Chapter 28: The Path of Power and the Shadows of Nobility
The Everhart estate was silent beneath the veil of night. The last traces of the grand ball had vanished, leaving only the quiet hum of the moonlight spilling through the windows.
Leonhardt Valerian Everhart moved with effortless grace through the underground chamber, his crimson eyes flickering with a cold glow as he stood before the intricate magic circle.
The ancient symbols pulsed beneath his fingertips, responding to his presence as if recognizing the power he wielded.
Tonight was no different from the other nights.
He was here to push his limits once more.
A Test of Will
Leonhardt took a slow breath, channeling his magic into the circle. The air around him crackled with energy, the inscriptions lighting up with an otherworldly silver glow.
This particular spell was dangerous.
It was a technique of ancient magic, long erased from modern records. A spell meant to pierce through the boundaries of existence, to glimpse into the forbidden truths hidden beyond mortal understanding.
His body tensed as the magic surged through him.
The pressure was immense. The weight of the spell threatened to crush his consciousness, as if an invisible force was trying to push him back.
But he did not waver.
His resolve was unshaken.
He was Leonhardt Valerian Everhart.
A mere spell could not break him.
As he forcefully carved through the barriers, his vision blurred for a moment, and then—
A whisper.
A voice carried through the abyss, distant yet undeniable.
"...Leonhardt."
His breath caught for a split second.
The voice was faint, but it was her.
Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis.
For the first time since his rebirth, he had broken through the veil of the seal—if only for a moment.
And that moment was enough.
The connection was weak, fleeting, but it existed.
Leonhardt clenched his fists.
This meant the seal was not absolute.
This meant that with enough power—he could break it.
His eyes burned with determination.
He needed to become stronger.
The Noble Schemes Continue
While Leonhardt pushed the limits of his power in the depths of the Everhart estate, the world above continued its political games.
The noble houses were already stirring.
The events of the ball had spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of powerful figures across the empire.
The young heir of Everhart was a force to be reckoned with.
His power was undeniable.
His cold indifference toward noble traditions only made him more dangerous.
And yet—this only intrigued them further.
In the luxurious drawing rooms of the empire's wealthiest families, whispers began to weave their way through the noble circles.
"Did you see how he dismissed Lady Selene without even looking at her?"
"They say he's already stronger than most knights, even at the age of ten."
"House Everhart has always been untouchable, but with that child as their heir… they may very well surpass even the Imperial Family in power."
It wasn't long before letters of proposal began flooding the Everhart estate.
Marriage alliances. Promises of power, of wealth, of influence.
Daughters from ducal and marquis families all sought to gain the favor of the future Grand Duke.
But every single letter was burned without a second glance.
Leonhardt had no use for love or alliances.
The world could throw all its noble daughters at him, but his heart had already chosen who it belonged to.
And no one else would ever compare.
An Imperial Concern
Far away, within the grand halls of the Imperial Palace, another conversation was taking place.
The Emperor of the Empire, Lucian von Regalis, sat upon his golden throne, his piercing blue eyes narrowed in thought.
Before him stood Crown Prince Hadrian von Regalis, his eldest son and heir to the empire.
"Leonhardt Valerian Everhart," the Emperor mused, his voice unreadable. "The boy has certainly made an impression."
The Crown Prince smirked slightly. "He humiliated Duke Verdan in front of the entire nobility. That alone makes him worth watching."
The Emperor's gaze darkened. "He is no ordinary child."
Hadrian nodded in agreement.
The Everhart family had always been the greatest pillar of strength in the empire, but Leonhardt was something else entirely.
A monster in the making.
And monsters… could be dangerous.
"Keep an eye on him," the Emperor ordered. "The Everharts have always been our greatest allies, but power unchecked is a dangerous thing."
Hadrian inclined his head. "As you command, Father."
But deep down, the Crown Prince couldn't deny it—
A part of him was intrigued by Leonhardt Valerian Everhart.
After all, he had never met anyone who could stand on equal ground with him.
Perhaps… that was about to change.
Aetheria's Silent Watch
While the empire whispered and conspired, far beyond mortal lands, Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis sat beneath the celestial glow of the moon.
Her violet eyes shimmered with unreadable emotions as she gazed into the night.
She had felt him.
For the briefest moment, their souls had touched through the seal's restraints.
It wasn't enough.
But it was proof that he was reaching for her.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips.
Her Leonhardt was relentless. Unyielding. He had always been.
And for that, she loved him.
Her fingers traced a small golden sigil upon the air—an ancient symbol of the Sun God.
She had much to do.
Before long, the world would see her for what she truly was.
And when that time came, not even the gods would be able to stop her.