Leon sighed, running a hand through his hair as he stared at the signed parchment. "So, I go from an ordinary guy to city lord in one day. Quite the promotion."
Arial smirked faintly. "Our deal is done. I'll come by in the future if I find you of any use again," she said curtly, turning on her heel. In just a few seconds, she disappeared into the city streets, her figure vanishing like a shadow in the morning light.
Leon shook his head and muttered under his breath, "She really knows how to make an exit." He turned toward the window, catching sight of the former city lord outside. The man trudged through the gates, flanked by his hulking, scowling daughter. Leon didn't know where they were heading, and frankly, he didn't care—so long as it wasn't here.
His attention shifted back to the room, landing on a bronze ring placed on the city lord's desk. The intricate design caught his eye, but there was no time for idle curiosity. He picked it up briefly before setting it aside, noting to investigate it later. For now, he had priorities.
Leon spotted a small bell on the desk and rang it. The sound echoed briefly through the halls before the door opened, and several knights filed in. Their armor clinked as they saluted in unison, their voices firm. "Salute to the new city lord!"
He nodded sharply, his voice steady but commanding. "Alright. Here's your first task. Go to the east side of the city—to an abandoned tannery. There, you'll find a woman with silver hair. Escort her to me immediately, but listen carefully—do not touch her. Not even a little. If she resists, tell her Leon sent you. Got it?"
The knights exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. "Understood, my lord. We'll see it done."
"Good," Leon said. "Dismissed."
The knights filed out with purpose, leaving Leon alone in the room once more. He sank into the worn chair behind the desk, leaning back as the weight of his new role pressed down on him. For a moment, he let out a long breath, the enormity of the situation settling in.
"This is either the start of something great... or a disaster waiting to happen," he murmured, rubbing his temples. "Let's hope it's the former."
Before he could delve too deep into his thoughts, a faint shimmer appeared in the corner of his vision—the system interface.
[Mission Updated: Establish Control]
[Objective:
- Solidify your position as city lord.
- Gain the loyalty of the knights and local enforcers.
- Begin addressing the city's immediate issues.]
[Reward: +300 RP, Enhanced Knight Morale, Charm Skill.]
Leon raised an eyebrow, scrolling through the details. "Enhanced Knight Morale? What exactly does that mean, system?"
The system's monotone voice responded after a moment's pause.
[Enhanced Knight Morale: Increases the motivation and dedication of the city's knights, boosting their performance in training, patrols, and combat.]
He nodded, satisfied. "Now that makes sense. Much better than what I was imagining."
About twenty minutes later, the door creaked open, and the knights returned, Elys walking between them.
Her silver hair shimmered in the light, and her sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Leon. Her expression was calm, her demeanor composed as always.
Elys stepped into the room, offering Leon a faint smile. "You know," she began softly, her tone warm, "you didn't need to send knights to fetch me. A simple message would've been enough."
Leon chuckled, leaning back in the grand but slightly creaky chair. "Well, I thought it might feel... official. Adds to the atmosphere, don't you think?"
Elys's smile grew slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Official, huh? I suppose I should feel honored."
Leon smirked. "And I thought a noble lady looks good accompanied by knights and all. Gotta make an impression." He motioned to the chair with a playful smile. "So, how do I look sitting in this city lord's chair?"
Elys tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "You look... surprisingly comfortable," she said with a hint of teasing. Then, her tone turned reflective. "Just a day ago, we were running from knights, and now you're the city lord. Don't you think time and positions have changed a little too fast?"
Leon laughed softly, though his gaze momentarily drifted to the chaos of documents scattered across the desk. "Fast, yeah. But that's just how things work when you're me." He shot her a wink. "Besides, wouldn't want things to get boring, right?"
Elys shook her head, her sweet smile lingering. "Boring isn't the word I'd use. Chaotic? Maybe. But somehow, I think this suits you."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "City lord suits me?"
She leaned against the edge of the desk, crossing her arms. "No," she said gently, meeting his eyes. "Making the impossible seem routine—that suits you."
Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know."
As Leon stood, the knights outside the room still in earshot. Without missing a beat, he strode toward her, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
"Alright," he said smoothly, "let's go. Let me show you our room."
Before she could react, he reached down, lifting her effortlessly into his arms in a perfect princess carry. Elys's eyes widened in surprise, and a deep flush spread across her face as she instinctively wrapped her arms around him.
"What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice soft but laced with a hint of embarrassment.
Leon smirked, glancing down at her with a teasing glint in his eyes. "I thought a noble lady deserves to be treated with the utmost respect."
The knights, who had been waiting outside the door, froze for a moment, their eyes widening as they saw the sight before them. The city lord—carrying Elys like some sort of dignified gesture—was nothing short of unexpected. They couldn't hide their reactions.
Elys, though flustered, couldn't help but feel the heat rising in her cheeks. "Leon!" she hissed softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really don't think before you act, do you?"
Leon grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Well, it seemed like the perfect time to make a bold move. Besides," he added with a wink, "it's not like you mind, right?"
She sighed, shaking her head but still holding onto him. "You're.. shameless," she muttered under her breath.
He chuckled, his grip secure as he began walking down the hallway toward their room, the knights trailing quietly behind them. The whole scene had undoubtedly left a mark on their perception of their new lord—bold, confident, and completely unafraid to make a statement.
As they reached the door to the room, Leon finally set Elys down, his smirk never leaving his face. He opened the door, gesturing inside. "Here we are. Your new home, for now."