The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Leona’s Vision

The clinking of a silver spoon against a crystal glass silenced the gentle hum of chatter in the grand hall. All eyes turned to a regal woman standing at the head of the room, her presence commanding as much attention as her daughter’s. This was Lady Isolde, Leona’s mother, a striking figure known for her poise and elegance. Her long, dark hair was streaked with silver, and her emerald-green eyes mirrored Leona’s, though they carried a wisdom and sharpness born of years of leadership.

Raising her glass, Lady Isolde began with a voice as smooth as silk, yet carrying the weight of authority. “Honored guests, family, and friends, I thank you all for gathering here tonight to celebrate my beloved daughter, Leona. Tonight, we honor not only her birth but the extraordinary woman she has become.”

The crowd erupted into a polite applause, and Leona, seated nearby, blushed as her mother continued. “From the moment she entered this world, Leona brought light and joy to everyone she touched. Even as a child, her wisdom far exceeded her years, and her kindness knew no bounds. She has always been destined for greatness, and her role as the Oracle has only solidified what I’ve known all along—Leona is a gift to us all.”

Lucian watched the speech with quiet admiration, while Kael leaned toward Aeliana and whispered, “Wow, I guess charm and elegance really do run in the family.”

Aeliana nodded, impressed. “Leona’s mother is remarkable. It’s no wonder Leona turned out the way she did.”

Lady Isolde raised her glass higher. “Leona, my darling, you are a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. May your light never dim, and may you continue to inspire all those fortunate enough to stand in your presence. To Leona!”

“To Leona!” the crowd echoed, raising their glasses in unison.

Leona, clearly moved, stood to address the crowd, her voice steady despite the slight flush in her cheeks. “Thank you, Mother, for your kind words. And thank you to everyone here tonight for celebrating with me. I am truly humbled and grateful to be surrounded by so much love.”

As the applause filled the hall, Lucian leaned toward Aeliana, his voice low. “Lady Isolde certainly knows how to command a room. A fitting mother for an Oracle.”

Aeliana smiled, watching as Leona embraced her mother. “She does, doesn’t she? It’s clear where Leona gets her grace.”

Kael, meanwhile, was still busy eyeing the buffet table. “Speaking of gifts, think there’s any chance we can toast with cake instead of wine?”

Aeliana rolled her eyes, stifling a laugh as Lucian shook his head in amusement. The night was just beginning, and there was no telling what more surprises Leona’s party might hold.

…

Lady Isolde’s voice rang out once again, silencing the room with its commanding yet melodic tone. She turned toward Leona, her emerald gaze brimming with pride. “Tonight, my beautiful daughter has not only graced us with her presence but has also gifted us with something far more valuable—a vision of the future. Her prophetic insight assures us of a new decade of prosperity and balance.”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall, as the guests exchanged looks of awe and curiosity. It wasn’t every day that the Oracle herself bestowed a vision upon an audience, let alone in such a public gathering.

Leona stood gracefully, her white and gold gown flowing like liquid light. Her voice was soft yet carried across the hall like a sacred hymn. “Thank you, Mother,” she said warmly, her gaze sweeping the room. “As the Oracle, it is my duty to provide guidance, not only to those closest to me but to all who dwell within this realm. The vision I witnessed speaks of unity, prosperity, and a brighter path for us all. But with it comes the reminder that such a future must be nurtured through trust, dedication, and, most importantly, the strength of our bonds.”

Lady Isolde raised her hand, signaling for quiet as Leona continued.

“In accordance with tradition, I will also lead us in a ritual hymn to bless this path forward,” Leona said, her voice reverent. “Let us join together, not just as individuals but as one collective force, to ensure that our future remains unshaken by darkness.”

The guests murmured in reverence, shuffling to position themselves for the sacred ritual. Lucian leaned toward Aeliana, his face calm but his tone quietly amused. “Her flair for the dramatic rivals even mine.”

Aeliana nudged him playfully. “She’s the Oracle, Lucian. Let her have her moment. Besides, the vision she spoke of sounds promising, doesn’t it?”

Kael, however, looked skeptical as he muttered, “A decade of prosperity? Only if the Radiant Order and Skye Drakonis don’t ruin it first.”

Before Aeliana could respond, a hauntingly beautiful melody filled the air as Leona began her hymn. Her voice was pure and ethereal, carrying an ancient song of blessing that seemed to resonate with the very walls of the church. The guests joined hands, forming a wide circle around the Oracle, as the room glowed faintly with the golden light of the spell she wove into her words.

