After witnessing Leon’s grand performance in the Astral-Tale library, Eula stumbled upon a few things that she was never able to understand.
The first, of course, was how easily Leon knew most of the stuff about Lumina.
This wasn’t much, as Eula had brushed it off, thinking that he must have gotten info about her from somewhere.
But, the most important question was...
"Why did you hide your powers all this time? And what specific reason was for you to reveal it now of all times?"
Leon’s eyes widened slightly. He didn’t expect her to ask that so directly.
He leaned back on the couch, taking a quiet breath before replying
"That’s a long question, but the answer’s simple."
Leon paused then answered.
"I didn’t hide it. I just didn’t use it."
It’s neither a truth, nor a lie. Leon didn’t know himself what the old Leon did to deserve this outcome he was in.
All he knew was that something happened to the guy, which forced him to take his place.
To his puzzled answer, Eula frowned.
"That doesn’t make sense. People don’t forget power like that."
Leon looked at her calmly. "I never said I forgot. I said I didn’t use it."
Her eyes narrowed. "And why now?"
Leon thought for a moment. "Because I had to. That’s all."
"That’s not good enough," Eula said.
Leon gave a short shrug. "It’ll have to be."
The room fell quiet for a few seconds.
A soft fabric sound echoed, as Eula crossed her arms.
"From what I see, you let yourself be exposed purposefully. You want to shift someone’s attention to you... isn’t it right?"
Leon stayed quiet, as he looked at her unblinking.
Eula grinned before saying, "...but, I was thinking who that person was whom you wanted to gain attention that badly."
"..."
Eula studied him, raising her eyebrow, she asked once again. "So you’re not going to tell me."
"I could," Leon said, "but you wouldn’t believe me. And even if you did, I wouldn’t be able to explain it properly."
Because he didn’t know either. There’s too many questions which was linked to this.
She let out a small breath, half amused, half irritated.
"You know, the way you talk, it almost sounds like you don’t fully understand what you did either."
"..."
’Man she’s a quick one.’ He thought, almost coughing.
Seeing him silent, once again, Eula didn’t force it further.
"Let’s leave it at that. But keep that in mind..." Eula shot him a glare, ""I don’t like my members to keep secrets."
Leon looked at her unmoving. "And you aren’t?"
Her lips curved slightly.
"Fair."
Leon stood up, walking toward the small cabinet before dining table.
"Let’s leave it at that. I did what I had to do. Nothing more. You keep your secrets, and I keep mine, but let me tell you something..."
He glanced at her, pausing. "My intentions are to harm you or any of your members."
Eula’s eyes widened after so many years.
But before she could reply or react further, Leon broke the silence.
"You want your tea sweet?" he asked casually, already reaching for the kettle.
"Hm?" Eula blinked, then sighed. "No sugar."
Leon froze for a moment. "What? You want tea with no sugar?"
He turned his head halfway, disbelief written all over his face.
"At that point, just drink warm water and squeeze a lemon in it."
Eula gave a small laugh through her nose.
"It tastes weird, I know. But I can’t tolerate much sugar."
"Then why even drink it?" Leon muttered as he poured the water on two glass cups..
"It keeps me awake," she said simply, like that explained everything.
Leon narrowed his eyes in a mock judgmental stare. "Just drink coffee, then."
Eula leaned back, brushing her hair aside. "No, those taste bitter."
Leon rolled his eyes before he opened a jar that Myra usually used to pour him the tea.
Eula glanced at his back, a faint smile tugged her lips.
Closing her eyes, she softly said.
"Leon, I know you are trying to help us, but I have to doubt you with the amount of secrets you are hiding."
Leon didn’t answer, he just glanced at her, and smiled. As if saying: ’Glad you got it.’
Myra always kept a jug of warm water on the counter, and Leon used it to make two cups of tea.
He could already tell from Eula’s face that she wasn’t done questioning him.
Carrying both cups carefully, he turned around and walked toward her.
"Thanks," Eula said softly as she took one cup from his hand.
Leon sat back down on the couch across from her.
Eula held the cup with both hands, her fingers brushing against the curve as she lifted it closer to her lips. She blew lightly over the surface, taking a moment to inhale the faint aroma before sipping.
"Mhm... oh my," she said, her tone lightening in surprise. She looked at Leon with wide eyes
"This is really good."
Leon nodded slightly, accepting the praise. "Glad you like it, Princess."
He took a sip of his own and paused.
’Damn... I made this?’ he thought, then quickly corrected himself. ’No, it’s the tea leaves. Definitely the tea leaves.’
Eula leaned back against the couch, letting out a quiet sigh.
It was almost uncharacteristic of her—casual, relaxed, and oddly at ease for someone of her status.
Leon didn’t mind.
It was probably the wedding banquet that tired her up.
"Hm?" She caught him staring.
A second later, she straightened her posture, as well as her expression turning blank.
"Ah, my apologies. I didn’t mean to act rude."
Leon quickly waved it off. "No, I don’t mind. Sit however you please."
"Really?" she asked.
"Really."
"Then don’t mind if I do."
Without a hint of hesitation, Eula pulled one leg up on the sofa and reclined slightly, holding her cup with a lazy grace that looked far too natural.
Leon blinked.
"..."
’What the hell?’
Before he could even guess, she spoke.
"So," she said casually, taking another sip, "how’s your relationship with Rinna going? Did she say sorry yet?"
Leon nearly choked on his tea.
"Excuse me?"