Surfien maintained his bowed posture for a brief moment before lifting his gaze more carefully, analyzing the situation without haste. Rebecca's presence beside Leon did not go unnoticed, but he showed no exaggerated reaction, only registering the information and adjusting his stance. His experience was already enough to understand that if Leon had brought her there, then that decision had already been made and there was no room for questioning at that moment.
'I thought it would be Miss Elara, but his eyes…'
He noticed that Leon had something different when looking at her, something that left him slightly unsettled. Rebecca stepped out of the carriage with his assistance, maintaining a composed posture even after the sudden change of environment. Her eyes quickly scanned the surrounding area, identifying the organization of the space, the presence of guards, and the pattern of discipline that remained even outside of combat. It was a functional place, without unnecessary excess, something that matched the type of leadership Leon demonstrated.
"Future wife…"
Surfien repeated in a low tone, more as confirmation of what he had heard than as an actual question. Then, he made a slight bow, accepting the information without prolonging the matter.
"Welcome to House Solfyr"
Rebecca inclined her head slightly in response, without losing composure. Her gaze returned to Leon for a moment before following his movement toward the mansion entrance. As they walked, she noticed every detail; it had been some time since she had been in a noble house of that level.
"A very beautiful place"
"It was rebuilt from scratch after a problem we had, so my subordinates improved it"
"They are good subordinates then"
[I hate her]
Ignoring the system, Leon accompanied Rebecca to the entrance. Some knights passed by, bowing, casting discreet glances toward Rebecca, but no one interrupted their path. Leon's presence was enough to prevent any questioning at that moment.
"Have the others already returned?"
"Yes, Knigrave is already inside, and Trevon arrived shortly before you, my lord"
"And the general condition?"
"No serious damage to the Solfyr knights, only the regular house knights are truly injured, but they are already under Lady Jirena's care"
Rebecca observed the exchange of information between Leon and Surfien. She was already beginning to understand the structure around him, the way orders were given and executed without the need for constant reinforcement. That made it clear his knights were above the ordinary.
'These knights are far above those of my house… I wonder if the maids are like this too? Now that I am Lady Solfyr, I will need many'
They continued walking until reaching a more reserved area of the mansion, where the flow of people was lower. Leon stopped for a moment and partially turned toward her.
"This is where my room is, so you will sleep nearby, at least until we marry. For now, I will have your room prepared"
"I expected as much, and there's no need to rush. I can prepare my room myself, I just need some maids"
"Alright. Surfien, call some maids to prepare her room"
"Yes, my lord"
Surfien responded without hesitation and left immediately, maintaining his usual controlled pace. Rebecca followed his movement for a moment before turning her gaze back to the interior of the mansion, now analyzing the space more calmly since they were no longer in constant motion. The structure was larger than it seemed from the outside, with wide corridors, well-distributed lighting, and an organization that, to her, was perfect.
"Do you intend to organize everything yourself?"
"I prefer to adjust some things personally"
Rebecca replied simply, already thinking about space distribution, the number of people needed, and how to reorganize the area to better suit her needs. Even having just arrived, her mind was already structuring changes.
"I don't like depending entirely on others"
"That's good, it just proves I chose correctly"
"Stop that…"
Rebecca turned her head to the side while Leon nodded slightly. It was not only that body's heart beating for the woman in front of him—Enrico himself had gained a new perspective on her.
'I can't wait to marry her'
[Stop, you're making me want to vomit]
'Sorry, but you'll have to endure it'
Shortly after, two maids approached along with Surfien, both maintaining a lowered posture as they stopped at a respectful distance. Their eyes quickly passed over Rebecca before returning to the floor. Leon slightly raised his arm in their direction.
"These are the most experienced available at the moment"
Rebecca observed the two carefully, evaluating posture, behavior, and basic signs of discipline. It didn't take long for her to decide—they were clearly good at what they did.
"You two will assist me for now"
Their response came immediately and without hesitation. Rebecca took a few steps forward, indicating she would follow them. Before fully leaving, she looked back at Leon.
"I'll organize the room and then return"
"No need, it's better to rest after this"
She held his gaze for a second longer before nodding slightly. He was right—after being in that dump, it was better to use all this comfort for proper rest, something she hadn't had in a long time. Rebecca followed the maids down the corridor, her steps firm as she began giving instructions in a low tone about organization, cleaning, and basic preparation of the space. Even in that short time, her posture had subtly changed, assuming the role she intended to occupy from then on.
'Good, now…'
Leon remained in the same place for a few seconds after she left. The environment became quieter, and the influence of her ability was still present, though weaker due to the increasing distance. He brought his hand to his chin for a moment, assessing his own condition.
[Your condition is working, but it seems this body is trying to resist this new feeling]
'It will have to get used to it, because I won't let the feelings for Elara take control again'
His gaze shifted down the corridor before returning to normal. Control over his own body was still not complete, but it had improved compared to what happened with Elara. That indicated the chosen method might work over time.
"I'll go to my room"
"Understood"
Surfien responded beside him, returning to position after organizing the maids' arrival. Leon began walking again, leaving the area as his mind continued analyzing the next steps. As he left, two figures appeared in the corridor, running toward Surfien and catching him by surprise.
"Who is that damn woman?"
"Leon is really going to get married?"
These were Knigrave and Trevon. One had a threatening dark red aura, while the other had a curious expression, with a hint of amusement at having found something interesting to comment on with the other knights.
"First of all, she is not a damn woman, Knight Knigrave, and second, use 'lord' in your words, Trevon"
"Tsk"
"I heard that sound from both of you, you bunch of bastards"