From Grace to Control
Leon studied her for a heartbeat longer than necessary, as if weighing not just her abilities… but her place among them all.
"You understand nobility," Leon said, his tone calm, deliberate.
He took a step closer, just enough to lower his voice slightly—turning the words from a declaration into something more personal.
"Not just its beauty… but its arrogance."
Lira's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I've lived in it long enough," she replied, almost lightly—though there was history behind those words. Experience. Scars that didn't show.
From the side, Rias leaned slightly toward Mia, her crimson hair shifting as she whispered under her breath, "Listen to that… she sounds like she's about to tame a pack of wolves."
Mia gave a small, nervous glance toward Lira before whispering back, "She probably can…"
Leon caught none of it—or perhaps he did and simply chose not to react.
He nodded once.
