Leo’s gaze softened as he saw Rin peeking through the slightly ajar door, her pink eyes sparkling with a mix of excitent and curiosity. Elgar turned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Rin, I said co in."
She hesitated, then pushed the door open, stepping inside with a shy grace. She wore a flowing, elegant dress, clearly chosen with care after hearing of Leonhardt’s visit. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she spoke, her voice soft. "You two seed deep in important talk. I didn’t want to interrupt."
Leo leaned back in his chair, a warm grin spreading across his face. "Don’t worry, Rin. I ca here to see you anyway."
Her blush deepened.
"You two keep talking." Elgar stood, chuckling. "Young Lord, please join us for lunch today."
"Sounds good," Leo said, nodding. Elgar’s smile widened with gratitude before he slipped out, leaving Leo and Rin alone. Nimbus darted inside just before the door clicked shut, it’s purple eyes glinting mischievously.
Rin stood awkwardly, staring at the floor, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Leo gestured to the cushion across from him. "Sit down, Rin."
"Oh! Right," she said, snapping out of her daze with an embarrassed laugh. She settled into the chair, only to yelp as Nimbus leaped onto her lap, purring loudly. "W-what’s this?"
Leo chuckled, sipping his coffee. "That’s Nimbus, my new pet. Total ladies’ man."
Rin giggled, stroking the cat’s sleek fur as he nuzzled her. She glanced up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Leonhardt... how are you? I heard you only woke up two days ago."
"I’m fine now," he said, his tone easy but his crimson eyes studying her. "What about you? What happened after we parted in the hunting cage?"
Rin’s gaze dropped to Nimbus, her fingers pausing in his fur. "I... I tried to stop so shadowy thing going after the students. It was terrifying, but I had to save everyone. So I held it back with everything I had. I thought I was going to die." Her voice wavered, but she pressed on. "Then it vanished, and I passed out for two days. Father brought here right after I woke up, so I couldn’t see you. Now... my body’s weak from using too much stored mana."
Leo’s smile was quiet, genuine, as he looked at her. Rin, usually so reserved and airhead, had risked her life to protect others. "Thank you," he said softly.
Her eyes widened, surprised. "F-for what?"
"For saving my brother and everyone else, just because I asked you to help." His voice was steady, carrying a weight of gratitude.
Rin’s cheeks flushed pink again, and she stamred, "N-no need to thank ! I an, it’s not just because you asked. Well, maybe a little, but... also because I wanted to!" Her words tumbled over each other, and she covered her face with her hands, embarrassed.
Leo leaned forward, his voice softer than usual. "Sorry."
Rin’s pink eyes widened, more shocked by the apology than his earlier thanks. "Why’re you saying that?"
He sighed, running a hand through his red hair. "I yelled at you when you jumped into the hunting cage. Thought you were being reckless."
Rin shook her head quickly, her words tumbling out. "No, no, you had every right to be mad! I’m not upset about—" She stopped as Leo cut in.
"Also, sorry for Erin dragging you into this ss."
Rin froze, her smile faltering, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "Who’s... Erin?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
Leo leaned back, casual but watchful. "First-year, student council. The one who sent you into the do."
"Oh!" Rin’s face lit up with recognition, but her smile felt forced. "You... already know her?"
"Yeah, we’ve got... history," Leo said, his mind flashing to yesterday when he’d nearly pressed a knife to Erin’s throat. "Let’s just say we don’t always see eye to eye."
Rin opened her mouth to ask more, but a knock at the door interrupted. Her maid stepped in, her tone extra polite with the Caulem heir present. "Lunch is ready, Young Lord, Lady Rin. Lord Viscount requests your presence."
"Let’s go," Leo said, standing. Rin’s face fell, disappointnt flashes in her eyes, but she nodded and followed.
At the Caulem manor, Duchess Maria sat in her lavish room, her manicured fingers tapping an impatient rhythm on the polished table. Fury boiling beneath her composed exterior. First, her precious son was gravely injured, confined to bed for a month. And now, that useless Leonhardt was stealing glory for slaying an S-rank monster.
She turned to her head maid, her voice sharp. "Have those wolves you ntioned made contact?"
The maid bowed. "Yes, Madam."
Maria’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Good. Tell them the sheep is returning ho. Hunt him here."
"As you command, Madam," the maid said, retreating with a nod.
In the late afternoon, Leo stood outside the Valarune manor, ready to depart. Viscount Elgar clasped his hand warmly. "Thank you for visiting, Young Lord."
"Thanks for having ," Leo replied. Rin stood nearby, fidgeting, her pink eyes fixed on him. She stepps closer, her voice soft.
"Be careful on your way, Leonhardt."
"I will. Thanks," he said, eting her gaze. She hesitated, then spoke again.
"Guess we’ll see each other at the academy after vacation?"
Leo chuckled, a spark of warmth in his crimson eyes. "Don’t worry. In two weeks, there’s Lucian’s birthday banquet. My father’s throwing a big party to brag about his feats in the incident. I’ll make sure you’re invited."
Rin’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her cheeks flushing. "Really?"
"Promise," he said, and her smile grew even brighter.
Monts later, the carriage rolled away from the manor. Leo leaned back in his seat, Liana sitting across from him, Nimbus curled up beside her. "It’s nice to see Miss Rin doing well," Liana said. "Now you can relax at ho."
Leo let out a dry laugh. "Relax? You forgetting the Duchess?"
Liana’s eyes widened, realization hitting her. Leo stared out the window, the countryside blurring past. "No peace for anyti soon," he muttered.
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P.S. Hello, readers! Please don’t ask why I’m building chemistry between these two.
A lot of things will happen in the future.
Hehe
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