The Cornerstone of Magic and Silent Dependence

Elisa's eighteenth birthday, a coming-of-age ceremony, was like a boulder cast into a calm lake, stirring new, more complex ripples in Leon's already turbulent heart.

Eighteen years old, in this world, held extraordinary significance for noblewomen. It marked their formal entry into society and granted them full eligibility for marriage. For Elisa and Leon, who were already betrothed, this ceremony was undoubtedly the clearest prelude to their engagement. At that time, almost all the influential nobles in the Imperial Capital, as well as various factions allied with the Windsor family, the Strauss family, and even the Hohenzollern Family, would send representatives to attend.

As the fiancé of the birthday girl, Leon von Hohenzollern was bound to be one of the focal points of the entire event. His every word and action, the gifts he presented, would be scrutinized under a magnifying glass, picked apart and judged. This was not merely a matter of his personal reputation, but directly concerned the prestige of the Hohenzollern and Windsor families.

"Face... gifts..." Leon paced his room, rubbing his still sore shoulders, his brow furrowed. Captain Hans's "basic training" that afternoon had drained his last ounce of strength, and the ache in his muscles now surged like a tide, reminding him of the harsh reality. Yet, heavier than his physical fatigue was the pressure brought on by the impending coming-of-age ceremony.

The original Leon was a complete hedonist, utterly extravagant. The Hohenzollern family provided him with a staggering annual allowance of two hundred Gold Roland, equivalent to the annual income of a wealthy Viscount's territory, enough to live a life of extreme luxury in the Imperial Capital. However, this sum, in the original Leon's hands, rarely lasted six months. It would be squandered on various banquets, gambling, attempts to please mistresses, and the purchase of flashy, impractical luxury goods. In the later period, he often had to resort to running up tabs or writing home for "aid" to get by.

Now, as the year drew to a close, the "inheritance" left by the original Leon had long since dwindled. To prepare a gift for Elisa worthy of her status, and also worthy of her being the "Hohenzollern's fiancée," two hundred Gold Roland? It probably wouldn't even be enough to buy a corner of a decent top-tier piece of jewelry. Not to mention the need for custom-made formal wear, tipping servants, and possibly preparing some extra small expenses to display "sincerity" during the banquet.

"Not enough money..." Leon sighed, experiencing the sting of poverty—though this "poverty" was relative to the spending habits of the highest nobility. He walked to his desk and pulled open a drawer. Only a few dozen Gold Roland and a small bag of silver coins remained, a stark contrast to the luxurious bedroom.

Following the original Leon's habits, the only solution to such "essential" large expenditures was to write home and ask for money.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), he did have a mother and older brother who doted on him, and a father who, though disappointed, would ultimately cover for him. Moreover, this time, he had an incredibly justifiable, even "politically correct," reason—to prepare a gift for his fiancée Elisa Windsor's coming-of-age ceremony and quasi-engagement banquet!

This reason was practically impeccable. It could highlight the Hohenzollern family's importance placed on this marriage, and also demonstrate his "deep affection" for his future wife. No one could fault it. Mother Madame Sophia would surely sympathize with her son and offer full support; Brother Karl, though disappointed in his lack of progress, would not hesitate to uphold the family's honor and his brother's (even a useless brother's) marriage; even Father Marquis Otto, on such a significant occasion involving the union of two Marquis families, would not be stingy with money to avoid criticism.

"Five hundred Gold Roland..." Leon calculated. This amount would be enough for him to purchase a top-tier magical jewelry piece or artwork from a master craftsman as the main gift, buy a decent set of attire, and still have a considerable surplus. The surplus... his eyes flickered. It could be used for his secret plan—to buy some basic magic materials, and perhaps even acquire some obscure but potentially useful magic notes or low-level meditation methods from the black market or certain clandestine channels. After all, the latent magic within his body needed guidance. Reading the Fundamentals of Magical Mechanics alone was too inefficient; he needed more practical "tools." Hans's training was the anvil for tempering his body, while magic was the blade he intended to keep hidden, capable of changing the course of events. He had to wield both.

With that thought, Leon no longer hesitated. He walked to his desk, spread out the expensive parchment, picked up the quill inlaid with rubies (the original Leon's taste), and dipped it in ink.

Who should he write to?

Directly to his father? That would likely invite a scolding and an interrogation. While the money would probably be given in the end, the process wouldn't be pleasant.

To his mother? This was the safest option. Mother Madame Sophia granted his every wish and was soft-hearted. If he just complained a little and acted spoiled, five hundred Gold Roland shouldn't be difficult.

But Leon's pen tip paused on the paper. He recalled that although his mother doted on him, every time he asked for money, especially large sums, it was always accompanied by tearful worry and incessant nagging. It would also alert his grandmother, making the whole family aware that he had "squandered" again. Although he would get the money, that atmosphere made him (the current Leon) feel very uncomfortable.

So... write to his brother Karl?

The thought stirred something within Leon.

