Leonard knew time was against him. With only one week left before departing for the academy, he needed to act swiftly. Each passing day was an opportunity—an opportunity to gather talent, power, and allies. He had no intention of leaving the estate as weak and insignificant .
Leonard returned to the training grounds, a sound came to his mind.
[Ding! A potential target has been identified. Favorability points can be earned.]
His eyes landed on Gareth,a youngknight . Though often he overlooked, Gareth had something valuable-precision swordsmanship.
Leonard approached as Gareth was wiping his blade.
"You fight well," Leonard remarked.
Gareth looked up, startled. "Young Master?"
Leonard smirker" "Or am I wrong?"
Gareth hesitated before shaking his head. "No, my lord. I only do my duty."
[Ding! Favorability detected:
Gareth (10% → 15%)
Acknowledging Presence]
Leonard tapped his chin. "Would you show me? I've spent too muchtime in books and too little with a blade."
Gareth's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes searching for a trick. But Leonard remained calm
.After a long pause, Gareth nodded.
"As you wish, my lord."
He start his training despite not knowing anything about sword because of this body previous owner had practiced swordmanship.
Garenth saw the clumsy posture of young lord,and came to the conclusion that this guy has not been any Swordmanship talent, despite that he admire him for his dedication.
Ding! Favorability detected:
Gareth (15% → 25%)
Admiration]
Leonard knows he can't increases his
Favorability in one day,so he let it go with the promise that he would come again tomorrow.
And then he move to his next target Alden, the logistics manager, who was a knight had shown cautious interest in him.
and increase his Favorability to 40 %
Rosa, the unassuming maid, hadunknowingly provided valuable insights.
He also increased his Favorability to45%
But now, his sights were set on a more ambitious target—Lady Camille, who can give him the thing he want magic.
She was a mage and also woman of influence, wit, and experience, Camille was no ordinary noblewoman. As the daughter of a marquis and the wife of a baron, she held sway in both noble and merchant circles. Gaining her favor could open doors that would otherwise remain shut.
Leonard approached the evening gathering with careful calculation. The estate's grand hall was filled with noblewomen engaging in idle gossip, sipping their expensive wine, and weaving their subtle games of influence.
He found her seated elegantly near a window, the glow of candlelight highlighting her sharp features.
She was dressed in an emerald-green gown that seemed to have been tailored specifically for her.
The fabric clung to her body like a second skin, accentuating every seductive curve.The gown dipped slightly at the neckline, revealing just enough of her ample, perfectly shaped breasts to tempt the eye.The fitted bodice hugged her slim waist, emphasizing the dramatic contrast
The fitted bodice hugged her slim waist, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between her narrow midsection and theshimmering with a soft radiance that only enhanced her allure.
Her face, framed by that cascade of hair, was striking a picture of elegance with high cheekbones and full, inviting lips that curved into a faint smile.
Time had only refined her features, sharpening her beauty into something more profound, more commanding
The Baroness was a vision of mature beauty and sensuality.
Her auburn hair fell in luxurious waves down her back, catching the low light of the room with every slight motion
There was something dangerous in her gaze, an underlying fire that danced just beneath the surface, a playful mischief that hinted at hidden depths.
It was clear that the Baroness was no ordinary woman she was a master of her own allure, wielding her beauty and charm like weapons.
Lady Camille," Leonard greeted smoothly, inclining his head in respect. "Might I have the pleasure of your company for a conversation?"
Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Oh? The young Duke of the estate seeks my company? What anunexpected delight."
Leonard chuckled. "A delight indeed. It would be a shame to let such an evening pass without indulging in good company and fine conversation."
She studied him for a moment before patting the seat beside her. "Very well, young Duke.
Leonard seat beside her with wine in his hand and from the angle he can see her those full, inviting mounds jiggled subtly, a tantalizing movement that drew
Lucian's gaze and quickened his breath,cursed "vixen."
When He seat closed to her, he smell the rich, seductive aroma of rose and jasmine lingering in the air, awakening something deep and dengerous things in him.
