Leonard was still processing the sudden influx of information from the Favorability System when a sharp knock echoed through his chamber.
Knock! Knock!
Before he could respond, the door swung open, and two figures entered.
An elderly man in a pristine black uniform stepped in with practiced elegance. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing gray eyes carried an air of indifference,
"Butler Reynard"
"Young Master Leonard," he said with a slight bow. " I have been instructed by the Duke to oversee your preparations for the journey. I am here to ensure you have everything you require before your departure in one week."
Leonard gave him a fleeting glance. Reynard was the duchy's head butler—efficient, disciplined, but ultimately a loyal hound of the Duke.
Beside Reynard stood a woman with a sharp gaze and an expression of thinly veiled disdain. She was Anna, the HeadMaid, the same one who had barged into his room rudely earlier.
"We need to know what you require, Young Master," she said, the words 'Young Master' dripping with sarcasm. "Equipment, clothing, provisions… do you even know what you'll need? Or will you waste our time?"
Leonard glanced at Anna.
He smirked. "Oh? That's interesting."
Leonard's smirk deepened as he glanced at the blue screen floating in his vision.
[Ding! Special Individual detected: Head Maid Anna. Current Favorability: -10%.]
Negative Favorability, huh?"
Leonard leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. The old Leonard might have shrunk under their gaze. But now?
He simply smirked. "What I need, hmm?"
Leonard knew they expected him to make basic requests—armor, weapons, supplies. But he had no intention of being predictable.
"I'll need a detailed map of the academy and the surrounding area," he said. "A list of every noble and special individual attending this year."
Reynard raised a brow. "That… is an unusual request, Young Master."
"I have my reasons," Leonard replied smoothly. "I'll also require a private carriage. I do not wish to travel with others."
A private carriage?" Anna sneered. "You think you deserve such luxury? Hah! You should be grateful we're even preparing anything for—"
SLAP!
A sharp crack echoed through the room.
Anna stumbled back, eyes wide in shock. A bright red mark formed on her cheek as she clutched it, looking at Leonard in disbelief.
"Y-You…!" she stammered.
You seem to have forgotten something, maid." His voice was calm, but it carried a chilling weight. "I may be an unwanted son, but I am still of noble blood. And you… are just a servant."
Reynard, the butler, remained silent, merely observing. He had served the duchy for decades and knew when to interfere—and when not to.
Reynard coughed lightly, breaking the tension. "Very well, I shall prepare these thing.
[Ding! Host has asserted dominance. Head Maid Anna's Favorability has shifted.]
[-10% → 0% (Neutral)]
Leonard's smirk widened.
"So, the system recognizes authority and power dynamics. Or she is like to beaten."
Anna trembled with rage but didn't dare speak back. Leonard turned to Reynard.
"Prepare what I asked for. That will be all."
Reynard gave a small nod. "As you wish, Young Master."
As they turned to leave, Leonard's gaze lingered on Anna for a moment longer.
"Remember your place," he said, voice low but dangerous.
Anna bit her lip, swallowing her anger, before hurriedly exiting the room.
Leonard sat back down, exhaling slowly.
"This world will learn… I am no one's pawn."
-------
As the door creaked open again, a young girl cautiously stepped inside, carrying a silver tray with refreshments.
Her hands trembled slightly, and her eyes darted between Leonard and the lingering tension in the air.
She was Clara, Leonard's personal maid—a quiet and obedient girl who had served him for years. Unlike Anna, she had never openly disrespected him, but she had always treated him indifferently, as if she expected him to be gone one day.
But now? She had just witnessed something shocking.
Her master—the one who had always been timid and silent—had just slapped the Head Maid without hesitation.
Fear flickered in her eyes as she placed the tray down.
[Ding! Special Individual detected: Personal Maid Clara. Current Favorability: 15%.]
Leonard raised an eyebrow. "She doesn't hate me, but she's wary… interesting."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze settling on Clara.
"Come here."
She hesitated for a second, gripping the hem of her dress, before slowly stepping closer.
"Are you afraid of me?" Leonard asked casually.
Clara's lips parted slightly, but she didn't respond.
He chuckled, reaching for the cup of tea she brought. "You don't have to answer. But remember this—fear is useless to me. Loyalty, however… is rewarded."
Her eyes widened slightly, as if his words carried a deeper meaning.
[Ding! Personal Maid Clara's Favorability has shifted.]
[15% → 20% (Slight Trust)]
Leonard smiled to himself.
"So, it grows through interactions. Good… I'll need allies, even small ones."
Clara lowered her gaze. "Would you like me to prepare anything else for you, Young Master?"
Leonard took a sip of the tea and smirked. "Yes. From now on, report everything that happens in the mansion to me. You serve me, not them and prepare to bath."
She hesitated, then slowly nodded.
"Understood… Young Master."
For the first time, she spoke his title with genuine respect.
Leonard leaned back, satisfied. His rise had just begun.
-----
The bathroom was filled with the gentle warmth of steam. The large tub, carved from polished marble, was filled with crystal-clear water infused with rare herbs meant to relax the body and mind.
Leonard sank into the water, letting out a deep exhale. His muscles, still stiff from waking in this new body, slowly loosened.
Clara stood at the edge of the bath, hands clasped in front of her. Her expression was composed, but the slight tremor in her fingers betrayed her unease.
Leonard tilted his head slightly, studying her reaction.
"Why are you standing there like a statue? Come."
Clara hesitated for a split second before stepping forward, kneeling beside the tub.
"Rub my shoulders," he ordered.
She swallowed but obeyed, dipping her hands into the water before placing them gently on his shoulders. Her fingers were soft but uncertain, tracing over his skin with hesitant pressure.
Leonard closed his eyes for a moment. "Too weak. Do it properly."
She stiffened before pressing harder, working out the tension in his shoulders.
Leonard smirked. "Better."
[Ding! Personal Maid Clara's Favorability has increased.]
[35% → 42% (Growing Obedience)
As she worked, Leonard found his mind drifting. Despite her submission, there was something in her touch—something gentle, something careful.
It had been a long time since someone had touched him without the intention to harm or betray him.
Clara, on the other hand, could feel the heat of his skin beneath her fingertips. She had served him for years, but today… he felt different. Stronger. More dangerous.
For the first time, she saw him not as the weak, neglected son of the Duke—but as someone who could change his fate.
And maybe… hers too.
Leonard chuckled, breaking the silence. "You're learning fast, Clara. Keep it up, and you might actually be useful to me."
She bowed her head, hiding the strange new spark in her eyes.
"Yes, Young Master."