Dinner with Guest.
The heavy study doors closed softly behind Rias and Tsubaki, shutting the room up in warmth, quiet intimacy.
Leon relaxed slightly in his chair, extending his arms for a mont before resuming his concentration on the stack of papers still claiming his attention.
Aria, not being asked, slid neatly onto his lap.
He gave her a swift, laughing glance — but did not speak.
Instead, his arms reflexively went around her waist, holding her in as he got back to his work.
And the hours passed.
Aria reads each docunt into quiet attention, her voice a soft but stern strand running through the thick hush of the room. Leon listened, making quick corrections, signing letters, issuing orders—all with her sitting on his lap like a living weight.
The afternoon unspooled gradually, and as the sun sank lower in the sky, a warm golden light filled the study. It ran out onto the buffed floors and up the walls, bathing the shelves of books and parchnt in soft orange and honeyed tones.
The somber weight of obligation gradually yielded to sothing more gradual, more languorous, as evening enveloped them.
Finally, signing the last scroll with a soft breath, he whispered, "That’s enough for today."
Aria let out with him, exhaling, sensing the tightness of the day release at last from her chest. "Okay... Leon."
His na on her lips like a whisper. Safe. Peaceful.
But before she could, Leon’s arms wrapped around her waist tightly, holding her back. "Where do you think you’re going, Aria?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
She raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Leon... your job’s done. That implies we leave the study, yes?"
"I know," he whispered, nuzzling the side of her neck. "But..."
"But?" she repeated, voice wary.
He smiled against her skin. "I’ve been a good husband. Focused. Responsible. Don’t I deserve a small reward for my diligence?"
Before she could speak, both hands moved up—firm but teasing. They cradled her breasts with a gentle squeeze that had her arching slightly, a soft moan escaping her lips against her will.
She exhaled a small, breathless moan. "Leon—w-what are you doing?"
Loving my wife," he answered smoothly.
She flushed red. He kissed her neck—light, teasing kisses that moved up her neck. Then he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper only she could hear:
"I was very patient today. Very diligent."
He ran the tip of his nose along the edge of her ear.
"Don’t you think I deserve a good reward. perhaps one I can taste?"
And then, out of the blue, his lips captured hers. It wasn’t soft—it was deep, hungry. His tongue invited hers, inviting her into a wet, sensual kiss that left them both panting. Their mouths danced together, slow but ravenous, tongues twisting with increasing heat.
When they finally parted, a gossar bridge of saliva held their lips together. Her chest was heaving. So was his.
You are beyond belief sexy when your face gets like that," Leon breathed into her mouth.
Half-laughed, half-panting. "S-Stop teasing ... let’s go."
Hard swallow, half-closed eyes, and breathed, "S-Stop teasing..."
"Not teasing," he told her, his grin wider. "Admiring."
It took a concerted effort, but she edged off his lap, standing suddenly, even if her legs trembled a bit still. She smoothed out her gown with both hands, struggling to compose.
Leon sat back in his chair, observing her with admiration.
She flashed him a look, part flustered, part fond. He stood as well, smoothing out his robe. Then he held out his hand.
He observed with that wicked grin. "Now, let’s go."
She accepted his hand with a snort, but her fingers clamped his a little harder.
As the two stepped out of the study, they were t by the figure of a sweet-looking maid standing politely in the doorway. Her cheeks flushed a gentle pink as she heard voice from study and She bowed hastily. "Greetings, Lord Duke. Greetings, Lady."
Aria stopped, eyebrow raised. "Lady?"
She cocked her head, recognizing the child. It was Lilyn, one of the older housemaids—one who had always addressed her as ’Miss’ before.
Why are you calling ’lady’ now?" Aria asked softly.
The maid stiffened. "It is the command of Young Miss Rias. She told us that from today on, all the servants are to call you properly ’Lady Aria’ and regard you as the official lady of the house."
Aria blinked, taken aback. "Rias said that?" she said with a nod, "Okay then... thank you.
Leon laughed softly to the side of her, obviously reveling in the shock. My little demon works good. that deserves a treat later, he considered.
Aria nodded ever so slightly, still looking a bit flustered. "O-Okay, then. but why were you standing here?"
The maid cleared her throat politely. "Young Miss Rias also asked to deliver a ssage to you as soon as you had finished with the study."
Aria tipped her head to the side. "And what is that ssage?"
The maid blushed again, stealing a quick glance at Leon. ""Miss Rias has arranged for all your belongings to be moved to the Lord’s chamber. You’re no longer to use your old room. Her words were: ’She’s, his wife. She belongs by his side now.’"
Leon gave a satisfied nod.
Aria looked stunned. "W-What? But—"
The maid held up her hands quickly. "I was told to say this too: if Lady Aria tries to argue... she is to close her mouth and follow instructions."
Aria opened her mouth, then promptly shut it.
"...Fine," she said finally, and Leon chuckled under his breath.
"Thank you, Lilyn," Leon said with a nod. "You may go."
The maid bowed again, then darted away—snatching one final bashful look at Leon on the way.
Aria was still in stunned silence when Leon leaned in and whispered, "Don’t think too hard, love. Co on."
