— A Visit Beneath the Dragon's Wing
Skyster Family's Main Castle – Windsor Town
Morning, just past the first light
A carriage rolled through the outer gates of the Skyster estate, escorted by two white horses clad in enchanted silky blue veil. The driver pulled on the reins as the castle came into view.
Leon stepped out, his white golden uniform flaring slightly in the morning breeze. His golden eyes, once calm, narrowed as he gazed upon the towering spires and vast lands of the Skyster estate.
So this is the Skyster stronghold... no wonder the nobles speak in hushed tones, it's as majestic as Royal. Palace but a little mysterious... he thought, his eyes scanning the terrain.
Tall outer walls shimmered faintly with barrier enchantments. Gardens bloomed unnaturally fast even in off-season, and faint presences—well-hidden—watched from the rooftops and shadowed corridors.
"Secret guards..." Leon muttered. But he wasn't happy about it, quite the opposite.
They didn't get noticed by him, instead they revealed themselves to him. Reminding him of where he stood, his limits, his stand...
But what unnerved him more was not the guards, nor the grandeur or the otherworldly beauty of garden.
No... it was the rumors. That the Skyster bloodline have link with dragons. That their crest—the silver bird in mid-flight—was not a bird at all.
It was said the founders weren't just blessed by dragons—they had made a pact.
Leon frowned.
And now… the heir of this house is basically reborn?
He entered the castle gates with composed steps. A servant already waiting for him there.
" Greetings, Sir Leon". The guard spoke with a slight bow.
With a nod, spoke. "Hm, thank you for receiving me".
" Please this way sir". He led him wordlessly through immaculate halls lined with enchanted lanterns and ancient tapestries. He was guided toward the lord's study.
Information about a royal envoy reached Dian's home, when Leon's carriage was almost 7Km away.
But when the door opened…
Leon froze.
Behind the grand desk stood a young man—tall, lean, dressed in noble black trimmed with silver. Silky black hair fell in waves across his forehead, and crystalline brown eyes gleamed with unsettling sharpness.
His face… was perfect. No, beyond that—it was divine.
But worse than his looks was his presence.
Dian Skyster didn't carry his nobility like a burden. He wore it like a mantle. His every gesture radiated confidence—not the arrogance of a noble brat—but the certainty of a king.
But he didn't knew why, even after all these, he didn't like the man in his front. Leon masked his shock and dislike with a forced smile,
And with a bow, he spoke. " Greetings, Lord Skyster."
Dian didn't speak for a moment, his eyes above Leon's head. Where a screen floated but a little different...
...
[Name - Leon
Age- 25
Title- A ray of light — The Choosen one.
[ A Ray of Light - Even in a dire situation, overpowered enemy, lost match or anything. The Hero never gives up and rise like a ray of hope for everyone and defeats the evil, giving a happy ending..
Effects. -
1. Last Hope(Passive) – Doubles all the stats in critical situations. (Except Mana).
2. Heroic Aura (Active) – Ancient weapons, artifacts and inheritance of those strong, will respond to him.
3. Charisma of Destiny (Passive) – Boosts morale of allies, people surrounded, increasing their each stats by 5.
4. Fate's Blessing (Active) – When nothing works, fate makes it work. If ever in a life or death situation. Teachers, forgotten allies, secret lineage discovery or some other factor pulls him out and destroys what put him in that situation. (This effect is totally based on Luck, if that plunders, so will the effect) ]
Stage- Great Mage (1sr stage)
Elements - Light Lvl 4, Thunder Lv3...
Attributes:–
Strength: 322/500
Agility: 325/500
Defence:320/500
Stamina:
Mana:
Luck - 910 (A hero destined to achieve greatness) ]
...
Let's see why he is here first. Dian thought, focusing on the man bowing in front.
There were other things too and things he needs to ask the system. But he focuses on this 'Choosen one' first.
"Welcome, Sir Leon," Dian said, voice smooth, calm. " Please, take a seat".
" Thank you lord Skyster". Leon taking a seat infront of the desk, retrieves a scroll from inside his coat.
"I bring a message from His Majesty—"
Before he could hand it over—
*Click.*
The door opened again.
Suzine walked in—glowing.