His body had already undergone significant changes, strengthened from the inside out by the raw energy he had absorbed by absorbing the body transformation pill , if not for his good self control he would punish her on the spot.
He calm his mind and As the evening progressed, Leonard leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Lady Camille, have you ever felt that the world underestimates you?"
Her eyes gleamed with interest. "Every woman in this room knows that feeling, young master. And yet, we still shape the world from the shadows."
Leonard smirked. "Then perhaps it's time to step into the light."
[Ding! Favorability detected: Lady Camille (20% → 35%) – Genuine Amusement]
She was still amused by his earlier words. "Ah, young Duke, I didn't take you for someone who enjoys these gatherings."
Leonard smirked. "Perhaps I enjoy good company."
Flattery," she chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. "But tell me, are you playing a new game?"
Leonard leaned in slightly. "A wise noble once told me that power isn't only found in steel but in the whispers that shape it."
Lady Camille's eyes gleamed. "A very wise noble indeed."
Their conversation continued , the distance between them shrinking ever so slightly. Camille was not a woman easily swayed, but Leonard was patient. He knew the game had only just begun.
As the evening progressed, the noble gathering turned livelier, and music filled the air. Leonard observed the room carefully
He extended his hand, offering a charming smile. "Lady Camille, would you grant me the honor of a dance?"
[Ding! Favorability detected: Lady Camille (35% → 40%) – Growing Interest]
Camille set her glass down, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Oh? And here I thought young men these days lacked proper manners."
He chuckled. "Manners are only wasted if there's no one worthy of appreciating them."
A slow smile spread across her lips. Without breaking eye contact, she placed her delicate fingers in his hand. "Very well, young Duke. Let's see if you can keep up."
"You can called me, Leonard."
As they stepped onto the dance floor, the music shifted, and the room seemed to shrink around them. Leonard moved with ease, guiding her with confidence. Camille was an experienced dancer, but she let him take the lead, intrigued.
The other noblewomen paused their conversations, casting curious glances his way. Lady Evylen, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Leonard He leaned in slightly, his voice just low enough for her ears alone. "You dance beautifully, my lady. But I suspect you shine even brighter in more… intimate settings."
"Such bold words. Are you trying to charm me, Leonard?" she purred, her voice smooth and sultry, like the soft caress of a warm breeze against his skin
He met her gaze, his smirk deepening. "Would it be working if I said yes?"
Her fingers tightened slightly in his. "Perhaps. But you'll have to try harder."
[Ding! Favorability detected: Lady Camille (40% → 50%) – Intrigued]
She playful glimmer sparkled in her eyes as she leaned closer, "So if there is anything you want from me... Young master."
Leonard's mind whirled with intoxicating desire, his thoughts ignited by the provocative nature of her words.
Leonard's mind raced, his gaze lingering on her seductive figure, the thought of her bare skin beneath the delicate cloth flashing vividly in his thoughts, stirring his primal urges.
The image of her naked, body fully revealed to him, sent a wave of heat coursing through him, igniting a hunger.
He felt his cock twitch involuntarily, desire surging through him at the mere thought of her bare body. His gaze darkened as it locked onto hers, filled with a growing hunger.
This woman is a slut, he thought, unable to shake the heat rising within him.
He cleared his throat, his gaze lingering on her full, luscious lips, the curve of them enticingly close.and said" you would assist me."
Leonard's hand was wrapped around her slim waist, and her mind couldn't help but wander, imagining what it would feel like to have his strong hands on her body, exploring her curves and caressing her skin.
Smirking,Leonard's accidentally brushed against her perky ass, causing her to let out a small gasp.
"Ahh~"
"Are you okay, my lady?" he asked, his voice filled with feigned concern as his hands now rested gently on her hips, "I'm sorry, that was unintentional. I didn't mean to startle you."
BaronessCamille looked up at him, her cheeks flushed.
I'm fine, just caught me off guard," she replied, her voice slightly trembling.