"Well, let's postpone that conversation for another time. I'm in need of some solitude." "Ah, I see. You have to unpack, right?" "Hmm." "I'll take my leave then." As the witch was preparing to depart, Leon suddenly addressed her. "Oh, one more thing." "Hmm?" "This orb... I'd like to transform it into a bracelet, if that's acceptable to you." "A bracelet, you say." Leon nodded, displaying the orb in his open palm. "I don't enjoy always holding it in my hand. But since you need to maintain that appearance, I believe it's better to turn it into something I can wear." The witch emitted an 'ah' of realization, comprehending his purpose. "Then, do as you wish, as long as my core is not destroyed." "Alright, you can go now." Ignoring the witch, Leon turned around, and though she seemed like she wanted to engage in further conversation, she ultimately decided to leave. Leon then focused on the task at hand. ************ A day passed quickly, and in the guest room at Fronti's r

Leon couldn't recall any instances where he had caused such a mishap, except for the event in the forest. "I've made sure to keep my face unrecognizable to them, ensuring that my identity remains unknown." Even in the woods before this, he made it a daily routine to ensure no hostile forces were spying on him. "So, if I were to conclude that they aren't involved and consider the timing of my departure from the witch's forest..." The challenges he faced and the bounty on his head seem to coincide with the time spent in the witch's forest. "Before that, there was nothing noteworthy happening, except after I left the witch's forest." Therefore, the issues that arose in his path might be linked to "Could it be because of the matters I tried to resolve about her? If so, then my initial thoughts would likely be correct." 'Those' peoples might be the ones who sent people after him. "Haaa... really... I tried to maintain peace." However, someone's behavior had infuriated him. "They

While the entire crowd buzzes with excitement at the arrival of the young king, the servants move busily, arranging seats for the royalties and the audience in preparation for the award ceremony. Once that done, the royal couple and Leon gracefully descend the staircase, taking their designated seats at the front. Even the prince took a seat beside Leon. Subsequently, the crowd finally parts and takes their places on the provided chairs. Only after this entire process is completed does the King finally steps forward to make his speech. With the music fades to avoid disrupting him, an orb-like sound amplifier is placed in his hand. With his mischievous demeanor now absent, he begins to speak. "To begin with, it's truly a blessing for all of us to gather at this ceremony today." The remainder of his speech revolves around expressions of gratitude and reflections on the war, among other topics. The speech is notably shorter than usual, possibly indicating an intention to be considerat

Leon swiftly grew bored at the banquet. He wasn't the type to enjoy such gatherings, and the absence of his target only heightened his sense of ennui. 'Should I approach them?' he pondered. Contemplating being amicable with those connected to his target, he hesitated. However, the congregation of unsavory individuals in one place dissuaded him. 'Moreover, if I approach them, they'll likely conceal their nefarious side from me.' Opting for a different strategy, he heightened his auditory senses, focusing on their conversations. Many topics circulated within the group, but most seemed trivial to Leon. However, one snippet grabbed his attention: -"Our next meeting is at the usual place. Do not forget to come." -"Yes, sir." -"Yes." These words emanated from a member of the group with a noticeably higher status, capturing Leon's interest. 'One of the five dukedoms...' Sheryl Hillary, a formidable woman in her late 70s, had formerly served as a military strategist but retired due t

Somewhere after the banquet concluded,A swift-moving shadow blended with the darkness. It was Gray, tasked by Leon to clandestinely observe someone.Infiltrating the mansion, he navigated cautiously, skillfully avoiding vigilant guards.Tch 'There are so many of them. Is it really possible for me to pull this off?'Gray harbored doubts about the feasibility of his mission, considering the heavily guarded nature of the location. Even gaining entry earlier had been a stroke of luck.'But I still need to try.'Driven by Leon's orders, he pressed on, acknowledging the challenge. He continued stealthily until he reached the target's bedroom, where he began searching for an optimal vantage point for espionage.However, due to the presence of surrounding guards, his attempt proved futile.'I should incapacitate one of them.'Consequently, he devised a plan to locate a lone guard and subdue them. However,'Not them.'The majority of guards appeared to operate in pairs, heightening the challe