Chapter 126: Chapter 19 - Preparation For The King's Game, Part 2 (2)

Leonamon Company.

The company had risen to prominence as the primary economic powerhouse of the Milham Kingdom, producing a variety of new, high-priced, and top-rated products. They manufactured smartphones, brewed high-quality wine, created renowned tapestries known as "cake," and were venturing into engineering and constructing buildings, highways, and more.

Thanks to this company, Milham was flourishing. Merchants flocked to the kingdom to buy and trade goods, enriching both themselves and the kingdom. As a result, Milham became known as the Kingdom of Progress, the only realm to make significant strides in technology, economics, and engineering since the advent of modern weapons like guns fifty years ago.

However, this company remained shrouded in mystery. It had only been established this year, likely not even reaching half a year, yet it was already making significant strides. It was hard to believe they could achieve so much in such a short span of time. Adding to the intrigue was the unknown identity of the owner. They kept themselves hidden, never stepping into the limelight.

Some even speculated that the owner was a demon.

I had no idea who the owner was, at least not until now. The mastermind behind Leonamon was none other than Leon himself, with his servant Amon managing affairs on his behalf. Learning this left me in shock. It was astonishing to discover that someone from the academy had orchestrated the kingdom's economic boom.

It had been three days since my sister and I arrived here. Our mother was under the care of the staff. Seeing the state-of-the-art equipment and advanced facilities, I felt reassured that my mother would receive the best possible care.

When I walked into the room where my mother lay, I found my sister already there. A beautiful woman was attending to my mother, while Leon and my sister engaged in conversation.

After the woman finished examining my mother, she turned to Leon and spoke.

"Everything appears normal with her. Her breathing, heart rate, and all her bodily systems are functioning properly. The only issue seems to be her meridians. They're not allowing her mana to flow naturally; they're blocked somehow. I've never encountered such a condition before, but I'll do my best to find a cure and awaken her. I'll also consult with Miss Marie to see if she has any insights."

"Marie is quite old, so she may have some knowledge," Leon remarked. "Regardless, we appreciate your assistance, Trisha."

The woman's cheeks flushed with color as she spoke, "No need for gratitude. It's my humble way of showing appreciation for saving me, saving us all. Now then, Master, I'll take my leave to find Miss Marie."

"Very well," Leon acknowledged.

With a lingering blush on her cheeks, the woman gracefully passed me and exited the room. Leon then directed his attention towards me.

"Ah, you're already here," he noted.

"Yes," I affirmed.

"Well, you heard Trisha," he said, his tone calm yet decisive. "Your mother's condition is stable for now, but she'll remain in a coma until we find a cure. In the meantime, she'll be connected to magical apparatus to sustain her life. You're more than welcome to stay here and keep vigil by her side. I don't mind."

"Really?!" Selene's eyes lit up with excitement, reflecting the sparkle of her enthusiasm. She seemed positively thrilled at the prospect of staying longer in this establishment.

"That's a ridiculous question, sister," she scoffed, her tone carrying a hint of incredulity. "Who wouldn't fall for a handsome, hunk, and wealthy man, who is kind, gentle, and aiding us in our time of need with our mother? I'm honestly surprised you turned him down when he confessed to you. If it were me, I'd have leaped at the chance to date him."

"How did you find out about his confession to me?"

"I could sense your awkwardness around him, so I decided to ask Mr. Leon directly," she explained, her words dripping with smugness. "He admitted that he once harbored feelings for you and made his feelings known, but you didn't reciprocate. It's a shame, really. You missed out on the opportunity to be with a great man. That's why, since my big sister has failed, I'm going to try to win his affection.

I even considered staying in the establishment and sneaking into his bed at night."

"Please don't even think about doing that..." I pleaded.

"Well, since you stopped me, then that ship has sunk," Selene sighed, her voice carrying a tinge of disappointment.

As we strolled along, my mind wandered, conjuring scenarios of what might have transpired if I hadn't rejected Leon's confession. The thought gnawed at me, teasing with possibilities that would forever remain unknown. Yet, dwelling on it was akin to chasing shadows in the night—a futile endeavor. There was no use lamenting over spilled milk, for time marched on, heedless of our regrets.

What had occurred was etched in stone, irreversible and unchangeable.

***

Leon's POV

After Zeruel departed, I traversed the corridors until I reached Amon's office. The room lay vacant, Amon engrossed in her duties elsewhere. Settling onto the plush sofa, I tilted my head back, my gaze drifting upward to the ornate ceiling.

Recollections flooded my mind—reports from Gabrielle, unofficial news veiled by royal decree, detailing the events of the past three days following the Milham's Sanatorium arson incident.

The news implicated that the Prince of Milham, Julius Hovan Milham II, was responsible for the arson at the sanatorium three days prior. Naturally, this information remained concealed from the public eye, shielded by the veil of royalty.

Yet, I couldn't shake the nagging thought of what could have driven Julius, who just a month ago suffered heartbreak from his failed pursuit of Charlotte's affection, to commit such heinous acts. It seemed unfathomable that unrequited love could spiral into murder. I suspected that someone was manipulating him, but the question lingered: who?

And then there was the woman with the black hair, bearing the surname Eclair. Was she somehow connected to me? The thought raced through my mind, especially considering Elise's cryptic requirement for me to find the "third." Could it be referring to a third of us? It seemed plausible.

"Well, I suppose I can delve into that matter later. Tomorrow promises a rewarding ceremony for us."

After saving numerous individuals, we were slated to receive commendations for our efforts. Yes, even I was to be recognized, having assisted Isiliraiellyn in evacuating those trapped within the sanatorium.

While I could have declined the reward, there was a specific reason driving me to attend. One of the administrators would be presenting the awards.