The atmosphere in the bustling shopping district shifted the moment Leonhardt's hand clamped down on the noble's wrist. The man's face twisted in pain, his arrogant smirk disappearing as his fingers trembled under the sheer force of Leonhardt's grip.
"You—do you even know who I am?" the noble hissed through gritted teeth, trying to keep his composure. "I am of high nobility! My wealth alone could—"
Leonhardt's expression darkened, his voice laced with venom.
"I don't give a damn who you are." His grip tightened, forcing a choked gasp from the noble. "If you lay a hand on my family again, I'll make sure you regret it."
The tension in the air was suffocating. Onlookers whispered amongst themselves, unsure if they were about to witness a full-blown conflict.
Then—
A presence.
The crowd parted almost instinctively as a man strode towards them, his very presence commanding attention.
A tall, imposing figure with sharp golden eyes and flowing silver hair. His attire was crisp yet elegant, a dark navy coat lined with silver embroidery draped over his broad shoulders.
Gasps filled the air.
"It's him—!"
"Prince Magnus von Aurelis!"
"The First Prince? Why is he here?"
The noble's eyes widened in realization, and in an instant, his demeanor changed. He twisted his expression into one of fabricated pain and distress.
"Your Highness!" he cried, his voice shaking with feigned desperation. "This brute—he assaulted me without reason! I merely—"
He never got to finish his sentence.
In a flash, Magnus stepped forward.
THUD!
A powerful kick struck the noble's solar plexus.
The man's body folded instantly as the air was forced out of his lungs. He crumpled to the ground, his vision spinning as he gasped for breath.
The street fell into a stunned silence.
Leonhardt stood still, his grip on the noble's wrist having long since loosened.
Magnus adjusted the cuff of his sleeve before turning to the nearest royal guards stationed nearby. "Remove this trash from my sight." His voice was cold, absolute.
The guards immediately responded, dragging the unconscious noble away as if he were nothing more than discarded waste.
Leonhardt, still processing what had just happened, finally spoke up. "I—uh…" He hesitated, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. "…Thanks."
Magnus barely acknowledged it. He turned on his heel, his coat billowing slightly as he began to walk away.
"Oi—wait," Leonhardt called, frowning slightly. "At least let me finish—"
But Magnus was already gone.
Leonhardt stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space where the prince had once been.
"…The hell is up with that guy?"
Leonhardt turned to Elly, his sharp eyes scanning her face. "Are you okay?" His voice was firm yet laced with concern.
Elly, usually composed and confident, was uncharacteristically silent. Her hands fidgeted slightly, and her gaze was unfocused.
"Elly?" Leonhardt furrowed his brows.
That was when he noticed it.
Her face—completely flushed.
Leonhardt blinked. Once. Twice.
Then it clicked.
Oh, for fuck's sake…
His eye twitched slightly as realization sank in. Elly wasn't just flustered—she was smitten.
"…Don't tell me." His voice was flat.
Elly quickly turned away, hiding her face behind her hands.
"W-What? I don't know what you're talking about!" she stammered, but the redness in her cheeks said otherwise.
Leonhardt exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. Great. Just great.
"That kid really got to you, huh?" he muttered under his breath.
Elly didn't respond, only burying her face further into her hands. Amy and Javier exchanged knowing glances before quietly chuckling to themselves.
Leonhardt sighed again, this time heavier. He didn't have the energy to deal with this. Not right now.
"Alright, that's enough excitement for one night." He stretched his arms. "Let's head home."
No one argued.
As they made their way back, Leonhardt could still hear the faint, embarrassed mutterings of his sister.
He sighed once more.
This was going to be a headache.
Baik, aku akan buang elemen politik di akhir dan jadikan ending lebih wholesome.
---
Chapter 14 - The Lion's Wrath (Part 3)
Royal Palace of Aurelis
A grand hall, bathed in golden candlelight, stood at the heart of the palace. Marble walls reflected the glow from the chandeliers, and a long crimson carpet stretched toward the royal throne, where King Alden von Aurelis sat with a presence both regal and imposing.
Beside him, Queen Seraphina von Aurelis radiated grace, her silver hair flowing elegantly down her back, her blue eyes filled with quiet wisdom. Nearby, Princess Isolde von Aurelis stood with a relaxed posture, her violet eyes observing everything with a hint of mischief.
The heavy doors swung open, and Prince Magnus von Aurelis entered. His golden eyes shone with unwavering confidence as he approached the throne and bowed.
> Prince Magnus: "Father, Mother, I have returned."
King Alden let out a low chuckle.
> King Alden: "I heard you made a nobleman eat dirt today."
Magnus merely shrugged, his expression indifferent.
> Queen Seraphina: (Calm yet firm) "Magnus, you should be more careful. Even if he was at fault, your actions could cause unnecessary trouble with the nobility."
> Prince Magnus: "If they wish to avoid disgrace, they should act with dignity."
A light chuckle escaped Princess Isolde as she crossed her arms, tilting her head in amusement.
> Princess Isolde: (Smirking) "Magnus, you always find a way to cause chaos. It's a miracle you haven't been poisoned yet."
Magnus shot her a look but remained silent.
King Alden let out a long sigh before a smirk played on his lips.
> King Alden: "You remind me of myself when I was your age…"
> Queen Seraphina: (Closing her eyes briefly, exasperated) "Men in this family never seem to understand patience."
Magnus merely scoffed and folded his arms, while Isolde chuckled at their mother's remark. The tension in the room melted into something lighter—a moment of genuine family warmth.
For now, that was all that mattered.
For now...
Royal Palace of Aurelis – Midnight
The grand palace of Aurelis stood under the moonlit sky, its golden rooftops gleaming faintly under the soft glow of lanterns. The night air was crisp, and the towering gates remained heavily guarded by elite royal soldiers.
Amidst the quiet, a lone figure strode toward the palace gates. His steps were neither hurried nor hesitant—each movement deliberate, precise.
His dark cloak swayed gently with the wind, partially obscuring his face. However, the moment he stepped into the range of the lanterns, a glimpse of his piercing, crimson eyes became visible beneath his hood.
The guards tensed immediately. Their instincts screamed at them—this man was dangerous.
Royal Guard: "Halt! State your identity and purpose!"
The figure did not answer. Instead, he simply continued walking forward, his shadow stretching unnaturally under the flickering flames.
The guards unsheathed their weapons, positioning themselves in a defensive stance.
Second Guard: (Warning tone) "This is your final warning. Turn back now!"
Still, no response.
Then—a sharp glint.
Before the guards could react, the figure vanished from sight.
A sudden gust of wind swept through the entrance, and in the next instant—a faint, metallic scent filled the air.
The guards' expressions shifted in horror as a sharp pain bloomed in their bodies. Their swords fell from their grasp, blood staining their armor.
The figure reappeared behind them, his blade gleaming under the moonlight.
??? (Low voice) "…Out of my way."
The heavy palace doors loomed before him.
With steady steps, he advanced toward the heart of Aurelis Palace.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
End of Chapter 14.