Karl von Hohenzollern, his perfect, radiant older brother. A Sky Knight at the mere age of twenty-four, commander of the North Wind Knights, the pride of the Northern Territory. Karl's feelings towards Leon were extremely complex, a mixture of stern disappointment and a possessive protectiveness that "only I can discipline my useless brother." In the original Leon's memories, he hadn't asked Karl for money many times, but each time, Karl, despite sternly reprimanding him, would eventually transfer the money and add a remark like "Learn to behave yourself" or "Don't disgrace the family again."

Asking Karl for money might not be a pleasant process, involving scolding, but it was efficient and wouldn't alert his mother or grandmother, making it relatively "low-key." More importantly, Leon subconsciously felt that perhaps... perhaps he could get something more than just money from Karl? Even just a word of disappointment coupled with continued concern could give him a sliver of "family" connection in this strange and cold world?

After weighing the options, Leon made his decision. He took a deep breath and began to write, his handwriting striving to imitate the original Leon's slightly messy and impetuous style.

Respected Brother Karl:

The opening was proper enough.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Everything is well in the Imperial Capital. Aunt is strict with me, but also attentive. Elisa... yes, she is also doing well, her magic cultivation progressing daily.

First, lay the groundwork, showing he was "well-behaved."

I am writing to you today because I have a matter of great importance to request. Next month is Miss Elisa Windsor's eighteenth birthday, which also serves as the prelude to our families' engagement ceremony. This matter concerns the honor of both the Hohenzollern and Windsor families, and I dare not be negligent.

State the main point, elevating it to the level of family honor.

However, I have been remiss in managing my finances in recent years, and my past expenses were quite extravagant. I am now short of funds. To procure a gift worthy of Miss Windsor's status, and one that does not tarnish the reputation of our Hohenzollern family, as well as handle related arrangements, requires a significant sum. I have roughly estimated that at least five hundred Gold Roland will be necessary to barely cope.

Directly state the amount, without hesitation.

I am well aware that you are stationed in the Northern Territory, with busy military duties and considerable expenses yourself. I would not normally trouble you with such trivial matters, but concerning Father... I fear my clumsy words might provoke his anger. As for Mother, I worry she would be overly concerned. After much consideration, only with you, Brother, can I speak frankly.

Explain why he is asking him for money, and throw in a compliment, implying that Karl is someone capable and understands the bigger picture.

These five hundred Gold Roland will be used with utmost care, entirely for matters related to the coming-of-age ceremony, and I dare not waste a single coin. I hope you will consider the family's reputation and my predicament, and lend me your assistance.

The Northern Territory is harsh and cold, and the barbarians are fierce. I hope you will take care of yourself and achieve victory.

Your brother, Leon, respectfully

Imperial Calendar 379, late Frost Month

After finishing the letter, Leon carefully reviewed it. The tone was one of seeking a favor, yet with a touch of brotherly informality. The reasons were sufficient and grand. He even expressed concern for his brother's safety (though it was a perfunctory remark). Overall, it fit the original Leon's "I know I was wrong, but I want money, and I think you should give it to me" scoundrel logic, but with a slight moderation, making it less annoying.

He dried the ink and carefully sealed it with the Hohenzollern family's wax seal. Next, he would use the Earl's mansion's channels to send this "money-request letter" to the Northern Territory via expedited magical communication or a messenger.

Having done all this, Leon leaned back in his chair, not feeling much relief. This feeling of relying on the family's "blood transfusion" was not good, especially when he was determined to change. It felt more like a mockery, reminding him of his current powerlessness and dependence.

"Five hundred Gold Roland..." he murmured to himself. This sum was the first step in his plan. The gift for Elisa had to be valuable enough; it was a necessary investment to maintain his persona and avoid suspicion. The remainder would be the seed money for his secret exploration of the magical path. He needed to quickly master some practical magic skills, even the most basic tricks could be useful at a critical moment. After all, Victor's scrutinizing gaze, and the potential difficulties he might encounter at the coming-of-age ceremony, were like swords hanging over his head.

He walked to the window and gazed at the distant spire of the Magic Tower, shimmering in the sunset. Elisa was probably there, diligently cultivating right now? And her doting brother Victor was likely busy with her birthday banquet. Everyone was moving according to their own trajectories. And he, the "fiancé" seemingly at the center of the vortex, had to carefully weave a completely different path in secret. The birthday banquet would be the first public test he had to face. He needed to think carefully about what else, besides money, he needed to prepare, so that he wouldn't lose too badly at that banquet, which was destined to be anything but peaceful, and perhaps... could he find a sliver of opportunity for himself?

He had extended his hand to the family for support, and next, he needed to use his own methods to grasp something truly reliable. The lights of the Magic Tower library seemed to reflect a glimmer in his eyes. He turned and picked up the basic meditation method book Elisa had given him, deciding to devote more energy to this hidden cultivation while waiting for the funds to arrive. At least, when holding his "human-shaped training accelerator" at night, the efficiency would be higher.