Lucian stood still, his gaze fixed on Leona as if seeing her in a new light. For all her childlike innocence, there was an undeniable power within her—a power that could shape the fate of kingdoms.

As the hymn concluded, Leona’s glow dimmed, and she opened her eyes to the sound of resounding applause. Lady Isolde smiled proudly, gesturing for everyone to toast again.

“To Leona’s vision and blessing!”

“To Leona!” the room echoed, glasses raised high.

Lucian clinked his glass lightly against Aeliana’s. “Well, that was… unexpected.”

Aeliana smiled. “A reminder, perhaps, that even in times of uncertainty, hope can shine through.”

Kael, however, simply sighed as he set his untouched drink down. “Am I the only one who thinks these hymns always make me hungry? Rituals and feasts should come as a package deal.”

Lucian chuckled, shaking his head as Aeliana rolled her eyes. “You’re incorrigible, Kael.”

The festivities continued, but there was an unspoken understanding between Lucian, Aeliana, and Kael. Leona’s vision was a blessing—but it also served as a warning. Prosperity was never guaranteed, and they all knew the road ahead would not be an easy one.

…

As the last notes of Leona’s hymn lingered in the air, a sudden crack of thunder rolled across the sky, silencing the gathered crowd. Gasps echoed through the grand hall as the chandelier trembled slightly, its crystals catching the flickering light of the candles.

Leona froze mid-motion, her expression shifting as her emerald eyes widened, her pupils contracting into thin slits. Suddenly, she collapsed to her knees, clutching her head as the light around her became blinding.

“Leona!” Lady Isolde rushed to her daughter, but Lucian instinctively held out an arm to stop her.

“Don’t touch her,” he said, his voice low and grave. “She’s in a vision.”

The guests murmured in alarm, backing away from the Oracle as arcs of white lightning seemed to ripple from her, crackling against the marble floor. Just as swiftly, a second, darker light emerged—this one black and violet, swirling around her like a tempest.

“She’s seeing both sides,” Aeliana whispered in awe, her hand instinctively gripping Lucian’s arm. “Good and bad.”

Kael leaned in, his usual smirk gone, replaced by a wary expression. “That’s… not a normal vision. Something’s interfering with her.”

Leona’s voice rang out, no longer soft and melodic but layered, as though multiple voices spoke through her. “Two roads lie ahead, one paved in light and one swallowed by shadow.” Her head tilted back, her glowing eyes staring at something unseen. “The future splits, balanced on a knife’s edge. The union of the elf princess and the dark lord may unite realms… or tear them asunder.”

Lucian stiffened, his jaw tightening. “What is she saying?”

Lady Isolde clasped her hands together, visibly shaken. “She speaks of fate’s crossroads. It is rare for an Oracle to see both outcomes at once.”

Leona’s voice grew louder, her tone filled with urgency. “If the bond falters, darkness will claim the realms. The Radiant Order will rise, and Skye Drakonis will feast upon the broken thrones.” The light around her dimmed slightly, only for the darker aura to grow stronger. “The key lies in trust, unity, and sacrifice. Should either fail, doom is certain.”

A second crack of thunder shook the hall as Leona gasped, the glow around her fading as her body slumped forward. Lucian darted to catch her before she hit the ground, his expression unreadable as he cradled her limp form.

“Leona!” Lady Isolde knelt beside her, checking her pulse. Relief washed over her face. “She’s alive.”

“The vision…” she murmured weakly. “It was so clear. So… heavy.”

“What did you see, Leona?” Aeliana asked softly, kneeling beside her.

Leona shook her head, her face pale and drawn. “I saw both what could be and what must be avoided. If things go wrong…” She hesitated, tears brimming in her eyes. “…the cost will be too great. The only solution lies in staying united, no matter what challenges come.”

Lucian’s expression darkened, his gaze distant. “And if the worst comes to pass?”

Leona’s voice broke as she answered, “If the worst comes to pass… one of you must make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the realms.”

The words hung heavy in the air, silencing even the boldest of the gathered nobles. Lady Isolde bowed her head, her fingers trembling as she clutched her daughter’s arm.

. Outside, the storm continued to rage, as though the heavens themselves echoed the tension now rooted in their hearts.