The corridor was huge—big enough to echo his footsteps, yet quiet, holding them like a soft, noble hush. The shiny black floors stretched far beneath a tall ceiling decorated with delicate silver carvings of moons and wolves. Golden chandeliers shaped like crescent moons poured warm light over the velvet walls and the stained-glass windows that scattered soft colors across the floor.
His golden eyes drank in the beauty and power carved into every stone of the estate. So... this is my mansion. The Moonwalker Estate. The name itself carried weight—noble, old, and feared.
He hadn't seen it until now. When he came to this world last night, he had stayed in the bedchamber. Until now, he was still in his room, learning the memories of the old Leon Moonwalker—learning names, places, and history that now belonged to him. And more important, he had grown closer to the young girl who called him Father.
His golden eyes moved from one masterpiece to another—oil paintings of past Dukes, suits of armor displayed in niches, a full-length mirror with a sapphire frame. The world he came from had nothing like this. No magic. No noble blood. No legacy. But now... this was his. And as he walked these halls, he didn't feel like a stranger. He moved like the rightful heir to this legacy. Because I am.
He held himself like a Duke—shoulders back, steps steady. Inside, he felt a mix of pride and awe.
This life... is mine now.
Beside him walked Aria, his head maid, her steps quiet as moonlight. Every few steps, she glanced at him through her long lashes, her purple eyes catching his sharp profile, the way his dark hair moved with each step. A faint blush colored her pale cheeks. But Leon didn't notice—his mind was lost in memories and silent admiration of the estate's grandeur.
After a few turns—left, then right, then left again—they reached a large black door marked with the Moonwalker crest. Leon stopped. He didn't hesitate or look unsure. The path had come naturally. This is my study, he thought.
The memories he'd inherited from the old Leon were clear. Walking through the mansion felt like moving through a place he had always known, even though he'd only arrived yesterday.
He pushed open the door.
The duke's study was rich and grand.
A tall window behind the main desk let warm sunlight spill over the mahogany floor. Thick velvet curtains, the color of midnight, framed the glass. Tall shelves filled with books lined the walls—ancient volumes on history, magic, politics. A massive silver-and-black desk sat in the center, carved with Moonwalker family symbols. On one wall, a mounted sword hung above a cabinet filled with rare scrolls. The scent of parchment and tea hung softly in the air.
Seated calmly at the desk, sipping tea, was a middle-aged man.
He wore formal navy robes trimmed with silver—a sign of the Crown's peace envoy. His silver hair was neatly tied back, and his dark eyes, sharp and calm, settled on Leon as the door creaked open.
He stood quickly and bowed politely.
"Duke Leon Moonwalker," the man said with respect in his voice.
Leon's eyes narrowed just a little but he stayed composed. The memories told him this was Sir Harven, the royal peace messenger. A man the old Leon had met many times at court.
Leon nodded slightly, a faint, noble smile on his lips. He stepped forward and took his seat behind the desk, motioning with one hand. "Please, be seated."
Harven nodded and sat again, folding his hands in his lap. Behind Leon, Aria stood quietly, her posture straight and respectful, her presence warm—like a steady flame behind him.
"Your Grace," Harven began, "His Majesty the King has sent you an invitation."
Leon raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh?"
Harven pulled a sealed envelope from his robes—dark parchment with silver embossing. A wax seal shaped like a crescent moon showed it was real.
Leon took the letter, running his thumb over the royal mark.
The Moon... he thought. So, the King calls.
He broke the seal and opened the letter.
The handwriting was elegant and flowing:
"To the Esteemed Duke of Moonwalker House,
By order of His Majesty King Aurelian Moonlight, you are invited to attend the Grand Coming-of-Age Ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Princess Lira Moonlight, to be held exactly one month from today at the royal palace in Moonspire.
Your presence is not only welcomed... it is expected.
May the Moon bless your path.
—By Royal Decree."
Leon exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.
Princess Lira... the only heir to the throne.
The Moonstone Kingdom's jewel. And her ceremony... it was no ordinary event. It was a kingdom-wide celebration, honored like a festival.
He folded the letter carefully and looked up to see Harven watching him with a gentle smile.
"A surprise invitation, perhaps?" Harven said softly.
Leon smirked faintly. "A curious one."
After a moment, he folded the letter and placed it on the desk. "Very well. I will attend. On time."
Harven bowed respectfully. "Then I shall inform His Majesty. Thank you for your time, Duke Leon. May the Moonlight guide you."
Leon nodded calmly. "Please convey my thanks to His Majesty for the invitation."
Harven stood and left quietly through the doors.
Once the door closed, silence settled again—thick and thoughtful.
Leon leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger lightly on the armrest.
If I am to take control of the Moonstone Kingdom... this might be the perfect chance. A lone princess... a kingdom without a male heir...
His thoughts raced—calculating, dangerous, intrigued.
Then, softly—
"My Lord," Aria's voice called, pulling him back.
He turned, eyes falling on the purple-haired beauty standing there like dawn's light.
He smiled gently. "Yes?"
Her cheeks warmed again under his gaze. "Before you begin your duties... would you like some breakfast?"
He blinked, surprised. In the rush of events, he'd forgotten.
"…I haven't eaten," he said softly.
Aria smiled. "Shall I bring fruit and tea here?"
"That would be perfect," he replied, his voice smoother. "Thank you, Aria."
She bowed, her silver hair falling over her shoulders like silk, then turned toward the door. As she walked away, Leon's gaze drifted—inevitably—downward.
Her hips moved gracefully beneath the tight fabric of her uniform. Each step was like poetry, each sway a quiet tease. For a brief moment, he imagined how those hips would feel beneath his hands.
Then—
[Ding!]
A sharp mechanical chime sounded inside his mind.
[System Alert: New Mission Issued]
[Mission Triggered: Make Aria Completely Yours – Head Maid of House Moonwalker]
[Objective: Make Aria Completely Yours]
[Reward: Scent of Arousal, +20 Black Points]
[Warning: Mission Failure will disable Touch of Charm]
[Time Limit: 20 Days]
Leon nearly choked on his thoughts.
What the—?
He sat up straighter, eyes wide, heart racing—not with panic, but excitement. The system had given him another mission. And his second target was Aria.
She's beautiful... loyal, warm, and dangerously close. I was already planning to make her mine. Slowly... completely. The system just confirmed what I already wanted.
He exhaled long, his golden eyes shining with growing hunger.
And now... the system gives me 20 days? I won't need that long.
A slow, dangerous smile spread across his lips.
A grin that spoke of conquest.
Of control.
Of what's coming.