Chapter 49: The Whisper of Kings

Chapter 49: The Whisper of Kings

The grand hall remained silent long after the nobles had departed. The scent of polished oak and burning candle wax lingered in the air, mixing with the tension that had yet to fully dissipate.

Leonhardt stood before his father, Grand Duke Aldric Everhart, his expression unreadable. The echoes of his duel still hung in the room, an undeniable testament to his strength.

Aldric's crimson eyes studied his son in silence. For the first time, a flicker of approval crossed his gaze.

"Come with me," Aldric finally said. His voice was as firm as ever, but there was a weight to it—a recognition of something undeniable.

Leonhardt followed without hesitation.

A Father and Son's Conversation

The two walked through the Everhart estate, passing through halls lined with golden candelabras and heavy velvet curtains. Eventually, Aldric led Leonhardt into a dimly lit study, its walls filled with ancient tomes and battle-worn swords mounted in display.

Aldric took a seat behind a massive mahogany desk, resting his forearm on the polished surface. His piercing gaze met Leonhardt's.

"You handled yourself well today," he said at last. "The nobles now understand—you are not someone they can trample over."

Leonhardt remained silent, his fiery eyes unreadable.

Aldric leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly.

"But strength alone will not be enough, Leonhardt. Power must be wielded with wisdom. There are those who will fear you, and fear breeds both respect and hatred. You must learn to use both to your advantage."

Leonhardt already knew this. He had ruled as a god before.

Still, he allowed his father to speak.

Aldric's fingers tapped against the desk. "Duke Faydren will not act carelessly now, but others will take his place. The court is a battlefield of its own. You must always be prepared."

Leonhardt gave a slight nod. "I understand."

Aldric exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

Then, after a brief pause—

"There is something else."

Leonhardt tilted his head slightly.

Aldric stood, walking over to a locked cabinet at the side of the room. With a flick of his wrist, he unlocked it, retrieving a small black box.

He placed it on the desk.

Leonhardt's eyes flickered with intrigue.

Aldric opened the box, revealing a ring—a dark crimson gemstone set in an obsidian band, engraved with the Everhart family crest.

"This," Aldric said, "is the heir's signet. From this day forth, you will carry it as proof of your position."

Leonhardt took the ring, studying it carefully. He could feel the magic embedded within the stone—a relic passed down for generations.

Aldric's gaze bore into him.

"This is not a mere decoration. It is a declaration."

Leonhardt slipped the ring onto his finger.

It fit perfectly.

A Shadow in the Dark

The night was still when Leonhardt left his father's study. The hallways of the Everhart estate were bathed in moonlight, casting long shadows against the marble floors.

Leonhardt moved without sound, his steps calculated, his breathing steady.

As he reached his chambers, he paused.

A presence.

He turned his head slightly, his fiery red eyes narrowing.

Someone was watching him.

Then—

A faint voice whispered through the darkness.

"You are being watched, Young Lord."

Leonhardt did not react. His expression remained impassive, his heart steady.

"And you are the fool who thought I wouldn't notice?" he murmured.

Silence.

Then, a shadow detached itself from the darkness—a hooded figure kneeling before him.

A spy.

More specifically—an informant of the Imperial Court.

"You are sharp, My Lord," the spy said, keeping his head lowered. "As expected."

Leonhardt stared down at the man, his expression unreadable. "Speak."

"The Emperor has taken an interest in today's events. He did not expect you to display such overwhelming ability at your age."

Leonhardt smirked slightly. "Then he is a fool."

The spy flinched at his words but did not respond.

Leonhardt's voice was calm, but his eyes burned with something far deeper—something terrifying.

"The Emperor," Leonhardt said slowly, "is not someone who will allow power beyond his control to exist freely."

The spy hesitated before nodding. "Indeed. He is watching, My Lord. Closely."

Leonhardt already knew this.

Ever since he was born, his father had shielded him from the imperial court's grasp. But now that he had displayed his strength—he had become a threat.

Leonhardt tilted his head slightly. "What else?"

The spy hesitated.

"…There is talk of a possible engagement."

Silence.

Leonhardt's expression did not change, but the air around him darkened.

"Who?"

"The Second Princess of the Empire, Your Lordship."

Leonhardt's fingers twitched.

The spy continued carefully. "It is merely a rumor for now. But the Emperor is considering it—especially after today's events."

Leonhardt's smirk returned, but it was cold.

"Fools."

The idea of tying him to the imperial family was laughable. Did they truly believe they could bind him to their side with such petty tricks?

Pathetic.

Leonhardt turned away. "You have done well. Leave."

The spy hesitated for a moment before disappearing into the darkness.

Leonhardt stood still for a moment, his fingers brushing over the ring on his hand.

Then, without another word, he stepped into his chambers.

And as the moonlight spilled through the windows, his fiery red eyes burned brighter than ever.