Triplets [LEON]

The days pass as usual for Leon.

Usual Adventure, combat training, magic training and clash with red-eyed shadow at night.

One day Noel had some work at the temple. So, she asks Leon to accompany her. They stepped into the waiting carriage, the Redlaw family crest glistening on its side, and with a gentle pull of the reins, they departed.

After a short ride, they reached the temple.

The Temple of Levedin was grandiose and Leon was in awe.

Noel, noticing his awe, merely smiled. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?”

Leon could only nod.

They step through the entrance.

It was even grander than outside. The vast hall, golden light, statues, and pillars are engraved with divine scriptures.

Leon’s eyes were drawn to the statue of Levedin, a monument of pure white marble.

Noel stood before the statue, hands clasped, whispering a silent prayer.

Leon hesitated, then perhaps out of curiosity or perhaps out of respect, he mimicked her.

"Follower of Levedin greets the young lady Noel and the unknown visitor."

A soft voice pulled Noel from her thoughts.

The priestess, clad in robes of ivory and gold, lowered her head in greeting.

"Greetings, Priestess," Noel responded, her noble refinement is present in every word. "I am here for the donation."

The priestess accepted the offering with a gentle nod. "May Levedin’s blessings be upon you, Lady Noel. Your generosity does not go unnoticed."

Noel merely nodded in return.

After fulfilling her duty, Noel and Leon moved towards the exit.

Suddenly, Leon stops before a massive engraving spanned the length of the stone wall.

Noel after realizing, “Did something pique your interest?”

Leon didn’t answer and just observed.

It was unlike the others. The image before Leon depicted a tall, formidable warrior draped in celestial armor. The figure stood apart from the rest. Unlike the divine beings carved in flowing robes and halos, this one was alone, his stance unyielding, as if guarding something unseen.

After observing for a while, they exit the temple.

After a few days, the days of venture towards the ruins finally arrived.

Noel and Leon were ready for a new adventure.

But the moment Marquis Redlaw found out about it,

“Absolutely not.”

His voice carried the weight of finality.

His piercing gaze settled on Noel, unyielding as stone. “It’s far too dangerous. I will not allow it.”

Noel refused to back down.

“Father, I’ve fought against monsters, dueled against seasoned warriors, and trained under our best instructors. Do you still think me incapable?”

The Marquis frowned. “This is not about skill, Noel. You don’t know what could be lurking in those ruins. Ancient traps, unknown creatures, remnants of forgotten curses…”

“Which is why I’ll have Leon with me.” She crossed her arms, unrelenting. “And we’ll be careful.”

At the mention of Leon, the Marquis briefly turned to him. A silent, measuring gaze.

Leon stood still under his scrutiny, offering neither protest nor eagerness.

After a long sigh, Marquis finally admitted defeat and allowed them to venture into adventure though there was a condition.

He would assign some soldiers himself for their safety and all. Finally, the gang is assembled.

Noel, Leon, and three knights under the Redlaw estate.

They weren’t just any knights. They were triplets. The triplets were trained from childhood. They were pretty renowned in the estate.

The triplets were also an acquaintance of Leon. He had met them sometimes during his training sessions with Noel’s uncle.

So, it wasn’t a band of people unknown to each other. The triplets each had different aspects. They were renowned knights of the Redlaw estate.

They were appointed on this journey with Leon and Noel by the marquis himself which itself proved their abilities.

Even though they were of small stature, their body and skills were refined.

The eldest of them wielded a Warhammer as a weapon, The middle one wielded a twin-headed axe and the youngest wielded a spear. They were very proficient in battles.

Triplets, “Young lady Noel and Leon, let’s hope this journey will be an exciting experience for you and fruitful”

After that, they boarded a carriage and went off. After miles of travel. They reached the place where the carriage couldn’t go further. Then they traveled by walking.

During the travel to the forests, they encountered multiple monsters, the teamwork of triplets was outstanding as they slay monsters one after another using their coordinated attacks.

Noel played the role of mage, and support and sometimes also used a rapier.

Leon also didn’t fall behind. He used fire magic and swordsmanship to slay the monsters.

After multiple battles, the night fell and they had to set up a camp in the wilderness.

The triplets helped to set up the tents, and all of them had also prepared the necessary stocks for adventuring.

The triplets urged Noel and Leon to sleep well and they would take turns in watching the nights but Leon refused and also wanted to be part of it.

Noel also wanted to refuse but their triplets strictly denied it, after Leon made her understand, she gave up.

After a meal, Leon and Noel found themselves lying side by side on a soft patch of grass, gazing up at the star-filled sky.

Leon exhaled deeply.

It was rare for moments like these to exist between them…peaceful and unburdened.

Noel shifted closer, her hand brushing against his.

Without a word, Leon intertwined his fingers with hers.

Her hand was soft and warm.

They lay there with hands clasped, breathing in the cool night air.

Triplets initially tried to say something about such an open display of affection but realized that they shouldn’t interrupt their moment.

Noel squeezed his hand slightly.

"Leon."

"Hm?"

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "I’m glad you’re here."

Leon felt his heartbeat quicken. He turned his head, only to find Noel already looking at him.

Her eyes reflected the starlight, her expression unreadable yet achingly soft.

He swallowed. "Me too."

A small smile graced her lips, and she turned her gaze back to the skies.

But peace never lasted long.

As the night deepened, a familiar sensation crept into Leon’s bones.

It appeared yet again.

The Red-Eyed Shadow

Unlike the other nights, this time, Leon felt an undeniable sense of dread.