CHAPTER 39: EX 39. FAMILY DINNER

As soon as Leon stepped through the grand doors of the Kael estate, he was pulled into a fierce embrace.

"Leon!" Selena’s voice trembled slightly as she wrapped her arms tightly around her son, refusing to let go for several seconds. Then, drawing back, she cupped his face in both hands, her sharp eyes scanning him for any sign of injury. "They didn’t hurt you, did they?"

Leon gently placed his hands over hers and gave a small, reassuring smile. "No, Mom. They didn’t."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly at his words, and she smiled—but only for a moment. That soft warmth in her expression vanished as her eyes hardened like steel. "That’s good. Because someone still has to pay."

Leon didn’t respond. He knew better than to try and calm his mother when her protective instincts were stirred.

She might have been the softer half of the Kael household, but when it came to her family, her vengeance was swift and ruthless.

Off to the side, Nikko stood quietly, watching the reunion unfold. It was then that Selena finally noticed her.

The cold glint in her eyes melted away as she turned toward the girl. "Thank you so much for helping Leon. If there’s anything our family can do for you, please let us know."

Nikko waved a hand casually. "No need. I was just paying back a favor."

She then threw a playful wink toward Leon.

But Leon acted as if he hadn’t seen it.

If others witnessed the way Leon treated the daughter of the Governor, they’d probably curse him for wasting such an opportunity. After all, how could anyone ignore someone as stunning—and powerful—as Nikko Yakomoto?

But Leon had his reasons.

First of all Nikko wasn’t flirting because she liked him. No it was far from that. Instead she was acting this way out of a sense of debt, a way to balance their past.

And Leon didn’t want affection that came out of obligation.

’She hasn’t gotten over it yet,’ he thought silently.

Selena, ever perceptive, noticed the strange current between the two but chose not to comment. She didn’t care how Leon handled his love life as long as it eventually produced a grandchild she wouldn’t talk much although she would still give him small advices when the situation called for it.

"Well," Selena said with a warm smile, "we were just about to have dinner. Why don’t you join us, Nikko?"

Nikko shook her head politely. "I appreciate the offer, but I’ve been away from the capital for too long and I really need to get back."

"Dont worry about it Nikko we can have dinner together some other time."

Nikko gave a respectful nod for Selena’s understanding, then turned to Leon. "See you around, Leon."

"You too," Leon replied, his tone as neutral as ever.

As the door closed behind her, Selena glanced sideways at her son and sighed. "You should try acting warmer around her."

Leon blinked, turning to her in surprise. "But that was me being warm."

Selena shook her head slowly, half amused, half exasperated. ’Why is my son so good at everything else, but completely clueless when it comes to older women.’

She let out an exaggerated sigh and waved him off. "You should get ready for dinner your father and sister will soon be back."

Leon nodded quietly and made his way to his room, the stress of the day already beginning to melt away.

****

Nikko’s car rolled past the final checkpoint before the towering silhouette of the Federal Manor came into view. This was a sprawling estate draped in authority, where only those who bore the Governor’s bloodline could reside.

As soon as she stepped out of the vehicle, the guards on duty straightened before bowing their heads in unison.

"We greet the Federal Heir."

Nikko didn’t acknowledge them. The warm, teasing glow she wore earlier with Leon was gone—replaced by the cold, composed aura of someone raised in the shadow of absolute power. Her expression was sharper now, her stride purposeful.

Every guard, attendant, and visitor she passed greeted her with quiet reverence, stepping aside with lowered gazes.

Driving herself hadn’t diminished her status. She was still one of the Federation’s only known Supreme Talents, and everyone in this manor understood exactly what that meant.

Their respect wasn’t born purely from admiration—it was fear. The kind of fear that came from knowing the smallest offense could be fatal.

As she moved through the manor’s gilded halls, a woman in a sleek suit, glasses perched neatly on her nose and a notepad clutched in one hand, approached at a brisk pace. Nikko didn’t look at her, but spoke first.

"Sydney. What’s the problem?"

The woman adjusted her glasses with her free hand, her heels tapping quickly as she kept up.

"The Governor has requested your presence for tonight’s family dinner."

At that, Nikko finally stopped and turned, her gaze narrowing.

"Are my siblings going to be there?"

Sydney nodded. "Yes. All of them."

A quiet sigh escaped Nikko’s lips as she looked away.

"Fine. Inform them I’ll join shortly. I need to prepare first."

Sydney bowed slightly before disappearing down the corridor, leaving Nikko alone once more.

Nikko stood in silence for a moment, her thoughts swirling.

’Another fake family dinner...’

For a fleeting second, her mind wandered back to Selena’s offer. Dinner with the Kael’s would have been warmer than what she would experience with her family.

Leon’s face suddenly flashed across her mind, and without knowing it, a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Let’s get this over with."

With that, she continued down the marble hall, the cold echo of her footsteps leading her toward another carefully staged evening with her so-called family.

****

Leon stepped out of his room, freshly showered and changed. Though his enhanced stats made sweating no longer a problem, old habits died hard.

He had been wearing the same clothes since morning, and there was something calming about rinsing away the day’s weight.

A shower always helped reset his mind—especially after the kind of day he’d had.

As he entered the dining hall the long table was already set. His mother sat at the table, but she wasn’t alone.

His father, Darian, had returned from his post. And next to him was Valeria, her usual stoic expression firmly in place but her eyes immediately flicked to Leon as he entered.

He took his seat just as Darian looked up.

"How are you doing, son?"

Leon gave a nod.

"I’m fine father."

But Valeria wasn’t satisfied.

"Are you sure?" she suddenly asked, her voice calm but pressing.

Leon glanced her way, catching the faintest flicker of concern in her eyes so well hidden most wouldn’t notice.

But he knew his sister. He could see the guilt she tried to bury beneath her soldier’s facade.

’She feels bad because she wasn’t there to help’

For a moment, there was silence between them before his expression shifted to something grave. Valeria noticing this instantly became tensed, as she quickly rushed to his side.

"What did they do to you?"

Leon slowly raised his head, his tone solemn and deliberate.

"I haven’t eaten anything today..." he began.

Her eyes widened slightly.

"...except for one small cup of ice cream."

He paused, then leaned back with a dramatic sigh.

"I’m starving."

Valeria blinked.

"...What."

Selena burst into laughter.

While Darian simply shook his head, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.

Valeria glared at Leon before letting out an exasperated breath.

"You idiot."

But her voice had softened as she instantly forgot her earlier worries and returned to her seat.

Leon smiled at her.

’I am glad that cheered her up.’

Soon after, the kitchen doors swung open and the food was brought in.

The dining room soon became filled with the quiet clinking of silverware and the soft warmth of shared presence.

But for now, that was enough.