The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 131. Grand Rewards

Chapter 131: 131. Grand Rewards

Duke Albrecht Dranemount sat behind a gleaming mahogany desk in the Dranemount Manor office.

Albrecht’s stern face and sharp eyes were fixed on his children with a mix of disillusionment and tired affection.

Erin and Adrian sat opposite each other on soft velvet couches, their argument simmering like a storm about to burst.

Erin’s delicate fingers curled around the porcelain cup as she sipped her tea calmly, her silver hair shining like the moon.

Adrian’s voice pierced the room with a sharp annoyance as he leaned forward, his broad shoulders taut, his hands braced on the low, polished table between them. "Where did you go after knocking me out cold, Erin? Come on."

Erin’s violet eyes sparkled with mischief. "Just sightseeing, dear brother. I was bored." She tilted her head, letting the words hang like a dare.

Adrian’s jaw tightened, and he turned to their father, pointing at her. "See, Father? She’s hiding something. She always is."

Erin’s lips curved into a sly smirk as she set her teacup down with a sharp clink.

"Hiding something?" she purred, voice teasing but firm.

"Why, Adrian, do you think I was scared of you..." She paused, smirk sharpening as she leaned forward a bit. "...elder brother?"

Adrian’s face flushed, voice rising. "You should at least show me some respect!" he snapped. "Do you know how much chaos you caused, vanishing like that? The nation’s already on edge after Caulem’s daughter disappeared."

Albrecht sighed, rubbing his temple with a worn hand, his face softened as he looked at Erin, though worry darkened his eyes. He’d always let her be herself, but recent troubles weighed heavy.

"My dear," he said, voice gentle but strong, "you can tell us if you need to go somewhere. You know that, don’t you? These are dangerous times."

"I’m sorry, Father, for not telling you," she said, voice honest, though a hint of secrecy lingered in her eyes. "It was... an urgent matter. I had to visit somewhere. I hope you understand."

Adrian leaned back, arms crossed, voice still sharp. "You think a simple apology covers it?"

Albrecht’s voice broke through, steady but unyielding, like a clear bell. "That’s enough, Adrian."

Adrian’s mouth opened, frustration burning—"But Father, you always stand up for—" and Albrecht stopped him with one authoritative wave of his hand.

His eyes turned to Erin, unyielding but loving. "Erin, you have to swear to me—no more foolish enterprises."

Erin nodded. "Yes, Father," she said softly.

The Duke’s stern look eased, a faint smile breaking through his lined face like sunlight through clouds. "Good. We’re attending Caulem’s banquet tomorrow. Prepare yourselves accordingly."

Erin and Adrian nodded together, voices blending. "Yes, Father."

The leather of Albrecht’s tall chair creaked softly as he leaned back. "You two are free to go now." The siblings stood and walked across the room, their footsteps soft on the plush rug. There was silence in the office as the heavy oak door slammed shut behind them.

Albrecht’s expression darkened when he was by himself. Carefully, he opened a desk drawer and took out a letter sealed with the Caulem crest’s red wax. He traced the carved Griffin symbol with his fingers, then snapped the seal open. His brow furrowed as he read the neat writing, and a worried mutter escaped his lips. "What evil is brewing in this nation?"

Sunlight poured through tall arched windows in the manor’s bright hallways, illuminating the grim portraits of Dranemount ancestors that lined the walls. As Erin and Adrian walked, she looked at her brother, who wore a tight jaw and a stormy face.

With a playful but lighthearted tone, she nudged his arm. "Are you still simmering?"

Adrian huffed, rubbing his neck, dark eyes narrowing. "How could I not? You’re impossible."

Her chuckle was warm, like a breeze clearing mist, and she gave his shoulder a gentle push. "Oh, come now, Adrian. Cool down." Her easy warmth softened his frustration, and he rubbed his shoulder, a small smile forming.

Curious, he glanced at her. "So, who’re you taking to the banquet? Leonhardt?"

"I suspect he’s already asked another," she said softly.

Adrian grumbled, crossing his arms. "Guess we’re both going stag, then."