Her face was radiant with bliss. Hair slightly curled at the ends, icy-blue eyes sparkling. Her steps were light, her smile effortless. She practically floated toward Dian, a presence that drew warmth into the room.
When Dian was away, she made some decisions. To not hold back, to not be more reserve, to show her affection and to smile with her love freely.
Following behind her was another maid, pushing a small trolley stacked with tea and snacks.
"Good morning, Darling," Suzine said with a sweet smile as she stopped beside Dian. Her fingers brushed his arm, lingering slightly.
Leon stared.
His mind blanked—then reeled.
That face... that hair... there's no mistake...
Her.
The photo he'd carried all those years, protected like treasure. The one he'd sworn to meet again someday. His reason to push forward—his motivation for everything.
His Su —Suzine.
And now she stood before him. Laughing softly, looking at another man.
Looking at him with *love.*
His hands trembled. Rage bloomed behind his eyes like wildfire.
Betrayal. Disgust. Disbelief.
Unknowest to his trauma, Dian talked with her wife...
---
" Hm?" Dian raised a eyebrow. " Alone my dear? Where is my sweet elf?" He asked.
Suzine answered giving a dramatic pout.
"Hmf! Due to you leaving her utterly exhausted. Sister Gianna is still sleeping".
Dian chuckled. "Okay my dear, now let me focus a little". His eyes trailed her whole body before a teasing smile came on his face. " You are quite a distraction".
With a giggle, Suzine stands by his side. "Okay."
But as he focused again in the person sitting in front of him
---
Dian tilted his head slightly, watching Leon with an amused expression. "Something wrong, Sir Leon? You look pale."
Leon stiffened. He forced a smile—his jaw tight. "No. Just… a little surprised."
But Dian already knew. The golden glow in his irises briefly flickered.
[ Eye of Perception – Active ]
[ Subject: Leon ]
[ Status: Emotional Turmoil – Rage, Resentment, Betrayal ]
[ Suppressing: Hostility toward Suzine and Dian ]
[ Thought: "She was supposed to be mine." ]
Dian almost laughed aloud but held back. Instead, he waved to Suzine.
His Eyes of Perception worked complety different, with showing his basic information before. It showed his inner thoughts and minds condition.
I like this feature. Dian thought.
"My love, you look absolutely dazzling today," he said.
Suzine beamed and set the tea before him. "I tried something new with my hair," she said, blushing.
Leon's expression cracked. A flicker of bloodlust escaped his control.
Just a flicker.
But that was enough.
In an instant—
The temperature dropped. Or rose. Or vanished entirely.
It was impossible to tell—because suddenly, Leon couldn't breathe.
From above the ceilings, behind the walls, through the floor itself—**auras** surged.
Silent. Deadly.
Killing intent pressed upon his chest like an avalanche. His knees nearly buckled. His mana refused to circulate.
In all directions, shadows moved. Secret guards.
And one by one, eyes opened in the walls.
Remembering his title effect, Dian raised a single hand.
The suffocating pressure vanished.
Like a switch had been flipped.
Suzine, startled, looked toward Dian. Leon gasped, cold sweat trailing down his back.
A second later, Jones entered silently, expression unreadable.
The butler had been waiting outside—he arrived at dawn in caste. but the moment killing intent stirred, he'd moved.
Leon realized his mistake.
Not just a diplomatic blunder—but a deadly one. He'd just threatened a Skyster heir.
He dropped to one knee immediately.
"I apologize… I… lost control."
Dian said nothing at first. He reached for the tea, sipped it calmly, and set it back down.
"It's fine. You're forgiven," he said softly.
"But remember where you are, Sir Leon. This isn't just any noble household. You're standing beneath the wings of the silver bird." His tone a little cold, commanding.
Leon rose, but the shame burned deep. Still, the frustration wouldn't leave his heart.
Why him?
Why *that* woman?
"My lord... can I ask you something?" Leon spoke.
Dian looked toward him for a moment, a smile on his face he tried to hold back. then a simple nod. "Hm"
Leon took a breath and asked the question eating him alive.
"My lord… what is your relationship with Lady Suzine?"
Dian looked at him for a long moment, then gently laced his fingers with Suzine's.
"My *wife*," he said simply.