[2] Invitation

As a jolt of raw energy crackled through his veins, Leo's eyes snapped open, wide with shock and disorientation.

He found himself sitting upright, his gaze flitting around the opulent bedroom, each unfamiliar detail prickling his senses with disquiet. A nagging unease, like a forgotten melody on the tip of his tongue, hummed beneath the surface.

"Mel?" he rasped, reaching out into the echoing silence.

Only the ghostly whisper of his own voice answered.

"Guid..." he started, but another voice, sharp and laced with annoyance, cut him off.

"Don't! Not that name," it snapped, her tone daring him.

Ignoring the sharp rebuke, curiosity warred with apprehension within Leo. "What's happening? Why am I not flat on my face?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency and a hint of fear.

A pause, then a reply tinged with frustration, "Honestly, I don't know. I more focused on the memory integration, and fixing some potentially lethal glitches, so your physical state slipped my mind."

"Potentially what?!" Leo exclaimed, incredulous.

"Relax," the voice soothed, a sheepish undertone creeping in. "It's not a permanent glitch, just a minor malfunction."

Before Leo could delve deeper, the door creaked open, revealing a maid with wide eyes and a trembling hand holding a bowl and towel.

"Young master, you're awake!" she exclaimed, relief and excitement battling in her voice. "Are you okay? Does anything hurt?" she asked, as she knelt besides him after placing the items on a nearby stool.

"Anything...?" Leo muttered, as fleeting thought- bad of course- ran through his mind.

But just then, the realization of what had happened dawned on him, and he chuckled, "Just a little migraine, no worries. All good now." He offered a reassuring pat on her head, sending a blush blooming across her cheeks as she fled the room in a flurry.

"Smooth move, Romeo. Just know your waving a huge death flag at this rate," the voice said, sarcastically.

"Says the genius who performed brain surgery without my consent!" Leo retorted, an annoyed expression tugging at his face.

A pregnant silence then followed.

But soon after, he spoke up, "Well, no use crying over spilled milk, right? So, how exactly do I view this memories?" Leo inquired.

"Just try to remember your past," Said the voice.

As the young man closed his eyes, he delved deep into his memories, trying to piece together his past. Gradually, he began to recall bits and pieces of his life. He remembered his name- Leo.

It wasn't his real name, it was just the name of the body he possessed. He recalled his childhood, marked by his mother's absence and his siblings' cruel treatment. His father's lack of affection towards him had also left a deep impression on his young mind.

He delved even further deeper into his memories, and he recalled the grand mansion he lived in. It was built specifically for his mother, who was the only woman the Duke had built a mansion for.

His other wives lived together in another part of the duchy, but even their residence was not as grand as the Grand mansion.

Leo remembered how he was the only one living in this spacious mansion after his mother's demise. The memories flooded back to him, transporting him back to a time when he was just a child living in a world of opulence and loneliness.

"Progress, but…" Leo frowned, frustration gnawing at him. "Why can't I remember this part?"

"Beats me," the voice shrugged. "Just how Leo's memories are."

"Lovely," Leo remarked sarcastically. "And just for clarification, I'm not exactly the hero here, am I? More like a pawn in someone else's game."

"Bingo," the voice confirmed. "The weak extra, if you will."

"And these plot holes…" Leo trailed off.

"Unauthorized," the voice cut him off curtly.

"Figures," Leo sighed. "Just like you."

CLICK.

The door swung open again, the maid this time holding a sealed envelope.

"Message from Lord Clause," she announced.

"The message, right," Leo mused, remembering his amnesia-induced lapse.

"Dinner invitation at the Duke's Mansion, with the family," she explained.

"Duke Clause, huh? My old man," Leo realized, a wry smile playing on his lips. "And when's this shindig?"

"Four o'clock sharp," the maid replied promptly.

He glanced at the clock on the nightstand. 3:35. Panic bubbled in his chest.

"Well, fuck!"

"Guess you'll be my escort then," he declared, turning to the maid with a grin.

She bowed, blushing furiously. "As you wish," she said, as she retreaded.

"Any hints on those plot holes?" Leo pleaded as they hurried down towards the wardrobe.

"Unauthorized," the voice echoed, finality ringing in its tone.

"Ugh, just so annoying," Leo groaned, rolling his eyes.

Reaching his wardrobe, he grasped the handles and pulled. An array of clothing options came into view - from elegant formal wear to casual outfits, and even athletic attire. But what caught his attention the most was a section filled with sleeping attire.

As he stood in front of the wardrobe, he felt a bit perplexed, unsure of what to wear for the important event he was attending. After a few moments of contemplation, he decided to opt for a classic look - a red suit paired with a crisp, white shirt and a perfectly balanced bowtie and cufflinks.

He meticulously picked out the ensemble, ensuring that every detail was in place - he adjusted his tie knot, straightened his collar, and checked his cuffs. After a few minutes of preparation, he gazed at his reflection in the mirror, admiring his dashing appearance. The suit hugged his body perfectly, the bowtie and cufflinks added a touch of elegance to his outfit.

"Good looks is really a boon," he declared, striking a pose.

"But the ugly with wisdom liveth long," countered the voice.

"Who says that?!" Leo exclaimed, startled.

"Me," it replied.

Leo chuckled,

CLICK

As the door creaked open, the maid stepped into the room. Her usual maid attire had been swapped for a sleek corporate suit that hugged her alluringly curvaceous figure.

Despite her attempt to conceal her hourglass shape, it was impossible to miss.

"Amazing," Leo muttered out his thought, as he momentarily lost touch of reality.

"Why do I even bother? You just don't listen, do you?!" it voiced, in annoyance.

"Can't you keep this advice to yourself?" he asked under his breath.

"Thank you," muttered the maid, as she bashfully looked at her feet.

"Okay, lead the way. " Leo ordered.

"Hm" She nodded and turned towards the door.