Crossing the entrance and being guided by one of the men to the interior. The environment was well maintained, different from the outside, with controlled lighting and an organization that made it clear that place was frequently used by important people.
'Much nicer than I thought'
[I'm surprised too, I thought it would be more degrading]
They stopped in front of a specific door. The guard did not announce anything, he only indicated it with a slight gesture before stepping away, leaving Leon alone. First, he would have to speak with the owner and request the person he wanted. Even though it was a place outside the official noble circuit, there was still a hierarchy there, and completely ignoring it could create unnecessary friction.
'Let's resolve this quickly'
He knocked twice on the door, without excessive force. After a second, the person inside told him to enter. Leon opened the door and stepped in without hesitation. The environment was more elaborate than the rest of the building, clearly indicating that it was the space of someone who controlled the place. Well-positioned furniture, proper lighting, and a faint smell of wine in the air. Behind a desk, a middle-aged man raised his gaze upon seeing who had entered. He immediately recognized who was in front of him.
"Sir… Leon"
The man stood up quickly, adjusting his posture, not hiding the respect in his voice as a small drop of sweat ran down his forehead.
"I was not informed of your visit"
"It simply wasn't necessary"
Leon walked a few steps into the room before stopping in front of the man, who only nodded at his words, accepting without question, because in his mind, for someone as recognized as an elemental, Leon could enter any place in the kingdom.
"I understand… how can I be of service?"
"I came to take someone"
The man tried to keep his expression controlled, but his attention increased slightly. That was good—if someone like Leon came to that place, then someone interesting must have arrived, and since he came early, it must be because he wanted her untouched.
"May I know who it is, sir?"
"Rebecca Gillibet"
The name was enough to subtly change the atmosphere. There was no obvious shock, but a brief pause indicated surprise, especially since she had not even been placed on the list yet. That person was still a secret. In a way, this showed that knowing where Rebecca was demonstrated how great Leon's influence was.
"She is currently under contract"
"Not for long"
The quick and confident response caught him off guard for a moment. There was not even a hint of hesitation. That could only mean he had been interested in Rebecca for a long time. Perhaps that arrogant noblewoman had been a romantic desire of Leon.
"I imagine you are not here for a common negotiation"
"I'm not, and I would rather not prolong this negotiation, so to break her contract I will pay her entire debt and an additional one thousand gold coins"
That offer was literally impossible to refuse. As soon as he heard those words, he took a few steps toward a small side table, picking up a simple communication device before speaking.
"Bring Rebecca here"
"I will wait for her at the door and speak with her before she enters. Don't worry, she will not refuse"
The man left the room, leaving him alone. Leon moved to the window and observed outside for a moment. His crimson eyes activated, and in an instant the entire area outside that place was analyzed. He was doing that from time to time to know if he was being followed, not because he cared about being seen, but because he had to be cautious of spies from the enemy kingdom. They could attack at any moment since he was one of the greatest threats.
[It must be uncomfortable being a constant target. I kind of agree that it's easier to be Leon than Enrico, but it's still difficult]
'Yes… the good thing is that I was quick in eliminating the evidence of the crimes, and the other future crimes won't happen, so my only problems are my family and this war'
Though his family might try to follow him, but if that happened, it would be perfect, since he would eliminate them faster. He looked away from the window and walked to the chair, sitting down to wait. His body was more stable now, his mind as well, at least enough not to interfere with what he was about to do. Shortly after, footsteps approached from the other side of the corridor.
"May I come in, Lord Leon?"
"I've been waiting for you, so of course you may, Miss Rebecca"
Rebecca Gillibet entered his field of vision for the first time. She maintained an appearance that, even under current conditions, still carried clear traces of someone born to occupy high positions within the nobility. Nothing about her seemed ordinary, even when placed in an environment that clearly did not match her origin.
"It is a pleasure to meet you in person"
Her hair was long, straight, and a light purple tone that leaned toward blue, well cared for. It reached down to her waist, with some shorter strands framing her face naturally, highlighting her always controlled expressions. There was a subtle shine in her hair, something that indicated she had not completely abandoned her former appearance.
Her eyes were a deep pink tone, unusual enough to immediately draw attention. Her gaze was not soft, nor welcoming, but neither was it aggressive. It seemed calculated, observant, always analyzing whoever stood before her. There was a constant feeling that she was evaluating every detail around her, like someone who never completely let her guard down.
'That's something I like about her, that caution'
[Don't get too emotional, don't forget her arrogance]
'I read the story too, so I know well'
Her skin was fair and well maintained. The clothes she wore at the moment were not luxurious, but neither were they careless. They were fitted pieces, designed to highlight her appearance without drawing excessive attention, probably chosen for the kind of environment she was currently in.
"I heard that you wanted me to be your—"
"Yes, I want you to be my wife"
Leon spoke quickly and calmly, which startled her, but what truly surprised her was the marriage proposal. Something she undoubtedly wanted, but only thought she could achieve in the future.
"Eh?"