The great hall of Herald Manor fell silent except for the soft crackling of the fireplace. Lord Herald sat behind his massive oak desk, his weathered hands folded as he processed what had just occurred. Lady Herald stood beside him, her elegant face pale with shock. Between them, two manor guards held the unconscious Freya, her black hair disheveled and her green eyes closed.
Leroy stood near the ornate windows, his white hair catching the afternoon sunlight. The purple in his eyes seemed deeper now, more vibrant than before. Lisa remained close to him, her blue eyes still wide with disbelief at how quickly everything had changed.
"I cannot believe..." Lord Herald began, his voice heavy with sorrow. "My own daughter... attempted murder." He looked up at Leroy, and there was genuine pain in his eyes. "Leroy, my boy, I am so deeply sorry. As her father, I bear responsibility for this."
"Father Herald," Leroy said softly, using the name he had called him since childhood. "You couldn't have known. Freya hid her true feelings well."
Lady Herald wiped tears from her eyes. "We treated her with the same love we gave you. I don't understand where such hatred came from."
The blue text appeared in Leroy's vision again:
**[System Update: Relationship Status Changed]**
*Herald Family Trust: Significantly Increased*
*Lord Herald: Deep Gratitude + Paternal Pride*
*Lady Herald: Maternal Protectiveness + Remorse*
Rebecca entered the hall carrying a silver tray with tea and medical supplies. Her red eyes were still concerned as she glanced between everyone present. "My lord, my lady," she said with a respectful bow. "Should I prepare a room for Lady Lisa to rest? This has been quite traumatic."
"Thank you, Rebecca," Lady Herald said, regaining her composure. "Please prepare the Blue Rose guest suite. Lisa will be staying with us longer than originally planned."
Lisa looked surprised. "Staying longer?"
Lord Herald nodded gravely. "My dear, after what happened today, we cannot simply continue with formal engagement procedures as if nothing occurred. You nearly died in our home." He paused, studying both young people. "I believe you both need time to process these events properly."
Harry Von Duncan, who had been quietly observing from his chair, finally spoke. "Herald, I agree completely. Lisa, you will remain here as our honored guest. The engagement can proceed naturally, without the pressure of formal ceremonies." His blue eyes, so similar to his daughter's, showed approval as he looked at Leroy. "Young man, you have shown tremendous courage and character today."
**[System Notification: Mission Complete!]**
*Primary Objective: Save Lisa from assassination - SUCCESS*
*Bonus Objective: Gain family trust - SUCCESS*
*Bonus Objective: Eliminate immediate threats - SUCCESS*
*Rewards Calculating...*
*+15 Strength*
*+10 Speed*
*+20 Mana Capacity*
*New Ability Unlocked: Enhanced Physical Reflexes*
*Affection Points: Lisa +50, Rebecca +25, Herald Parents +30*
The power surge was gentler this time, flowing through Leroy's body like warm sunlight. He felt his muscles become more defined, his reflexes sharper, and a strange energy building within him that he didn't yet understand.
"Guards," Lord Herald commanded, "take Freya to the secure chambers beneath the east wing. Post watch at all times. We will decide her fate once we've had time to think clearly."
As the guards carried Freya away, her eyes fluttered open for a moment. Even in defeat, there was still hatred in her gaze as she looked at Leroy. "This... isn't over..." she whispered weakly before losing consciousness again.
Lady Herald shuddered. "Such venom, even now."
Once Freya was gone, the atmosphere in the room became less tense. Rebecca approached Leroy with the medical supplies. "Young master, you should let me check for injuries. That... whatever happened during the attack was quite intense."
"I'm fine, Rebecca," Leroy assured her, though he allowed her to examine his hands where he had somehow channeled unknown power. "Actually, I feel better than I have in years."
Lisa stepped closer, her blue eyes studying Leroy's face with curiosity. "What you did back there... I've never seen anything like it. You haven't even had your awakening ceremony yet, but somehow you produced that incredible energy." She paused, looking puzzled. "How is that possible?"
