Leon froze for a heartbeat before his brow furrowed. "So... I still can only meet you here, in dreams? Talk to you like this? My powers... are gone?"The female ghost shook her head gently, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. “No, my kind benefactor... It’s because I am too weak.”Leon stared at her, a flicker of concern flashing in his eyes. “Weak? Does it have something to do with the Forbidden Land? I’ve never seen you wield such immense power before. Did you exhaust everything you had?”The female ghost lifted her gaze, her eyes soft like a tranquil stream. But instead of answering directly, she remained silent for a moment. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “My kind benefactor... I must leave.”Leon’s heart sank instantly. His voice grew urgent, almost trembling. “Leave? Where are you going? Don’t tell me you’ll fade away just because you helped me!”A faint smile graced her lips, delicate and fleeting like morning mist dissolving in sunlight. “No, my kind
Her words crashed into the hall like a hammer, silencing the room in an instant. The once-building hope and warmth were abruptly chilled. A tense, suffocating stillness settled over the grand chamber.Jasper’s brow furrowed slightly. He crossed his arms, clearly torn. He had no desire to deal harsh punishment to Leon, but Selena’s accusation hung in the air, undeniable. His hesitation was evident—his eyes flickered between Leon and Selena, his thoughts visibly conflicted.Then, amid the suffocating silence, a voice rang out—cold, calm, and razor-sharp.“Attacked by her own pet—who else is there to blame?” The words cut through the tension like a knife through the taut fabric. Heads turned instantly toward the source of the voice, every eye-locking on its owner.At the grand hall’s entrance, a figure emerged from the shadows, his every step steady and deliberate. Aric, clad in a perfectly tailored charcoal-gray suit, seemed almost to shimmer under the flickering torchlight. His sharp f
The voices in the hall surged like relentless waves, crashing one after another against the minds of the still-hesitant judges. Jasper’s gaze deepened, his brow furrowing slightly. It was clear to him—the tide had turned. Almost everyone now stood in favor of Leon’s innocence.Slowly, he stepped forward, preparing to speak and declare Leon free of all charges.But just as the words were about to leave his lips, a cold, measured voice cut through the air."Wait."All eyes turned toward Lisa as she emerged from the crowd. Her steps were calm, steady, and deliberate, her gaze sharp and unyielding as it locked onto Aric and Leon. There was no warmth in her tone—only a chilling objectivity, as if she were dissecting a body on an operating table."Even if ignorance can be forgiven, even if he redeemed himself, and even if his physician’s heart saved Morgana," she said, each word slicing through the hall with surgical precision, "we cannot deny that he did make a serious mistake at the start
His words rang out with undeniable authority, each syllable hammering home the truth with an almost regal finality. No one dared speak, not even those eager to condemn.Zalethos leaned back, his expression unreadable for a moment before a knowing glint flickered in his eyes. Rising from his seat with deliberate calm, he adjusted his robes and declared, "In that case, let today’s trial come to an end."Lisa, standing nearby, looked like she wanted to protest, her lips parting to speak. But Zalethos cut her off with a well-timed cough, one hand subtly motioning to Rose for support. "I’m feeling a bit fatigued," he said with a faint smile. "I believe it’s time for me to rest. You may all withdraw."The court took the hint, bowing respectfully before filing out. One by one, the crowd departed, the tension gradually dissipating into a calm hum.Yet amidst the dispersing crowd, Leon’s keen eyes caught a fleeting detail—a shift in the air, a shadow across a single face.Jasper stood frozen i
Someone was behind this. Someone with knowledge, resources, and an agenda.Aric knew that if he wanted to put an end to the chaos, he had to uncover the mastermind pulling the strings.At the same time, Leon remained immersed in his work as head of the Medical Division. His days were filled with treating patients, developing new remedies, and refining potions—an endless cycle of responsibility that left little room for rest. Yet, in the hidden corners of his mind, another task quietly took root.He had begun a secret investigation of his own—one that sought to uncover the true definition of “sin” and “crime”.More and more, he found himself frequenting the halls of the Religious Division and Judicial Division.The clergy had grown accustomed to his presence. After all, Leon was an anomaly—a human not only surviving in the heart of the demon capital but thriving, having risen to lead the Medical Division and even become engaged to the crown prince. His existence alone was enough to shi
Leon took a deep breath and told Aric about the hidden door in Selena’s workshop.Aric’s eyes darkened slightly. "…This isn’t something we can rush. It needs careful planning."Leon smiled. "Then I’ll leave it to you."Aric pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Sure."The next morning, Leon yawned, fastening his outer robe as he made his way toward the door. Another ordinary day awaited him—returning to his work at the medical division, digging further into records about the Demon God, or perhaps reviewing intelligence reports from outside the palace.But just as his fingers brushed the door handle, a sudden, violent tremor erupted from the desk behind him. It was the book from Zalethos. —Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!The vibrations were so intense that the entire desk shook, dust scattering into the air. It was as if some ancient and formidable power was about to break free.Leon whipped around, his gaze sharp and wary as he stared at the book. “…What is it this time?” he muttered under his breath, c
