Leon made his way back inside the mansion. No one had yet to arrive but if Rika said people were coming, he wouldn't doubt it.
What do I even wear though?
He looked down at himself. His current and only outfit was full of holes from his Bloodless skill.
I guess it is time for a new outfit... but where do I find one on short notice? I can't just dig through the rooms and wear someone else's clothes…
The sound of horses broke his thoughts. Four horse drawn carriages had entered the mansion's roundabout driveway.
"Fine! Never mind then. Guess I am rummaging through the mansion."
As Leon explored the mansions, he could hear noises on the main floor. People running around and furniture being moved.
Eventually he found the servants quarters. An assortment of maid and butler outfits well kept for the previous staff.
"Commoner clothes full of holes or butler outfit... Eh at least it's a suit."
He soon found a butler set of clothes closest to his size and began to change. As he dressed, the noise below started to settle. He finished quickly and made his way down the stairs.
Maids and guards...all women...but their outfits don't match...
As he took in his surroundings, Leon was quickly surrounded by three guards, their hands on their weapons and at the ready.
"Who are you?!"
"Raise your arms up!"
"How did you get here?!"
The three guards berated him with questions as he raised his hands.
"Leon… umm, I was here first..."
A familiar voice came out from behind the guards.
"At ease. He's the only exception. You'll soon be assigned to guard him as well."
As the three guards stepped aside, Leon caught sight of Roselyn.
"Welcome back."
"Thanks but why are you dressed as a butler? Did Rika put you to work after we left."
"I needed something nice to wear since apparently the royal family's here?"
"Yes, Queen Lycynthia Mirianna Revelry, 1st wife of the King and mother of Celestine. So you're very underdressed, to put it lightly."
Leon felt a knot tightened in his stomach.
"I'm sure I can still make a good impression..."
"Actually, she already doesn't like you."
The knot fell like a boulder into his gut.
"Great."
"Come on, let's go."
Roselyn led him down the corridors to where Valeria, Rika, Tala, and Cersei stood waiting outside a closed door. As he approached, raised voices could be heard from within.
"Hey... Is everything alright..."
Cersei spoke first.
"They were happy to see each other at first, then Celestine mentioned how she's now promised to you and well, things haven't been going well since."
"We haven't even met?! Why does she not like me?! I don't want to be like 'I'm keeping your daughter alive' but like, shouldn't I get some level of favoritism or something."
Roselyn joined in.
"In her eyes, her daughter was kidnapped, turned into a monster and now can only survive with you. There's definitely a conspiracy in the works with Celestine's kidnapping and she must think that you're part of it."
"Oh so it's actually just over for me."
"Good luck Farm boy."
Rika looked at the guard to signal inside that Leon had arrived before turning back to him.
"When you get inside, get on one knee, look at the ground and say 'Your Majesty, I am at your service'."
The guard spoke loudly from inside.
"Now presenting the commoner; Leon."
He walked inside and immediately did as Rika instructed and dropped to one knee.
"Your Majesty, I am..."
"Stand up, you're my fiance."
"He will not be your husband. He is a commoner in the presence of Royalty and should kneel. In fact the deceiver should come clean so that his death may be painless."
"He's not a deceiver. He's an honorable man who is willing to suffer for my survival."
"You're a Princess and my daughter. Do not lower yourself so. Countless would lay down their lives for you. If such honor did exist, then his suffering should be done out of duty without any claims to your hand."
"I have given him my first kiss. He has claim to marry me regardless of any duty!"
"That doesn't count. It's no different than biting an apple! He is planning something and using this to make you his bride."
"He couldn't have taken much more of me if he wanted but has restrained himself despite what I am!"
"And look how doing so has made you fall for him. Such restraint is merely part of their deception. You're way too naive to think a man who appeared in the city two days ago happens to be the only one able to keep you alive!?"
"It was Fate!"
"It was Orchestrated!"
A long moment of silence as the mother and daughter glared at each other.
I can't really blame Celestine's mom here. At the end of the day she's just a mother worried about her daughter... A mother who is also a Queen and could have me tortured and executed...
"You may rise and come take a seat. I want to hear why you Just So Happen to arrive in Jeif'he and why you Just So Happen to be able to feed Celestine without dying."
The venom in her voice was suffocating. As Leon rose, he looked at Queen Lycynthia. Despite her burning eyes and furrowed brows, the family resemblance was unmistakable. Like an older, more mature version of Celestine. Stunning in her own right, and depending on one's taste, some might have found her even more alluring.
As Leon sat down, Lycynthia wasted no time beginning her interrogation.
"This is your last chance to come clean. If I find fault in your answers, you will beg for death to come and free you from your suffering."