Supreme Spouse System.

The Stirring Camp

When they moved deeper in, the air changed. Boot-cleats, clanging iron, and whispered talk filled the way, but it all came to an instant silence when a pair of guards spotted them.

It was a young soldier bearing a wooden box. He stared into Leon's face, and all the color ran out of him. The box fell from his hands, crashing on the stones with a great clang. Tools and food spilled over the ground.

"L–Lord Leon…?" He stuttered, torn between belief and wonder.

Leon leaned forward slightly, a small smile pulling at his lips. "Yes. It's me." His voice was even, but the warmth in his eyes bore the weight of recognition, of reunion after years.

The lips of the soldier parted in surprise, but before he could utter another word, another guard advanced. His skin paled, then came alert with sudden awareness. He dropped to one knee, wordless. The clank of his armor onto the ground rang out.

Within the next breath, the rest of them too copied him. Scores of knees bent onto the ground in a simultaneous movement, their voices uttering in one single voice:

"Greeting Your Majesty—our Lord! We welcome you home!"

The camp itself paused, holding its breath. Even those not yet introduced to Leon turned, caught up in the excitement.

Leon stood there, golden eyes shining softly. He allowed the moment to settle, the genuineness of their worship pressing against his chest like a tide. Then, with a small headshake, he raised a hand.

Get up," he said, voice firm but soft. "All that isn't necessary."

The soldiers did as they were told, hauling themselves up off the ground. Their backs straightened, but their eyes had the same flame—a new strength, as if men who had just remembered why they carried their swords in the first place.

Leon swept his gaze over the group, his voice lightening into something almost playful, yet his eyes saw everything. "By the way… where are your black and white flags? Where is the order holding things together here?"

One guard, older and with more creases in his face than the rest, quickly answered. "My Lord, the Captain and the other appointed authorities are inside the camp. They've been keeping order, overseeing both the soldiers and the civilians living here."

Leon hummed, lips quirking. "I see. Good. Then lead me to them—I'd like to meet."

The guards looked at each other, nearly quivering with excitement. The fellow who had spoken sharply saluted. "Yes, my Lord! This way."

They fell into line, brought back under discipline though their faces expressed pride. Their boots rang out on the stone path with force, taking Leon and his friends deeper into camp.

The ramshackle camp unfolded before them. Columns of mended buildings, tents, and makeshift wooden fences surrounded the open courtyard. Children peeked out from the edges of their mothers' skirts, wide eyes taking in Leon. Bundling men with armloads of firewood hesitated, watching, lips parting in shocked murmurs.

One of the women dropped the clothes she had been hanging, hand going to mouth. Her voice travelled down the lane in awed whispers. "My Lord… he's returned."

Another man bent low, forehead almost touching the ground. The whispers spread like fire, spreading ripples through the camp.

".Our Lord."

"He's back."

"Praise the heavens, it's him…"

Leon strode along with a smooth smile, his steps deliberate, unhurried, but with a natural poise that turned heads in his path. He returned their looks, not with pride, but with something warmer—respect. Every bow, every soft word of respect, he met with a nod or the slightest lifting of his lips.

It was not the stride of a far-off king. It was the stride of one who saw them, who bore their load in him.

At last, when they came to the center of the camp, Leon slackened.

Before him stood a large, sturdier structure—clearly the central command house. Though still made of rough timber and patched boards, it stood taller than the others. Reinforced beams lined its corners, and makeshift banners fluttered from its roof. Magical lamps glowed faintly along its edges, giving it a semblance of dignity.

At the front was a line of guards, halberds held in hand. They stood stiff at the appearance of Leon, eyes widening before they, too, dropped to their knees in synchrony.

"My Lord!"

"Rise," Leon repeated, smiling weakly as his hand passed through the air.

They did so, though their eyes gleamed, filled with feelings they could not speak aloud.

One of the guards stepped forward, helmet under his arm. "Lord Leon, the Captain is inside, in conference with the other authorities."

Leon's eyes picked up a fractional sharpness. "Is that so?"

"Yes, my Lord." The guard paused, then touched his palm to the wooden door. He glanced back with deference. "Would you have me announce you?"

Leon smiled quietly. "No necessity. Just open it."

The guard bowed low, then pushed.

The heavy wood creaked under the force, hinges shrieking as the door creaked open. A beam of light streamed into the darkened hall beyond. Then, with a final push, the door swung open.

The instant it did, a cold voice boomed inside from the darkness, slicing through the air like a blade.

"—How dare you barge in uninvited?!"

The tone had authority and annoyance, but also something more—fear of letting go.

Leon's smile did not waver. He moved forward, golden eyes flashing in the dimly lit interior.

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Authors Notes: Dear Readers, Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure! Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement really keep me motivated to keep bringing *Supreme Spouse System* into existence. If you're loving the chapters, I'd love it if you supported my book with a Powerstone, review, or even a Golden Ticket—it helps me develop as a writer and lets more readers enjoy the story. I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts, so please don't hesitate to share!

With love,

Scorpio_saturn777

Creator of Supreme Spouse System

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