This Time, To The Believed Path
Shadow's Shield

The next day, Leana called Iscan in the study. They were sitting at the guest table over there.

As Leana sipped her tea, Iscan waited for the words from her quietly.

“As you heard from Albert, I want to appoint you as my personal bodyguard.”

“I, mistress?”

Iscan was stunned and Leana nodded.

“Actually one of the reasons I pointed at you is because you knew of the incident last time, but beyond that you could say I saw ‘potensi’ in you.”

Of course Leana saw that potential from her experiences in her first life, but she could not say that.

Who would believe a story about him going back in time. Leana can be labeled as a crazy woman.

“Of course does not mean Hardie does not have the potential, but the potential is not beside me.” Add Leana and sip the tea again.

“Potency in me? What does that mean, madam?” iscan said with confused eyes. Leana slightly took a breath before finally explaining again.

‘I'm sure Iscan can be trusted.’ If not, then the plan will get a hole in the future.

No, he had to convince her.

“I'll go straight to the point only. Actually I plan to help marquis Grandall from behind.”

Iscan blinked his eyes and did not flinch as if waiting for the continuation of Leana's words.

Seeing Iscan who was silent made Leana awkward but he immediately continued again.

“Do you know about shadow organization?” Iscan shook his head.

“No, I don't know it.”

“In essence, the organization is an underground organization created to collect information but there are times when it is also used to perform the same tasks as the paid person working behind.”

“But they put information first.” Added Leana. Iscan seemed hesitant to hear Leana's explanation and thought for a moment.

“Will the mistress ask for their help?” ask Iscan. This time it was Leana who shook her head.

“No, I will form my own shadow organization.”

Iscan was surprised by Leana's statement as if in disbelief. For her who heard the rumour that the marchioness who usually shut herself in the room, Leana was convinced that her words were quite shocking.

“But how can?”

“For the time being I cannot explain the details, but the task I will give you, Mr. Iscan, that is to keep my curtains in the public eye.”

“Keeping curtains?”

“Curtain or mask, whatever it is, you must be a shield for my curtains so that no one knows what is behind it.”

This means that Iscan will be the doorman for every move made by Leana. Iscan covered his mouth with one hand and began to think seriously. It seemed like the information he had captured was too big and unreasonable.

Leana can't blame him.

“Of course my goal is to cast a shadow really to help Grandall.” Added Leana. Iscan looked back at Leana.

“Currently Grandall is still not fully independent and there are still many chains that bind his freedom. Whatever bad thing is going to happen in the future, I want to deny it. Not only from the front but also from the back.”

With a serious look Leana extended her hand to Iscan who was stunned at her powerful resolution.

“The existence of shadows is so secretive that almost no one knows it, that's how important their figure is. I can guarantee this is not a mere game but a weapon that Grandall needs in the future.”

“And I also need someone to stand guard in front with me.”

Judging from their condition, Leana has given a big role to Iscan without telling more details.

For him it can make it difficult for Iscan to put his trust in the future but Leana decided to show his plan slowly over time.

Now what Leana needs is a blind loyalty that can be closely guarded. He knew how Iscan's loyalties would be in the future, so he hoped that Iscan would develop in his first world at this point.

But at the same time he knows that every action has great consequences. What is the guarantee for him that his hope will happen later?

Iscan stared at Leana's hand that seemed to tremble a little but then he rounded his throat and returned the hand.

Not only did Iscan take his hand, he also lowered his head and kept one more hand on his chest.

Iscan's actions make Leana surprised to be made.

“Mrs Leana, I still don't understand why you chose me in your big plan. But if your will is the right path then with my promises and vows, I will follow your path faithfully.”

With those words over, Iscan kissed Leana's back and sat down beside her.

“On oath and promise, I am Iscan Trian, will be faithful to your will.”

Leana who was stunned during the Iscan statement tried to keep her composure.

“Start from now please help, Mr. Iscan.”

Now Iscan has become part of Leana's plan.

***

“Adde.”

In the office room, Adde who was preparing tea turned to Leana who had a serious expression.

His hands fused together in front of his mouth until only the upper part was visible.

“What's the mistress?” Adde who saw Leana's behavior just looked at her flatly.

“I plan to proceed to the next stage. We'll go visit Alphiella once you're done with your practice.”

“Alphiella?”

“Ah, I haven't explained it to you yet huh. Alphiella is our base later as well as your disguise as butler.”

Adde frowned as if he did not like the statement made by Leana but after that he snorted with a mocking smile.

“So this exercise is just for incognito. It's worth the mistress giving a very crazy time limit.”

Leana narrowed her eyes in annoyance at Adde's comments but the person who commented was only indifferently preparing tea for his employer.

“Aren't you supposed to explain that from the beginning, madam? From my point of view it looks like you are planning something bigger.”

Leana's eyes sparkled and her clapping hands added to her impression of admiration.

“Your guess is absolutely right! I was planning something. As I thought, you're very observant.”

“You say it as if you know me only.”

Adde snorted exasperatedly while putting tea on the desk while Leana just smiled seeing his reaction. 

He slowly took the cup and brought it closer to his mouth.

“Of course it's because I know you so well, Adde.”

Hearing Leana's reply, Adde put on a puzzled expression but then returned indifferent and smiled as if he was a victim of fraud.

“From the beginning was already suspicious, but it was true the mistress saved me with hidden intent.”

“I won't deny it but I can't tell you the truth right now either. At least not here.”

Leana sips the tea slowly as if enjoying it and soon he looks back at Adde seriously.

“Whatever my plan, it will be important in the future and I need you because you are one of the important keys in one of my plans.”

“Ohh, I'm honored to hear it. I didn't think I was the chosen one.”

Although with a smile on Adde's face, Leana can feel the sarcasm in her words. ‘ugh, this one boy.’.

“I promise I will explain everything when I get there, for now just do your practice properly.”

“Good I understand, mistress.”

“One more thing..”

“What is it?”

“I want to apologize, about your other colleagues.

Adde fell silent and then turned his head towards Leana.

“Do you still think about it?”

Leana's speechless. He had promised to save them all but Leana was unable to do so. 

Since the incident, he always thought how to apologize to Adde properly.

“Mistress, you've done what you can to save them, even now don't you give them a place to stay and are willing to take care of them?”

Leana was stunned to hear Adde's reply. He does not know how Adde knows this but he also does not want to talk about it.

“We are already grateful for your kindness to us, so I hope what happened to the incident does not burden you. I'm sincere about this. Can you understand it?” Obviously Adde.

Leana grunted and smiled. He is also grateful to have such an understanding person and he hopes to continue like that in the future.

“I understand. Thank you Adde.”

“Sama-sama, mistress.”

Adde takes a cup of tea and puts it in the trey and then goes out of the work room leaving Leana alone.