In the plaza of Mondstadt.
A tall platform had been erected, and groups of Lawrence family members were being escorted onto it.
On the platform stood a guillotine.
The knowledge Leon brought to this world wasn't limited to business, technology, or medicine—he also occasionally introduced things far less "wonderful", such as torture devices.
"Don't kill me! I don't want to die yet!"
"Someone! Someone help me!"
"I'm a noble! If any of you dare touch me—no, stay away! Ahhhhh!"
With each drop of the guillotine blade…
The heads of the guilty were severed, one after another, almost without pause.
Despite the brutality and gore, the crowd cheered and applauded with every decapitated head.
The pain these nobles endured wasn't even a tenth of the suffering they had inflicted. But seeing them beg for their lives—only to be killed anyway—was more than enough to satisfy the people.
"Humans truly are such simple creatures."
Leon was seated in the stands, not far from the platform, with an empty chair beside him. Jean was supposed to be there—after all, the Lionfang Knight had just been promoted to Duchess.
This city had become her territory. And as a daughter of the Gunnhildr family, she was expected to witness the downfall of her mortal enemies—the Lawrence family.
But unfortunately…
The Gunnhildr sisters were still exhausted from the night before and were resting in Leon's bed.
Suddenly, Leon noticed someone hidden within the crowd.
"Oh? She actually came."
His eyes lit up.
He sensed an unfamiliar magical presence, and when he looked around, he saw a cloaked figure. Despite the cape, her curves made it obvious she was a woman.
But of course, a simple cloak couldn't block Leon's vision. He summoned a breeze toward the woman, lifting her hood just enough to reveal her identity.
He immediately noticed her short, ice-blue hair.
She appeared to be biting her lip, tears falling from her eyes.
Eula Lawrence.
Daughter of the Lawrence family patriarch… and soon, its only surviving member.
"Your Highness, shall we apprehend her?"
"She can't escape from this distance."
The two knights standing beside Leon—Asuna and Alice—had already placed their hands on their swords, ready to strike.
But Leon shook his head.
"There's no need. As long as she doesn't try to save them, we don't need to worry about her. Actually… I rather like that girl."
"Huh? Then shall we detain her and deliver her to Your Highness's quarters tonight?"
"Asuna… do I look like that kind of man to you?"
Leon's lips twitched, and he rolled his eyes.
Sure, this girl named Eula Lawrence had an incredible figure and a strikingly beautiful face—not inferior to Jean's. She matched his aesthetic perfectly, or rather, she was exactly his type. But even he had his limits. How could he force a girl into doing something against her will?
He had the entire Night Raid—over 700 girls who would do anything to spend a night with him.
If he wanted her, he'd go to her himself, charm her properly, and ask for her affection willingly.
But…
That would probably be impossible. After all, Eula Lawrence was likely the only girl in the world who couldn't fall in love with him.
At this very moment, her entire family was being executed by his order.
"It's a bit surprising that you're willing to let her go. I thought you'd eliminate every potential threat," said Alice, hand still resting on her sword.
"Normally, I would. Removing the roots is the greatest form of respect one can give to an enemy. But…"
He looked up at Eula's tearful, grief-stricken face and smirked slightly.
"She's… different. Born into a corrupted and evil household like the Lawrences, yet she still managed to preserve a kind heart. She severed ties with her family years ago and now lives alone on the outskirts of Mondstadt."
Because of her surname, no matter where she goes, she is met with exclusion, discrimination, and fear.
Her family name has made the world hate her.
And yet, she never gave in.
It's rare for someone to emerge from such filth without getting stained. She is the only innocent one among the Lawrences.
"As expected of Your Highness."
Eula, in the crowd, had no idea she had already been noticed.
But at that moment, her attention was fully on the stage. Watching her family members taken to the guillotine one by one, she felt something no one else could understand.
She didn't try to intervene or rescue anyone, because deep down… she knew.
Her family was entirely to blame for what had happened.
Everyone who died today was wicked and sinful.
In truth, dying this way was a mercy.
"Goodbye… Father. Mother. Uncle… From now on, I will carry the Lawrence name alone."
After seeing the final head fall, Eula wiped her tears away and walked toward the city outskirts with heavy, yet resolute steps.
She had run through the night to reach Mondstadt after learning her family was to be executed.
But not to save them—just to see them one last time.
Though she hated her family…
The Lawrence family had also been ashamed of her.
But in the end, they were bound by blood.
The execution ended, and the crowd dispersed. The people were eager for a brighter future and continued their work to rebuild Mondstadt.
"You made a wise decision. Keep going that way."
A sudden voice behind her startled Eula.
She turned sharply and saw Leon standing there, shocked.
After all, everyone in the Magic Kingdom knew what Leon looked like.
For a moment, Eula Lawrence thought he had come to arrest her… and send her to the guillotine as well.
"Don't be so nervous. I was simply curious to see what the only good person from the Lawrence family looked like."
"Your Highness… are you here to arrest me?"
"Of course not. In fact, I admire you. There aren't many people these days who can walk through the mud without getting dirty."
The conversation was… awkward.
But naturally so. He had ordered the execution of her entire family. Even if he wasn't wrong to do so, the two of them stood on opposite sides.
A girl whose family had been wiped out, left all alone.
And the boy who had given the order for their annihilation.
The fact that they could even speak like this was already a miracle.
"Hmm… very well, let's make this clear. I will forgive whatever rude thing you're about to say. No matter what it is, I swear on my honor that I won't punish you for it."
Leon said after a moment of silence.
Eula stood frozen for a moment. Her hand tightened around her sword as she glanced at the execution platform still soaked in the blood of her kin. She clenched her teeth, her eyes flashing with emotion.
And then, she spoke:
"I will never forget this grudge!"
(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."