The arena's excitement had barely subsided when Leon's declaration sent a new wave of shock through the crowd. "Uncle, I want to punish someone," he said, his voice firm and resolute. Lucifer's expression turned questioning, while Felix and Lyra exchanged curious glances.
Leon pointed at the maid, who was attempting to slip away unnoticed. "I want to punish her," he declared, his voice echoing through the arena. The maid's face turned pale, her eyes wide with terror.
Nox's voice rose above the murmurs, "You maid! This is what will happen to people like you!" The crowd's attention shifted between Leon, the maid, and Nox, sensing a dramatic confrontation.
Lucifer's gaze narrowed, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, Leon. If you wish to punish her, you'll need to prove your case. Let's hear the charges."
Chapter 3: Betrayal and Fury
The arena's atmosphere shifted dramatically as Leon's accusations hung in the air like a challenge. The maid's face paled further, her eyes wide with terror as she realized the gravity of her situation. "N..No, sir, I served him well," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
Lucifer's expression transformed from calm curiosity to shocked outrage. His eyes narrowed, and his voice rose in indignation. "No food?" he repeated, his words echoing through the arena like a crack of thunder.
Leon's voice was firm and resolute. "Yes, Uncle. She denied me food before two days." The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their voices filled with a mix of shock, anger, and disgust.
The maid's trembling intensified, her eyes darting between Leon and Lucifer as if searching for an escape or a lifeline.
Lucifer's face darkened with fury, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Maid, what is the meaning of this?" he thundered, his voice commanding attention and demanding an explanation.
The maid's stuttering reply was barely coherent. "Th..Th..That...I was just following orders..." Her words trailed off as the audience's murmurs turned to angry whispers.
One of the spectators shouted, "Outrageous! She left a 5-year-old Kid to starve? That too a noble?" The crowd's anger simmered, their voices growing louder and more indignant.
Leon turned to Lucifer, his expression resolute. "She claimed Ruan ordered her not to serve me." Lucifer's eyes widened in shock, his face twisted in a mixture of anger and disgust. "What?" he said, his voice echoing through the arena.
Leon's reply was calm and measured. "Ruan promised her a job in his fortress if she did this." The crowd's murmurs turned to outraged gasps, their anger and indignation boiling over.
Lucifer's voice thundered through the arena. "You're a servant of Katana Castle! Your duty is to serve Leon,not Ruan!"
The maid cowered, her voice trembling. "S..Sorry!"
Lucifer said "There is a rule that You cannot Obey orders from another House without the master's permission,And you let Leon starve..."
Lucifer's expression remained stern. "And all you have to say is Sorry?,Sorry isn't enough. You've failed in your duty and put Leon's well-being at risk."
The crowd watched, sensing the gravity of the situation. Leon's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the maid.
The scene hung in the balance, awaiting the consequences of the maid's actions.
Chapter 5: Judgment
The knights closed in, their movements swift and efficient as they bound the maid's wrists behind her back. She struggled, her eyes wide with fear, as she was dragged away.
Leon stood before her, his expression a mask of calm determination. The maid's gaze locked onto his, pleading for mercy.
"S..Sorry, young master! Please forgive me!" she begged, her voice cracking with desperation. Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking with sobs.
But Leon's face remained unyielding. His voice was cold and detached, devoid of emotion. "You deserved to be punished and left."
The crowd watched, their faces a mixture of shock and understanding. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked on with pity.
Lucifer stood tall, his expression approving. He seemed to expect nothing less from Leon, given the circumstances.
As the knights dragged the maid away, the scene ended with a sense of finality. The maid's fate was sealed, her punishment a consequence of her actions.
The arena fell silent, the only sound the maid's muffled sobs and the heavy footsteps of the knights as they disappeared into the shadows. Leon's gaze lingered on the spot where the maid had stood, his expression still unreadable.
The crowd's cheers echoed through the arena, a deafening roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the structure. Leon smiled, his eyes shining with excitement as he basked in the adoration of the masses. Nox approached him, his expression a mix of amusement and disdain.
"Hmph, petty humans, getting cheered just for such a small fight," Nox said, his voice laced with sarcasm. Leon chuckled, unfazed by Nox's teasing.
"I now have become famous, and this news will reach the Family Patriarch soon," Leon said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Just then, a striking woman with fiery red hair and piercing red eyes appeared before them. A blue earring adorned her ear, and a red pendant hung around her neck. Her presence was commanding, and the crowd's cheers seemed to fade into the background as all eyes turned to her.
Nox's curiosity was piqued. "Who is she?" he asked Leon, his eyes fixed on the woman.
Leon thought "This...Red hair and eyes...blue earrings...Red pendant...She is Ariana Von Celastalis!."
But before Leon could respond, Nox seemed to hear Leon's thoughts. "Celestalis... Isn't that..." Nox's eyes widened as he pieced together the information.
Leon's mental response was swift. "Yes, she is my Mother's sister." The connection was clear, and Nox's eyes locked onto Ariana with renewed interest.
Nox's reaction was immediate. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise. "She is your mom's sister!?" The words hung in the air, filled with a sense of significance.
"How are you, dear Leon?" Ariana asked, her Face filled with calculative Expression as she gazed at her Leon.