Chapter 30: Shadows of the Past
The Everhart estate was quiet in the early morning hours, the first light of dawn barely stretching across the vast landscape. The grand halls that had been filled with noble guests mere nights ago now stood empty, save for the occasional servant beginning their daily routines.
Leonhardt Valerian Everhart stood on the balcony of his private chamber, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His mind was not on the world before him, but on what lay beyond it.
Seven years…
That was the time he had estimated. The time he needed to grow strong enough to take his next step.
But even that might not be enough.
His fingers tightened around the cold metal of the balcony railing.
The seal was not something ordinary.
It had bound him—a god.
It had bound her—the Demon Emperor, the Queen of the Night.
And it had lasted for 800,000 years.
Leonhardt knew better than anyone that brute strength alone would not shatter such a powerful restraint. He needed more.
More knowledge.
More power.
More time.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, his voice calm and steady.
The door opened, revealing his personal attendant, Theon, a man in his late thirties with sharp features and keen, perceptive eyes. Theon had served House Everhart for years and was one of the few people trusted with Leonhardt's daily affairs.
"You have a visitor, young master," Theon announced.
Leonhardt turned slightly. "A visitor?"
Theon hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "The Emperor's envoy has arrived."
Silence.
Leonhardt's eyes darkened.
It had been expected, but not this soon.
He had assumed the Emperor would wait at least another year before taking direct interest in him. Why now?
Leonhardt stepped away from the balcony, his mind already assessing the possibilities.
"Where are they now?" he asked.
"The envoy is waiting in the receiving hall," Theon replied. "Your father is with him."
Leonhardt gave a slow nod. "Then let's not keep them waiting."
The Emperor's Envoy
The grand receiving hall of the Everhart estate was a place of elegance and power. High ceilings, massive chandeliers, and intricate banners displaying the Everhart crest adorned the vast chamber.
At the center of the room stood Grand Duke Aldric Everhart, his towering presence a silent warning to those who would dare challenge him.
Opposite him stood a man in royal attire, the unmistakable insignia of the Empire embroidered across his chest. His posture was rigid, his expression unreadable.
Leonhardt entered the hall with effortless composure, his fiery red eyes immediately meeting the envoy's gaze.
"Leonhardt Valerian Everhart," the man greeted, bowing slightly. "I bring word from His Majesty, the Emperor."
Leonhardt said nothing, waiting.
The envoy straightened, his voice carefully measured. "His Majesty acknowledges your astounding talent. Your achievements have reached the imperial court, and the Emperor himself has taken an interest in your growth."
Leonhardt remained silent.
The envoy continued. "His Majesty extends an invitation to you. When you come of age, the Imperial Palace will be open to you. He wishes to see your strength firsthand."
An invitation?
No.
A test.
The Emperor wanted to observe him, measure his worth, and decide whether to control him or eliminate him.
Leonhardt met the envoy's gaze with cold amusement.
"I appreciate His Majesty's interest," he said smoothly. "However, my path has already been decided."
The envoy's expression did not falter. "Then I trust we will see you at the palace in due time."
Leonhardt didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
The envoy bowed once more before taking his leave.
Silence lingered in the hall after his departure.
Aldric turned to his son, his gaze unreadable. "You handled that well."
Leonhardt's lips curved slightly. "Did you expect otherwise?"
Aldric let out a quiet chuckle before nodding. "No."
The Emperor was watching.
But Leonhardt had no intention of playing the game they wanted him to.
Not now.
Not ever.
The Road Ahead
As night fell over the Everhart estate, Leonhardt once again stood alone beneath the open sky.
The imperial court's interest in him was a distraction—but one he had expected.
He needed to disappear from their notice, at least for now.
His training would intensify. His knowledge would deepen.
And when the time came, he would stand before the world not as a pawn of the Empire…
But as a force that none could oppose.