Supreme Spouse System.-Chapter 278: The Man Who Commands Hearts: Beauty, Power, and Devotion

The Man Who Commands Hearts: Beauty, Power, and Devotion

His voice was firm, warm, but unmistakably commanding. It flowed through the courtyard like a balm after storm—Leon’s voice boomed out like soothing thunder, deep and authoritative, but with warmth:

"My faithful soldiers. My adorable maids... thank you for your welcome. You may now stand."

A whispered moment lingered, held in awe. Nobody stirred, not even the wind, as if the air itself was kneeling before him. Then, slowly, motion came back. The rustle of armor, so soft that it jingled, the rustle of fabric against knees—heads lifted, each one following the other, eyes meeting the man they had long been waiting for.

And there he was—Leon Moonwalker, Duke of Silver City. The dying sun clothed him in amber radiance, throwing shadows that defined his chiseled jaw and highlighted his black hair with a sheen of silk. His golden eyes shone with subdued power, kingly and inaccessible, but warm as well to dissolve the span that time had created between himself and those who served him. Staying still, he owned hearts as easily as he used to own the battlefield.

An unspoken stir ran through the crowd, a deep and guttural thing, something not said but understood. For his troops, it was not just respect—it was loyalty remade. Veterans whose bodies were scarred by war felt something constrict in their chests, something that was proud. Their Duke, the one who had entered the capital singly, who met the noble court with nothing but courage and determination, had come back not defeated, but victorious. Their protector. Their rock. Their fire in troubled breezes. Pride stiffened their backs, raised their shoulders. He wasn’t merely their lord—he was the spirit of the city incarnate.

The maids stood up next, more demure in their rise, their beauty like the trembling of petals caught in hot breeze. But as soon as their eyes locked with his, breath was held back. That face... those golden eyes, keener than ever... that rough, unpolished beauty of his body amplified under the fading light. All of them had dreamed in his absence—some quietly wished, some silently sighed—and now he was standing in front of them again, no longer a memory, but flesh and flame.

Their cheeks blushed pink, their hearts fluttering like spooked birds. Days spent without him had been agonizingly static. Nights longer, colder. But now here he was, his presence more seductive than ever, his silence more alluring than verse. Some maids looked down too late, caught by the manner in which his golden eyes raked over them—not cruelly, not coldly—but knowingly, as if he recalled them. Each one.

But then, their gazes drifted. Slowly. Inescapably.

Standing behind him were five women—enigmatic, captivating, clad in sleek black robes that clung to their bodies like a second skin. Each wore flowing black hair that rippled like silk, come-hither black eyes that promised secrets, and curves that commanded the eye without apology. They smiled not. They didn’t have to. Their mere presence was a declaration—quiet, certain, erotic in a manner that did not invite attention but demanded it nonetheless.

They weren’t the timid type. No, these women oozed danger and beauty, a raw feminine power that caused even seasoned soldiers change where they stood. The atmosphere around them seemed denser, charged, like incense and silk in a locked room. Whoever they were, it was obvious they weren’t plain companions.

Then, a third group of three caught their attention—three more women standing there.

Of them, one stood out at once. Lady Tsubaki, the haughty, well-disciplined knight who had originally defended the capital. Even here, her bearing remained unbroken, but there was a gentleness in the way she stood close to Leon. A closeness that didn’t require words. As if she had proven herself worthy to stand by his side through blood and honor.

But the last presence was the one which stole breath and hushed murmurs.

A woman with silver-white hair glistening like moonlight.

Whispers ran like breeze through leaves. Eyes opened wide. That radiance. that silver-white hair, otherworldly and angelic, reflecting the gold light like strands of moonlight. Only two princesses in the Moonstone Kingdom shared such loveliness. The Queen... and the Princess.

And this one—standing proud by Leon, enveloped by poise and secrecy—didn’t wear the crown.

"She must be the Princess..."

The consideration spread quietly through all the shocked hearts, staying like a breath on the breeze.

"And the black-haired woman by her side?" one of the young soldiers leaned forward, voice dropped low as he attempted to remember a half-forgotten recollection. "She’s from the Starlight Duchy, isn’t she...?" His words fade away, eyes squinting in recognition.

And then appeared two more gorgeous women—both covered in sweeping black hair, features softened, eyes possessing the beauty of nobility and enigma. With each step they made, it appeared as if they were changing the air, leaving observers panting.

Memories were rekindled. When Duke Leon departed for the capital, only Lady Cynthia, Lady Syra, Lady Kyra, and Lady Aria had accompanied him. It was obvious. Expected, even. And yes—Lady Rias had since reappeared by his side, precisely as many had envisioned. But these new females? Their existence was something no one had counted on. Eight stunning beauties stood with Leon now, and the sudden addition left the group split between amazement and bewilderment.

