The journey to Mikel's house was unlike anything Leon had ever experienced.
The cobblestone streets that once felt cold and unyielding beneath his feet were now a blur as he hurried to keep up with Mikel.
The boy moved with an excited energy, chatting nonstop about his home, his grandfather, and the food that awaited them.
Leon said little, his mind preoccupied with doubts. This couldn't be real. People like him didn't belong in places with golden embroidery and polished boots.
As they turned the corner onto a wide, tree-lined avenue, Leon's breath caught in his throat.
At the end of the street stood a towering estate, its gates adorned with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the light.
Beyond the gates, the mansion rose like a palace, its walls carved from pale stone that seemed to glow. Magic lanterns floated along the pathway leading to the entrance, their soft light illuminating perfectly trimmed hedges and fountains that sparkled with enchantment.
Leon stopped in his tracks, his chest tightening. I don't belong here.
Mikel noticed Leon's hesitation and turned back, grinning. "Come on! It's not going to eat you!"
Leon swallowed hard and followed, each step feeling heavier than the last.
As they approached the gates, they swung open on their own, the runes flaring briefly before fading back into their dormant state. Leon's eyes widened. He'd never seen magic like this—subtle yet powerful, woven into the very fabric of the estate.
The front door opened before they even reached it, revealing an elderly butler with sharp features and a neatly pressed suit. His expression shifted to surprise when he saw Leon, but he quickly masked it with a polite bow.
"Young master Mikel," the butler said, his voice smooth and precise. "Your grandfather has been searching for you."
Mikel waved dismissively. "I'll talk to him later. Right now, Leon needs something to eat. Can you get the kitchen to bring out some bread and stew?"
The butler hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "As you wish, young master."
Leon stared down at his feet, suddenly hyper-aware of his tattered shoes and patched clothes. The butler's sharp eyes had made him feel smaller, even though he hadn't said anything.
"Come on!" Mikel said, grabbing Leon's arm. "Let's get you inside."
If the outside of the mansion was impressive, the inside was like stepping into another world. Chandeliers floated high above, casting warm light over the polished floors. Ornate tapestries depicting heroic battles and sprawling landscapes lined the walls, and every corner seemed to hum faintly with magic.
Leon barely noticed where Mikel was leading him until they entered a massive dining hall. A long table stretched nearly the entire length of the room, its surface gleaming with polished wood. Within minutes, servants arrived with steaming bowls of stew, fresh bread, and slices of fruit.
"Sit!" Mikel said, pulling Leon toward a chair.
Leon sat cautiously, his stomach twisting as he eyed the food. It smelled incredible, the rich aroma of the stew making his mouth water, but he couldn't bring himself to touch it.
Mikel didn't have the same hesitation. He grabbed a slice of bread and dunked it into the stew, taking a large bite and sighing contentedly.
"Eat," Mikel said, nudging Leon's arm. "It's good!"
Leon hesitated, his fingers twitching. "Are you sure… I can?"
Mikel laughed. "Of course! What's mine is yours, right?"
Leon reached out slowly, his hands trembling as he picked up a piece of bread. The first bite nearly brought tears to his eyes. It was warm, soft, and everything he hadn't known he was missing.
Their meal was interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps echoing through the hall. Leon looked up, his heart sinking as an imposing figure entered the room.
The man was tall, with a thick white beard and piercing gray eyes that seemed to see through everything. His dark robes were simple but radiated an aura of power, the faint glow of enchantments woven into the fabric.
"Grandpa!" Mikel said cheerfully, waving a breadstick.
Lord Draymir didn't respond immediately. His eyes flicked to Leon, narrowing slightly.
"And who," he said, his voice like a low rumble, "is this?"
"This is Leon!" Mikel said, jumping to his feet. "He's my friend! I brought him here because he didn't have anywhere else to go."
Draymir's gaze shifted to Mikel, his expression hardening. "You brought a stranger into my home without permission?"
Mikel crossed his arms. "He's not a stranger! He's my friend."
Draymir sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Mikel, this isn't a place for charity cases."
Leon flinched, his chest tightening. He opened his mouth to protest, to say he would leave, but Mikel beat him to it.
"Leon's staying!" Mikel said firmly. "And I won't take no for an answer!"
Draymir raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And who made you the head of this household?"
Mikel didn't falter. "You said I should learn to take responsibility. Well, I'm taking responsibility for Leon."
Draymir stared at his grandson for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Stubborn brat," he muttered. He turned to Leon, his sharp gaze softening slightly.
"You'll work for your place here," Draymir said. "I don't take in freeloaders."
Leon nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
Draymir grunted, turning back to Mikel. "And you, boy, will explain this properly later. Now, finish your meal."
As Draymir left the room, Mikel grinned and sat back down. "See? Told you it'd be fine!"
Leon stared at his plate, unsure whether to feel relieved or terrified.
Later that night, Leon sat in the small guest room the servants had prepared for him. The bed was soft—too soft, like sinking into a cloud—and the clean sheets smelled faintly of lavender.
It should have felt like heaven, but Leon couldn't relax. The warmth and comfort felt foreign, like they belonged to someone else. He glanced at his reflection in the polished mirror on the wall, barely recognizing the boy staring back.
The clean clothes, the full stomach—it all felt too much, too fast. Do I deserve this?
A quiet knock at the door startled him. Mikel peeked in, grinning. "Hey, are you asleep?"
Leon shook his head.
Mikel stepped inside, flopping onto the bed beside him. "Don't look so serious, Leon. You're here now. That means you're part of the family!"
Leon's chest tightened. He wanted to believe Mikel's words, but deep down, he couldn't shake the fear that this was only temporary.
"Thanks," Leon said softly, his voice barely audible.
Mikel beamed. "No problem! Now get some sleep. We've got lots to do tomorrow!"
As Mikel left, Leon lay back, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope.