The Hidden Eye
Ten minutes passed, and another knock sounded from the heavy oak door of the study.
Leon, sitting behind his desk now, straightened his back and pretend to be a noble thoroughly absorbed in official business. His golden eyes scanned city documents with an air of nobility, posture straight and composed—as if nothing scandalous had just occurred in this very room.
Behind him stood Aria—her silver-blonde hair immaculately tied once more, her face as impassive and calm as ever. But anyone who took a close look could see the telltale flush on her porcelain cheeks. She had tidied up the mess they'd made previously, both inside and out, and now stood like a proper secretary. Only the slight quivering of her fingers behind her back betrayed anything unseemly.
Leon cleared his throat. "Send them in."
The massive library door creaked softly and swung open.
A gaunt, thin man entered, wearing a simple brown tunic and dusty traveling cloak. He was lean of build, verging on wiry, with sunken cheeks and clever eyes that darted around the room as if looking into every nook. His short, shaggy black hair made him appear to be a man of the common sort—but the gleam in his eye indicated otherwise.
Leon's eyes narrowed. He combed the broken memories of the old Duke, attempting to put the face. A mere breath and he had recognition.
The man knelt down on one knee, crossing a balled fist over his chest.
"Your Grace," he stated with respect, "Ronan salutes you."
Ronan… The name rang in Leon's mind. Naturally.
Ronan had been one of the late Leon's most trusted advisors—his secret dagger in the dark. Officially, he was the proprietor of a low-profile but popular tavern in the city named The Moon's Shadow. But in reality, he was the duke's eyes and ears inside the city, observing both citizens and officials equally. Corruption, treason, rebellion—any rumor that went through city sooner or later reached Ronan's ears… and then to Leon's.
Only two individuals knew his real name—Leon and Aria. Not even his own daughter, Rias, had the vaguest idea. Not because he didn't trust her. Merely because previous Leon didn't want her ensnared in the political undertow that was already too deep and too hazardous for her.
Leon breathed gently and motioned with two fingers. "Stand."
Ronan stood up with elegance, his movements as strict as a soldier even though his appearance was frayed.
Leon's eyes remained sharp. "Well? What's happening in the city?"
Ronan nodded. "Everything runs smoothly, my lord. Trade, security, patrols—nothing unusual on the surface. But…"
Leon caught the hesitation immediately. He leaned forward slightly. "But?"
Ronan's face darkened. "A group came yesterday. Foreigners. Their presence is. strange. They did not check in at the main gate, and their clothes and behavior do not fit any recognized noble faction or merchant caravan. They act as if they are looking for something, but they do not speak to anyone. Silent. Focused. Suspicious Scanning important places. Shadowing patrols."
Leon's gaze became keen. "You're saying they might be more than they seem?"
Ronan nodded. "I suspect they are a spy from the neighboring kingdom."
Leon leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming against the armrest. A cold thought ran through his mind.
If they are spies and doing something, things might turn ugly… and getting involved might be deadly.
If in his position earlier Leon would've had, he would have crushed threats such as these without hesitation. He had been a Grandmaster realm cultivator. But now… this body, though superior in blood, was devoid of power. His previous cultivation was lost, leached completely in effort to restore his body and he was mortal now, weak and vulnerable. Aria nor Rias had understood it—Aria, although faithful, was just a Master realm cultivator and could not grasp the finicky differences of the advanced stages. And Rias… that girl was still at the height of the Novice world.
"Keep a close eye," Leon ordered sternly, his tone cold and sharp. "If they move—anything—report to me at once. No hesitation."
Darin bowed once more. "As you wish."
He turned and departed without further speech, vanishing beyond the thick doors like a shadow falling into the night.
When the door clicked closed, Leon let out a breath and sat back in his chair with a deep sigh.
"So in this life, too, peace will not be easy to achieve…"
He sighed and aside the thought then, his golden eyes flashed to Aria, who was already staring at him. Her eyes met his, serene and composed, but the flush on her cheeks gave away the flash of memory still burning between them.
He raised a brow, grinning. "What are you standing there for? Come here."
Aria's cheeks reddened further, but she did not budge.
"My lord," she replied in a voice attempting to be firm but shaking a little, "you still have a few papers to sign. The budget for the development of the city and zoning permits need your signature before tomorrow's formal meeting."
Leon groaned and laid his head back theatrically. "Can't it wait?"
She shook her head, lips pursed in faint embarrassment. "Unfortunately, no."
"Who knew being a Duke meant drowning in paperwork…" he muttered under his breath. "This work is so boring,"
Still, he straightened, reached for the nearest scroll, and opened it with a resigned sigh. Aria stepped forward, taking her place beside him, her fingers occasionally brushing his as she pointed out details.
Still, he straightened up with a dramatic sigh, pulled the nearest scroll toward him, and began reading.
Aria passed him a quill with the hint of a smile playing on the edge of her lips—barely visible. Leon saw it.
Thus, surrounded by stacks of parchment and the aroma of ink and wax in the study, Duke Leon Eldrin delved again into the humdrum but required responsibilities of Dukeship.