After becoming an advisor to the Four Major Divisions and the deputy head of another, Leon took Caelum on a series of visits to various divisions where he had acquaintances—places he was familiar with but seldom engaged with daily.Their first destination was the Education Division.Leon had been here a few times before. Initially, it was out of curiosity while researching the history of the Blackwood Continent. He had encountered some questions and, on a whim, decided to seek answers here. What he hadn’t expected was that his inquiry would lead him directly to the division’s head.At first, the head hadn’t placed much expectation on him. But as their conversation unfolded, he was taken aback—this human was not just a physician. His knowledge was extensive and well-grounded, and in certain areas, he had delved into depths even the local scholars had never considered.They found themselves surprisingly in sync. The head, impressed by Leon’s intellect, chose not to withhold anything and
His voice lowered slightly, laced with just the right amount of temptation, striking at the very core of these officials’ ambitions, “Or—are you willing to take a small calculated risk to create a system where palace life and resources don’t just remain steady—but continuously grow?”“After all, we’re talking about a low-cost, high-return investment… aren’t we?”At those words, many officials’ expressions shifted.The hesitation that once clouded their faces gave way to murmured discussions.Someone muttered thoughtfully, “...If this boosts overall productivity, then it might be worth trying.”“And besides, whether it succeeds or not, we don’t have to leave the palace ourselves. All we need to do is allocate resources.”“In the long run, if this increases material output and reduces the palace’s dependency on existing stores… it’s a viable strategy.”Seeing this, Leon tapped his fingers lightly against the table, his tone calm and measured, “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t need you to d
"Recordings?"Leon frowned and tapped five times in quick succession. Five audio files lined up neatly in the message thread, sitting there like silent keys to a secret, waiting to be unearthed.Aric glanced sideways at the screen. “What’s that brat saying now?”Leon shot him a look, then tapped on the first one.The recording began with a few seconds of silence—then a voice came through the earbuds, so familiar it made the hairs on Leon’s neck stand on end.“Did you find the person I’m looking for?”Leon’s pupils contracted, his voice barely audible. “That voice… why does it sound so familiar…”Aric’s brows arched slightly. “It’s Jasper.”Leon froze, stunned. He played the recording again, this time paying closer attention—sure enough, it was him. The realization hit like cold lead sinking straight to the bottom of his chest, heavy and suffocating.The recording continued.A woman’s voice followed, soft and honeyed, laced with a servile sweetness: “We’ve narrowed it down. Just a few
Leon nearly threw the phone across the room in frustration. He forced out a cold laugh, fighting back his anger. “You need money? Go ask your mother.”“No need to ask her. You—might be able to give me more.”The tone on the other end was casual, even entitled, making Leon’s hands tremble. He took a deep breath, preparing to hang up, but Randy’s voice stopped him.“Hey, hey, hey! Don’t hang up yet! Don’t you want to know why you were sold at an auction?”The words struck Leon like a sharp knife, driving straight into the most vulnerable part of his heart.Lisa and Morgana mentioned it, and now—his brother was bringing up the truth of his "auction." That night, that horrendous experience lingered in his mind like a wound that never healed. It was a knot he couldn't untangle, lodged deep in his chest.Leon fell silent for a few seconds, his eyes sharpening into icy resolve. “How much do you want?”Once the call ended, he yanked Aric from where he was, still fast asleep beside him, shakin
He averted his gaze, gritting his teeth. “I’ll help you… but don’t make it seem like some kind of romantic gesture.”Aric followed the direction of his glance, his eyes sweeping slowly around the room with a flicker of amusement.The hotel, in all its over-the-top service, had indeed gone a bit too far—scarlet roses adorned nearly every surface, bathing the room in a heady, suggestive atmosphere.“A setting like this does invite something a little different.”Aric murmured, his tone laced with a half-smile. “I just wanted a change of scenery—something out of the ordinary.”Leon frowned, staring him down. “Out of the ordinary, how?”Aric’s eyes narrowed slightly as though dredging up a memory. His voice carried a faint trace of resignation. “The first time was in a basement. The second, a cave. The third—granted, it was just a kiss—but it still happened inside a prison cell. You tell me, how is it that Aric Blackwood can never seem to catch a single whiff of romance?”Leon rolled his e
