Leopold's POV

Dear Mother,

I hope you've been taking good care of yourself and that you're in good health, word has reached me how pregnancy is troubling you. Know that I'm always praying for you.

I send you this letter to inform you that I'll be taking a short leave from Cheveralie Academy and heading towards Bellacrest.

I'll be staying there to meet you know who. It's still unbelievable to me that Uncle brought his bastard into Devereaux Hall—I need to see it with my own eyes to believe it.

Rest assured, dear Mother, the Duchy will be mine. You will walk in the gardens of Devereaux Hall once more, where you rightfully belong.

- Leopold Augustus von Devereaux

A letter written to Leopold's mother on the day he set out towards Bellacrest.

----------------------------------------

The next day, early in the morning, in Leopold's room. The soft light of dawn came in through the windows, bathing the room.

Leopold lay in bed, enveloped in the warmth and comfort of the silken sheets. He relished the luxury of not having to rise early and ready himself for classes, especially after the pleasures of the night before.

Cheveralie Academy doesn't have such comfortable beds, that's for sure.

He turned to his right, his gaze falling on the figure beside him. A woman lay next to him, her delicate features softened by sleep. She's older than him, but as she slept peacefully, she appeared as if she could be his age.

"Clarisse? Are you awake?" He asked, his voice soft.

Slowly, Clarisse opened her eyes. "...Yes, Master Leopold?" She asked, her purple eyes looking at him.

Leopold's smirk grew as he shifted beside her, both of them lying bare under the silken sheets. "We had fun last night, didn't we?" He asked, a small smirk on his face.

Clarisse didn't respond, her eyes lingering on him with a hint of something more serious. Leopold could sense her hesitation, the unspoken distance between them despite their physical closeness.

"Come on, you can't tell me you didn't enjoy it." Leopold continued, a playful edge to his voice. "If anything, you're lucky."

"Lucky?" Clarisse echoed, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. "I don't feel very lucky. I feel... robbed."

"Robbed?" He repeated, a note of curiosity in his tone. "How so?"

"Yes. I... I really love this place, but now I fear that now I'll always think of you when I'm here. You'll be tied to it forever, and I don't know if that's something I want." Clarisse tried to explain her feelings.

Leopold gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin. "And is that such a terrible thing?" He asked, his voice softer now, probing.

Clarisse hesitated, her gaze locked with his. She didn't want to admit it, but Leopold was very strikingly handsome. She's sure many maids in Devereaux Hall wouldn't mind being in her place right now if they could, sharing the bed with him, having him whisper sweet nothings in their ear.

"This place...is like my home. I don't want it tainted, I don't want it destroyed." Clarisse admitted, her voice laced with a quiet determination. "You really remind me of that demon. You suddenly show up and changed everything, just like he did."

"Oh, the demon that destroyed your village, right? You told me that story last night here on this very bed." Leopold spoke, his tone was light, almost teasing. "I'm sure I'm much more handsome though."

"You are, I'll give you that." Clarisse gave him a small smile.

A demon, huh? I suppose it is fitting, maybe I am a demon. Sometimes I get so frustrated and angry, I scare myself.

But it really is most frustrating having to fight for something which should have rightfully belonged to me.

If only that war didn't happen.

If only father didn't-

The Tarragon Duchy belongs to me. Not to Elliot, not to Lucas, and not even to Duke Aldridge...

"You know, you really are something special. I never thought a mere maid will ever call me a demon to my face." Leopold said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It takes a lot of guts."

"Special? Me?" Clarisse scoffed softly, her eyes narrowing. "Please, Master Leopold, I'm sure I'm not the first woman you've said that to."

Leopold didn't bother denying it. Instead, he leaned in, closing the distance between them, his breath warm against her lips. Without hesitation, he pressed his mouth to hers, and she responded in kind, returning the kiss.

Clarisse didn't like him, and she hated having to keep this a secret from her brother Devin, but part of her went along with it anyway. Her home has been tainted and destroyed once more, so resisting seemed futile, like trying to fight against a relentless tide.

And he really wasn't bad to look at, as much as Clarisse didn't want to admit it. If a demon was going to destroy that which she calls a home again, at least this time it was one easy on the eyes.

----------------------------------------

Few hours later, after breakfast, Leopold found himself having tea time with Isabella, Lucas, and Elliott. The Devereaux Hall's head chef got his hands on tea leaves from Quintarra Lands to the east of the Kingdom.

Duchess Seraphina was invited, but passed the chance to go handle other matters. Leopold didn't complain, he wasn't the biggest fan of that woman, he only wished certain two others sitting around the round table also didn't show up. This would had been a great chance for him to have some more alone time with Isabella.

Leopold took a sip out of his tea cup.

"Goodness is that delicious! Nothing beats tea from the Quintarra Lands!"

