The following days bring a deceptive calm. Life resumes at the Mondell estate, with family routines and peaceful conversations filling the hours. However, a sense of vigilance hovers as the threat of the Fleur Empire looms.
Unbeknownst to Leon and Atlas, spies from the Fleur Empire have infiltrated the town, watching their every move. Their goal is simple: uncover any weakness in Atlas's new life and exploit it to bring him back to the empire.
One afternoon, while Leon is out visiting the local orphanage with his sister, Cecily, Atlas catches sight of a figure trailing them at a distance. His senses sharpen, and he follows discreetly, ensuring the figure does not get close to Leon. The spy, realizing they've been spotted, vanishes into the crowd, leaving Atlas tense and on high alert.
Later that night, Atlas shares his concerns with Leon. "They're watching us. The empire won't rest until they have what they want."
Leon looks at him, worry etched across his face. "So what do we do?"
"We prepare," Atlas says, his gaze resolute. "And when the time comes, we'll be ready."
In the days that follow, the Mondell family discreetly increases security around the estate, their protectiveness over Leon and Atlas stronger than ever. While the threat lingers in the background, Leon and Atlas remain undeterred, standing firm against the storm they know is coming.