Chapter 35: Shadows of the Coming Storm**
The atmosphere within the Everhart estate had changed in the days following the grand ball. Although the event had ended, its **echoes remained**—whispers of admiration, schemes of nobility, and the ever-present weight of expectations upon the young heir.
Leonhardt, however, remained unaffected.
In the grand study of the Everhart estate, he sat across from his father, Grand Duke Aldric Everhart, and his mother, Lady Seraphina Everhart. The heavy scent of parchment and ink filled the air, and countless documents lay spread before them—**political reports, noble proposals, and strategic plans**.
At the center of it all sat a **letter bearing the imperial seal**.
Aldric's golden eyes scanned the document before placing it down with a slight scoff. "The Emperor is summoning us to the Imperial Capital. It seems he wishes to meet you, Leonhardt."
Lady Seraphina, seated beside him, tapped her fingers against the table. "It is to be expected. You've drawn far too much attention, my son."
Leonhardt's expression remained indifferent. "Then I assume we will be leaving soon?"
His father gave a slow nod. "In two weeks. The journey to the capital will take time, and there will be many eyes on us."
Leonhardt leaned back in his chair, his mind calculating the implications. A visit to the **Imperial Palace** meant direct interaction with the Emperor, the crown prince, and the highest-ranking nobles of the empire. It would be a den of **political vipers**, each eager to gauge the future Grand Duke.
He wasn't worried.
If anything, this would be **an opportunity**.
Aldric watched his son carefully before speaking again. "During our time there, you will meet the imperial family. The Emperor is a shrewd man—do not let your guard down."
Leonhardt merely inclined his head.
Seraphina, however, frowned slightly. "You will also need to interact with the other noble heirs."
A flicker of irritation passed through Leonhardt's eyes, though it vanished just as quickly. **Meaningless distractions.**
Seeing his reaction, Aldric smirked. "Ah, yes. You will likely receive a few marriage proposals."
Leonhardt exhaled through his nose. "How tedious."
Seraphina chuckled softly. "You should learn to handle such things with grace, my son. The nobles will try to tie their houses to ours, and many young ladies will seek to capture your interest."
"Let them try," he said coldly. "It will change nothing."
His mother simply smiled.
Aldric leaned forward. "More importantly, you must use this visit to further cement your position. While I hold the empire's respect, you must claim **their acknowledgment**."
Leonhardt understood. He wasn't simply going to the capital for pleasantries—he was going there to **establish his presence** among the empire's most powerful figures.
The conversation soon shifted to other matters—territorial reports, military affairs, and trade agreements. Leonhardt listened but said little.
His mind was already moving beyond this meeting.
His time was **precious**, and the sooner they departed for the capital, the sooner he could resume his real work—**finding a way to break the seal**.
For now, he would play along.
But once the time came, he would remind the world exactly who he was.
---
### **That Night – The Moonlit Sanctuary**
As the Everhart estate slumbered, Leonhardt once again stepped into the darkness. His cloak billowed behind him as he navigated the hidden passage leading out into the night.
Beneath the vast **celestial expanse**, he stood at the training grounds, the cool night air brushing against his skin.
And then, he moved.
His sword cut through the air with precision, each strike sharper than the last. His **mana pulsed**, ancient and overwhelming, as he pushed his body further.
To the world, he was simply a young prodigy—a genius among nobles.
But in reality, he was **so much more.**
As his training intensified, the **seal within him pulsed**, a constant reminder of the power just beyond his reach.
A power meant for **her**.
Leonhardt's grip on his sword tightened.
**I will break this curse. I will find you.**
And no force in this world—**god or mortal**—would stop him.