Even though she didn't know what he was planning… Alexia didn't want to hear it.
Without a word, she raised her hand and gently tapped Leon's chest. Her eyes, filled with uncertainty, met his with a faint glimmer of hope. Her cheeks, however, were flushed—a silent confession of feelings she still couldn't fully comprehend.
It was, in a way, an escape from reality.
But even if running away is a coward's act… sometimes, it's the only way forward.
(I don't want to hate him…)
That thought echoed in her mind.
It was the first time she had fallen in love. A fragile, new, and strange feeling. A love still crawling—directionless, full of doubt, with no promises—but one that made her heart race.
Yes, she had fallen for Leon.
But how could she make him return her feelings? How could she capture the heart of someone so distant, so… unreachable?
The voice of doubt whispered deep within her soul:
(Give up. There are so many girls around him who are far better than you. He belongs to another world.)
But then, amidst the chaos in her mind, another voice—stubborn and defiant—shouted:
(Give up? Now? The Princess of Midgar fell in love for the first time, and she's just going to throw it all away? Besides… things are going well. The distance between us has lessened, hasn't it?)
From classmates to subordinate. From formal exchanges to personal moments. The barrier between them was crumbling, little by little.
Leon had once read something curious in his previous life:
"The difference in status between two people is an invisible barrier in love. Especially the difference in spiritual status. When one is far above the other, the weaker one may end up becoming just a flatterer."
But Alexia didn't seem to care. Even with her pride wounded, she accepted that feeling with unexpected humility.
Leon remained silent for a moment, surprised. Then, with a gentle gesture, he lifted his hand and touched the princess's silver hair.
"I understand. I'll keep it from you… for the rest of your life. You'll never know."
"Mhm…"
She nodded. A bitter smile escaped her lips. She had thought that being in love made people foolish… and she was right. But she never imagined she would do something like this.
And yet, with just a simple touch of Leon's hand on her head, her heart raced.
Love was the most dangerous poison in the world… and the worst part was falling for the person who was the hardest to reach.
"It's almost time. Your sister is coming with the knights. You know what to say… and what to hide, right?"
"Leave it to me."
Alexia replied seriously. When it came to her sister—who was never very good at reading the room—her wits were her greatest weapon. Lying naturally was a skill she had mastered long ago.
Leon nodded, satisfied.
If Iris had inherited the talent with the sword, Alexia had inherited the brains and emotional control.
Soon, he opened a spatial door and left with Sinon, disabling the barrier around them.
"Alexia! I finally found you!"
"Sister… Sister…"
"You're okay! That's all that matters! Everything is fine now!"
Iris ran up to her and wrapped her in a tight hug. The warrior, always so confident, finally looked relieved.
Alexia returned the hug, burying her face in her sister's shoulder. For the first time since it all began… she felt like herself again.
Even though it was a personal decision… Alexia was still surprised. The change in her life had been as sudden as it was overwhelming. And for now, she could only accept the reality in front of her as best she could.
Iris, on the other hand, interpreted her sister's expression as a silent plea for comfort. Moved, she tightened the embrace around the silver-haired princess, thinking Alexia needed protection.
"Big sister…"
"Hm? What is it, Alexia?"
"Wait for me… I'm going to defeat you soon!"
"…"
That's all you have to say?!
The corner of Iris's eye twitched violently. The atmosphere had been perfect—tender, emotional. And then, out of nowhere, Alexia throws a challenge?! She didn't even bother to acknowledge her older sister's feelings or concerns!
Typical.
---
In the days that followed, the Kingdom of Midgar plunged into a storm of investigations. After all, the attack had been a colossal event. However, as expected from shadowy organizations like the Cult of Diablos and Night Raid, they didn't leave evidence so easily.
The inquiry's conclusions were frustratingly vague.
Alexia revealed only two names: [Cult of Diablos] and [Night Raid]. Still, that was enough to send scholars into a frenzy and nobles whispering at private dinners.
At the bottom of the massive crater left by Leon's final technique, all they managed to retrieve were some ancient relics and magical artifacts—fragments of a bigger puzzle no one could solve.
To make matters worse, the damage to the royal capital was extensive. Houses destroyed, streets in ruins, and a number of traumatized civilians. Reconstruction became an absolute priority.
But with scarce supplies, help had to come from outside. The solution? The two queens of commerce.
Gamma: — "Borrow, borrow~!"
Ning Guang: — "Here you go, here you go~!"
And so, the commercial territories of the Mitsugoshi and Tianquan Chambers expanded even further. While the reconstruction of Midgar progressed, the silent control of the underground economy was already in Leon's hands.
Behind the chaos, two women were already planning their next moves.
"We don't need to stay here anymore, do we? This kingdom is already completely in his hands…"
---
A few days later.
"Although the investigation is still ongoing, Alexia has officially declared that the true culprit behind the kidnapping was… Zenon Griffey."
"I never imagined the sword instructor was involved with the [Cult of Diablos]... I sincerely apologize for all the trouble we caused you."
In Leon's quiet mansion, Iris had come in person to apologize. She bowed precisely 90 degrees—the very image of noble humility.
She didn't suspect Leon. Not one bit.
Not only had Alexia omitted any mention of him, but Leon also had an alibi for that night. He had used his spatial magic to bring in C.C., who was incredibly good at pretending to be him.
All suspects were cleared.
But of course, Leon wouldn't miss the chance to make the most of the situation.
"You know, princess… an apology alone isn't enough. Your knights really tried to kill me. Without fair compensation, this could stain your kingdom's reputation. And frankly, I don't know if I can forgive that so easily…"
With a dramatic sigh, he leaned back on the luxurious sofa, crossing his legs like a truly wronged victim. Iris, ashamed, kept her head down.
"I understand. If possible, I'd like you to come to the palace. Discreetly. My father wishes to resolve this matter away from the public eye… and he's willing to offer generous compensation and a formal apology."
"You're asking me to negotiate secretly with the King of Midgar?"
"Yes…"
Iris replied, almost whispering.
The nighttime attack had caused irreparable damage—economically and politically. If more details came to light, the Kingdom of Midgar could be pressured by other nations, especially Palettia, due to the incident with Leon.
The king wanted to settle everything away from the spotlight. A quiet conversation. A silent reparations deal. Saving the nation's face was more important than pointing fingers in public.
Leon, internally, could barely contain his smile.
How convenient.
He had been looking for a reason to get closer to the king… and now, the king himself was inviting him to a private negotiation. In a space where no spies could listen.
It was the perfect opportunity.
Leon slowly raised his hand… and touched his left eye. The Geass pulsed—silent and ready to make anyone obey.
The game… had begun.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."