The Lioness of the Empire

The cold morning breeze carried the scent of blooming roses and aged stone as Leon stood at the entrance of Vaelcrest Manor's grand courtyard. The estate's towering gates loomed before him, adorned with the silver phoenix crest of his family, gleaming under the early sunlight. The banners above rippled like waves of silk, casting shifting shadows across the polished cobblestone path.

His golden eyes flickered toward the approaching procession.

At the heart of the escort unit was a luxurious black-and-gold imperial carriage, flanked by elite Solmarian knights clad in polished silver armor. Their formation was perfectly disciplined, shields gleaming under the morning light, their spears standing tall like an unyielding wall.

Leon's gaze lingered on the insignia emblazoned on the carriage doors—a golden sun wreathed in roaring flames.

The emblem of the Solmaria Empire.

And within that carriage sat Aurelia Solis.

His breath was steady, but his mind raced.

This will be the first time I see her again… in this life.

Memories from past timelines flashed before him. In one life, she had been his queen, his lover, his greatest ally. In another, she had been his executioner, standing above him as the blade fell.

But in this timeline, she was a stranger once again.

Or at least, she was supposed to be.

The carriage came to a smooth halt before the grand steps of the manor. A knight stepped forward, gripping the carriage handle, and with a swift motion, the doors opened.

And then, she emerged.

Aurelia Solis.

She stepped into the sunlight, a vision of imperial elegance and restrained power.

Her golden-blonde hair cascaded like liquid sunlight, framing a face that was both breathtakingly regal and undeniably fierce. Her eyes—**a shade of molten amber—**were sharp, intelligent, taking in her surroundings with quiet calculation.

She wore a high-collared white and gold military uniform, adorned with intricate embroidery of flames and celestial motifs. The fabric clung perfectly to her form, exuding both nobility and authority. At her waist, a ceremonial rapier rested in its sheath, its hilt sculpted in the shape of a roaring lion's head.

She was… exactly as he remembered.

No—even more stunning.

For the first time in hundreds of years, Leon found himself unable to move for a split second.

She hasn't changed at all.

Then, her gaze fell on him.

Leon saw it—the flicker of something in her eyes.

Recognition? Confusion?

Aurelia's steps faltered, just for a fraction of a second. It was so subtle that no one else would have noticed. But Leon did.

Her lips parted slightly, as if a forgotten memory had brushed against the edges of her consciousness.

Then, just as quickly, she composed herself, her expression returning to perfect imperial grace.

The commander of her escort unit stepped forward and saluted. "We have arrived as scheduled, Duke Vaelcrest."

Aldric, who had been standing beside Leon, nodded in approval. "You honor us with your presence, Lady Aurelia."

Aurelia's gaze shifted to Aldric, offering a polite nod. "The honor is mine, Duke Vaelcrest. The Empire values its allies."

Her voice was smooth, measured—but Leon caught the slightest hesitation before she turned back to him.

"And this must be your son."

Leon met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Leon Vaelcrest," he introduced himself, placing a hand over his chest in a formal gesture of respect. "It's a pleasure to welcome you to our estate, Lady Aurelia."

A moment of silence passed between them.

Aurelia's amber eyes remained locked onto his.

Then, she smiled.

It was small—barely noticeable—but it was there.

"Likewise," she said softly.

Leon wasn't sure if that smile was for diplomacy… or something else entirely.

Vaelcrest Manor – The Reception Hall

The grand dining hall was bathed in golden candlelight, the scent of fine wine and freshly prepared dishes wafting through the air.

Seated at the long, polished table were Leon, Aurelia, Aldric, and several high-ranking officials of the Vaelcrest household. The atmosphere was formal, yet beneath the surface, there was a quiet tension.

Leon observed how Aurelia carried herself—her posture, her expressions, the way she subtly assessed the people around her.

She was always like this. A lioness hidden beneath royal silk and golden embroidery, observing, calculating, deciding who was worth her attention.

A servant approached, pouring a deep crimson wine into the goblets before them.

Aurelia reached for her glass, but her gaze flickered toward Leon again.

It was brief—just a glance. But this was the third time she had done it.

She was studying him.

Testing him.

Leon smirked slightly.

You're trying to figure out why I feel familiar, aren't you?

Aurelia took a slow sip of her wine, then placed the goblet down. Her fingers brushed against the stem, a thoughtful motion.

Then, she spoke.

"I must admit, Lord Leon," she said, her voice smooth but laced with curiosity, "I was not expecting you to be… so different from the rumors."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Aurelia tilted her head slightly. "Most noble heirs are predictable. Some are arrogant, others are foolishly ambitious." She paused. "But you…"

She studied him.

"…You are composed. Controlled. That is not common for someone your age."

Leon chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Her lips curved slightly. "As you should."

Their exchange did not go unnoticed.

Aldric glanced between them, his expression unreadable.

Selene, who had been leaning back in her chair with arms crossed, narrowed her golden eyes slightly.

Leon didn't need to look at her to know she was watching.

Interesting.

Aurelia took another sip of wine, her gaze never truly leaving him.

Leon could feel it now—that invisible pull between them.

A memory that had been erased. A connection that should not exist in this life.

And yet…

She could sense it, even if she didn't understand why.

You feel it, don't you, Aurelia?

That this isn't our first meeting.

