A week later, Leon was sitting in the drawing room, flipping through an old book on Guide and Esper dynamics. It was one of many his father kept in the library—a collection of knowledge passed down through generations of the Montclair family. As Leon read about different types of Guides, he began to realize how much power a Guide could hold over an Esper. A Guide could amplify an Esper's abilities, calm their emotions, and even help control dangerous powers.
The thought gave Leon pause. What if Atlas doesn't want anyone to know that he's an Esper? After all, if the young duke truly was an Esper, then he had managed to keep it a secret from nearly everyone. And if Leon went around telling people about his own newfound abilities, it might draw unwanted attention to Atlas.
"Leon," his mother called from the doorway, interrupting his thoughts. She entered with a gentle smile, carrying a tray of tea. "I noticed you've been studying quite a bit lately. It's good to see you so interested in something."
He set the book aside and took the cup she offered. "Just curious," he said, trying to keep his tone casual. "There's so much about Guides and Espers I never really understood."
His mother's expression softened. "It's never too late to learn, you know. Even without powers, there's always value in understanding these things." She hesitated, then added, "And who knows? Perhaps there are still surprises waiting to reveal themselves."
Leon swallowed hard, her words cutting deeper than she knew. Was it a coincidence, or did she sense something? He took a sip of tea to steady himself, a decision forming in his mind.
He wouldn't say anything—yet. He would keep his newfound abilities a secret until he could understand them better, until he could figure out what it all meant for himself and for Atlas. Telling his family now would only raise questions he wasn't ready to answer. And if there was one thing Leon had learned in his past life, it was to never play a hand before you were ready.
But he would learn. He would figure out what it meant to be a Guide, not just in name, but in strength.
For now, his secret was safe.