Today was different.
Leonard knew he couldn't remain invisible if he wanted to survive. More than that—he wanted power. And to gather more allies.
"Young Master, where would you like to go first?" she asked softly.
Leonard glanced at her before turning his gaze toward the sprawling estate. His mind was already working.
"Let's take a walk through the estate. It's time I get to know the people who serve this house."
The estate was vast, with multiple courtyards, training grounds, and servant quarters.Old Leonard rarely paid attention to them in his life, but now, every little detail mattered.
As he walked, several servants paused and whispered among themselves. Some looked surprised to see him out in the open, while others quickly bowed and scurried away, fearing unnecessary attention.
Leonard smirked inwardly. So this is how they see me—insignificant.
He made mental notes of who showed fear, who showed respect, and who ignored him entirely, after sometime he reached training ground.
Leonard's eyes landed on a group of knights-in-training sparring in one of the courtyards. Their movements were sharp, their strikes powerful. He recognized them as part of his stepbrother's personal guard—not potential allies.
Then, near the training ground, he spotted a man in his late twenties, wearing a manager's uniform, giving sharp orders to a few younger servants. His demeanor was strict but efficient—someone who commanded respect despite his station.
Leonard turned to Clara. "Who is that?"
Clara followed his gaze. "That's SirAlden, the estate's logistics manager. He's been in charge of the household's logistics for years."
Leonard's smirk deepened. A man like that… could be useful.
[Ding! A potential target has been identified. Favorability points can be earned.]
Leonard approached Alden, who was too focused on his work to notice at first. When he finally turned, his expression flickered with surprise before he bowed respectfully.
"Young Master Leonard, this is unexpected. How may I assist you?"
Leonard studied the man before speaking. "I realized I know very little about the estate. That is something I wish to change."
Alden's eyes held a trace of skepticism. "I see. Then may I ask what you wish to learn?"
Leonard's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Everything."
Alden studied Leonard for a long moment before nodding. "Very well, Young Master. I will answer whatever you wish to know."
Leonard smirked. This butler was sharp—too sharp for a mere servant. If he played his cards right, Alden could be a useful tool.
"Tell me about the current state of the estate," Leonard said, walking slowly alongside Alden.
The butler kept his hands behind his back as he spoke. "The duchy remains prosperous, but certain areas suffer due to… internal mismanagement. The knights, for instance, prioritize the heir's command over estate security. Trade routes are stable, but the merchants favor the Duchess over the Duke."
Leonard's eyes narrowed. "And the servants?"
"Loyal to the strongest," Alden replied without hesitation. "Many are hired from common backgrounds. They have no noble loyalty, only a desire for coin and protection."
Leonard hummed in thought. So they can be bought or swayed. Good.
[Ding! Favorability detected: Alden (8% → 12%) – Slight Interest]
Leonard suddenly stopped, making Alden pause as well. He turned to face the older man. "And you? Who do you serve?"
Alden raised an eyebrow but answered smoothly. "I serve the household, Young Master."
"Not the Duke?"
"The Duke rules the household, so in a sense, yes." Alden's voice remained neutral. "But my duty is to the estate, ensuring it functions properly."
Leonard chuckled. "A careful answer."
Alden merely inclined his head. "A necessary one."
Leonard smirked. This man knows how to survive in a noble family. But he had no true allegiance—which meant he could be turned.
[Ding! Favorability detected: Alden (12% → 18%) – Mild Respect]
Leonard leaned in slightly. "Tell me, Alden. If someone stronger than the Duke emerged… who would you serve?"
Alden met his gaze, his face unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he spoke carefully. "That would depend, Young Master… on whether that person was worth following."
Leonard grinned. "Good answer."
Alden had not dismissed the idea outright. That meant he was already considering the possibility.
[Ding! Favorability detected: Alden (18% → 25%) – Cautious Interest]
This was only the first step, but Leonard had made his first move toward building his own power.
After his conversation with Alden, Leonard knew he had to move carefully. The estate was a battlefield in its own right—one where he had no allies, only enemies waiting for him to fail.
But he wouldn't just survive. He would take control.
Leonard spent the next few days wandering the estate, something his past self had never done. Servants whispered about his sudden change—some mocked, some feared, and others were simply curious.
He needed people. People who could be useful.
His first target was the kitchen staff.
"You there." Leonard stopped a young maid carrying a tray of food. She stiffened.
"Y-yes, Young Master?"
She was a simple servant, she is particularly remarkable but no body have noticed her. She hides her beauty. Nobles often ignored the lowly, yet he accidentally saw everything. Luck is by my side he thought
"What's your name?"Leonard asked
"R-Rosa, my lord." Maid replied
Leonard glanced at the food. "That's for my stepbrother, isn't it?"
She nodded quickly.
Leonard smirked. "Tell me, Rosa. How many times have you seen the Duchess speak in private with the merchants?"
Her eyes widened. She wasn't expecting him to ask that.
"I... I don't know, my lord, but I do see her meeting with them in the evening…"
Leonard chuckled.
[Ding! Favorability detected: Rosa (5% → 10%) – Cautious Interest]
A simple conversation, and he had already planted a seed.
---
The estate hosted regular gatherings for noblewomen, a place where gossip ruled. Leonard had never been welcomed into these circles before, but now, he made an entrance.
The Duchess and her stepdaughter, Lady Evelyn, were present, along with several noblewomen. Most ignored him.
Except for one.
[Ding! A potential target has been identified. Favorability points can be earned.]
Lady Camille—wife of a baron, but daughter of a powerful marquis. She was older, married, and sharp-eyed.
"Oh? The young master of the duchy has finally stepped into the light," she teased, sipping wine.
Leonard smiled and set her target, unfazed. "I was simply lost in my studies, Lady Camille. But it would be rude of me not to appreciate the beauty of my father's guests."
The other women giggled, surprised by his boldness. Lady Evelyn scoffed, but Camille tilted her head in amusement.
"Oh? A noble with a silver tongue. How interesting."
Leonard leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough. "Only for those worthy of hearing it."
Camille's eyes gleamed.
[Ding! Favorability detected: Lady Camille (10% → 20%) – Amused Interest]
Leonard had stepped into the game, and he wasn't leaving empty-handed.
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