From Daddy to Hubby

"Daddy? Are you inside?"

The sweet, gentle voice floated from behind the door.

Leon froze.

Beneath him, Aria stiffened. Her wide violet eyes locked with his, breath caught in her throat.

Rias.

They both knew the voice instantly.

Leon blinked once, still trying to register the interruption. But before he could move, Aria's palm pressed softly to his chest. Her skin glowed faintly—magic stirring—then a small pulse of mana pushed him back. Not hard. Just enough to part them.

"Aria—" he began, his voice low, unsure.

But she was already moving.

Like mist, she straightened his robe and smoothed his hair—quick and quiet. Her own clothes still held traces of heat, but a shimmer of magic passed over her, light as breath. Her uniform smoothed out. Every wrinkle gone.

The room still smelled of what they'd done. Papers scattered, tension still hanging in the air like smoke. But with one wave of her hand, she fixed it all—books flew back into place, scrolls rolled shut, candles righted themselves.

Her eyes flicked to the door.

Another soft knock followed.

"Daddy?" Rias again—this time more curious.

Aria turned to Leon. Her face was unreadable for a moment.

Then, without saying a word, she moved.

The window was open. Moonlight spilled across the floor like a trail. Without hesitation, Aria stepped to the sill. Her figure caught in silver light.

"Aria—wait," Leon stepped toward her, reaching out. "You don't have to—"

But she didn't stop.

With one silent leap, she vanished into the night. Her form melted into the sky—gone, as if she had never been there.

Leon stared at the empty window. Still. Quiet.

"…What the hell was that?" he muttered softly.

He raised a hand, brushing the space where she'd stood. A short laugh escaped him.

"Aria… you're such an antique," he whispered with a faint grin, raking a hand through his hair.

Then came the door.

A soft creak.

And a familiar voice.

"Daddy? Are you still here?"

Leon turned just as Rias stepped in. Her long crimson hair drifted behind her like velvet. She wore a red robe, loosely tied. Her eyes shimmered—deep red, glowing in the candlelight.

Bare feet, no sound.

He smiled. "Hey, sweetheart."

She stopped for a moment. Eyes narrowed.

Her gaze swept the room, slow and sharp. Something wasn't right.

"Hmm…" she hummed, tilting her head a little.

Leon moved first. Quietly closed the space between them. Before she could say a word, his arms were around her waist, pulling her close.

"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" he whispered near her ear, voice playful and low.

She blinked, caught off guard.

Then looked up at him—at that perfect face, those warm golden eyes, that soft smile—and all her suspicions fell away.

"…Nothing, Daddy," she murmured, cheeks flushing pink.

He leaned down, lips brushing her cheek. "That look says otherwise."

She poked his chest with a single finger. "Don't flirt so easy. You might fall harder than me."

Leon grinned. "Oh? Feeling bold today?"

She folded her arms. "You raised me that way."

His golden eyes lit with a quiet fire. "I suppose I did."

He studied her, thoughtful. "So? What's my lovely daughter doing in the study this late?"

She hesitated a second. Then her tone softened. "I was hungry…"

Leon raised a brow. "And you couldn't call a maid?"

"I didn't want food from anyone else."

His brow lifted again. "You didn't want food from anyone else."

"Then what do you want?" he asked gently, a smile tugging at his lips.

She stepped closer, reaching up. Her hand touched his cheek—soft and warm.

"I want dinner with my hubby," she whispered.

Her face flushed pink, but she didn't look away. Didn't falter.

Leon blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Hubby, huh? That's new."

"You said I could call you anything I wanted," she said, lips curling into a tiny pout. "You're my hubby and my daddy. So now, be a good husband… and listen to your wife."

He chuckled, full of amusement and affection. "So I've been promoted. From father to husband. My, my. Looks like my little girl's growing daring."

"If I don't call you my love," she said, this time a bit more serious, "then who else should? You're mine."

Leon paused. Just a moment.

Her eyes. So sincere. So steady.

His heart softened.

"I see. Then I guess I've got no choice."

She raised an eyebrow. "No choice?"

"In giving my wife exactly what she wants."

He offered his hand to her—gentle, graceful, like a royal knight. "Shall we go, Lady Rias?"

Her eyes sparkled. She placed her hand in his. "Let's."

Together, they left the study—hand in hand. His tall form beside her slender one. Gold and red blending in the candlelight. Their footsteps faded down the quiet hallway, moonlight trailing behind them like a blessing.