Chapter 19: An Invitation from the Duke

The Valenford estate was always quiet, but today, it felt like a storm was brewing.

Leon sat in the courtyard, lazily spinning a dagger between his fingers. Selene had been gone for hours—summoned by her father. That alone was enough to make him curious.

But what truly caught his attention was the knight approaching him with a sealed letter bearing the Duke's crest.

"Leon," the knight said, handing him the letter. "The Duke wishes to see you."

Leon smirked. So, the old man finally decided to stop hiding behind his little threats.

"Lead the way," he said, slipping the dagger back into his coat.

The Valenford estate's inner chambers were colder than the training halls, built for efficiency rather than comfort.

And at the very center sat Duke Aldric Valenford—a man whose presence alone felt like a weight pressing down on the air.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a dark military coat, he radiated authority. The Wolf of the North.

Selene stood beside him, her expression carefully blank, but Leon didn't miss the tension in her shoulders.

"Leon," the Duke said, his voice deep and commanding. "So, you are the instructor my daughter chose."

Leon grinned. "That's me. I'd bow, but I think we both know I'm not the respectful type."

A tense silence followed. The knights in the room stiffened. Even Selene looked at him like he had just thrown himself into a lion's den.

Then—Duke Valenford laughed.

It was low and quiet, but filled with something unreadable. "You are bold."

Leon shrugged. "It keeps life interesting."

The Duke leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "Do you know why I summoned you?"

Leon smirked. "Let me guess—you want me to leave?"

The Duke's sharp gaze locked onto him. "No. I want to know why my daughter has taken an interest in a man like you."

Leon glanced at Selene. She gave him a warning look, but he ignored it.

"Maybe she just likes my charm," he said.

The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly—not in anger, but in calculated interest.

"Charm?" the Duke mused. "No. My daughter has no use for charm. She values strength, discipline, and loyalty."

Leon grinned. "Well, I have at least one of those."

The Duke exhaled. "Selene."

Selene straightened. "Yes, Father?"

"Do you trust this man?"

Selene's posture was rigid, but Leon saw the slightest hesitation before she answered.

"I believe he is useful," she said. "For now."

The Duke studied her for a long moment before turning back to Leon. "Then you will continue as her instructor—for now."

Leon raised an eyebrow. That was easier than expected.

"But understand this," the Duke continued, his voice sharpening like a blade. "If I sense even the slightest hint of betrayal, I will not waste time with warnings."

Leon met the Duke's gaze without flinching. "Duly noted."

A Silent Conversation

As Leon left the chamber, Selene followed him.

She didn't speak until they were alone in the hallway.

"You're an idiot," she said.

Leon smirked. "For what? Not groveling?"

Selene's icy blue eyes locked onto his. "For thinking you can challenge my father and walk away unscathed."

Leon leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And yet… here I am. Still standing. Still breathing."

For a brief second, Selene's mask cracked. Not in anger. In something else.

Something almost like curiosity.

Then, just as quickly, she turned away. "Tomorrow. Training. Don't be late."

Leon grinned as he watched her go.

He was getting under her skin.

And he was just getting started.

--

Next Chapter: "A Duel of Nobles"

Leon's presence in House Valenford has not gone unnoticed—and one of Selene's noble suitors is not pleased. A challenge is issued, and Leon finds himself in a duel where losing isn't an option.