Moon Cliff City is one of the most famous and historic cities in the Kingdom of Magonia. The city spans over 2,000 miles in radius, surrounded by towering white walls that make it appear like an impenetrable fortress. The city has four gates for entry and eight gates for exit. Presently, the city is bustling with activity, filled with people.
Lady Fray's wagon arrived at the City Lord's office.
As usual, Lady Fray and Leon were disguised. She cradled Leon in her arms and walked into the City Residential Department.
All the workers in the department glanced at the mysterious duo, then went back to their tasks. Immediately, a maid greeted them.
"Madam, are you here to purchase a household?" the maid asked.
"Show me the Moon Viewing Villa," Lady Fray replied coldly.
The maid's eyes widened in shock, and the workers around them stopped working, glancing at Lady Fray with disbelief.
Realizing her lapse, the maid quickly collected herself, smiling nervously. "Madam, please follow me. I'll take you to the manager. These kinds of transactions are not within our authority."
As they made their way to a private room, whispers spread through the department.
"Isn't that the young City Lord's villa?" someone muttered.
"Yes, I heard City Lord Theon gifted it to him just a year ago," another voice replied.
"Then why is this woman asking about it?" the gossipers wondered.
Lady Fray's face darkened upon hearing that the villa was already in someone else's possession. Her eyes flashed with murderous intent, causing a cold shiver to run down the spines of everyone around them.
"Aunt, why are you angry?" Leon asked curiously, sensing her anger.
"I think I'll have to kill a few bastards today," Lady Fray replied furiously as they entered the private room.
Manager Bruce, a middle-aged man dressed in formal attire, was already sweating when he felt Lady Fray's oppressive killing intent. He nervously wondered, "Who is this woman, and why does she want to kill me?"
Lady Fray sat down arrogantly with Leon by her side, her gaze locking onto Manager Bruce. "You have one hour to hand over the rights to the Moon Viewing Villa."
Manager Bruce forced a smile, wiping away his sweat. "Madam, Moon Viewing Villa is not for sale. It belongs to the Young City Lord. However, I can show you our best available mansions instead."
Lady Fray's voice dropped to a chilling tone. "If you don't hand over the villa within an hour, the entire City Lord's family and his officials will be executed before morning."
A dead silence filled the room as Manager Bruce paled in terror. Feeling the weight of her words, he nodded frantically. "Y-Yes, madam. I'll inform the City Lord immediately."
Without another word, Lady Fray stood up, holding Leon, and left the room. "I'll be in the Old City Market. Bring the papers within the hour," she called over her shoulder.
Manager Bruce, trembling, ran to the City Lord's office, bypassing the guards who recognized him. Bursting into the office, he found City Lord Theon Miller, a slightly plump, middle-aged man, sitting at his desk.
Flushed with anger at the sudden intrusion, City Lord Miller shouted, "Bruce! Have you forgotten basic etiquette? Knock before entering!"
Bruce barely had time to catch his breath. "City Lord, there's a powerful woman demanding the Moon Viewing Villa! She's given us one hour to hand it over, or she says we'll all be dead by morning!"
City Lord Miller's expression changed instantly. His eyes darkened, and he sighed. "Kick my son out of the villa immediately. Make sure the place is in perfect condition. Bring the keys and the documents to me."
Without hesitation, Manager Bruce nodded and ran to carry out the orders.
City Lord Miller slumped in his chair, rubbing his temples. Under his desk, a red-haired woman crawled out, disappointment flashing in her eyes. He glanced at her, frustration evident in his tone. "Get out. Come to my chambers tonight."
The woman nodded obediently and left.
City Lord Miller sighed once more. "I should never have given that villa to my idiot son. I need to prepare an apology gift."
Meanwhile, Leon and Lady Fray strolled through the bustling Old Market. The streets were filled with colorful goods and excited chatter. Leon spotted a candy stall and tugged at his aunt's sleeve.
The stall owner, an elderly man with a long white beard, greeted them warmly. "What can I do for you, young master?"
"Elder, give me three Moon Candies," Leon said, handing over three gold coins.
The elder laughed heartily and handed Leon three oversized lollipops shaped like moons. Leon gave one to Lady Fray, started eating another, and held the last one behind his back.
"Sister Karen, this one's for you," Leon whispered. The candy in his hand disappeared.
Lady Fray chuckled at Leon's secretive act, savoring her own Moon Candy.
"Aunt, where are we going next?" Leon asked through bites of his candy.
Lady Fray smiled. "We'll explore a bit. The city will be overflowing with people tomorrow."
After wandering the market, Lady Fray led Leon to a small inn-like restaurant at the corner of the street. The rich aroma of roasting beast meat filled the air, and the streets bustled with strong warriors and mages.
"This is the famous restaurant?" Leon asked, clearly surprised.
Lady Fray scowled playfully. "Don't give me that look! Your mother and I used to dine here every time we came to the city."
Leon nodded in resignation, glancing up at the restaurant's name—Savage Plate.
"Only the strong are allowed inside," Lady Fray explained. "Hunters, warriors, and mages dine here."
A waiter approached them with a solemn expression. "Miss, this place isn't suitable for someone like you."
Without a word, Lady Fray waved her hand toward a massive stone wall beside the meat stand. The wall trembled and glowed brightly.
"Now, may I enter?" she asked with a smile hidden under her mask.
The waiter gulped, shocked by the display of power. "Y-Yes, of course! Please come in."
Just as Lady Fray was about to enter, the head chef, a stern-looking old man in a chef's uniform, blocked their path.
"You can enter, but the child cannot," the chef said coldly. "Only the strong are allowed here."
The crowd cheered in agreement. "Yeah, this place is for warriors, not kids!"
Lady Fray smirked, lowering Leon to the ground. "Show them a quarter of your strength with your new technique," she whispered.
Leon nodded and stepped toward the massive stone wall used to measure strength. The head chef sneered. "If the boy can make the stone react, all meals are on me tonight!"
The crowd cheered even louder.
Leon ignored them, focusing as he approached the stone. He raised his hand and muttered, "Cleave."
For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, Leon withdrew his arm and returned to Lady Fray's side.
Lady Fray smiled brightly under her mask. "Can we enter now, chef?"
The head chef's eyes widened in awe as he studied Leon. "I've never seen a technique like that. You've more than earned your place. Come in, the meal's on me tonight."
The crowd was left speechless. One of the warriors grumbled, "Old chef, you broke the rules!"
The head chef shook his head. "You fools. Look at the stone."
All eyes turned to the stone as it glowed faintly, slowly returning to its normal state.
A hunter asked curiously, "Why did the stone react just now?"
The head chef smiled knowingly. "Because that boy's attack was so sharp and precise, the stone could only calculate its strength after it had finished."
Understanding dawned on the crowd, and they gasped in admiration, their curiosity about the mysterious duo growing.