Leonis stepped into the grand hall of the Perdium Palace, the familiar atmosphere wrapping around him like a long-lost embrace. The echoes of his boots against the marble floor were accompanied by the soft footfalls of his siblings behind him. His body, more refined and honed than ever, radiated strength, and his presence commanded attention in a way that was impossible to ignore. His eldest sister, Amalthea, glanced at him from the corner of her eye and noticed something subtle yet significant, his hair. It had grown slightly longer, thicker, framing his sharp, handsome features in a way that made him look more mature, more formidable.
Before she could say anything, their mother, Empress Isolde, rushed forward, her emerald eyes wide with emotion. She enveloped Leonis in a warm, fierce embrace, kissing his cheek as tears gathered in her eyes.
"My son... you've been gone for so long." Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the torrent of emotions she had held in for the past two years. "I missed you so much, Leonis... are you eating well? Did you get hurt? Let me look at you."
Her motherly instincts surged as she began inspecting him, searching for any sign of harm. But Leonis just smiled softly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder to calm her.
"I'm fine, Mother," he assured her, his voice deeper and more commanding than she remembered. "I missed you too."
As his mother fussed over him, the sound of footsteps drew his attention. His father, Emperor Valerian Perdium, and his uncle, Lord Alistair, walked in, their gazes immediately locking onto Leonis. The Emperor's eyes flickered with something that looked like pride and curiosity as he examined his son, sensing the profound change in him.
Valerian could feel it, his son had gained a new power, something beyond mere physical growth. He could sense the presence of "Aura" surrounding Leonis. Aura was a rare and advanced skill, used primarily by swordsmen to intimidate opponents and enhance their own abilities. It was a testament to the user's mastery of their mana and swordsmanship. That his son had learned it so soon was... unexpected. Impressive.
Valerian raised a brow, nodding slightly in approval as he approached. "Leonis," he said, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "You've changed."
Leonis bowed his head respectfully. "Father."
The Emperor's piercing gaze swept over his son, noting not just his physical development but the aura of power that surrounded him. "You've learned 'Aura' already. That is no small feat, son."
Leonis met his father's gaze, unwavering. "I did what was necessary to survive and grow stronger."
Valerian's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile. "It seems your journey was not wasted. Welcome home. Tonight, we will celebrate your return. A family dinner will be held, and all of our relatives, every branch of the Perdium family from across the empire will be invited."
Leonis felt a surge of anticipation. A gathering of the entire Perdium bloodline was no small event. It was a statement of unity and strength, a testament to their power and influence across the world.
He nodded. "I understand, Father. I'll be ready."
Valerian placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder, his eyes softening slightly. "Good. Rest for now. Tonight, you will be reintroduced to our family as the man you've become."
As his father and uncle left the hall, Leonis turned to find his siblings waiting for him, each with their own reactions to his return. His younger brother, Caelum, grinned up at him, his excitement barely contained. "You look so cool now, Leonis!"
Amalthea, always the observant one, smirked. "I see you've embraced the longer hair. You wear it well, brother."
Leonis chuckled, his hand absentmindedly brushing through his hair. "I suppose I let it grow a bit too much."
The third prince, Eonis, gave a simple nod of acknowledgment. "It's good to have you back. Make sure you've kept up with your training. I don't want to be disappointed when we spar next."
Leonis smiled at his brother's usual competitive tone. "You won't be," he promised.
The only one noticeably absent was Caius, the second prince. Leonis wasn't surprised. His relationship with his second brother had always been strained, and it seemed Caius had chosen not to greet him. No matter. He had more pressing things to focus on.
As the day passed, Leonis retreated to his chambers, reflecting on his journey. He had changed, evolved into a more formidable version of himself. But now, as he prepared for the family dinner, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held. He was no longer the shameful prince he once was, but the weight of expectations from his family, the empire, and now the world, loomed large.
And in the shadows, far away, the Demon King continued to watch.
That evening, as the palace buzzed with preparations for the grand family dinner, Leonis stood before a mirror, dressed in his finest attire. His thoughts wandered back to the vast landscapes he had traversed during his journey, the battles, the victories, the hardships. Each experience had shaped him into the man he was now. And tonight, he would stand before the entire Perdium family, a prince no longer just in title, but in strength and resolve.
The sun dipped below the horizon as the grand dining hall filled with members of the royal family, all of them eager to see the prince who had returned after two long years. As Leonis walked in, all eyes turned to him, whispers spreading like wildfire.
But he paid no mind to the gossip. His gaze remained steady, his heart resolute. He was ready for whatever came next.
The true journey had only just begun.