A Meeting of Fates

Leo sat across from Ariana Valefor, the girl who bore an uncanny resemblance to Rosario. His mind was in turmoil, his heart pounding in his chest. He had uttered that name aloud, and now, Ariana was staring at him with a mix of confusion and intrigue. She blinked, tilting her head slightly, her noble grace never faltering.

"Rose?" she repeated, her voice soft yet firm.

Leo quickly composed himself. "Ah, no. It's nothing. I mistook you for someone else." His mind raced to process the situation. Why did she look exactly like Rosario? Was this fate playing a cruel trick on him? Or was it something more?

Ariana studied him for a moment but chose not to press further. Instead, she smiled a polite yet distant expression. "It has been a long time, hasn't it, Leo? I came to see how you are doing. I heard about… everything." Her tone was careful, and measured, yet Leo could sense that something was hidden beneath her words.

Leo, still adjusting to the presence of this familiar yet unfamiliar girl, nodded slowly. "I appreciate your concern. As you can see, I've recovered well."

Ariana's gaze swept over him, noting the changes. The weak, sickly boy she had once known was gone. In his place sat a man with sharp eyes, an aura of quiet confidence, and a physique that suggested rigorous training. He was no longer the fragile prince whom everyone pitied. He had changed—physically, mentally, and in ways she could not yet understand.

"Yes, you seem… different," she murmured, her fingers tightening slightly around her dress. "It's as if you're not the same Leo I once knew."

Leo smirked slightly. "Time changes people."

Ariana hesitated for a brief moment before saying, "Are you still planning to attend Zephyrion Academy?" Her words seemed casual, but Leo detected the underlying weight behind them.

"Zephyrion Academy?" Leo echoed, frowning slightly. He had no recollection of such a place.

Ariana looked at him with mild surprise. "Leo, it's the most prestigious institution for magic and swordsmanship in the empire. All nobles of our age enroll there once they turn eighteen. Surely you remember?"

Leo realized his mistake. If he reacted too strangely, she might suspect something was off. Instead, he leaned back slightly, pretending to be uninterested. "Ah, right. I had other things occupying my mind lately. Tell me about it."

Ariana, unaware of his internal struggle, explained, "Zephyrion Academy is where nobles and elite warriors refine their skills. Your brothers went there, and it was expected that you would, too. You've… changed so much. I wondered if you still intended to attend."

Leo filed away this information. He had just learned about this school from Ariana, yet it seemed like an important part of his past. Why hadn't he recalled it?

"I'll think about it," he said smoothly.

Ariana watched him carefully. She had come with the hidden intention of ending their engagement. Yet, seeing him like this—so different, so composed—had shaken her resolve.

Memories of their childhood resurfaced. The boy who had once risked everything for her, despite his weakness. She remembered the summer evening when she, as a reckless child, had wandered too far into a ruined part of the city during a festival. An old, crumbling building had suddenly collapsed near her, and she had been trapped. The dust had been suffocating, and she had screamed for help, but the guards had been too far.

Then, against all odds, Leo had been the first to reach her.

She could still see it clearly—the sickly, frail boy digging through the rubble with his bare hands, coughing violently yet refusing to stop. His body had been weak, but his will had been stronger than anyone else's. By the time the guards arrived, Leo had nearly collapsed from exhaustion, yet he had been the one holding onto her, refusing to let go until she was safe.

That was the moment she had fallen for him.

But reality had been cruel. As years passed, Leo had only grown sicker, his reputation plummeting. People mocked him, ridiculed their engagement, and told her that a Valefor should not be tied to a failure. Her family had pressured her, and society had laughed at her—yet a part of her had never let go of that memory.

Now, as she sat across from him, she realized that Leo was no longer that weak boy. He had transformed into someone entirely new.

She had come to break their engagement. But now… she wasn't sure if she could.

Before she could dwell on her thoughts further, Leo spoke. "You should be heading back, shouldn't you?"

Ariana blinked, momentarily lost. "Oh. Yes. My uncle is expecting me in the capital. I'll be staying with him."

Leo stood and walked her to the carriage waiting outside. "Stay safe, Ariana."

She hesitated, feeling an urge to say something more. But instead, she simply nodded and entered the carriage. As it rolled away, she found herself gripping the edge of her seat, her mind swirling with uncertainty.

Leo watched her go, exhaling slowly. He had learned something valuable today—about the academy, about his forgotten past, and about Ariana herself.

But there was something else. The way his mother had reacted when he asked about the academy… her suspicion.

Determined to clarify things, Leo made his way to the queen's chambers. When he arrived, the queen's eyes widened slightly at the sight of him.

"Mother," he greeted respectfully. "I came to talk to you."

The queen smiled warmly but remained observant. "Of course, Leo. What is it?"

He hesitated briefly before saying, "I've been thinking about Zephyrion Academy. I just realized I don't remember much about it."

For the first time, the queen's expression stiffened. "You… don't remember?" She leaned forward slightly, studying him with an intensity that sent a warning through Leo's mind.

He had made a mistake. He had triggered her suspicion.

Thinking quickly, he sighed and rubbed his temples. "It's not just the academy. Ever since I returned from Silent Dawn's captivity, I feel like I've forgotten many things."

The queen's face softened with immediate concern. "Oh, my child… why didn't you say so earlier? That must have been terrifying for you."

Leo inwardly smirked at how easily she had accepted his lie. He had sensed her doubt, and now he had steered the conversation in his favor.

"It's nothing to worry about, mother," he said reassuringly. "I've just been trying to piece things together."

The queen grasped his hands gently. "Don't you worry, Leo? I will call for the finest healers in the empire. We will fix this."

Leo nodded, letting her believe what she wanted. This worked to his advantage.

As he left the room, he let out a deep breath. He now had confirmation that the academy was important. But more than that, he had successfully diverted suspicion away from himself.

He returned to his chambers, staring at the ceiling in thought.

"Five months until I turn eighteen," he murmured. "That means five months to prepare."

If I am going to Zephyrion Academy, then it is time to push my abilities further.

And more importantly, it was time to reveal Dual Core to Father.