Summary:
After his public declaration in Elarion, Leo becomes a topic of discussion across the continent.
Some call him a fraud. Others believe he's truly changed.
But among the whispers, one name begins to spread: **"The Gentleman King."**
Meanwhile, news reaches him — someone from his past is still alive.
And she's coming for him.
---
The city of Elarion had always been a place of secrets.
Merchants traded goods. Spies traded information. And now… legends were being traded like currency.
> "Have you heard? The Dark Lord lives."
> "No, no — he's not evil anymore. He runs a bookstore!"
> "A baby with power beyond comprehension…"
> "The Gentleman King."
That last one made me raise an eyebrow.
I sipped my warm milk (yes, I drink milk), watching the world outside my window change around me.
Elyna plopped down beside me, flipping through another book.
"You know," she said, grinning, "I think you're famous now."
I gave her a flat stare.
She laughed. "Okay, okay. Not exactly the kind of fame you wanted. But hey, at least people aren't screaming and running away this time!"
I sighed.
> True enough.
---
The Letter
It came by carrier bird at dawn.
Simple envelope. No return address. Just my name written in elegant script.
I opened it carefully.
Inside was a single sentence:
> **"You ran away once. This time, I won't let you escape."**
There was no signature.
But I didn't need one.
I knew who it was from.
> **Lady Seraphine von Zerath.**
My wife.
Or rather… the woman I had left behind when I died.
Tessia read over my shoulder.
"She's alive?" she asked quietly.
I nodded slowly.
Then I wrote on my notepad:
> **"This changes everything."**
Grimwald, who had been listening from the corner, finally spoke.
"She was believed dead after your fall," he muttered. "Many thought she took her own life. Some even say she vanished into the Abyssal Wastes."
I looked up at him.
Then slowly, I added to my note:
> **"She wouldn't do that."**
I knew her better than anyone.
Seraphine wasn't the kind to run or die without a fight.
If she was coming for me…
> Then she had a reason.
---
A New Journey Begins
Later that day, we gathered in the back room of the shop.
Selene, Tessia, Elyna, and Grimwald sat around the small table.
I stood on a stack of books so I could see everyone clearly.
Elyna leaned forward.
"So what's the plan, boss?"
I pointed at myself.
Then I wrote:
> **"We find her before she finds us."**
Silence fell.
Then Selene crossed her arms.
"That sounds dangerous."
I gave her a small smile.
> "Good."
Because this wasn't just about me anymore.
It was about the truth.
About the past.
And maybe…
> About the future.
---