Morgana and Leonard made their way back to the gates.
"I heard Lady Beatrice has returned," Morgana said.
"Really? I seem to be lacking in information these days. When did she return?" Leonard asked with a faint smile on his face.
"I heard of her return a few hours ago, as my brother happened to be there when she returned and informed me of the matter once he returned," Morgana replied.
"I see. I'll be sure to send her my regards," Leonard replied, then added, "Speaking of your brother, how is he? I haven't seen him today."
"He's around. He's been interested in the Southern Continent and is most likely engrossed in his research."
"Send him my regards when you see him," Leonard said.
They had reached the gates.
"I will. Until we meet next time," Morgana said and gave a short bow, lifting the edges of her skirt.
"Yes, until we meet again." Leonard gave a short bow of his own.
After they separated, Leonard made his way to where his carriage was parked.
"My Lord, are you done with your matters?" Silas asked as soon as he saw Leonard.
"Yes. Take me home," Leonard said a few words, then entered the carriage.
The cup he had used was no longer there, but there was an empty cup with a teapot close to it. Leonard grabbed the empty cup and poured the tea from the teapot inside. The tea was reddish-brown.
'Lady Beatrice has returned sooner than expected. I wonder why?'
Lady Beatrice was the current dominating wife of the current king, King Arthur Kaiser. She had gone to the Southern Continent, from what Leonard knew. If it was anyone else, Leonard wouldn't have placed much attention to the matter, but the fact that it was one of the king's wives, he had to give the matter his attention.
'I'll visit their quarters tomorrow.'
Leonard had to visit her and send his regards in person due to her high standing. Leonard raised the teacup toward his mouth; the fragrance of the tea invaded his nose as he took a moderate sip. Leonard turned his attention outside his window.
'Once I return to the mansion, I'll take a long-deserved sleep.'
Leonard had not even spent more than a full day in Caesar's body, yet he felt like a full week had passed. Caesar was a busy person. Despite Leonard being used to working for long hours, he wasn't used to exercising his brain for as long as Caesar.
Leonard felt like he had to take a breather; after all, he had just recently died and been denied access to his body. Thinking of his body, Leonard let out a tsk sound.
His main problem right now was how he lacked power. His best gamble was on whatever the witch gave him. His body that kept increasing in rank would have been a good lead to discovering his power, but life wasn't that simple. Leonard was back to square one with some necklace that didn't even belong to him. He took another sip of his tea, then let out an exhausted sigh.
***
The ride home proceeded without anything happening. Once Leonard reached home, he made his way directly to his bed and removed his clothing, remaining with only his shirt and trousers. He had not seen either Ariana or Melissa.
He placed the necklace on his table. After he was prepared to sleep, he laid down and soon fell completely asleep.
***
Opening his eyes, he noticed that it was nighttime.
'Melissa.'
Using his sleepy eyes, he noticed a woman lying on the bed next to him. She was wearing a light white shirt which Leonard was able to recognize as one of his own. Without making much noise, he left the bed and let out a yawn with a few stretches. He slowly made his way to his table; there, he grabbed his pocket watch and checked the time.
'The servants are still awake by now.'
He heard his stomach let out a growl. Leonard had only eaten breakfast; skipping lunch, his hunger was justified.
'Should I get food for her as well?' Leonard thought while looking at Melissa.
Just like Caesar, Leonard also cared for her. The attachments and ambitions Caesar had were also now Leonard's. It was hard to differentiate the two; Leonard himself didn't know the extent to which he had adopted Caesar's emotions.
Leonard walked up to the sleeping Melissa and softly shook her, trying to wake her up. She made strange noises as if chasing him away, but Leonard didn't stop until he noticed that her eyes were starting to open.
"Caesar?"
"Are you awake now, or are you going to need a while to regain your cognition?" Leonard said. His voice was soft, not wanting to sound too loud.
"I'm sure I'm awake... I think," Melissa said, her voice extremely drowsy.
"I was going to get food. Should I get some for you?" Leonard asked.
"Ah, food," she said, then paused a bit, closing her eyes slightly. She let out a yawn then spoke. "We should probably eat in the dining hall."
"Sure," Leonard replied. He didn't have a specific place he wanted to eat, anyway.
"Oh, and before I forget, a servant from the king's family brought an invitation letter," Melissa said as she slowly rose up and stretched her arms.
"An invitation to what?" Leonard asked. He was sure that Melissa, with her curiosity, would open the letter and read its contents.
"It was an invitation to a banquet. Lady Beatrice is said to be holding one a month from now," Melissa said, her calm expression finding its way back to her face. It was as if she hadn't just been sleeping a short time ago.
'A banquet.'
This was a rare event; Lady Beatrice wasn't known for hosting such events.
"Do you have any idea what it may be about?" Leonard asked.
"No, I don't," Melissa replied as she got up from the bed, although she staggered slightly. "Shall we head to the dining hall?"
"Sure," Leonard replied.
'Does the banquet have something to do with my dead body?'