Leon watched her closely, reading the subtle cues in her body language. Aurelia's posture remained poised, flawless in its nobility, but her fingers had tightened slightly against the stem of her goblet. Her breathing remained steady, yet there was a flicker of tension beneath her carefully maintained exterior.

She was aware of something.

Maybe not the truth. Not yet.

But she knew that something about him was different.

A soft clink of silverware against porcelain broke the moment.

Aldric set his goblet down, his piercing blue eyes shifting toward Aurelia. "The Solmaria Empire rarely sends its imperial envoy on simple diplomatic visits."

The conversation at the table immediately sharpened.

Aurelia's expression didn't waver. She tilted her head slightly, as if mildly entertained by the directness of the question. "That is true, Duke Vaelcrest."

Aldric leaned forward slightly. "Then tell me, why are you here?"

The candlelight flickered across Aurelia's amber eyes as she took a measured breath. "The Empire has taken interest in Vaelcrest," she admitted. "You hold a significant position in the eastern borders, one that serves as both a gateway and a shield."

Leon resisted the urge to smirk. So she's playing the political game first.

Aldric remained unreadable. "We have always fulfilled our duties to the Empire."

"Indeed," Aurelia acknowledged, swirling her wine slightly before setting it down. "Which is why I'm here—to ensure that the alliance remains stable."

Aldric studied her for a long moment before speaking. "And how do you intend to do that?"

Aurelia smiled faintly. "By assessing your heir."

The room fell silent.

Leon lifted an eyebrow. Oh? So she's making her move already.

Aldric's expression remained unreadable. "Assess him in what way?"

Aurelia turned her gaze toward Leon. For the first time, there was no guarded politeness—only quiet, calculated interest.

"I wish to test him."

Leon met her stare evenly, his golden eyes glinting under the warm glow of the chandelier.

Aldric exhaled. "A test?"

Aurelia nodded. "A simple one."

She set her goblet down, leaning forward slightly. "Leon Vaelcrest. Will you entertain me for a sparring session?"

The tension in the room thickened.

Leon chuckled. "Entertain you?"

Aurelia's lips curved into something dangerously close to amusement. "I would like to see how you fight."

Selene, who had been leaning back in her chair, suddenly sat up straighter. Her golden eyes sharpened.

Leon felt the shift immediately.

Oh? Is she getting jealous? Or is she just annoyed someone else is taking an interest in me?

Aldric, on the other hand, didn't look surprised. He simply exhaled. "If my son accepts, I have no objections."

Leon smiled. "And if I refuse?"

Aurelia's gaze flickered, something almost playful dancing behind her eyes. "Then I will be very disappointed."

Leon exhaled through his nose. You always did know how to get what you want, Aurelia.

He placed his goblet down, pushing his chair back. "Very well." He rose to his feet, his movements unhurried yet completely controlled. "Let's not keep you waiting, then."

Vaelcrest Manor – The Private Sparring Hall

The sparring hall was a vast chamber of polished black stone, lined with racks of weapons and training dummies. Chandeliers cast a dim golden light across the space, illuminating the combat arena at its center—a circular platform of reinforced marble, designed to withstand high-level duels.

Leon stepped onto the platform, rolling his shoulders as he tested his body's response. The enhancer from earlier had settled into his system now, amplifying his reflexes and strength. Not perfect yet, but close.

Aurelia stepped onto the opposite end of the platform, her movements graceful, yet utterly controlled.

She reached for a training sword, testing its weight before gripping it firmly.

"I'll warn you now, Leon," she mused, twirling the weapon effortlessly. "I don't hold back."

Leon smirked, picking up his own weapon. "I'd be insulted if you did."

Aurelia chuckled. "Very well, then."

The room fell into a thick silence.

Then—

She moved.

Fast.

Leon barely had time to react before she was in front of him, her blade slicing through the air.

Too fast.

No—just fast enough.

Leon dodged, his instincts taking over as he twisted out of the way. The wind from her strike brushed against his cheek.

Aurelia didn't stop. She followed through with a rapid series of slashes—precise, relentless, and perfectly calculated.

Leon parried, his sword clashing against hers with a sharp ring of steel.

Her amber eyes glowed with sharp amusement. "Not bad."

Leon smirked. "I haven't even started."

He countered—but Aurelia was already moving.

She twisted her body mid-air, launching a spinning kick toward his ribs.

Leon caught her ankle.

Aurelia's eyes widened slightly.

Leon smirked. Got you.

But before he could capitalize, she twisted again, using his grip as leverage, flipping over his arm and landing smoothly behind him.

The moment he turned—her blade was at his throat.

Silence.

Leon exhaled. Damn.

Aurelia's expression was unreadable for a moment. Then—

She smiled. A slow, dangerous smile.

"Interesting," she murmured.

Leon chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Aurelia lowered her weapon, stepping back. "You should."

She sheathed her training sword and moved closer, standing just within his personal space.

Leon didn't move.

She tilted her head, her golden locks spilling over her shoulder. "You're different."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"

Aurelia studied him. "Yes. And I intend to find out why."

Leon smirked. "Good luck with that."

Her lips curved slightly. "I don't need luck."

Leon chuckled, stepping away. "Then I look forward to your attempts."

Aurelia let out a soft laugh, but her amber eyes remained sharp.

She wasn't letting this go.

And Leon?

He wouldn't have it any other way.