"Curse on you!"
"You're the worst!"
"It's all your fault!"
"We can't be with you."
"Just die!"
The voices echoed endlessly inside his head.
"Aaghh, shut up!!"
Leo Julius Eros screamed against the tormenting words.
Leo Julius Eros—known by many as a man consumed by greed, hated and despised for it.
His eyes snapped open. He gasped as though waking from a nightmare, his right hand clutching his chest. His golden eyes trembled, his body shook, and sweat rolled down his skin.
"…What was that…?" Leo muttered, his own voice strangely unfamiliar.
He found himself in his large room decorated in white and trimmed with golden patterns like a noble's estate. He lay upon a grand bed of crimson sheets and white covers. Outside, birds chirped as the morning sun poured through the open window, the gentle wind brushing into the room.
Yet something was wrong.
His body felt unusually light. He slowly raised his hand—and froze. His skin was soft, delicate, and strangely… feminine.
"Huh…?"
He noticed that his long messy hair, seeing this, he was throwing the sheets aside, Leo moved his legs off the bed and stood up, unsteady as if his strength had been drained. He staggered toward the window. But the moment his eyes caught the reflection in the glass—
A girl.
Messy brown hair. Golden eyes dulled with exhaustion. Dark shadows beneath them. A face both weary and unfamiliar.
"Who is… she?" Leo whispered in confusion.
But the voice that left his lips was not his own. It was high, soft—undeniably feminine.
"W-What!?"
Panicking, Leo rushed to his desk, snatching the hand mirror from its surface. His trembling hands raised it to his face—
And what he saw was the same girl reflected back at him.
"Wha—!? This… this is… m-me!?" His golden eyes widened in shock, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"No… it can't be… That means… this girl is… me!?"
His reflection stared back—fear etched on a face that was no longer his.
That moment, the mirror slipped from Leo's trembling hand and shattered on the floor.
Cold sweat drenched his face.
He was no longer the Leo he once knew.
"N–No… how… why me…?"
His voice quivered as he staggered back from the broken mirror. His pale face twisted as if he had just seen a nightmare. His entire body trembled.
Then—he bolted.
He flung open the door and ran, his frantic footsteps echoing down the corridor. The spotless marble floor stretched endlessly, draped with a long crimson carpet. Tall candles glowed faintly from the upper floor, casting flickering shadows.
Yet Leo kept running.
"What is happening!? Why am I turning into a girl!? Is this a dream!?"
BAM!
"Ugh—agh!!!"
Leo collided headfirst into someone, and the two of them tumbled to the floor.
It was a maid.
She looked about eighteen or nineteen, with long snow–white hair tied neatly into a ponytail and jet–black eyes that gleamed with quiet sharpness. Her black–and–white uniform flowed elegantly, adorned with a single red rose pinned to her chest.
"Ow…" she groaned softly, holding her head where it struck the floor. Then, blinking, she looked at him with curiosity.
"…Huh? Who are you, miss?"
Leo froze.
Both of them scrambled to their feet.
"I… um…"
His lips quivered. Words refused to come out.
(How can I possibly tell her I'm Leo Julius Eros!?)
His golden eyes sharpened as they met hers.
The maid tilted her head slightly, studying him with intrigue.
"Do you happen to know of Master Leo Julius Eros?" she asked, stepping closer, her tone curious.
"Oh—y–yeah! Haha, of course I do!" Leo forced a smile, awkwardly scratching his head with his right hand. Sweat trickled down his cheek. "Master Leo… he called me here. But, uh, sorry, I really need to go!"
"…I see."
The maid's lips curled into a small smile.
"So you are Master's guest then."
She bowed lightly, her voice filled with grace.
"My apologies for the delay. I am Dalia, head maid of Master Leo Julius Eros. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"T–Thanks… so, I'll just… be going now. Goodbye."
His voice wavered as he turned to leave.
"Please have a wonderful day—ah, excuse me, miss!" Dalia suddenly called out.
