Supreme Spouse System.-Chapter 8: An Invitation of Power

An Invitation of Power

The hallway was immense—great enough to resound with the beat of his footsteps and yet still quiet enough to envelop them in royal stillness. Highly polished obsidian floors seemed to stretch on forever under a vaulted ceiling where intricate silver etchings of moons and wolves danced. Gilded crescent-moon-shaped chandeliers cast golden light upon the velvet-draped walls and the stained-glass windows that splashed soft colour across the floor.

His golden eyes gulped the loveliness and potency chiseled into every block of the mansion. So... this is my house. The Moonwalker Estate. The title itself tolled with significance—noble, old, feared.

He had not noticed it until now. When he transmigrated into this world last night, he had walked past the bedchamber. Up until now, he had stayed in his own room, drinking in the memories of the old Leon Moonwalker, memorizing the names, the locations, the history which now belonged to him. And most importantly, he had bonded further with the little girl who referred to him as Father.

His golden eyes darted from work to work—oil portraits of the former Dukes, intricately decorated suits of armour shown off in alcoves, a mirror stretching floor to ceiling, framed in sapphire. Such things didn't exist in his world. No magic. No noble blood. No legacy. But this... this was his. And yet now, strolling these halls, he didn't feel like a fake. He walked like the rightful owner of this inheritance. Because I am. He strode with the confidence of a Duke, shoulders back, steps deliberate. Yet in his mind, he felt a curious blend of pride and dreamlike wonder.

This life... is mine now.

By his side marched Aria, his head maid, her footsteps as silent as moonlight. She would occasionally look at him through her lashes, her violet eyes catching brief glimpses of his sharp features, the gentle swaying of his dark hair with every step. A light blush spread over her pale cheeks. But Leon did not see—his mind lost in remembrance and wordless admiration for the grandeur of the estate.

After a few turns—left, then right, then another left—they came to a large black door marked by the Moonwalker crest. Leon paused. He didn't hesitate or look confused. The path had come to him naturally. This is my study, he thought.

The memories inherited by the former Leon were keen. He found his way around the mansion to be akin to strolling through a house he had lived in all his life, although he had only just arrived in that body yesterday.

He opened the door.

The duke's study was lavish.

A high window behind the central desk poured warm light over mahogany floors. Dark velvet curtains the colour of midnight hung about the glass. High bookshelves that were filled to the brim with books stood against the walls—old, leather-bound books of history, magic, politics. A great silver-and-black desk dominated the center, inscribed with symbols of the Moonwalker family. Against the right wall, a sword hung above a cabinet full of precious scrolls. The air was filled with the smell of parchment and tea.

And calmly sitting in front of the desk, drinking tea, was a middle-aged man.

He was dressed in formal navy robes trimmed with silver—badge of the Crown's peace envoy. His silver locks were pulled back tightly, and his dark eyes, piercing and serene, fell on Leon as the door slowly opened.

He sprang up at once and turned with a respectful bow.

"Duke Leon Moonwalker," the man bowed respectfully, his voice rich and steady.

Leon's gaze narrowed slightly, but he remained calm. The inherited memories verified it—this was Sir Harven, the royal messenger of peace. A man the old Leon had seen several times at court in the past.

Leon gave a slight nod, the edge of his lip curling upward in regal recognition. He moved forward and sat behind the desk, waving politely with one hand. "Be seated."

Harven nodded and sat again, resting his hands on top of his lap. Standing behind Leon, Aria remained quietly, her posture straight and respectful, yet her presence warm—like a flame that burns steadfastly behind him.

"Your Grace," Harven said, "His Majesty the King has invited you."

Leon arched an eyebrow, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Oh?"

From beneath his robe, Harven produced a sealed letter—dark paper stamped with silver. A wax crescent moon seal indicated it was authentic.

Leon took the letter, tracing his thumb over the royal crest.

The Moon... he thought to himself. So, the King summons.

He broke the seal and opened the letter.

The handwriting was flowing and beautiful:

"To the Esteemed Duke of Moonwalker House,

By command of His Majesty King Aurelian Moonlight, you are commanded to attend the Grand Coming-of-Age Ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Princess Lira Moonlight, to be celebrated precisely one month from now at the royal palace in Moonspire.

Your attendance is not merely requested... it is required.

May the Moon smile upon your journey.

—By Royal Decree.

Leon breathed slowly, eyes narrowing.

Princess Lira... sole heir to the throne.

The Moonstone Kingdom's gem. And her ritual... it's no common ritual. It's one for a whole kingdom, honored like a festival.

He folded the letter carefully, looking up to see Harven regarding him with a soft smile.

"A surprise invitation, maybe?" Harven whispered.

Leon's lips bent into a small smirk. "A strange one."

He paused, then folded the letter up neatly and set it on his desk. "Very well. I shall be there. On time."

Harven bowed respectfully. "Then I shall notify His Majesty. Thank you for your time, Duke Leon. May the Moonlight watch over you."

Leon nodded, his face impassive. "Pass on my thanks to His Majesty for the invitation."

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Harven stood up and departed, fading away behind the doors.

As the door closed, silence once again descended upon the room—rich, pensive.

Leon settled back into his chair, tapping a single finger on the armrest.

If I were to assume leadership of the Moonstone Kingdom. this could be the ideal opening. One lone princess. one kingdom with no male heir.

His mind raced—plotting, perilous, fascinated.

And then—whispered—

"My Lord," Aria's voice reminded, bringing him back.

He turned, eyes landing on the Purple-haired beauty, standing poised as a vision at dawn.

He smiled softly. "Yes?"

Her cheeks flushed again at his look. "Before you start your duties... would you care for breakfast?"

He blinked, caught off guard. In the pace of things, he had in fact forgotten.

".I've not eaten," he mumbled.

Aria smiled. "Shall I bring you fruit and tea here?"

"That would be ideal," he responded, his voice smoother now. "Thank you, Aria."

She curtsied, her silver hair flowing over her shoulders in a gleaming curtain of silk, and then moved away from the room toward the door. As she stepped away, Leon's eyes followed—helpless to do otherwise.

Her hips moved with elegance under the restricting fabric of her uniform. Each step was poetry, each movement a taunt. For an instant, he imagined how those hips would feel under his grasp.

And then—

[Ding!]

A sharp mechanical bell chimed within his mind.

[System Alert: New Mission Issued]

[Mission Triggered: Fuck Aria – Head Maid of House Moonwalker]

[Objective: Make Aria Completely Yours]

[Reward: Scent of Arousal, +20 Black Points]

[Warning: Failure in Mission will lead to disabling of Touch of Charm]

[Time Limit: 20 Days]

Leon almost choked on his thoughts.

What the f—?

He sat up a little straighter, eyes widening ever so slightly, heart pounding not from fear—but excitement. The system... had just assigned him a mission once more. And his second target... was Aria.

She's beautiful... loyal, warm, and tantalizingly near. I was already planning on claiming her as my own. Slowly... thoroughly. The system simply validated what I already planned on doing.

He exhaled slowly, his golden eyes sparkled with growing hunger.

And he thin now... the system tells me 20 days? I won't take that long.

A slow, perilous smile crept over his lips.

A smile that whispered of conquest.

Of control.

Of what was to come.