As Leopold praised the tea, Isabella took a delicate sip from her cup, her eyes lighting up with appreciation. "I have to agree, Leopold. The flavor is so rich and unique, there’s something about the Quintarra blend that you just can’t find anywhere else."

I need to ask the chef if he has some extra I can maybe send to mother.

Elliot, seated beside Lucas, watched Isabella with a small smile. He loved seeing her happy, especially during what feels like rare moments of peace as of late.

Lucas, however, was more focused on Leopold, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the way Leopold’s gaze lingered on Isabella.

"I must say, Isabella," Leopold continued, his tone light and charming. "This tea suits you. Refined, elegant... much like yourself." He flashed a grin, clearly pleased with his own words.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

Isabella gave a polite smile, but there was a hint of unease in her expression that only Elliot and Lucas could catch. "Thank you, Leopold. You’re too kind."

Lucas and Elliot exchanged a quick glance, both of them picking up on Leopold’s thinly veiled flirtation. Lucas shifted uncomfortably in his seat, while Elliot’s fingers tightened slightly around his teacup.

Leopold, fully aware of the tension he was causing, allowed himself a moment of silent amusement. He could see how both of them were on edge, clearly not pleased with the attention he was giving Isabella. It was almost comical in a way.

Leopold’s smile grew a touch sharper as he turned his attention to Lucas. "So, Lucas," He began, his voice smooth. "Tell me... where exactly do you come from? You seem a bit out of place in a grand estate like this."

Lucas stiffened, feeling the subtle jab in Leopold's words. "I'm from a village called Fern Hollow, far to the south of the Kingdom..." he replied, keeping his tone even despite the discomfort Leopold’s question stirred in him.

"Fern Hollow?" Leopold echoed, raising an eyebrow. "A quaint little village, I'm sure. It must be quite a change to come from such a... humble place to somewhere like Devereaux Hall. I imagine the simplicity of village life doesn’t quite prepare one for all... this."

I knew it, he gave off such vibes. Truly what is Uncle thinking? A simple peasant like him has no place here.

Elliot frowned, clearly annoyed by Leopold’s condescending tone. "Lucas has been adapting just fine!" He interjected, his voice firmer than usual.

Leopold’s smile widened, though there was little warmth in it. "Oh, I’m sure he has, Elliot. It’s just... well, life in a village must be so different, almost unimaginable for those of us used to more refined surroundings. I’m just curious how one adjusts."

Isabella, sensing the rising tension, placed her teacup down gently. "G-Guys, what matters is that Lucas is trying his best since coming here..." She said, trying to keep her voice calm. "I'm sure sooner or later he'll get used to this place."

Lucas couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at Isabella’s defense.

Hmmmm, so even Isabella is sticking up for him. Elliot is one thing, but that boy is another. I'll have to make sure I hold a bigger place in Isabella's heart.

Though by looking at him... I can tell she has a place in his heart already. How amusing.

"So... Leopold," Elliot began, his tone deceptively light. "How are you finding your stay at Devereaux Hall? I imagine you must miss Cheveralie Academy." Elliot tried to steer the conversation away from Lucas, but part of him was also truly curious about the Academy.

Leopold leaned back in his chair, looking entirely at ease. "Devereaux Hall is impressive, no doubt. Of course there are certain things that I miss about Cheveralie, though the company here," He added, his eyes flicking to Isabella. "Does make up for some of the difference." Isabella couldn't help but blush a little as she stared back at Leopold.

Elliot rolled his eyes subtly, while Lucas clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to say something.

The tea time continued, the undercurrents of tension never fully subsiding.

Isabella remained polite, but Lucas could see the small signs of discomfort, the way her hands fidgeted slightly or the way her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Part of her wished she didn't show up just like her mother did.

Leopold set his teacup down and leaned back in his chair, his gaze resting on Isabella. "Isabella, how about we take a walk around Devereaux Hall? It would be a shame not to take advantage of such a lovely day."

Isabella hesitated, glancing briefly at Lucas and Elliot. She could sense their unease, but Leopold’s charm was hard to resist, and there was something about the way he spoke that drew her in.

"A walk does sound nice." Isabella replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Leopold smiled, pleased with her response. He stood up, extending his hand to her. "Shall we then?"

Isabella took his hand, rising from her seat. Lucas and Elliot exchanged another glance, neither of them thrilled about the situation.

"Enjoy your walk..." Elliot said, his tone a bit more curt than he intended.

Leopold noticed the subtle tension but chose to ignore it, leading Isabella out of the room.

"I really don’t like him." Lucas muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Elliot nodded in agreement, his usual cheerfulness dampened. "Neither do I... He's taking Isabella away, away from me..."

There was silence in the room. Lucas didn't say anything, but deep down he knew all too well how Elliot felt, as he himself was in a very similar position at some point in time.

----------------------------------------

As Isabella and Leopold walked through the grand halls of Devereaux Hall, Leopold made light conversation, pointing out various portraits and artifacts with a casual air. Isabella responded politely, but her mind kept drifting back to Lucas and Elliot, wondering if she should have stayed with them instead.