Leo stopped, his heart skipping a beat.
"…Yes?" He looked back nervously.
"May I… know your name?"
Her black eyes glimmered with honest curiosity.
"Uhh…"
Leo exhaled sharply, then turned around with a newfound resolve.
"…I am Mion. A… friend of Leo's."
His tone was firm, his golden eyes flashing with confidence as a faint smirk touched his lips.
"I see. Thank you very much." Dalia smiled warmly, her voice soft. "I hope you'll visit again, Miss Mion. Have a wonderful day."
"Yeah. Of course." Leo smirked back. "I'll definitely be back, Dalia."
With that, he strode out of the mansion, in the mansion Dalia turned around with an eerie smile, and walked away to room.
The wide stone road bustled with life. Humans, Elves, Demons, and mixed-blood folk all walked side by side. Merchants rattled their carts along the way, children in academy uniforms hurried past with books in hand, and adventurers in flashy armor strutted with pride. Above them stretched a clear blue sky, while elegant houses lined the streets with noble grace.
On a shaded bench beneath a towering tree, Leo sat slouched forward.
"Uuhh… what did I even say back there? Mion? Damn it, of all things—I gave the worst name possible…"
He clutched his head with both hands, trembling as he ground his teeth. His expression twisted in sheer panic.
"And why didn't Dalia get suspicious of me? Does she really trust my so-called friends that much…?"
Lost in thought, Leo rose to his feet. It was then he realized the gazes—people around him had stopped to stare.
"Huh? W–Why are they looking at me like that?"
He forced a nervous smile and started walking, trying to escape the attention.
"HEY!!!"
A booming voice thundered from down the street.
Leo spun around, startled. "W–What was that? Who!?"
Through the crowd rode an imposing figure—an elegant man with jet-black hair tied into a long ponytail. Sharp light gray colour, age around twenty seven. He wore a red and gold-trimmed coat, a sash pinned with a golden star, and at his hip rested a gleaming sword striped in blue and gold. Mounted on a pure white horse, he radiated authority.
It was none other than Logen Bon Arnold, Captain of the Kingdom's Guard.
"Hey, you there, halt!"
The horse reared slightly as Logen pulled up before Leo.
"M–Me? Um, sir… did I do something wrong?" Leo stammered, panic rising.
Logen dismounted in a smooth motion, boots striking the ground with weight. He crossed his arms, studying Leo.
"Girl. Don't you know the laws of this kingdom? Why in the world are you walking the streets in… men's sleeping clothes?"
"Hhaaaah!?"
Leo froze, eyes wide. He looked down at himself—and his heart dropped.
"Shit! So that's why everyone was staring at me! I'm doomed!!!"
His face burned crimson, body trembling like a leaf.
"Hey? Are you alright?" Logen asked, his stern tone softening. Seeing the girl's panic, her gloomy expression, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.
"…She must be struggling with something." He sighed to himself.
"Fine. If you truly have no other clothes, I'll prepare some for you," he offered, voice clipped as though the matter annoyed him.
"Really!?"
Leo's eyes lit up, sparkling with relief. For a moment, the captain was taken aback by the pure, innocent joy in her gaze.
"…She's actually a good girl," Logen thought, watching her expression soften.
"Of course. As Captain, it's my duty to aid those in need," he said with dignity.
Leo narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him. Good… perhaps this man could help me lift my curse.
"Come. Let's go," Logen declared. Mounting his horse again, he extended a hand down toward her.
Leo hesitated only a moment before grasping it, letting him pull her up onto the saddle behind him.
I hope this will lead me to a clue…
And with that quiet prayer in her heart, Leo rode away beside the Captain of the Guard.
"Grab the rope tightly."
Logen's deep voice cut through the air.
"Okay."
Leo's tone was calm, but her grip on the rope was firm.
Logen pulled the reins, and the horse started moving forward, its hooves clattering against the stone road. A sharp neigh echoed as they rode.