He pulled on her hand, and they went together into the master chambers. It was an odd feeling—a lifeti of silent affection and secret love, all officially recognized. Public. Official. When they arrived at his room—their room now—Leon handed over a towel. "Freshen up before dinner."
Inside, Leon invited her to let her freshen up before dinner. She nodded; still bursting with a thousand little feelings.
Later, when both of them got dressed and awake, a light knock sounded on the chamber door.
"Lord Duke," was called by the voice of yet another maid. "Dinner is served. Young Miss Rias and Lady Tsubaki are waiting for you and Lady Aria in the dining room."
Leon glared at Aria, and then smiled.
"Shall we, Lady Moonwalker?"
She reddened once again... but she smiled back as well. "Let’s go, Leon."
Hand in hand, they ventured into the night—together.
--------
As they stepped into the dining room, they were t by the vision of a long, gleaming table covered in deep violet and silver—the colors of their family. The room was softly lit, the golden light casting a warm glow upon the refined room. Two won sat close to the middle—Rias and Tsubaki—talking in hushed tones.
Tsubaki no longer stood in her immaculate armor. Instead, she donned a flowing white robe that fell smoothly on her resilient yet refined form. Her jet-black hair, loose now, flowed down the length of her back like silk, providing an exquisite contrast against her robe and porcelain complexion. Her obsidian eyes, peaceful yet watchful, were less rigid in this instance—more human, less the unbreakable knight.
Rias, ever vibrant, wore a crimson evening dress that mirrored her fiery hair and the glint in her eyes. The two chatted lightly—discussing a shared mory from the capital, sothing about Lira’s old pet falcon that once attacked a servant’s wig by mistake—until footsteps echoed from the hall.
Their conversation stopped as Aria and Leon entered together.
"Daddy!" Rias stood with a beaming smile. "Sister Aria, you’re finally here."
Tsubaki stood up imdiately, bowing slightly toward Leon. "Lord Duke."
Leon waved a hand with a soft but firm smile. "Miss Tsubaki, take it easy. You don’t need to greet every ti we cross paths."
Tsubaki blinked, lips parting slightly as if to object—but then paused.
"I thank you for your courtesy," Leon said, "but I don’t much care for such niceties under my own roof. we’re having dinner together, not conducting a war council. Please... let’s make it easy."
There was sothing in the way he spoke—kind, straightforward, human. Not as a duke, but as a man who prized simplicity over form.
Tsubaki could feel a slight heat flower in her chest. "As you please," she replied, her voice low but genuine.
Rias smiled from beside her. "Daddy’s right. He dislikes the formal one. Makes him irritable."
Leon snickered under his breath. "Just so."
Tsubaki smiled slightly as she resud her seat. "Very well, Lord Leon."
Leon sat at the head of the table, and Aria sat to his right.
Tsubaki, across from Aria, couldn’t help but look at her. For years, she’d known Aria only as the head maid of the manor—strict, elegant, dutiful. And now... sitting at the table, next to the Duke, being treated as his equal...
There was sothing not quite right. But it wasn’t sothing she needed to question.
Just then, the doors opened and a pair of maids entered, each carrying large, ornate trays. The scent of roasted herbs and spices filled the room instantly.
This evening’s supper was an impressive feast—obviously put together with added special attention to the visitor. Roast pheasant in honey glaze and wild herb garnishes, steaming loaves of just-baked bread, heaped bowls of cooked rice spiced with mushroom slices and shaving of truffle, buttered leaf greens, and a hearty stew filled with root vegetables at tender stage and venison were presented before them. A cold moonblossom wine was opened and poured over crystal glasses for all.
Leon faced Tsubaki after sipping so wine. "Tell ," he said, "are you at ease here? All to your taste?"
She gazed back at him, taken aback by the personal inquiry. "Yes. Very much."
He nodded. "Good. I want you to be comfortable. This house too is your house tonight.
And during dinner Leon inquired about capital situation an upcoming ceremony. And she provides answer of his question, as rias and aria finish eating their food listing both words
Finally, after the plates had been cleared and wine glasses drained, Tsubaki rose from her seat and bowed—not quite so stiffly this ti. "Thank you for the dinner, Lord Duke. It was... lovely."
Leon flipped a hand away. "No more thanks, please. You’re a guest. Just sit back and enjoy yourself."
Her breath ca out, almost sounding like a chuckle—but only a nod rewarded him. "Then I rest. Young Miss Rias," she addressed the redhead, "we ride with dawn. Be ready at dawn’s first light."
Rias rose, also nodding in a smile. "I will. Don’t worry, I’m a noble, not a slug."
Tsubaki indulged in one final small smile before bowing slightly once more. "Then... goodnight." She headed for the door.
Leon motioned to one of the maids standing nearby, who promptly stepped forward and escorted Tsubaki in silence to her room.
Once the doors closed behind her, only the three of them were left.
Once the door had closed behind them, only three were left.
Leon exhaled a deep breath, rolling his neck. "Okay, you two. Early to bed now. We’ll be rising early tomorrow."
Both won nodded.
Rias yawned softly. "Yeah, you’re right. Early to bed and Early to rise..."
Aria just stood up, already walking beside Leon quietly.
With nothing further to be said, the three departed the dining room as one—entering the halls that would soon bear new tales, new goodbyes, and the first hints of change.
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