The Truth Beneath the Touch

The afternoon sun dipped low, casting soft golden light across the study's stone walls.

Leon leaned back in his wide chair, one hand sifting through the files on his desk. His eyes moved across the parchment. But his other hand?

It was elsewhere.

Buried gently beneath the folds of Aria's maid skirt.

She sat sideways on his lap, her curvy body nestled into him perfectly. His left arm wrapped around her waist, holding her snug. His right hand rested under her skirt, palm gripping her wide hips. Slowly, in circles, he kneaded the soft flesh there. Each squeeze made her tremble. Her breath caught every time.

She tried to keep herself steady—tried hard—but every few seconds, a little moan slipped out.

"Ah… mm… my lord… y-you're distracting me…"

Leon didn't even glance up. "You're the one moaning, little maid."

Her face turned red. She buried it in his chest with a muffled squeak.

He chuckled. His eyes half-lidded. Amused. "You were giving a report. Go on."

She peeked up, lips parted. Her eyes watery, hazy. "B-But how can I speak properly when y-you're touching me like that…"

He didn't stop. Just smiled.

Her voice shook, but she tried again. "As I was saying… the intruders were last seen east of the Moonspire… near the old ruins…"

She gasped as he squeezed harder.

"Ahn~!" She jumped, biting her lip, wide-eyed in flustered shock.

She gave him a pouty glare—more cute than angry. "Y-You're doing it on purpose…"

Leon grinned. "You look too cute when you're flustered. Can't help it."

Her heart fluttered. Even teasing her, his voice held warmth.

But as his hand moved, his thoughts drifted.

The ruins… Why now? Who were they?

His mood darkened.

If I were stronger… he thought bitterly. Back then, with Rias, I reached the Mortal Realm's peak. But now… I've stopped.

Even with all he shared with Rias—their closeness, their passion—his cultivation hadn't grown.

His hand paused.

He realized—he'd never told either of them.

Aria didn't know. And Rias… it wasn't about trust. She was more than a lover now. She was his partner. His future.

But he didn't want her to worry. She was sharp—too sharp. If she knew he was stuck, she'd try to fix it no matter what…

And then, there was Aria.

Sweet. Loyal. Pure-hearted. Still sitting on his lap, squirming at every touch… she looked at him like he was her world.

A quiet voice in him whispered: She deserves to know.

He squeezed again. Her body arched, another moan escaping her lips. Her fingers clutched the desk. Her face flushed deep red. Her body, hot and trembling, stayed in his arms.

"D-Don't… mmm… disturb your work… I'm t-trying to be serious…"

He laughed under his breath. "You are. That's what makes it fun."

But as he stared at her—those parted lips, the dazed eyes—memories flooded in.

The old Leon had been blind. Aria had always been there. Loyal. Quietly in love.

And he never saw her.

But she stayed. Even when his body was broken. When others abandoned him. She fed him. Talked to him. Treated him like a man.

Now?

Now that he lived in Leon's body—he wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

She deserved more than teasing.

She deserved the truth.

If anyone could take it—if anyone could help him grow stronger—it was Aria.

He cleared his throat. "Little maid."

She blinked. Her cheeks flushed. "Y-Yes, my lord?"

He met her eyes—calm, firm. The teasing tone was gone.

"I want to talk. About you… and Rias."

Her breath caught. Her heart pounded hard.

W-What is he going to say? she panicked. Does he want to—no, is he about to… c-confess?! Or maybe… he wants to take me too? Like Rias?

Her face twisted—shock, hope, confusion all mixed.

Leon slowly removed the parchment from her trembling hands. He made space on the desk, and in one smooth move, lifted her gently by the waist and sat her down on the edge.

"Ah…!" she gasped. Her soft thighs met the cold wood. "M-My lord!"

"You're light," he said, voice soft. "Your body's warm… softer than clouds."

She stared at him, speechless.

He didn't sit.

He stood in front of her. Eyes serious.

"Little maid. I'm going to tell you something important. So listen carefully."

Her heart raced faster. She couldn't breathe right.

His expression—it was real. No games. No teasing.

She straightened. Hands folded on her lap. "Yes, my lord."

"Seal the room."

Her breath caught again. No playfulness. Just pure command.

She nodded fast and raised her hands. A soft violet light glowed from her palms, wrapping the room in silence and magic.

"Done, Lord."

He nodded.

"Good," he said. "Now. Focus. Feel the energy around me."

She blinked. "Your… energy?"

"Yes. Just feel it. Tell me what you sense."

She hesitated. Then nodded. Her eyes narrowed. Her senses reached out.

And froze.

"…Lord?"

Her gaze snapped to him. Her body shivered.

"Your… your energy… feels…"

She paused.

Leon waited. Silent.

"…It feels… strange. Dull. Muffled. It's like…" She swallowed. "Y-You're at the Mortal Realm."