Eventually, they reached a door. "This is the Harmonic Chamber, do you want to go in?" Isabella asked.

"Sure!" Leopold responded as he began to open the door. He's only been to this special place once or twice, and it was when he was young, too young to remember much of it.

As Leopold stepped inside, his eyes widened at the sight of the grand piano that dominated the room. The chamber was elegant, with tall windows that allowed streams of sunlight to spill onto the polished wooden floors. The walls were adorned with delicate tapestries, and the air carried a faint, lingering note of music, as if the room itself held onto the echoes of past performances.

A piano, huh? It reminds me of a certain someone from Cheveralie...

"Would you play something for me?" Leopold asked, his voice smooth as silk. "I've heard you're quite talented."

I remember hearing once she had a piano teacher, I've been curious ever since.

"I don’t know... I haven't been practicing my playing that often lately." Isabella hesitated, her fingers brushing against the keys.

Leopold leaned against the piano, watching her closely. "I'd consider it an honor. Besides, music is meant to be shared, don’t you think?"

Isabella finally nodded, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. She sat down on the piano bench, her fingers gently touching the keys. After a moment's pause, she began to play. The music filled the room, each note delicate and precise, as if she was pouring her emotions into the melody.

In the quiet morning light, in this special room within the vastness of Devereaux Hall, it was just the two of them.

Time seemed to stretch and still, as Leopold watched Isabella, feeling as though this moment could last forever.

Leopold admired the way her fingers danced across the keys, her concentration evident in every movement. But as he listened, his thoughts wandered. Isabella was captivating, that much was certain.

Having her by my side as I rule the Duchy... What a wonderful ending that would be...

As if on cue, the door to the Harmonic Chamber slowly creaked open, and Devin entered. His eyes immediately found Isabella, lingering just a little too long as she played. He was clearly surprised to see her and Leopold here.

That boy, Clarisse's younger brother... Is he also...?

Leopold's eyes flicked to Devin, a smirk forming on his lips. It was clear as day—just like Lucas and Elliot, this boy was completely taken by Isabella. It amused him, the way she seemed to draw everyone in, almost without trying.

"Ah, Devin, was it?" Leopold asked, his tone laced with an undercurrent of mockery. "Just what are you doing here?"

Isabella, now sensing another presence, stopped playing and turned to see Devin standing in the doorway, curiosity in her eyes as well.

"O-Oh! My bad! I’m sorry!" Devin stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I heard the piano and came to see who was playing. I didn’t mean to intrude."

Isabella offered a gentle, warm smile. "It’s okay, Devin. You can stay if you like."

Leopold's eyes narrowed slightly as he resisted the urge to roll them. He had hoped for some time alone with Isabella.

Part of Devin wanted to take the offer and stay, but he could feel Leopold's glares, and plus after his last conversation with Leopold in the carriage that day, Devin didn't want to be around him.

"Thank you, Lady Isabella, but I should go." Devin said quickly. "Besides, I already had the pleasure of hearing you play not too long ago, haha!" He added as a jab at Leopold before making his leave.

Isabella played...the piano for him?!

Leopold was not pleased about learning that, but he forced a smile on his face as he turned to look at Isabella.

"Your playing was truly exquisite, Isabella." He said, his voice warm, yet his eyes flickered with something else—something calculating.

"You really think so? Thank you." Isabella responded, ever kind.

Leopold studied her for a moment longer, wondering why she would play the piano for a mere servant like Devin. The thought of it irked him, but he forced his irritation aside, maintaining his charming facade.

"Of course, Isabella. It was a pleasure to listen to you play." He said, standing up and offering a slight bow. "But I must take my leave now. I look forward to our next meeting at lunch."

Isabella smiled politely as he left the room, unaware of the storm of thoughts brewing in his mind.

----------------------------------------

As Leopold walked the corridors back to his room, his thoughts turned to Devin.

The mere idea of Isabella playing for someone so beneath her, a servant no less! How dare he presume to share in something so intimate? Who does he think he is?!

Leopold’s annoyance sharpened into a vindictive edge, and it was then he thought of Devin’s sister, Clarisse.

Yes, I'll have her pay me a visit in my room again and again, if only to spite him. Doesn't hurt she's a pretty woman as well. I'll make sure he finds out.

As Leopold reached the door to his room, he paused for a second.

"Haha... Look at me being jealous." He found this situation almost amusing, it was unusual for him to care enough about a girl to feel jealousy this way.

"Isabella, you really are one wicked girl for having four men under your spell like this, do you know that?"

But I can't judge you, not me, as I'm no saint. I'm... closer to being a demon, actually.

No, maybe I'm already one.

Leopold opened the door to his room and went in, a cold smile on his face.

A wicked girl and a demon... We really are meant to be.