The eminence of a true king

"That was much stronger than I thought..."

Alexia's entire body trembled.

She looked up at the night sky, stunned. She had originally been in an underground space dozens of meters below the surface, but the earth above her head had been completely annihilated by the attack.

Is this a power a human can possess?

Does the world even allow such power to exist?

At the same time, people on the surface also noticed. It was hard not to.

The ground in an area of the royal capital had evaporated. The clouds covering the sky were swept away, revealing the stars and the moon.

"Is this the magical power of that cat's master?" Alexia murmured.

The girls of Night Raid, who had completed their missions, looked at the dragon-shaped shadow that had turned into a rain of magic and dissipated. It was impossible for them to mistake their master's magic.

The girls were filled with emotion and admiration.

Without a doubt, their master was the best in the world!

"It looks like Master is done. Time for us to retreat."

After savoring the lingering feeling of Leon's strike, Alpha drew her magic revolver with a smile and fired two shots at the great bell tower in the center of the royal capital.

Clang—!

Clang—!

Upon hearing the chimes echoing across the capital, the girls of Night Raid immediately understood it was time to retreat. They erased all traces of the scene and easily evaded the pursuing knights.

"Alpha's done too? As expected of her, she finished exactly on schedule. Let's evacuate as well."

"Yes, Master."

Leon and Sinon also heard the bell, the signal marking the end of the battle. One chime meant failure; two chimes meant success. Simple, clear, and convenient.

"The sound we just heard came from the capital's bell tower, and you really used that as a signal."

Alexia reacted too.

Her expression suddenly became complicated. After all, that kind of structure was a cultural building with a long history in her kingdom, but at this moment, these people saw it as nothing more than a signaling tool.

It felt incredibly disrespectful.

Seeing Leon and Sinon preparing to leave, she gritted her teeth and ran after them.

"Wait a moment!"

"What? Don't tell me the princess doesn't know the way back to the capital and wants us to escort her?"

"I'm truly grateful you saved me, but please, tell me who you are. Night Raid, Cult of Diablos... What is your purpose?!"

"Don't be rude to my master."

Sinon stepped forward and aimed at Alexia's head.

With just a flick of her fingers, the silver-haired princess's head would explode like a melon on the ground. But Leon tapped her shoulder to indicate it wasn't necessary.

"There are many things in this world that you know nothing about, princess."

"I need to know. I want to confirm whether or not you're hostile to our country."

"And what if I am?"

"Then I'll fight you, because I am a princess of this nation. As royalty, I will never turn a blind eye to those who threaten my kingdom."

Alexia gritted her teeth and raised her sword.

The night wind was chilling, but her clothes were soaked with cold sweat. Only by facing the man known as Midnight directly did she realize how terrifying the pressure he exuded truly was.

Let alone pointing a sword—just holding it in front of him took all her strength.

I'm going to die. These two are definitely not opponents I can handle right now—especially this man called Midnight.

Alexia was very aware of her own limits.

She couldn't even handle geniuses, let alone monsters... If Midnight and Sinon wanted, she would be killed before she could even react.

But Alexia would not run away.

She was also a proud member of Midgar's royal family.

If Night Raid intended to harm the Kingdom of Midgar, then they were her enemies! Even if she knew she would die, she had to raise her sword against them!

"You're usually a stubborn and sharp-tongued princess, but you turn out to be pretty strong in a crisis."

"What?"

"Alexia Midgar, do you have the courage and awareness to learn the truth about this world? Once you hear it, there's no going back."

Raising his power, Leon looked directly at the silver-haired princess before him and asked.

"I do!"

Alexia felt as if two mountains had been placed on her shoulders, forcing her down to her knees. Fortunately, she used her sword to steady herself in time to avoid collapsing.

How is this possible? Just his gaze made me kneel unconsciously. So scary... He's terrifying, sister...

Sinon proudly stood beside Leon, her tail swaying back and forth.

Weaklings, cowards, and sinners couldn't even look directly at their master. Those majestic violet eyes could only be gentle when looking at his companions.

Any member of Night Raid would feel honored by what just happened.

But then came the surprise.

"Please, tell me!"

Alexia raised her head.

She actually made eye contact with Leon.

Even though she was still kneeling, and her body trembled with fear, her spirit had not given in.

"Excellent."

Leon nodded with satisfaction.

That level of awareness and courage was necessary—otherwise, it was better to live peacefully in a false world.

"Then I'll tell you the truth about this world."

"Are you sure, Master?!"

"It doesn't matter."

Sinon watched in shock as Leon removed his mask and revealed his true face.

Alexia was stunned too.

Bathed in the sacred moonlight, the handsome face that was revealed was all too familiar to her—the face she had thought about day and night during this time.

Her mind went blank.

"You... you're Leon?"

"Can't you see?"

"You're really Midnight? With that much power? What's going on? Tell me now!"

Alexia asked urgently.

Midnight's true identity turned out to be Leon. The shock made her collapse to the ground, and countless emotions surged at once.

Leon walked up to her and gently patted the silver-haired princess's head to calm her. The regal composure she had shown earlier had vanished, and she reverted to her usual academy self.

"This is a long story, Alexia. Before we begin, I'll isolate this space so no one can disturb us."

Leon snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, the scenery around them froze.

Alexia looked around, confused.

Although the surroundings looked the same, she felt as if she had been separated from the world for some reason.

"How many things have you hidden?"

"Probably more than I can count."

"I don't believe you!"

Alexia gritted her teeth and shouted.

Thinking about all their past interactions and emotions, she felt like some kind of clown! She decided that tonight, she would make him explain everything clearly!

---

(End of Chapter)

"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."