Chapter 3: The Family Gathering

The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the towering walls of the Perdium Palace as Leonis walked through the grand halls. His personal guards flanked him, guiding him toward the dinner hall. Each step felt surreal, and though he had spent hours in his new body, the reality of being in the world of "Beyond Horizons" hadn't fully settled. His memories of the novel flashed before him—the betrayals, the shifting alliances, and the bloody wars. He knew too much, yet here he was, living it.

As they approached the ornate double doors of the dining hall, Leonis could already feel the tension. Tonight, the entire royal family would be present—well, almost all of them. The Third Prince, Eonis, was notably absent, as usual, likely off training or tending to his own matters. Leonis had always admired Eonis in the novel for his strength and focus, a 6-star swordsman who was both disciplined and feared.

The guards opened the doors for him, and he entered the grand hall.

The table stretched long, laden with gold-plated dishes and flickering candles. At the head sat Emperor Valerian Perdium, his father, the most powerful man in the human realm. Valerian was every bit the figure of dominance—a 7-star swordsman whose reputation alone could end a war before it started. His emerald eyes, matching Leonis's, flicked toward him as he entered, though no warmth emanated from them.

Beside him sat Empress Isolde Perdium, her golden hair swept up elegantly, her hands resting gently on the table. Though she was a 4-star magician, her power lay more in her cunning and wit. She was renowned for being one of the greatest political tacticians in the empire, though as a mother, she was often distant. Leonis hadn't expected a welcoming smile—and he certainly didn't receive one.

Seated around the table were his siblings.

Caius Perdium, the second prince, looked up with a sneer. He always did. A 5-star swordsman, Caius had always hated Leonis, even before this body was taken over by the reincarnated Alden. Caius was everything Leonis had not been—strong, confident, ruthless—and he believed himself far more deserving of the title of Crown Prince. His resentment simmered beneath the surface, and tonight, like many other nights, it was palpable.

Caelum Perdium, the fourth prince, gave Leonis a quick nod. There was a hint of curiosity in his younger brother's eyes after their earlier spar, but Caelum said nothing. At 4-stars, he was still growing, but Leonis could sense the potential in him.

Princess Amalthea Perdium, the eldest of the two sisters, sat regally, her posture flawless as she conversed quietly with Princess Eileen Perdium, the second princess. Both sisters shared the same emerald eyes and golden hair, though they carried themselves with differing attitudes. Amalthea was more reserved, a woman of grace and poise, while Eileen was lively, often sharp with her words and opinions.

Leonis moved to take his seat, but as he sat down, the large wooden doors creaked open again.

In strode Prince Eonis Perdium, the third prince. His armor gleamed, and his face held a cold expression. A 6-star swordsman, Eonis was the silent storm of the family. He spoke little but acted decisively, and though he rarely took part in family gatherings, his presence always commanded attention. Tonight, it was no different. He nodded once to the emperor before taking his seat at the far end of the table, beside Caelum.

For a moment, silence fell over the room, as the head of the family cleared his throat.

"Leonis," Emperor Valerian's voice boomed, his tone even but filled with authority. "You've been missing from these halls. I trust you've been… reflecting?"

Leonis straightened in his chair, his hands resting calmly on the table. He knew that in the past, the old Leonis would have shrugged off such a question, perhaps even given a sarcastic remark. But things were different now.

"Yes, father," Leonis replied, his voice steady. "I've come to realize that I've wasted enough time."

Emperor Valerian's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no immediate response. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Caius, who chuckled softly under his breath.

"The Crown Prince has had an epiphany, has he?" Caius said with mock amusement. "It's only taken him, what, two decades?"

Leonis met Caius's sneer with a calm, steady look. He could feel the old Leonis's temper bubbling beneath the surface, but he kept it in check.

"I've made my mistakes," Leonis admitted, keeping his tone diplomatic. "But I intend to correct them."

Caius's grin faded, replaced by a look of suspicion. He wasn't used to this version of Leonis. Neither were the others.

At that moment, the door opened again, and Leonis's uncle and aunt entered, followed by his five cousins, seven nephews, and two nieces. The extended family members took their places at the lower end of the table, far enough from the royal family but still close enough to be involved in the dinner.

The meal began in silence, though tension continued to brew. Leonis could feel the weight of everyone's gazes on him. His father had not responded directly, his mother observed silently, and Caius was already planning his next snide remark.

Halfway through the meal, Eonis, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke.

"I hear you've been training again, brother," he said, his voice low but carrying across the room.

