After the Interrogation
Leonhardt stepped out of the dimly lit interrogation room, the scent of damp stone and iron still clinging to his senses. The heavy door shut behind him with a low creak, sealing away the corpse of the mysterious man who had died before revealing any real answers. The air outside the room felt strangely lighter, yet the weight on his mind remained.
As he walked down the stone corridor of Aurelis' royal prison, his footsteps echoed faintly. The mission had ended, but something about it left an uneasy feeling in his chest. The enemy's last words—"They"—lingered in his thoughts.
He didn't get far before a familiar voice called out to him.
"Leonhardt."
Turning, he saw Captain Muller standing a few steps away, arms crossed over his chest. The knight's expression was unreadable, but there was something in his gaze—approval, perhaps?
"You did well," Muller said, nodding slightly. "Your first mission as part of the Special Unit—completed successfully."
Leonhardt didn't respond immediately. His first mission...
"Here," Muller continued, reaching into his coat and tossing a small pouch toward him.
Leonhardt caught it with ease, the distinct clinking of gold coins audible even before he loosened the strings to check inside. His brows furrowed slightly.
"...This is a lot," he muttered, glancing up at Muller. "A hundred gold coins?"
For a knight in the Special Unit, combat pay was expected—but this was far beyond the usual sum.
Muller smirked. "Consider it recognition. You're not an ordinary soldier, Leonhardt. You should be paid accordingly."
Leonhardt stared at the pouch for a moment before tightening the strings again.
"I see..." He clenched his fingers around it, feeling the weight of the gold pressing against his palm.
Money had never meant much to him. Yet, as he stood there, something about receiving his first real payment made this new life feel... more real.
---
Memories of Another Life
As Leonhardt stepped out of the prison into the streets of Aurelis, an unexpected wave of nostalgia hit him.
A memory from a life that no longer existed.
A small boy sat alone at a wooden table, the dim glow of an old ceiling lamp flickering above him.
Haruto.
He watched as the other children in the orphanage gathered together, laughing, sharing meals, whispering secrets. He had always been an outsider.
He had never known what it felt like to have a family waiting for him.
He had never felt the warmth of a home.
He had always eaten alone.
He had always lived alone.
Until the day he died.
The memory flickered and faded, bringing him back to the present.
---
Leonhardt exhaled, stepping forward onto the familiar path leading home.
Unlike Haruto, he wasn't alone anymore.
He had a place to return to.
And tonight, for the first time in both his lives, he would walk through the front door and tell his family—
"I'm home."
Leonhardt stepped through the front door, closing it softly behind him. The house was silent, the warm glow of the fireplace reduced to mere embers. Everyone was already asleep.
He walked quietly through the dimly lit hallway, passing by the rooms of his family. The faint sound of steady breathing could be heard from behind each door, a comforting presence that reassured him—this was home.
As he entered his own room, exhaustion began to creep in. He loosened his armor, setting his sword beside the bed before lying down.
For the first time in a long while, he let himself rest.
---
Leonhardt usually woke up at dawn, his body conditioned by years of training and discipline.
But today… he slept in.
A sudden shake on his shoulder stirred him awake.
"Leonhardt! Why are you still here?!"
His eyes fluttered open to see Elly, leaning over him with a surprised expression. Her bright blue eyes were wide with confusion.
Leonhardt let out a slow breath, rubbing his eyes. It had been a while since he last slept this comfortably.
"Elly… is it morning already?"
"Of course! Javier said you had a mission. Why are you home?"
Leonhardt sat up, stretching slightly before giving her a small smile. "The mission is done. I came back."
Elly blinked. "Huh?"
---
Not long after, Amy and Javier joined them at the dining table, their expressions filled with surprise.
"I thought you'd be back in a few days," Javier said, crossing his arms.
"Leonhardt, are you okay?" Amy asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Leonhardt nodded. "I'm fine. The mission was completed without any problems."
Elly tilted her head. "So… what do you want to do today?"
