From Reader to Ruler: The Forgotten Prince's Rise through Harem-Chapter 16: A Blooming Bond and A Blade’s Grace

Chapter 16: A Blooming Bond and A Blade's Grace

Later that day, Dani decided to take Leena to one of his favorite corners of the Everhart estate—the flower garden by the eastern side of the mansion. It was the very place where he had met Evelyn for the first time after transmigrating into this world.

As they stepped into the garden, the vibrant sea of colors and the sweet aroma of countless blooming flowers hit them gently. Sunlight danced through the petals, and the gentle breeze carried the floral fragrance all around them.

Leena's eyes widened in awe, her cat ears twitching as she stepped closer to the blossoms.

"This place..." she whispered. Her eyes shimmered with emotion. "I've never seen anything so beautiful..."

Dani turned to look at her, just as she gently brought her hands to her chest, holding her feelings in.

"Thank you, Dani," she said, voice trembling just slightly. "I don't know how I could ever thank you properly. I never imagined I'd get to live like this... not even in my dreams."

Dani gave her a gentle smile and patted her head. "Leena... why do you keep bringing that up? Every time you do, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I helped you because I wanted to. Not because I expected something in return."

She looked up at him, surprised.

"You've already rewarded me with enough—those passionate nights we share," he added with a grin. "What more could a man want?"

Leena blushed but smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Still... thank you."

They sat together on a nearby bench, enjoying the peace of the moment. The wind carried the soft rustle of flower petals, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

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But then, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Well, isn't this a coincidence?"

Both of them turned their heads to see Evelyn Everhart walking gracefully toward them, a book clutched in her hand.

"Another unexpected meeting," she said, her tone playful but cool.

It was the first time Leena had ever seen Evelyn, and instinctively, she tensed. She quickly moved closer to Dani, half-hiding behind him like a nervous kitten.

Evelyn noticed, tilting her head in mild curiosity. "Oh... so you're the cat girl this idiot brought from the city?"

Leena's tail puffed slightly, and she shrank back even more, not knowing how to respond.

But Evelyn didn't push further. Instead, she simply took a seat on the edge of the fountain nearby and opened her book, silently flipping through the pages.

The tension slowly eased. Dani relaxed a little, still unsure how this would play out.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What? Do I have something written on my face?"

Dani chuckled lightly. "No. I just... don't understand you sometimes."

She smirked. "What exactly don't you understand?"

He shrugged. "Everything."

She rolled her eyes. "Figures. What I'm reading is probably beyond you, anyway."

"What is it?"

"Books on basic magic and aura theory," she replied flatly. "Don't tell me you've never even looked at them."

"Well... actually, I did read one of them. The one that talks about mana cores and aura foundations. It was detailed and easy to follow."

Evelyn blinked, clearly surprised. "You actually read that?"

Leena tilted her head, now curious. "What's it about?"

Dani nodded. "It explains the basics of magic and aura—how our body forms a core, and how energy flows... But there was something I didn't get. The person who discovered the concept of both aura and mana cores... his name wasn't written anywhere. Do you know who he was?"

Evelyn's surprise deepened. "You really read that book well."

She closed her book slowly and looked at both of them. "That person's name... is still a mystery. No one knows it. Some believe it was erased on purpose, and others think he erased it himself to remain unknown."

Dani frowned. "That doesn't make sense. Why would someone do that after such a huge discovery?"

Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly my thoughts. He created the foundation of our magical understanding—and yet, we don't even know his name."

Leena looked completely lost at this point. Dani noticed her confusion and gently patted her head. "Don't worry. If you want to learn about aura—since your core is already awakened—Evelyn might be able to help."

Evelyn met his eyes and narrowed hers. "I don't know what you're scheming, but don't waste my time."

But then, her gaze fell on Leena—her uncertain expression, her soft ears twitching, her hopeful eyes. Evelyn paused, and something softened in her face.

"...Okay," she finally said. "Don't be disappointed. I'll show you something."

---

The Dance of the Blade

The three of them moved to a training area in the open garden. Evelyn drew her sword slowly, the silver gleam reflecting the sunlight.

Leena and Dani watched in silence as Evelyn took her stance—elegant, refined, flawless.

Her blade suddenly lit up with a purple glow, the aura flowing around her body like a second skin. She moved gracefully, every swing like part of a choreographed dance. Her feet slid effortlessly across the grass, and her blade moved like water—sharp, fluid, and beautiful.

It was less like a battle stance and more like a performance.

When she finished, Dani instinctively clapped. "That was... incredible."

Leena's eyes sparkled. She ran up to Evelyn, excitement bubbling in her.

"Sister Evelyn, you're amazing! That was so cool!"

Evelyn blinked. That was the first time anyone had called her sister—and the first time she'd been praised so openly. She looked a little stunned... and even a bit flustered.

"R-Really? You think so?"

Leena nodded eagerly. "You were so graceful! Like a dancing warrior!"

Evelyn's lips curled into a small smile. "Well... I am a princess, after all."

Leena grinned. "Sister, can you teach me that technique?"

Evelyn's eyes widened. "You... want me to teach you?"

Leena nodded without hesitation.

From the sidelines, Dani watched them with a smile. He could see it—the beginning of a new bond forming.

"I'll leave Leena to you, Evelyn," he said, standing up. "Take care of her."

Evelyn gave him a look, but nodded.

As he walked away, Dani glanced back one last time. Leena was listening intently as Evelyn started showing her the basics.

She's in good hands, he thought.

And just like that, a new Chapter in their lives quietly began—with swords, flowers, and unexpected friendships.