The moonlight bathed the grand Aetherwind estate in silver hues, and in its upper chamber, Leo Aetherwind sat cross-legged, shirtless, his sculpted torso glowing with vitality as energy threads swirled around him.
His cultivation had reached a critical moment.
The energy of his recent battles with Rio and Roxanne still lingered, nourishing him like a furnace feeding on divine flame.
A slow exhale escaped his lips. His eyes snapped open.
> Ding! Congratulations to Host for fully stabilizing Peak Emberborn Realm! System Reward: 5,000 Points!
Leo smiled.
"Keep it coming," he muttered with a smirk.
Just as he reached for his wine glass, a knock resounded at the door. Butler Wang, ever efficient, entered and bowed.
"Young Master, the investigation is complete.
We have a full dossier on Lady Angelina Bladecrest."
Leo's fingers curled slightly. He took the folder and leaned back, wine in one hand and the report in the other.
Anne, his petite loli maid, sat beside him nervously feeding him grapes.
She blushed every time her fingers grazed his lips.
Leo teased, "You know, Anne, you keep feeding me like that and I might start thinking you're trying to fatten me up for marriage."
Anne fumbled the next grape. "Y-Young Master! N-No! I-I mean… if you want that... I-I don't mind..."
Butler Wang coughed politely. "Ahem."
Leo chuckled. "Fine, fine. Focus."
He turned his gaze to the file.
Angelina Bladecrest. Once one of the most powerful sword prodigies of the Bladecrest Clan.
Renowned not only for her supreme technique but also her breathtaking beauty.
Leo's eyes scanned the lines:
Forced marriage to Darion Bladecrest.
Multiple records of domestic and emotional abuse.
Angelina kept quiet for the sake of her son—Alex.
After Alex's supposed death, Angelina left the clan.
Currently resides in a quiet village under the alias 'Anna'. Owns a modest but popular restaurant.
Described as elegant, graceful, with an otherworldly allure. Still single.
Leo's smirk deepened. "Fate loves irony. He lost his mother in the past. I'll take her in this life. Let's see if the hero can handle that."
Butler Wang asked, "Shall I prepare the Shadow Force?"
Leo shook his head. "No need. This time, I'm going myself. She's no target. She's a flower, and I'll let her bloom for me."
---
Next Morning
Leo stepped out of his estate, wearing a sleek navy-blue velvet coat trimmed in gold, a dark crimson inner tunic embroidered with flame-like patterns, and obsidian boots polished to a mirror sheen.
His hair flowed like ink, and his eyes burned with unshakable confidence.
The capital's sun paled in comparison.
As his carriage pulled into the Bladecrest estate to pick up Roxanne, he saw her descending the steps. Leo's eyes widened momentarily.
Roxanne wore a silver-laced lavender gown, shoulderless with a choker of amethyst around her neck.
Her soft curls framed her delicate face, her lips lightly glossed. The breeze played with her skirt.
"Damn," Leo muttered under his breath.
Even the guards choked.
Leo stepped forward, grabbed her waist without hesitation, and pulled her close.
Roxanne blinked, "W-What are you—"
"You're too pretty today. I had to make sure you're with me, not someone else."
Roxanne's cheeks exploded with color. "Idiot..." But she didn't pull away.
Rio, watching from afar, nearly choked on his tea. "Domineering bastard... treating my sister like she's a trophy."
---
The Date
The two rode into the heart of the capital, first stopping at the Skyglow Garden — a famous flower field blooming with seasonal spirit lilies.
Roxanne's eyes sparkled. "This place... Mother told me she came here with Father during their courting days."
Leo smiled. "Then I'm following tradition."
They walked side by side, petals fluttering around them. Leo casually plucked a rare purple lily and tucked it behind her ear.
"You know," Leo said, "you've got this mix of elegance and danger about you. Like a blade wrapped in silk."
Roxanne giggled. "And you're like a tiger in noble robes.
Every time I think you're charming, you say something arrogant."
Leo grinned. "It's a package deal."
They moved on to the Whispering Tea Pavilion, a spot famous for its secluded booths and tranquil ambiance.
There, they had tea while a lute performance played in the background.
At one point, Leo caught her hand gently. "You know, Roxanne, I've fought you, trained you, challenged you... but today, I just wanted to see you smile."
Roxanne was stunned silent. Then whispered, "You're really not like anyone I've ever met."
He raised a brow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Their next stop was the Floating Pearl Lake, where they boarded a private boat. Soft lanterns swayed around the dock.
Roxanne leaned against the railing, looking over the shimmering waters. Leo stepped behind her, his arms sliding around her waist.
"You okay?"
"Mm-hm. Just... never thought I'd have a day like this."
"Then get used to it."
---
End of Date
As the night deepened, they returned to the Bladecrest estate. Leo walked her to the entrance.
Roxanne turned, clearly hesitant.
"Thanks, Leo. Today was... perfect."
Leo said nothing. Instead, he stepped in, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her deeply.
Her eyes widened but didn't resist. Her fingers clutched his robe as she melted into the kiss.
When he finally pulled back, he whispered, "You're mine now. Just accept it."
She looked away, breathless. "Stubborn tyrant."
He chuckled. "That's what you like about me."
She didn't deny it.
As he turned and walked away, Leo's thoughts drifted.
Next target: Angelina.
If his plan succeeded… not only would he crush Alex, but he would reshape the entire Bladecrest future.
And if fate dared to oppose him?
He'd burn it to ash with Phoenix Break.
Chapter End
---
[ TO BE CONTINUED ]
---
Author's Note:
Boom! The chapter ends… but my journey as a humble author continues!
If you laughed, raged, or felt the urge to slap a fictional character today—don't forget to drop a Power Stone or add this novel to your collection!
It fuels my fingers and feeds the system behind this villainous tale.
Got an idea? A plot twist suggestion? Or just wanna yell at a character?
Slide into the comments—I read everything.
Until next time,
Stay evil, stay awesome, and thanks for reading!
– Your Scheming Author
azuredragonx
---