"So… what's your name, miss?" Logen asked, glancing sideways at her.
"I… uh… I'm Mion." Leo's voice trembled slightly despite her attempt at composure.
At her words, Logen's eyes narrowed. Suspicion flickered across his face, subtle yet undeniable, as if he sensed a lie hidden beneath her calm exterior.
Minutes later, they arrived at a grand estate. Logen tugged the rope, and the horse came to a halt in front of a massive gate painted in crisp white with red stripes.
"This is my house," Logen said, eyes sweeping over the estate.
He dismounted first, and Leo followed. She couldn't help but gape at the surroundings.
"So this is… your house? It's huge," she breathed, impressed.
Logen chuckled, a soft and gentle sound. "Haha, thanks. Come with me."
Crossing the gate, Leo's eyes widened at the sight of a lush, vibrant flower garden. Servants moved gracefully among the blooms, carefully watering them under the afternoon sun.
Captain Logen's house… it's beautiful, Leo thought, her gaze narrowing slightly as she glanced at him.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
The door swung open to reveal an elderly man dressed in a black-and-white servant uniform with a blue tie. His hair, streaked white and black, framed his calm, dignified face.
"Welcome home, sir," the old man said with deep respect.
Then his gaze fell upon Leo. His eyes widened in curiosity.
"My… sir, she is…?" Karl's voice carried a mixture of surprise and polite questioning.
"Oh, her?" Logen's voice softened as he turned toward Leo. "Yes. She is our guest. Show her to her quarters, and give her anything she needs."
"Yes, my sir. As you wish," Karl replied with reverence.
"You can come with me. I will show you the way," Karl added, his tone gentle, his expression softening toward Leo.
"Y… yes!" Leo nodded, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Man, why am I feeling this nervous… I need to calm down, she thought, stepping forward.
"Once you're refreshed, I need to talk with you," Logen said calmly, his face composed yet thoughtful.
"O… okay." Leo's heart thudded in her chest.
Talk? Is he… suspicious of me?
She followed Karl through the garden, her mind racing.
At the doorway stood a young maid, her uniform black and white, hair a flowing golden cascade, eyes a curious green—she looked about twenty-two.
"Sir, do you know her?" the maid asked politely, her soft voice tinged with curiosity.
Logen's gaze drifted to the flowers, avoiding the question. "No. I don't know her either."
"Oh, I see… I thought you might know her. Sorry for asking," she said gently, a hint of unease in her tone.
"No, it's alright," Logen replied with a warm smile. "But she did tell me her name is Mion. And it seems she's in some trouble."
The maid's lips curved into a small, amused smile. "Oh… I was a little shocked. That girl… wearing men's sleeping pajamas?"
Logen's smile deepened, gentle yet knowing. "Heh… yes, that's why I wanted to help her. To care for her… and give her the clothes she needs."
"As you wish, sir. I will take care of her," the maid said with a soft, respectful nod.
The evening sky burned red as the sun sank halfway behind the horizon. Doves circled in the air, their wings brushing against the fading light, while streaks of white clouds drifted lazily overhead.
Inside Leo's mansion, the head maid, Dalia, hummed softly as she tidied her master's bed. A gentle smile played on her lips, her movements calm and precise.
"Miss, Master Leo is missing. Did you see him anywhere?"
Another maid, Ryu, stepped into the room. Her skin was a warm brown tone, her blue hair tied neatly under her maid's cap, her matching eyes filled with unease.
"Ohh~ I haven't seen him," Dalia replied softly, her gaze shifting toward Ryu with serene confidence. Then, with a knowing smirk, she added, "But don't worry… He's on a mission—one we've all been waiting for."
With that, Dalia pulled away the white bedsheets.
Seeing her calm expression, Ryu's worry melted into relief. She let out a small smile.
"Yes, Miss."