Leonhardt leaned forward slightly. "I want to take you all out."
The three of them blinked at him.
"You don't have to—"
"I said I want to."
They were about to protest again—until Leonhardt casually pulled out a pouch and placed it on the table.
Clink—
The pouch was heavy, and when opened—100 gold coins gleamed inside.
Elly, Amy, and Javier froze.
"...Leonhardt?" Elly spoke softly.
Javier let out a low whistle. "Did you get paid… or did you rob a treasury?"
Leonhardt chuckled. "It's my payment for the first mission."
Amy cleared her throat, still in disbelief. "This… is a lot, Leonhardt."
"Captain Muller said I should be fairly compensated," Leonhardt explained calmly.
They were still processing the situation, but one thing was clear—
Today, they were going out.
The day was filled with laughter and warmth—something Leonhardt rarely got to experience.
They started with a grand meal at one of the finest restaurants in Aurelis. Steaming hot dishes, fragrant bread, and the finest cuts of meat were placed before them. For once, no one had to worry about the price.
Elly's eyes sparkled as she took a bite of a dish she would never have ordered before. Amy smiled gently, watching everyone enjoy themselves, while Javier acted as if he wasn't impressed—though he was clearly savoring every bite.
Leonhardt, seeing his family happy, felt something tighten in his chest. He had never had this before. A life where he could take care of others.
After the meal, they wandered through the bustling streets, eventually arriving at a street performance where acrobats and magicians showcased their talents. Elly was completely captivated by the performers, her laughter ringing in the air.
Leonhardt stood slightly behind, watching them. This was peace.
And then—
"I want to buy you all new clothes," Leonhardt said, his voice firm.
Javier raised an eyebrow. "More spending? You sure?"
Leonhardt simply nodded. "I want to."
Amy sighed with a soft smile. "Then we won't refuse."
---
The boutique they entered was known for dressing the elite of Aurelis—the kind of place commoners rarely stepped foot in. But with Leonhardt's gold coins, there was no hesitation.
Elly was given a long, elegant dark-blue dress with silver embroidery that highlighted her beauty.
Amy's outfit was refined and graceful, complementing her gentle demeanor.
Javier, on the other hand, was given a tailored suit, making him look like a nobleman's son rather than a street fighter.
And Leonhardt? He was given a black overcoat with silver lining, resembling a young aristocrat rather than a knight.
When they stepped out of the boutique, they no longer looked like commoners. Heads turned as they walked down the street.
"Wow…" Elly muttered, looking at herself. "I feel… different."
"You all look great," Leonhardt said simply.
Amy chuckled. "We look like nobles."
Javier smirked. "Not bad, I guess."
But then—
---
As they continued strolling, Elly began attracting unwanted attention.
Men turned their heads as she passed, some smiling, some whispering among themselves.
It wasn't long before a few of them tried to approach her.
A young man in fine clothing stepped forward, offering a charming smile. "Miss, are you from the nobility? I don't believe I've seen you before. May I have your name?"
Elly took a small step back, visibly uncomfortable.
"Ah… I'm just—"
Before she could finish, another man chimed in. "Such beauty shouldn't go unnoticed. Are you here alone? Perhaps I could accompany you?"
Javier rolled his eyes. "Tch. Here we go."
Amy placed a protective hand on Elly's shoulder, but the men continued pressing forward.
Then—
A middle-aged man, dressed in fine but slightly gaudy clothes, suddenly grabbed Elly's wrist.
"You shouldn't waste your time with boys," the man said, his tone laced with arrogance. "A mature man can provide for you. Come, let me show you—"
CRACK—!
His voice cut off.
Because at that moment—
Leonhardt's hand clamped down on his wrist.
The man's face twisted in pain as Leonhardt's grip tightened like a vice.
The entire street fell silent.
Elly's eyes widened slightly. She could feel the air around Leonhardt shift.
The calm, composed knight she knew was no longer there.
This was a predator staring at his prey.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
End of Chapter 13.