They blinked in shock. Others stood gazing in stunned amazement, as though observing something much greater than their comprehension. A ripple of whispers started to circulate quietly among guards and maids, curiosity seething just below. But for all the swarm of questions churning inside them, no one could bring themselves to vocalize them.

And yet, Leon knew already.

He always did.

With a serene smile that might melt reluctance and challenge hearts equally, he advanced. His golden, commanding gaze swept across them all as his voice boomed out in a regal, affectionately teasing tone.

"Guards, maids—I recognize your faces well. According to your faces, it appears you’re curious about our guests.

A soft laugh broke from his mouth, the warmth of which could have made the audience relax, but contained just enough humor to cause a couple of rosy cheeks to flush.

"Let me clarify your bewilderment. Allow me to properly present them," he said, his voice smooth with a nobleness that not many could deny.

He approached first the woman whose loveliness glimmered like moonlight.

"This is Lady Lira, the Princess of Moonstone Kingdom."

A shared gasp was stuck in their throats. The whispers ceased. So, the gossip was true. She wasn’t merely nobility—she was royalty.

Lira moved forward, unflinching and serene. Her silver-white locks shimmered in the golden light of sunset, cascading like silk down her back. Her icy blue eyes swept the faces before her, not with haughtiness, but with a soft regality that caused even the most battle-hardened warriors to stiffen their backs. A faint, dignified smile plucked at her lips as she bestowed a respectful nod—one that touched hearts, even without speech.

Leon then motioned to the woman beside her, whose strong stance and piercing aura elicited immediate attention.

"And standing next to her," he went on smoothly, "is Tsubaki. Lira’s personal bodyguard and a Knight of Moonstone."

Though her stance remained disciplined, Tsubaki’s composure wavered slightly as Leon spoke her name. A soft blush crept onto her cheeks—just enough to betray her otherwise stoic expression. She nodded, curt and proper, but her voice came out low and respectful, with a touch of something more vulnerable beneath.

"A pleasure," she said, the faint pink lingering on her face as she avoided Leon’s gaze.

Then Leon’s gaze shifted once more, relaxing, as it came to rest on the girl who stood a little way away from the others. She was quieter, but present, like a candle flame burning softly in darkness.

He lifted his hand discreetly in her direction.

"This is Mia. From the Starlight Duchy. She has fallen into my charge."

A breeze, tender and fleeting, brushed past as Mia stepped forward. Her black hair fluttered gently, framing a face that radiated softness and shyness. Her eyes, deep and dark, flickered downward for a moment before she offered a trembling bow. Her hand clutched at her chest, trying to calm the fluttering within, and when she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"I... I’m honored to meet everyone."

The instant seized, delicate and full.

Some of the maids blinked in surprise. Starlight Duchy’s Mia? Most had heard the name—she was of noble birth, protected from the world, a girl of elegance and high rank. And yet behold, she was now standing at the side of their Lord. No proclamation. No pomp. Only her soft words and quivering presence that awakened something gently in the hearts of the onlookers.

Glances were exchanged—between soldiers, between maids. Not glances of judgment, but of shocked comprehension. The world around Duke Leon was different... and these women were obviously a part of that difference.

"And these five..."

He half-turned, using a small wave of his hand as a procession of black-clad women stepped forward, their movements smooth and hypnotic, as if they floated on air. Their long gowns wrapped tightly around forms no man could overlook. "Our newest maids. Fey, Mira, Mona, Rui, and Lena. They came to work for me not long ago. Each one of them trained, loyal, and competent.

They stepped forward one by one, bowing deeply. Their raven-black eyes glistened under the twilight, each smile smothered in playful seduction. They left behind their scent—a subtle, tempting blend of perfume and threat. The kind that tends to make a man’s mind stray before he even knows it.

Hourglass figures, chiseled hips, curvy and enticing busts—first of all, they did not merely stand; they captivated. The very swaying of their robes appeared choreographed, created to stimulate passion without ever so much as a whispered word.

Several guards were seen gulping. A couple of maids in the rear permitted themselves soft, wistful sighs—admiration tinged with resignation. These women were not merely pretty... they exuded mission.

Lilyn stood at the back, silent observer. A still breath escaped her lips, heavy with mixed feeling. In the last few weeks, she had found her footing as Head Maid—managing timetables, running the estate, maintaining the smooth operation of the home. She had evolved into the unobtrusive backbone of the mansion.

And yet. watching her Lord’s circle of women rebuild again awakened something bittersweet within her. Her chest constricted for an instant, before a small, futile smile wrenched at her mouth.

My Lord. You really haven’t changed.

