n

n

n

"Brother, why do you look so bothered? I thought Nadia is well and awake now?

"

nYulia's inquiring voice snapped Leon back to the moment. His distant eyes looked at the two faces that he grew up with. They also gathered like this when they were younger. Sit around the table, talk for hours, and enjoy each other's company.

nBut even though this moment is like always, there is a vast difference now. They are not the same young people bursting with youth. They are older, more mature, and all shoulder responsibilities for the empire they lived and loved.

nIt's the same moment. But also not. Something is missing, or someone. And they all knew who they was. Were.

nThe queen, Regina, is not here. And his wife, Helen, is no longer here.

nThough Leon had already accepted the reality of Helen's death, there are times he would catch himself being affected by it. Why can't he? She left too early and unexpectedly. He has the right to long for her.

n

"Leon?

" The emperor also called out after he didn't answer but remained looking at them with moving eyes.

nThe marquis let out a deep sigh for a lot of reasons. Thinking that if he did it, it would liberate him somehow.

nAs a father, he is especially concerned for his children's well-being. He won't hesitate to do things if it's for them and that won't ever change. Now that a problem has introduced itself, Leon would obviously be distraught and worry about it to no end.

nAfter learning the newfound fact about Nadia, he immediately knew the severity of the matter. So he is stuck whether he would tell them about it or keep the secret to themselves.

nAbove all, they still don't know what danger is lurking out there nor do they know the motivation of the attackers. But he also has an inkling that this important piece of information might be a clue. But as a father, he is unwilling to bring his daughter as the centerpiece.

nLeon is a father before he is a marquis. And between the empire and his family, the latter weighs more in his heart.

nStill… As a marquis, a prime minister, and a former general of the empire's army, his sense of duty is stronger than anyone else. Coupled with paternal love, this combination is what made him resolute.

nFor the safety of his daughter and the kingdom she lives in…

nHe first glanced around for a quick moment, making sure there were no people before he indulged his worries. This subtle move was caught under the scrutinizing eyes of Micahel and wordlessly erected a sound barrier, having sensed that whatever Leon was going to say is crucial.

nLeon nodded his appreciation and gazed at them with a serious expression, arousing both Yulia and Micahel's curiosity.

n

"Nadia can use magic.

"

nThat one line struck their minds.

n

"You said what?

" Yulia reacted hugely, disbelief written all over her face.

nThe emperor, on the other hand, looked calm on the outside but he too was also surprised. He didn't think that this was what had been bugging Leon at all.

n

"How is that possible? Is it because of your bloodline?

"

nThe Hermans are a special case. They aren't a blessed bloodline because their blood is not pure and only has a sliver of godliness in it. If not for that, then what else can it be?

nLeon looked complicated. He wants to think so but it was unprecedented. No one in their entire family tree deviated from the path, nor does they ever have a record of the same phenomenon. Nadia was the first.

nPerhaps, Micahel understood even without him opening his mouth so he didn't press any further.

nThe three of them were silent for a long time, thinking amongst themselves but could hardly come up with at least one reason. This is too extraordinary.

nBut though it was, their reasons had already been broken before after the discovery of artificial mages. Still, they couldn't help but be astonished.

n

"How did you know?

" The emperor's inquiring eyes met his and a sudden realization dawned on him.

"Is it related to her long sleep?

"

nLeon nodded gravely. It didn't really faze him that much when the mana storm happened because the adrenaline was too high. But when it did, Leon was left speechless. Both Nathan and he had spent a whole night discussing it.

nAlso, he heard from the very mouth of his son that Nadia had told him before but he didn't believe it, for it was impossible.

nThat's right. It's so impossible that Leon immediately knew it's not because of Herman's blood running in her veins.

nThere was one niggling suspicion at the back of his mind but he doesn't want to think about it. Or maybe, he's in denial.

n

"Do you think it's… Helen?

"

nYulia's words were uttered so low it was almost inaudible. But it reached their ears and startled them at the same time.

nThe suspicion that he doesn't want to give birth to, was easily deduced by his sister.

n

"But we never saw her use magic at all.

"

nThe emperor's remark disturbed them again because it was true. Helen had never shown any signs of her being a magician. And if she was, why did she hide it? Why would she suppress her magic and say nothing? What's her reason?

nLeon's hands were tightly clenched. He doesn't want to believe it because if he did, then wouldn't that mean he doesn't know his wife after all? He was always with her but never noticed anything strange.

nSure, there are times that she seemed to be hiding something but he didn't think it would be too shocking such as this. He let her because he respected her.

nTo be honest, even his wife's identity is too vague. She was adopted by a lowkey family that is not even a true aristocrat. Her unclear background was the reason why his father strongly opposed their relationship. Thus, why he did everything to gain control of the Herman family. So he could marry her.

nA strong sense of nostalgia made him think of the past. Wasn't Helen reluctant first? She doesn't want him at all but he persisted. He knew her hesitations and misgivings, he could feel her caution to something, and felt her worries. So he promised her.

n

"I'm afraid…

"

nThose words were whispered as she gazed at him with turbulent eyes.

nBut what did he tell her again? He said he would protect her. He would make sure to make her safe and happy all her life. He uttered an oath, but he failed her in the end.. He didn't protect her as he promised.

n