Kefka Elendor
Leon sat in his room, his mind consumed by the revelation of Kefka Elendor—his fiancée. Though he had spent the past month adjusting to this world and training to rewrite his destiny, the weight of this new information unsettled him deeply.
Kefka Elendor. The name resonated like a bell tolling disaster. In the original game storyline, Kefka was a powerful antagonist, a ruthless figure who pursued her ambitions with unwavering determination. She was a figure both feared and admired, her beauty matched only by her cunning. But Leon knew the truth behind the façade: Kefka wasn't just a manipulative noblewoman—she was the Incardia Witch, a secret identity unknown even to her own father.
Leon leaned back in his chair, letting out a heavy sigh. The memories of the game flooded his mind, bringing with them a chilling understanding of Kefka's backstory. Her mother had died horrifically when Kefka was only seven years old, slaughtered by a rampaging beast while the young girl watched helplessly. That traumatic moment had etched a deep hatred for beasts into Kefka's heart. It was the crucible that forged her ruthlessness, driving her to eliminate anything that stood in her way.
"She's a masterpiece of tragedy and terror," Leon muttered to himself, running a hand through his damp hair. He had often marveled at her complexity as a character while playing the game, but now, faced with the reality of her existence, he could only feel dread.
In the game, Kefka's schemes had left a trail of destruction, and though she was eventually killed by a dragon late in the story, the chaos she caused had been immense. She was a wild card, her power and motives unpredictable. And now, in this world, she was supposed to be his fiancée.
Leon stood and began pacing the room, his mind racing. He remembered how Kefka had masterfully hidden her identity as the Incardia Witch, even from the most perceptive characters in the game. Her abilities were vast and enigmatic, her methods as ingenious as they were merciless. Yet, here he was, armed with knowledge no one else possessed. That advantage could either save him or spell his doom.
He stopped at the window, staring out at the sprawling estate below. "What were you thinking, Leon Alaric?" he muttered under his breath, addressing the old version of himself. "Of all the people you could have chosen, you picked her?"
There was a knock at the door, interrupting his spiraling thoughts. Aria entered, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea. Her expression was concerned but professional. "Young Master, you've been sitting here for hours. I thought you might need something to calm your mind."
Leon offered her a faint smile and took the cup. "Thank you, Aria. You're always looking out for me."
"It's my duty," she replied, though her tone softened. After a brief hesitation, she added, "You seem troubled, my lord. Is it about Lady Kefka?"
Leon's grip on the cup tightened slightly. "You could say that. I just… I can't wrap my head around it. Why did the old me think it was a good idea to propose to her?"
Aria hesitated, glancing at him carefully. "Last year, at a banquet, you seemed… enchanted by her beauty. You declared your intentions before her father in front of everyone. He couldn't refuse someone of your status."
Leon grimaced. "Enchanted, huh? Sounds like the old Leon, all right." He sighed and set the cup down. "Did I really give no thought to her background, her family, her ambitions?"
Aria shook her head. "I'm afraid not, my lord. You… you weren't exactly known for your foresight back then."
Leon let out a bitter chuckle. "Fair enough."
The silence stretched between them for a moment before Aria spoke again. "If I may, my lord… what will you do when she arrives? The household is already preparing for her visit."
Leon straightened, his expression hardening with determination. "I'll face her. I don't have a choice. But this time, I'll be ready. I'm not the same Leon Alaric she met at that banquet. I'll approach this with caution and strategy.
Aria looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. This wasn't the impulsive, arrogant Leon she had served for years. This was someone new, someone determined to rise above his past mistakes.
"Very well, my lord," she said with a bow. "I'll ensure everything is prepared for her arrival."
As she left the room, Leon returned to the window, his mind already working on a plan. Kefka Elendor was a storm waiting to descend upon the Alaric estate, but this time, Leon would not be caught unprepared. He had knowledge, he had resolve, and he had the drive to reshape his fate.
"Incardia Witch or not," he muttered, "I'll make sure this engagement doesn't become my downfall."