Joffrey wasn't just happy because he'd get a stronger bodyguard.
He was thrilled at the chance to break Leo the same way he broke the Hound.
After all, he was the crown prince—future king of the Seven Kingdoms.
Leo had humiliated him by beating his personal dog in front of everyone. That was unacceptable. You don't hit the master's dog unless you're the master.
Joffrey had been nursing a grudge ever since. He'd been waiting for a chance to put the foreigner in his place. But Robert and Leo had grown closer and closer, so Joffrey figured the opportunity was gone.
Now it had fallen right into his lap. He shot Leo a quick, mocking little smile.
Leo's stomach dropped straight through the floor.
Robert caught the look on his son's face and felt uneasy. Leo wasn't some Lannister lackey like the Hound. If Joffrey started abusing him, it would be an insult to a guest who had sworn loyalty to the crown. He opened his mouth to shut the idea down.
Cersei spoke first. "Joffrey, you already have the Hound. Everyone knows how loyal he is, and he hasn't done anything wrong. He shouldn't be replaced on a whim."
Joffrey looked shocked and pissed. The Hound straightened up, chest out, clearly pleased to have the queen's support.
Cersei pulled ten-year-old Prince Tommen closer. "Tommen is ten now. It's time he had a loyal sworn shield of his own."
Robert's eyes brightened. He actually liked the quiet, well-behaved Tommen far more than his spoiled eldest. He turned to Leo. "Ser Neo, what do you think? Would you be willing to serve as Tommen's personal guard?"
Leo had nearly had a heart attack when Cersei first suggested he guard Joffrey. Now that the offer had flipped to Tommen, the knot in his chest loosened.
Tommen was the opposite of his brother—polite, gentle, and actually decent. Guarding him wouldn't be torture.
Refusing Cersei outright might create problems. Better to accept for now.
Leo let genuine relief show on his face. "Your Grace, it would be an honor to serve as Prince Tommen's sworn shield."
"Excellent! Excellent!" Robert clapped his hands, clearly happy with the decision. "After the tourney—win or lose—I'll knight you myself. Then you'll take up your place guarding Tommen."
"And when the time is right, I'll grant you suitable lands as well."
Leo bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Grace!"
The rest of the group offered their congratulations. Cersei gave him a faint, unreadable half-smile that Leo couldn't quite read. He had no idea why she'd singled him out, but it didn't matter. Robert had just promised him a title and land. Four years until the War of the Five Kings—plenty of time to build real power.
If he stayed close to Tommen and built a good relationship… well, once Joffrey was gone, Tommen would become king. Four years of influence could pay off huge.
Prince's guard?
Hell yeah. I'll take the damn job.
The matter was settled in a few quick sentences.
Leo glanced at young Tommen, who stared back at his tall, armored future protector with open curiosity.
Joffrey glared at Leo with pure hatred—until Robert's gaze swept his way, then he forced a fake smile.
Leo's dislike for the little psychopath deepened. You could never predict what a stupid, cruel person might do on a whim. The old internet saying was right: never fear a smart villain—fear an idiot who gets a bright idea.
Joffrey had been spoiled rotten by his mother and inherited none of his parents' cunning. Cersei herself was arrogant and short-sighted until life finally beat some sense into her—then she just doubled down on the crazy.
For a split second Leo wondered if he should find a way to remove Joffrey early and put Tommen on the throne ahead of schedule.
The thought shocked him. When had he become so casual about killing?
Back on Earth he'd been an ordinary salaryman who followed the rules. Now his hands were already stained with blood, and here he was casually considering the murder of a ten-year-old boy just because the kid gave him a dirty look.
Sure, future Joffrey was a monster who deserved what he got. But right now? This was a child.
If he let that cold, ruthless mindset keep growing, would he end up just like the rest of the nobles in this world—treating human lives like they were nothing?
Lost in those dark thoughts, Leo followed Robert's party toward the feast hall. The king had decided to throw a small celebration now that Leo was officially Tommen's future guard.
Everyone raised cups and laughed like old friends.
Leo smiled on the outside, but inside he was still wrestling with the question.
Barristan noticed and walked over, thinking the boy was nervous about tomorrow's tourney. He clapped Leo on the shoulder and gave him a steady look.
"Neo, tomorrow is your first tourney. Remember this: the lists are no different from a battlefield. Real steel, no second chances. No retreat."
"Give it everything you have and charge forward without fear."
The words hit Leo like a lightning bolt in the dark.
Exactly.
This whole world was a battlefield—crueller than any tourney. There were no safe retreats. Showing mercy to your enemies was the quickest way to get yourself killed.
"I understand, teacher," Leo said, eyes hardening with new resolve.