**[System Alert: Lisa's Curiosity Increasing]**
*Suspicion Level: Low*
*Attraction Level: Growing*
*Trust Level: High*
Leroy realized he needed to be careful. The system's power was obviously beyond anything normal people could do, especially someone who hadn't awakened their class yet. Lisa was intelligent enough to notice something unusual was happening.
"I honestly don't know," he said, which was partially true. "When I saw you in danger, something just... awakened inside me. Maybe extreme situations can trigger early manifestations of power?"
Harry Von Duncan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "There are ancient legends of individuals whose magical potential manifests during life-threatening situations, even before formal awakening. It's incredibly rare, but not unheard of." He looked at Leroy with interest. "Young man, your awakening ceremony next month may reveal something quite extraordinary."
This explanation seemed to satisfy everyone present. Lord Herald smiled proudly. "Awakened early or not, what matters is that our son showed true character today. He risked his life for another without hesitation."
Rebecca finished her examination and stepped back. "No injuries, young master. Your skin actually looks healthier than before." She paused, then added quietly, "I'm proud of you. The way you protected Lady Lisa... it was very brave."
The simple praise from his loyal maid meant more to Leroy than he expected. In the original game, Rebecca had been just background scenery, but now he could see she was a genuine person with her own thoughts and feelings.
"Rebecca," he said, "you've taken care of me for five years. Thank you for always being there."
Her red eyes widened in surprise. The original Leroy had never thanked her for anything. A small smile crossed her face. "It's been my honor, young master."
Lady Herald clapped her hands together. "Well then, I believe this calls for a proper celebration dinner. Not only has our son shown incredible bravery, but he's also awakened some form of power before his ceremony. Rebecca, please inform the kitchen staff to prepare our finest meal."
"Of course, my lady." Rebecca bowed and headed toward the kitchen.
As she left, Lisa moved to stand beside one of the tall windows overlooking the manor gardens. The late afternoon sun painted everything in golden light, making her blonde hair seem to glow.
"Leroy," she said softly, not turning around. "In all honesty, I was terrified about this engagement. Arranged marriages rarely lead to happiness, and I barely knew you. But today..." She turned to face him, and there was something new in her blue eyes. "Today you risked your life for mine without hesitation. That tells me more about your character than months of formal courtship could."
**[System Update: Relationship Milestone Reached]**
*Lisa Von Duncan: Trust Established*
*Relationship Status: From Strangers to Allies*
*Future Romance Potential: Unlocked*
Lord Herald beamed as he watched the two young people. "Perhaps some good has come from this terrible day after all. Lisa, you are welcome to stay at Herald Manor as long as you wish. Consider this your second home."
"Thank you, Lord Herald. I think I would like that very much."
Harry Von Duncan nodded approvingly. "This arrangement works well. Lisa can become familiar with manor life, and we can observe if young Leroy's early power manifestation continues to develop before his official awakening."
As the adults continued discussing arrangements, Leroy found himself looking out at the gardens where everything had changed. Just hours ago, he had been a weak, doomed character waiting for an early death. Now he had a system that could make him stronger, a family that truly cared for him, and the beginning of what might become genuine relationships.
But even as he felt grateful for these changes, he knew this was only the beginning. Somewhere in this world, Leon was continuing his destructive path, leaving broken heroines in his wake. The system had awakened because there were others who needed saving.
The blue text appeared one more time:
**[New Mission Available]**
*Heroine in Danger: Aria Nightshade*
*Location: Royal Academy of Magic*
*Time Limit: 30 Days*
*Threat Level: High*
*Description: The shadow elf assassin faces execution for crimes she didn't commit while Leon abandons her to her fate.*
*Accept Mission? Y/N*
Leroy looked at Lisa, who was now chatting comfortably with Lady Herald about manor life, and then at the mission prompt. His awakening ceremony was still a month away, but he already had one mission complete and another waiting. His new life was just beginning, and there were more people who needed help.
He mentally selected "Y" and felt the familiar warmth of the system's acknowledgment.
The real adventure was just starting.