and in the next second, Sophia stood before him.
Leopold took a reflexive step back, blinking. "By the gods… incredible."
"You have quite the talent for observation," Daisuke remarked.
Leopold gave a dry chuckle, though his eyes were still filled with confusion. "A trained eye. But I have to ask—are you really part of the Absolution Guild?"
Daisuke's expression shifted. "Not exactly," he replied calmly. "But I do work for someone just as influential."
Just then, the other two individuals quietly removed their masks.
Leopold's gaze snapped to them—and when he saw her face, he dropped to one knee at once. "Princess Lumielle…! You're alive…"
Lumielle's lips curled into a faint smile. "There's no need for protocol tonight, Sir Leopold. But we should leave this place before our identities are revealed to others."
"I have a carriage nearby," the man offered quickly. "It's waiting outside the southern hedgerow. We can use that to get back to the outer city."
The group nodded, and within moments, they were inside a sleek, enclosed black carriage. The wheels rumbled softly as they began their journey through the winding cobblestone streets.
Inside, the magic circle etched into the ceiling glowed faintly, sealing the interior with a soundproof enchantment.
"We're safe to talk here," Leopold reassured, tapping the cabin wall. "No one outside will hear a word."
Lumielle gave a nod of approval, and all three removed their masks once more.
Leopold glanced between them. "Based on what you said in the ballroom, I think I've pieced together what's happening in the palace. But if I may… since you're disguised as members of the Absolution Guild, I take it you didn't actually commission them?"
"No," Lumielle confirmed. "We needed their reputation. Just the name is enough to send waves of panic through the guilty. If we can provoke them into making mistakes, it'll be easier to isolate and interrogate them."
"I see," Leopold muttered. "Smart."
"We're getting close," Lyndoria added. "We just haven't uncovered the ringleader yet… but we will. It's only a matter of time."
Leopold fell into a contemplative silence. His mind returned to Palisson's words—how the Mhaledictus would've eventually killed Lord Alaric regardless of Ignatius's actions. His jaw clenched. "Then allow me to help. I'll keep watch over any suspects you detain and assist with their interrogations. We'll dig out the truth together."
Lumielle and Lyndoria exchanged a glance, unspoken agreement in their eyes.
Daisuke gave a quiet nod.
"We would appreciate that," Lumielle said sincerely. "Lyndoria will fill you in on the finer details."
"Good," Leopold replied. Then his gaze drifted back to the silver-haired youth. "But before that… I've been wondering something."
Daisuke raised an eyebrow.
"You're the most powerful person I've ever met at such a young age," Leopold said bluntly. "But it's not just power. There's… something else behind your blades. Conviction. I want to know—what drives you? Beyond the royal family. Beyond the kingdom. What is it you're really fighting for?"
Daisuke's gaze lowered for a moment. Then he looked up, his voice sincere. "I want to build a place… a real place… where people without money, without family, without safety—don't have to live in fear. A utopia free of discrimination and cruelty, where the weak and underprivileged don't get crushed just because they can't afford to exist. Or because they're different."
Leopold's eyes widened.
In that moment, the boy's face overlapped in his mind with another—a memory of Lord Alaric, eyes lit with the same fire.
"…A utopia," Leopold whispered. He leaned back, visibly moved. "That's… an admirable ambition."
He gave a nod of respect. "Perhaps you're the storm this kingdom has been waiting for."
Daisuke smirked and extended a hand. "Last time we crossed paths, I said we'd probably never meet again. Looks like I was wrong. The name's Haxks. Welcome aboard."
"Leopold," the former commander replied with a grin, firmly grasping his hand. "The pleasure's mine."