The morning sun poured over the land, spilling golden light over every corner. Outside, Leo stood beside Leo[Pride], their figures framed against the pale brilliance of dawn.
Leo's armor caught the light — a pristine white tunic-style leather armor trimmed with sleek black outlines. Black shoulder guards with white leather, connected by a complex strap system across her chest. A flowing white cape billowed softly behind her. Her left hand wore a black glove, the other bare, fingers curled gently over the hilts of twin swords strapped to her waist.
Beside her, Leo[Pride] stood in a black coat trimmed with gleaming golden stripes, the edges falling like a warrior's jacket. His presence radiated calm control.
Before them, Elizabeth and Battler stood close, tension written across their faces.
"So… you're saying you'll leave us?" Elizabeth asked, her voice tight with worry.
Leo[Pride] responded casually, his tone smooth yet firm. "Yeah. I have to. I promised Leo I'd help her."
Elizabeth's gaze flicked between them. "I see… then what about us? What should we do now?" Battler stepped forward, voice measured yet edged with unease.
"Don't worry, just—"
Before he could finish, Leo jabbed her elbow into Leo[Pride]'s chest. Her annoyed glare spoke volumes without words.
Leo[Pride] sighed, closing his eyes. Battler and Elizabeth exchanged confused glances.
"Fine, fine," he muttered, rolling his eyes in apparent resignation.
A small, victorious smirk curled Leo's lips. "Eheh… good then!"
Leo[Pride]'s sharp gaze shifted to Battler and Elizabeth. "Well. Now you all don't have to torture or kill anyone… at least until I come back. This is an order."
"Huh!?" Both Battler and Elizabeth froze, astonished by his words.
"Hey! I told you to stop forever," Leo said with an annoyed frown, glaring at Leo[Pride].
"You should be grateful. I'm not that good of a person," he replied, arms crossing over his chest, voice low and matter-of-fact.
"Okay, boss. We understand," Battler said respectfully, bowing slightly.
Elizabeth nodded. "We'll carry out your orders."
Battler stepped closer to Leo, his face pale and expression unreadable. "So… you're leaving."
Leo looked at him, a faint but warm smile touching her lips. "Yeah. But don't worry. I'll come back… and I'll surely help you, Thales Battler."
His lips curved into a small smirk. "Hah… fine then."
Their hands met in a firm handshake — a silent pact forged between warriors.
"It's a promise." Both said in unison, their voices carrying weight.
Leo[Pride] stepped toward Elizabeth, placing a hand gently atop her head with a rare softness in his smile. "I hope you'll lead them better than I did."
Elizabeth blinked, her eyes shimmering dangerously close to tears. She wiped them away quickly, raising her head to meet him. "Yes… my boss!" Her smile was radiant, determined.
"I'm counting on you both," Leo[Pride] said, voice carrying quiet authority.
Without another word, Leo and Leo[Pride] turned toward the road ahead. Their footsteps echoed softly in the still morning air as they departed — two figures walking away into the unknown, leaving Battler and Elizabeth standing in the sunlight behind them.
The road stretched ahead under a pale morning sky. Leo[Pride] walked with his hood pulled low over his head, his face hidden in shadow. The sound of boots and voices echoed softly around them.
Humans, elves, demons, and half-bloods strolled along the cobblestone path, merchants calling out from their stalls. Small shops lined the roadside, their wares spilling into the street. Royal Guards rode past on horseback, their armor glinting in the sun as they patrolled.
"Hey… why do you cover your face like that?" Leo asked, eyes narrowing.
"Did you forget? I'm a Mafia boss," Leo[Pride] said simply.
Leo let out a tired sigh, her face twisting with disgust. "Uh… I see. Man, you really did horrible things."
"You're no saint yourself," he replied with a mocking smirk. "You're a criminal in your world too."
"Huh? Aham! Yeah… I admit it, I have no way." She crossed her arms, annoyance etched across her face.
"Hey." Leo looked up at him, expression serious.
"Yeah? What?"
"First Elizabeth seemed heartless. But now… I noticed she actually has a heart. And her expression was soft that time."
Leo[Pride] nodded slightly. "Yeah. Her past… wasn't good at all."
As they walked, curiosity flickered in Leo's voice. "Past? Did something happen to her?"
He kept his eyes ahead, voice low. "Yeah. She was a slum girl. Tortured by filthy men. Her own parents sold her when she was just five years old."
"Huh?! That's insane!! How can parents do that to their own daughter?" Leo shouted, her eyes widening in shock.
"For money, humans can do anything. That's universally true." He narrowed his eyes.
Leo frowned. "Then… how did you find her?"
"That was simple. I visited the slum. Found her lying on the ground, wounded."
[Flashback]
The red sun hung low in the evening sky. Crows circled above a battered little girl lying face-down in the dirt. Her clothes were torn, filthy; her body trembled with pain. Blood stained her skin and the ground beneath her.
Leo[Pride] approached quietly, wearing a worn blue jacket. His dark brown mullet framed his face; he looked no older than seventeen.
He knelt beside her, brushing a strand of red hair away softly. "What a pity…" he whispered, a strange sadness in his voice.
Inside a nearby slum house, a drunken man's voice rang out in anger. "Huh!? I won't sell her to you! She's mine!" His clothes were torn, his light yellow hair greasy, and his yellow eyes wild.
He grabbed Elizabeth by the arm. "Come with me, damn girl!"
"Uhh… stop it!" Elizabeth screamed, fear choking her words.
Leo[Pride]'s eyes narrowed sharply. Without hesitation, his blade flashed.
SLASH!
The man's neck split cleanly, blood spraying onto the dusty floor.
"Aghhh!!" he cried, collapsing with a heavy thud. The crimson puddle spread beneath him.
Elizabeth froze, trembling in terror.
Leo[Pride] placed a gentle hand on her head, a soft smile touching his lips. "Don't worry. All is okay now."
Elizabeth stared at him, eyes wide, before slowly reaching for his hand.