Meanwhile, in Logen's estate—
The guest room sparkled in the golden evening light. The chamber was vast, its polished floor covered with a blue carpet patterned in gold trim.
Standing in front of a tall mirror was Leo. She now wore a shirtwaist dress—its bodice cut like a crisp button-up shirt with a collar and neat front buttons. Full-length sleeves draped modestly over her arms, cinched at the waist by a pale belt. The skirt flared outward gently, creating an elegant A-line silhouette.
"Wow! This suits you perfectly, Miss Mion!" the maid exclaimed, her eyes glittering with admiration.
"Uh… th-thanks…" Leo forced a smile, but it quickly faded, her golden eyes wavering as she stared at her reflection.
Man… what is this? What am I even doing…?
Her face paled, and her chest tightened with unease.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Leo jolted at the sound. Someone rapped firmly on the door.
"Yes?" she asked, rising quickly from the bed and stepping closer.
"It's me. Logen Bon Arnold. May I have a word with you?"
The calm voice carried through the wood.
"O-Of course!" Leo stammered, fumbling with the handle before pulling the door open.
Logen stood there, now dressed in a formal tailcoat. Decorative fabric buttons lined the front in neat rows, while a mandarin-style high collar framed his composed face. Wide cuffs with button detailing wrapped around his wrists, and flap pockets decorated the waist. A silken brown-gold lining peeked faintly from within the coat's folds.
His eyes widened the moment he saw Leo.
"Wow… You look perfect now."
Leo laughed awkwardly, sweat beading on her forehead.
"Haha… thanks."
Damn it! What the hell is going on here?!
Her teeth clenched, rage simmering inside, but she forced her expression calm under Logen's gaze.
"Come with me," Logen said simply, turning on his heel.
"O-Okay!" Leo followed, nervousness plain on her face.
Trailing behind him, she studied the captain's back, her golden eyes narrowing.
What does he want from me? Does he suspect something…?
As if sensing her stare, Logen glanced back.
"Do you want to tell me something?" His tone was calm, even.
Leo jerked her head, forcing a smile.
"Uhh, no… nothing."
Moments later, they arrived at the library. The scent of old parchment filled the air as Logen paused at the threshold.
"Actually, I've been reading here today. If you don't mind, shall we talk in this place?" He smiled gently, gesturing inside.
"Hmm, sure," Leo replied.
They stepped into the vast room, its walls lined with towering bookshelves crammed with countless volumes. A rich blue-and-white carpet stretched across the floor, muffling their steps.
"Wow… it's huge. Did you read all of these?" Leo asked, her eyes widening as she turned in awe.
"Haha, impossible. No human could read everything," Logen replied with a low, elegant laugh. "But… I've read quite a lot."
The library glowed softly under the warm light of the lamps, their golden haze spilling across shelves crammed with ancient tomes. Shadows stretched long between the rows, painting the quiet chamber with a solemn stillness.
At the center, a polished table stood. On one side sat Logen, his posture upright, his presence heavy. Across from him, Leo rested uneasily, her hands folded on her lap, the faint tremor in her shoulders betraying her calm mask.
"So, miss…" Logen's voice rumbled low, each word carrying weight. "I have something I must ask you."
His eyes locked on her—piercing, unwavering—like a man searching for cracks in armor.
Leo swallowed, lowering her gaze. "Sure… I also need help from you, Sir Logen." Her voice wavered despite her effort, and the sadness etched in her expression made her words tremble all the more.
Logen studied her carefully. His gaze lingered a moment longer before he turned slightly, eyes drifting toward the endless rows of books towering above them.
"…I never invite strangers into my home," he said at last, his tone measured, deliberate. Then his head turned back, sharply—those stern eyes catching Leo's again, trapping her like a blade's edge.
"The only reason I invited you…" His words cut through the silence.
Leo froze. Her nervous expression, the flicker of fear in her golden eyes—it all reflected in the depths of Logen's stare.
"You are cursed, aren't you?"