Chapter 23: A Noble Conspiracy

The world of nobility was like a battlefield—the strongest ruled, and the weak were crushed.

Leon knew this well.

Ever since his victory against Edgar von Claudrin, the whispers had started. Servants spoke in hushed tones, knights exchanged knowing glances, and the noble families who once ignored him now watched with wary eyes.

Leon had become a problem.

And problems in noble society were always removed.

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A Meeting in the Shadows

Deep within the halls of the Valenford estate, a secret meeting was underway.

A group of nobles, dressed in expensive silks and adorned with family crests, sat in a dimly lit chamber. At the head of the table was Lord Edgar von Claudrin, his jaw still tight with humiliation from his recent defeat.

"That bastard humiliated me," Edgar growled, slamming his fist against the table. "And worse—he's gaining favor with Lady Selene."

A nobleman to his left, Baron Luthain, smirked. "It was only a duel, Edgar. Hardly worth plotting over."

Edgar glared at him. "You don't understand. He's not just some stray noble. He's dangerous."

A third noble, Marquis Dorian Elster, sipped his wine. "You fear him."

Edgar tensed. "I—"

"You do," Dorian interrupted smoothly. "Which means we should, too."

Silence fell over the table.

Dorian set his goblet down, his sharp eyes glinting. "Leon is unpredictable. We don't know what his true goals are. If we let him grow unchecked, he could become a threat to all of us."

The nobles exchanged uneasy glances.

Baron Luthain sighed. "Then what do you propose?"

Dorian smirked. "An unfortunate accident, of course."

Edgar's lips curled into a grin. "Now you're speaking my language."

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An Ambush in the Night

Leon had just finished another grueling training session when he felt it—the unmistakable presence of danger.

He was walking through one of the estate's secluded courtyards when the shadows shifted.

Footsteps.

Five… no, six men.

Leon turned, already on guard.

A group of masked figures emerged from the darkness, swords glinting in the moonlight.

"Well, well," Leon muttered. "Did someone finally decide I was worth killing?"

The leader of the masked men smirked. "No hard feelings, young lord. Orders are orders."

Leon cracked his neck. "Right. And who sent those orders?"

The assassins didn't answer. Instead, they attacked.

The first man lunged, aiming for Leon's throat. Too slow.

Leon sidestepped, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting. A sickening crack echoed as the assassin collapsed with a pained grunt.

The second and third came at once.

Leon ducked under the first blade, parried the second, and drove his elbow into one attacker's ribs.

Another man swung a dagger at his back. Leon barely avoided it, rolling forward before kicking the attacker's knee out from under him.

The remaining assassins hesitated. They weren't expecting him to be this skilled.

Leon smirked. "What's wrong? Not used to your prey fighting back?"

One of the men cursed. "He's too strong. Retreat—"

Before he could finish, an arrow whistled through the air, piercing his throat.

Leon blinked.

Then, from the shadows, another figure appeared.

A woman. Cloaked in dark blue, her long silver hair gleamed under the moonlight. Her bow was still raised, another arrow already nocked.

Selene.

The remaining assassins panicked.

"Shit, it's her—!"

Another arrow flew, striking a second man. The last two turned to run, but Leon was faster.

He dashed forward, slicing one man across the chest and kicking the final attacker into a nearby fountain.

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Leon exhaled, wiping blood from his blade. "Well, that was fun."

Selene lowered her bow, stepping closer. "You're reckless."

Leon grinned. "And you're a damn good shot."

She rolled her eyes, but he didn't miss the slight smirk on her lips.

Then, her expression darkened. "This was an assassination attempt."

Leon sheathed his sword. "Yeah. Figured that out when they tried to stab me."

Selene crossed her arms. "You don't seem concerned."

Leon chuckled. "Because I know this is just the beginning."

She studied him for a moment before sighing. "You should leave the estate. It's not safe here."

Leon stepped closer, invading her space just enough to make her tense. "And miss all the fun? No chance."

She didn't step back. "You're impossible."

Leon grinned. "You like that about me."

She scoffed, turning away. "Get some rest, Leon. You'll need it."

As she walked off, Leon watched her go, smirking to himself.

The nobles had made their first move.

Now, it was his turn.

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