Leo stepped outside, dressed in a light-blue cargo outfit fastened with white buttons.
Her boots crunched softly against the road as she passed through the slums. The sun hung low in the sky, turning its light gentle, almost golden. A cool evening wind brushed past, carrying fallen leaves that danced in the air. Birds chirped from the treetops, filling the silence with fleeting songs.
Her steps carried her toward Ceira's place, a grove known for its endless trees.
"Will he really come here…?" Leo muttered under her breath as she entered the deeper part of the forest.
The ground was carpeted with leaves—yellow, green, and red. Sunlight broke through the canopy in fractured rays. Her golden eyes softened with a faint sadness as she walked, memories tugging at her heart.
"Those days…"
She stopped near a clearing. A flash of the past flickered in her mind—her original self, Estrella, sparring here with a yellow-haired adventurer boy clad in light armor, and a girl in a mage's robe wielding a staff. Their laughter filled the air.
A faint smile touched Leo's lips.
"That time… really was golden for us."
She took a breath and walked further. Soon, she saw him—Leo [Pride], sitting silently on the ground. Before him rested a small grave, covered with fallen leaves and flowers.
"Leo…" she called out, her voice nervous.
Leo [Pride] turned at the sound. His sharp golden eyes were clouded with sorrow.
"Oh, you came. I almost forgot… we had a conversation to finish."
Leo stepped closer, eyes fixed on the grave. "Whose grave is this?"
He exhaled slowly, gaze heavy as he looked back at the mound.
"The person who once was… my star." His voice was low, weighed with grief.
"Star…?" Leo whispered, her eyes widening.
Her breath caught.
"Haah—!! You mean… Estrella!?"
"Yes." His fist clenched tightly, rage flickering across his face. "That's her grave. My star… the one who left me."
"Left? You mean… you killed her too?" Leo asked, her voice trembling.
His eyes shot wide in shock as he glared at her.
"Kill? Of course not! Why would I ever kill her!? Why would you even say that!?"
Leo lowered her head, shame filling her voice. "…Because in my timeline… I killed Estrella."
"What!?" Leo [Pride] roared, jolting to his feet, disbelief etched across his face.
"Yes… I know. I was consumed by greed. I wanted her holy power. I understand how vile I was then… how much evil I carried." Her fists tightened, her eyes burning with regret.
Silence fell. The wind stirred, scattering leaves between them. Slowly, Leo [Pride] sat back down, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"…So we both carry punishment for our sins."
Leo sank down beside him, her gaze steady.
"I heard from Battler… that you were cursed. Something happened to you in the past, didn't it?"
Leo [Pride] closed his eyes, his head lowering. Then he opened them again, staring at Estrella's grave with heavy silence.
"Elizabeth also told me… you once had a soft side. Can't you tell me? We're the same person, aren't we?" Leo pressed, a hint of irritation in her voice.
His eyes shifted to her, cold and disgusted.
"No. We're not the same. You're just an ass body now."
"Oii!! Stop calling me that!!" Leo snapped, her face scrunched in frustration.
"I also once liked you! And I was once the strongest, too—hmph!" she huffed, crossing her arms with a small pout.
For a moment, Leo [Pride] simply watched her. Then, with a calm breath, he turned his gaze to the sky.
"Good, then," he murmured with a faint, almost tender smirk.
Leo[Pride] rose slowly, plucking a leaf from Estrella's grave. He turned it over between his fingers, then crushed it tightly in his fist. Leo stood nearby, watching silently, curiosity flickering in her golden eyes.
"I lost her… because of me. Because of my mistake," Leo[Pride] said, voice heavy with regret.
"Your… mistake?" Leo asked softly.
"Yes. My mistake." His gaze met hers, burning with fury but drowning in grief.
[Flashback]
The mansion gates loomed tall. An eighteen-year-old Leo[Pride] stood ready, a massive sword strapped to his back, his black-and-green adventurer's clothes bristling with restless energy. He stepped forward with confidence—
"Leo!!"
The voice stopped him. Estrella ran toward him, panic etched across her face.
" What's wrong, Estrella?"
Leo[Pride] asked. He turned around to Estrella.
"Are you leaving alone!? It's too dangerous to fight like that!" she cried, grabbing his hand.
He smirked, brushing off her fear. "Don't worry. I can handle it. I'm strong enough."
Estrella's expression paled. Her grip on his hand tightened.
But he only leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Leo—!" she gasped, blushing hard, confusion flashing in her eyes.
He grinned, turned, and left—never realizing that confidence would cost him everything.