Leonis nodded, keeping his eyes on his plate. "Yes. I've decided it's time I take my role seriously."

There was a moment of silence before Eonis responded, "Good. It's about time."

Leonis could feel the eyes of his family upon him, but he remained calm. He had a long road ahead of him, but tonight, he had made the first step.

As the dinner continued, the room remained tense, the air thick with unspoken thoughts and hidden resentments. Leonis surveyed the table, taking note of every individual present.

At the lower end of the grand dining table sat his uncle, Lord Alistair Perdium, a seasoned general in the Perdium Empire's military, known for his unwavering loyalty to Emperor Valerian. Beside him was his wife, Lady Helena Perdium, a sharp-eyed woman who often navigated the political intrigue within the court. Though they were not of the main royal line, their status was high enough to warrant a place at the royal table during such gatherings.

Their five children, Leonis's cousins, were seated further down the table.

The eldest cousin, Marcellus Perdium, was a knight commander, renowned for his battlefield prowess. His tall, broad frame and intense gaze made him an imposing figure, though he was always respectful in family gatherings.

Claudia Perdium, the second cousin, was a talented sorceress, rivaling many within the Perdium Empire's magical academies. Her sharp intellect was often a subject of admiration and jealousy within the court.

The twins, Gareth Perdium and Selene Perdium, were still in their mid-teens, yet they showed great promise. Gareth trained in the sword, while Selene pursued the art of diplomacy and strategy.

The youngest, Lucius Perdium, barely in his adolescence, sat quietly, observing the room with wide, curious eyes.

Further down the line, Leonis noticed the seven nephews and two nieces, children of his mother's sister who were also seated at the table, suprisingly his aunt wasnt there. They were still too young to play any significant roles in the politics of the empire, but Leonis knew that their time would come. His family extended far and wide, with influence in nearly every corner of the empire.

His gaze returned to the main table. Caius, as usual, was wearing a smug look, though the fact that Leonis had held his ground during their earlier exchange seemed to have put him on edge. Eonis remained silent, his eyes fixed on his plate as he ate, but Leonis knew his third brother was always calculating, always assessing.

Emperor Valerian spoke again, breaking the silence that had fallen over the hall.

"Tomorrow, we will hold a council to discuss the recent skirmishes on our southern borders," Valerian announced. "I expect all of you to attend, including you, Leonis."

Leonis nodded, though his heart raced slightly at the thought. He had read about these border skirmishes in the novel—clashes with smaller kingdoms seeking to test the strength of the Perdium Empire. He knew how critical these councils could be and how easily they could spiral into larger conflicts.

"I'll be there," Leonis said, keeping his voice steady.

Beside the emperor, Empress Isolde glanced at her son. There was something unreadable in her emerald eyes, a mixture of curiosity and caution, but she said nothing. She had always been a silent observer, carefully choosing her moments to speak and act. Tonight, she seemed content to let things unfold without interference.

Suddenly, the doors to the dining hall opened once more. A servant hurried in and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, a report has just arrived from the northern garrisons," the servant said, his voice low and hurried.

Valerian waved the servant forward, taking the letter from him. He broke the seal and read the contents in silence, his expression unreadable.

"What is it, father?" Eonis asked, his voice the first to break the silence.

Valerian folded the letter carefully, setting it aside. "More movement from the Orc and Goblin Empire," he said simply. "Nothing to worry about for now."

But Leonis knew better. He remembered the novel, the delicate balance of power that constantly shifted between the empires. The Orc and Goblin Empire was always probing, testing the resolve of their neighbors, and soon, those small movements would escalate into something more.

As the dinner wound down, Leonis could feel the weight of responsibility settling onto his shoulders. This was his life now. He had to navigate the complexities of his family, the looming threats from other empires, and his own internal struggle to become the man—and ruler—he knew he could be.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he would rest, knowing that his time had only just begun.

The tension of the family gathering had only scratched the surface of what was to come, but Leonis felt a strange sense of calm settle over him. He had knowledge of the future, a gift, but also a burden. The prophecy hung over him like a shadow, yet he knew that in time, he would prove himself.

As he excused himself from the table, offering a respectful nod to his parents, he could feel Caius's eyes burning into him. Eonis remained unreadable, while Caelum seemed oddly supportive, though still guarded. His sisters whispered quietly amongst themselves, undoubtedly noting the changes in his demeanor.

Stepping into the dimly lit corridors of the palace, Leonis let out a slow breath. Since he has been invited to attend a council meeting with his father, the emperor. Before he goes, he needs to return to his room and work on his mana, he can reach the fourth mana circle.