Gasps rippled through the crowd once again, as if ripples on quiet water. The appearance of Princess Lira, dignified Mia, five forbidden black maids, and one capital knight—each flanking the side of a single man—was almost too much for the gathered staff and guards to absorb.

But even in shock, no one appeared entirely surprised.

Because this wasn’t any man.

This was Leon Moonwalker.

A Duke, indeed. But so much more than that. Dashing, calm, above reason in power—he strode like a man from another world. A man destiny itself appeared reluctant to refuse.

Lilyn did not stir from where she was standing. She just watched, allowing the moment seep into her very marrow. At the back of her mind, she said again, almost chuckling.

He’s broadening his love circle once more... Just as always.

Next to her, Chloe remained frozen—her eyes wide open, her lips slightly parted. Ronan’s daughter, the youngest and newest member of the mansion staff, had never seen anything like this before. Wonder sparkled in her soft brown eyes.

She didn’t say a word, but her mind wandered.

How can one man attract women like that to him?

Is he really single...? Or is he just... irresistible?

Her cheeks flushed, turning a pale pink color.

No surprise I couldn’t help it.

That very thought vibrated like a silent whisper across more than her heart. A number of other maids, standing by and observing, experienced it as well. The subtle tug. That forbidden allure. It didn’t matter how many years they had worked—each of them, at some time, had found their knees slightly weaken before him.

But none of them uttered a word.

Only looks, gentle smiles, and concealed thoughts passed between them.

Then his voice sliced through tension like velvet. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Now then. Let’s not stand the entire evening in front of the gates, shall we? I have no desire to dine outside my mansion," he said with a gentle, amused laugh. "Come. Let’s go indoors."

The spell broke.

Laughter, soft and natural, filtered through the crowd. His wives smiled warmly, while some of the maids giggled shyly. Aria leaned in close and whispered provocatively:

"So dramatic, darling."

The guards, abruptly reminded of their duty, scrambled to clear the way.

"Excuse me, Lord!"

"P-Please, give way for the Lord!"

"Yes, hurry!" ran the chorus of embarrassed voices.

Within seconds, they had formed a clean corridor, bowing respectfully as they did. Leon stepped forward with calm elegance, not a single thread out of place. His golden eyes swept over them, nodding once.

"Relax. Just return to your duties and rest. You’ve done well."

His tone was low and soothing—particularly to the nearest of the young maid, who almost staggered in trying to bow and move away. She turned red, ruffled beyond all repair.

Following close behind him were his entourage—every one of them glowing in her own light. The wives, the knight, the princess, the maids... All gravitating towards him like moons to a star. With each step that he took, their presence trailed, a stream of beauty and strength flowing through the gates.

Leon strode forward, tall and unflinching, as the sweeping gates of Moonwalker Mansion swung open wide to greet him.

And as he entered, with his household following, the gates closed slowly.

Moonwalker Mansion was full of life once more.

The steady beat of footsteps rang through the gleaming marble floors. The soldiers, their faces now relaxed, bowed again before leaving to return to their posts outside. Within, the maids broke apart smoothly—some to the kitchens, others to ready rooms, a few more disappearing toward tasks they already knew lay ahead of them.

All with fresh determination.

But Lilyn and Chloe stayed close to Leon’s heels, leading the primary group through the familiar halls of the Moonwalker Estate and toward the central core of the mansion—the opulent living room.

As the big double doors swung open, a tide of warmth and poise greeted them. The living room stretched out wide, its black-and-white floors shining softly under the soft radiance of a stately chandelier. Velvet curtains draped the tall windows, their rich crimson folds undulating a little to the breeze. Rich golden touches shone from the furniture, and all—from the rich carpets to the lacy sculptures on the side tables—testified to luxuries of taste, but never of show.

The ladies stepped in with gentle elegance, each settling into the soft velvet sofas drawn in a warm curve. After the arduous trek, it was pleasant to finally let go. A couple of them extended their arms or subtly smoothed out their dresses, their movements smooth and womanly. The air hummed with the gentle rustling of fabrics, the fragrance of fresh blooms, and the soothing comfort of home.

Leon, always the focus of their lives, sank back into the center couch. Rias took one of his armrests, leaning her arm against his with loose assurance. Syra and Kyra snuggled up beside them, their green eyes roaming the room with teasing fascination. One by one, the others fell into place unforced, each woman settling herself beside the man they all orbited.

It was Aria who spoke to break the silence, her voice a harmonious hum as she drew one long leg over the other and swung toward Lilyn with a mischievous smile.

"So, Head Maid Lilyn—how was everything while we were away? You’ve become even more elegant, I must say."

A light pink swept across Lilyn’s cheeks, the compliment obviously hitting home to warm her.

"You’re too kind, Lady Aria,"