Erin leaned closer, violet eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased his protective side. "What about your princess? I know you’re dying to escort her."

He shrugged, voice quieter but firm. "She can choose anyone she likes for now. But you..." He looked at her, expression softening. "There’s no one good enough for you."

Erin’s laughter rang out, light and real, eyes warm with love for her brother’s gruff care.

Erin arrived at her room and pushed the door open, but she stopped in the middle of her stride, gasping as the room was illuminated by a brilliant glow. Goddess Celestia, her silver hair gleaming like stars, stood at her cluttered desk.

The room seemed both large and close as the goddess’ presence hummed in the air, a soft buzz of divine energy. Celestia looked up with a smile on her lips and warm, sparkling eyes. "Oh, sweetheart, I had been awaiting your arrival."

Erin’s violet eyes widened, and she quickly shut the door, voice sharp but familiar. "Aunty, what the hell are you doing here?"

Celestia’s laughter was like soft music, ringing through the room as she moved to a plush velvet couch, sitting with easy grace. "Oh, come now," she teased. "Can’t I visit my favorite niece whenever I please?"

In his room at Caulem Manor, Leo lay across the bed, his red eyes staring at ceiling, his mind finding a brief moment of calm, like the quiet before a storm.

The peace broke as Elynn’s interface popped up.

Her voice, lively and playful.

[Ready to look at your reward?]

Leo’s brow creased, a spark of annoyance in his chest. He propped up on one elbow. "I still don’t believe in you, you know."

[!..!] Elynn’s reply flashed across the interface, a burst of playful symbols like they were teasing him.

He snorted, sitting up fully, red hair falling into his eyes as he gave the hologram a doubtful look. "What the hell? Are you some lovesick girl texting her boyfriend for an apology?"

[...]

Leo sighed, rubbing his temple with rough fingers, annoyance mixed with a bit of amusement. "Fine. Show me my upgraded stats first."

[Current Stats:
 CURRENT LEVEL: 18!
 STRENGTH: 68
 ENDURANCE: 57
 DEFENSE: 59
 SPEED: 68
 STAMINA: 62
 MANA CAPACITY: 52
 INTELLIGENCE: 70
 BATTLE INTELLIGENCE: 83
 SOUL RESONANCE WEAPON: Blood Dragger (Lvl 1)]

[Shadow Wraith (First)
 Type: Mana-Bound Summoned Entity
 Stats:
 Level: 15
 Strength: 54
 Speed: 78
 Defense: 39
 Endurance: 48
 Mana Cost: 1 per 10 seconds]

[Shadow Wraith (Second)
 Type: Mana-Bound Summoned Entity
 Stats:
 Level: 14
 Strength: 54
 Speed: 78
 Defense: 39
 Endurance: 48
 Mana Cost: 1 per 10 seconds]

[Shadow Panther (Nimbus)
 Type: Free-Willed Summoned Entity
 Stats:
 Level: 16
 Strength: 46
 Speed: 88
 Defense: 44
 Endurance: 58
 Mana Cost: None (Free-Willed)]

[Mana Shards: 4302]

Leo’s eyes scanned the stats, a sly grin spreading as the 4302 Mana Shards felt like a treasure chest, full of chances. "Time to upgrade my Soul Resonance weapon."

[Upgrading Soul Resonance!]

[Cost: 1500 Mana Shards]

"Yes," he said, voice steady but buzzing with excitement.

The interface flashed, showing the upgraded weapon.

[Soul Resonance Weapon: Blood Dragger (Level 2 – Crimson Talon)].

A picture of the blade appeared in his mind—a sleek, deadly chain blade, its edges shining with a fierce red glow, like it was made of blood.

Leo’s grin grew, a rush of thrill in his red eyes. "Oh, baby," he said.

[Grand reward still unclaimed!] Elynn’s cheerful tone poked him again.

Leo rolled his eyes, leaning back against the headboard. "Fine, open the reward," he muttered, half-expecting something small. But as the interface glowed brighter, a new skill appeared: [Shadowland].

The skill will cover the combat area with shadow mist and summon temporary mega shadow monster.