He stared up, his eyes wide with disbelief. His mind couldn’t quite grasp how he had ended up on the ground, but the searing pain in his knees—where they had struck the cold stone floor—was all too real. The sensation was like fire, shooting through his body; all he could do was sit there, stunned.Leon glanced down at Randy, lying on the ground, but his expression remained indifferent. He didn’t even bother with a sneer—Randy wasn’t worth the effort. Without breaking his stride, he simply tightened his grip on Aric’s hand and continued walking as leisurely as if they were strolling through a park.Randy, humiliated and furious, clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His face was flushed with rage, but he didn’t dare step forward again.He wasn’t a fool—he knew this man wasn’t someone he could afford to provoke.So, instead, he bit down hard on his lip, scrambled to his feet, and rushed into the house—no doubt running to tattle.Aric watched the retreating figure wit
They made their way through the forest, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Time seemed to stretch on as they walked, but finally, the path ahead cleared, and a smooth asphalt road appeared before them. Leon practically ran forward, eager to get moving, and waved down a passing taxi.The driver poked his head out, eyeing the two young men suspiciously. “Where to?”Leon casually named a destination in the city center, then quickly pulled Aric into the cab, letting out a sigh of relief.As the taxi sped away, the forest receded behind them, replaced by the towering skyscrapers of the city, neon lights flashing, and the buzz of voices filling the air. For a moment, Leon had been preoccupied with surviving in this world—after all, he didn’t have a penny to his name. But just as he was beginning to worry about his next move, Aric casually pulled out a black gold card, flipping it expertly between his fingers.Leon’s eyes widened. “Where
Just as he finished speaking, his bed suddenly dipped. The next second, a powerful force yanked him right out of the covers.“Hey! Hey! What are you doing?!” Leon screamed in surprise, but before he could react, Aric had already hoisted him onto his shoulder, as if he were a sack of potatoes, effortlessly carrying him away.“Put me down! Now!” Leon struggled desperately, but Aric’s strength was far greater, and he didn’t budge an inch.“If you refuse to get up on your own, I’ll have to do it for you,” Aric said, his tone light and even laced with a hint of amusement.Leon rolled his eyes, resigned to his fate. He buried his head in Aric’s back and muttered lazily, “Fine, do whatever you want. I’ll just switch to a different position and go back to sleep…”However, after a moment, something didn’t sit right.It wasn’t just him Aric was carrying.Leon slowly lifted his head, casting a glance toward Aric’s other side. There, he saw a large, bulging backpack, heavy and seemingly filled wi
As he stepped out of the prison, the cool night air brushed against his skin. The magic lanterns outside cast long, stretching shadows across the stone pavement. And there, bathed in that soft glow, Aric stood leaning against a stone pillar, arms crossed, his usual playful smirk dancing at the corners of his lips as he watched Leon."Has my great physician fiancé finished with his work?" Aric raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his lips. Yet, there was something serious in his eyes, as if he were trying to read something from Leon's expression.Leon snapped out of his thoughts, nodding. "Yes."He fell silent for a moment, then couldn’t help but ask, "Aric, I don’t understand. Why is Selena targeting the Blackwood family? Does that include Lisa and Jasper as well?"Aric dropped his playful demeanor, his gaze darkening slightly as he spoke slowly. "I don’t fully understand either... But from Morgana’s reaction, it seems the relationship between them and Lisa isn’
Morgana’s voice grew weaker, but the magic refused to let her stop. She was forced to continue, every word dragged out like a confession to the abyss.“The stone… shields her research… hides it from the Enforcement Division… She’s been working on it all this time… and once the spell is complete… she plans to destroy the Blackwood family… completely.”“What?!”Leon’s eyes widened, his breath hitching.Selena’s ambition wasn’t just to control someone—she wanted to erase the Blackwood family from existence.How dare she?The sheer scale of her plan was madness.But why? Why them?The cell fell into a suffocating silence.Leon’s fingers curled into fists, his knuckles turning white. His mind raced through the implications and hidden motives that led to this revelation.Aric, for once, was quiet. Then—he exhaled a slow, almost amused chuckle.“So that’s how it is…”He gazed down at Morgana, his expression unreadable, his voice as cold as steel.“You’ve given me quite the gift.”Morgana's l
Aric let out a quiet scoff, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes. “Hard to say. But this outcome was inevitable.”“Inevitable?”Leon’s gaze sharpened. Aric rarely used such a phrase—unless he had already woven an invisible net around his prey.Aric turned his head slightly, a ghost of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.“Among all the witches and warlocks, only their magic is truly… unnatural. Even by simple elimination, they were always the prime suspects.”He paused deliberately, his voice stretching out in a teasing drawl.“Besides… I had Elian spread a few rumors and exaggerate the results of the research. And you know how it is—when people have something to hide, they start acting strange. Keeping their heads down. Becoming just a little too quiet.”Leon fixed his gaze on him as if he had already pieced together where this was going. “And then?”Aric shrugged, his tone laced with a casual, almost playful cunning. “A few times, I made a point of boasting in front of the