The sun hung high over the Bladecrest Clan territory, casting long shadows across the marble courtyard as a small procession approached the ancient gates.
At the forefront rode Leo Aetherwind, his expression cold and composed, dressed in dark blue ceremonial robes of the Aetherwind Clan.
By his side stood Butler Wang, ever calm and respectful, while behind them, a small unit of Leo's personal guards walked in silence.
In the shadows, cloaked figures of the Shadow Force flitted between structures, unseen but always watching.
The moment the guards at the gate noticed the crest of Aetherwind on the approaching figures, panic ensued.
Bells were rung, and messengers scrambled into the estate.
Moments later, the current Clan Head of Bladecrest appeared, his robes hastily thrown on, face damp with sweat and eyes wide with anxiety.
"Young Master Leo! Welcome, welcome! We are honored by your presence!" the Clan Head said hurriedly, bowing low.
Leo barely glanced at him, eyes scanning the estate with a look of displeasure.
"Is this how the Bladecrest Clan treats guests? Outside like peddlers?" Leo said coldly.
The Clan Head's face turned pale as sweat trickled down his temples. "Forgive me, Young Master Leo.
I was... unprepared for such an esteemed guest.
Please, come inside at once."
With a single wave of his hand, Leo stepped forward, not bothering to wait for the formal invitation.
He had already learned from Butler Wang where Rio and Roxanne resided, and that was where he was headed.
As Leo walked forward with his entourage, one of the elders—perhaps still ignorant or foolish—stepped up with an expression of offense.
"Who does he think he is? Entering freely without the Clan Head's permission?" the man muttered.
Before he could speak further, a loud *smack* echoed across the courtyard.
The Clan Head had slapped him so hard he stumbled back.
"You idiot! That is Leo Aetherwind, sole heir of the Aetherwind and Skydawn Clans! Even if the heavens collapse, you are to show him respect!"
The elder turned ghostly pale, lips trembling, and fell to his knees in apology.
The other members standing nearby also lowered their heads, silence heavy in the air.
Leo ignored the noise behind him, his mind already focused.
The Bladecrest Clan was nothing but another piece on the board.
And now, he was going to collect a pair of rooks to his side.
They soon arrived at the outer edge of the clan territory, where the wealth and grandeur quickly faded into simplicity.
There stood a modest wooden cottage nestled beneath an old tree, its paint faded and roof patched.
Despite the neglect, the small garden beside it showed signs of care.
Leo stepped up to the door and knocked.
After a few moments, the door creaked open to reveal an old man, his face pale and weathered, his eyes tired but sharp.
His breathing was shallow, his body thin.
Yet, behind the weariness, there was pride in his posture.
Leo smiled gently. "You must be Rio and Roxanne's father. I'm Leo."
The man's eyes widened in disbelief. "Leo... Aetherwind?"
"That is correct."
The man stumbled back a step, then quickly bowed. "Please forgive me, Young Master. My home is unworthy, but please, come in."
Leo entered the small home, followed by Butler Wang and two of his visible guards, while the rest remained stationed outside, ever vigilant.
Inside, the atmosphere was simple but homely.
A few old paintings on the walls, a worn table, and chairs with carved edges.
In the corner, on a modest bed, lay a pale woman with striking features—blond hair disheveled, cheeks hollow, but still exuding the dignified beauty of someone who once stood tall.
Leo's eyes softened slightly. Despite her condition, Roxanne's mother still held a calm grace.
The old man—Rio and Roxanne's father—hurried toward her. "My dear, we have a guest. An important guest. You must wake."
As she stirred, Leo spoke gently, "It's alright, Uncle. Let her rest. I did not come to trouble her."
The old man looked at Leo in surprise, then bowed again. "You are too kind, Young Master."
They took a seat at the table, and Leo didn't waste any time.
"I came here today not out of formality, but with a purpose.
I know what happened to you. Your position, your family, your pain—it was all stolen."
Rio and Roxanne's father stiffened.
Leo continued. "I know it was Alex's father who poisoned you, who caused your wife's current state, who faked his son's death and cast your family aside.
I know everything."
The man's breath caught in his throat.
"How\... how do you know?"
Leo leaned forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Because I have eyes everywhere. Because I do not tolerate betrayal.
And because I believe in repaying debts—whether they are of kindness or cruelty."
The old man stared at Leo, speechless.
"I can bring it all back," Leo said. "Your strength, your family's honor, your children's rightful place.
But I need your trust. And your children."
At those words, the man looked toward the back room where light footsteps could now be heard.
Leo smiled. The first piece had moved. The board was shifting.
And elsewhere, far from this old cottage, a certain young man named Alex was walking through a bustling city with a confident smirk, carrying a dragon egg wrapped in silk in his arms like it was a trophy.
Unaware that shadows had already begun to converge on his future.
He laughed loudly, thinking about his next training session, the egg glowing faintly in his hands.
He had no idea that the true storm had already arrived.
[ To Be Continued ]
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Author's Note:
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– azuredragonx
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