The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 134. Birthday Boy

Chapter 134: 134. Birthday Boy

Rin and Leo stepped into the grand hall of Caulem Manor, and Rin froze, her breath catching in wonder. The huge room glowed like a magical dream, its high ceiling covered in bright murals, their colors shining under the pulsing light of mana-charged chandeliers that hung like glowing stars.

Nobles moved through the crowd, their silks and jewels sparkling in a swirl of color.

The air carried the soft scent of jasmine and the warm spice of wine, while a string quartet played a tune from a golden balcony above, their music weaving through the lively chatter like a silver thread.

Rin whispered, her voice soft, "It’s... breathtaking."

Leo’s crimson eyes scanned the room, a quiet chuckle escaping. "Of course. It’s Lucian’s birthday. He gets the best."

His gaze caught Erin across the hall, her violet eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she vanished into the crowd. He muttered, "That girl..."

Rin glanced at him, her brow furrowing. "What?"

He shook his head, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Nothing. Come on, let’s find the birthday boy." Rin nodded, her sapphire gown flowing as they moved forward through the crowd.

Nobles turned to watch him, their eyes following him. Once called the useless heir, a coward who avoided their stares, he was different tonight—tall, strong, a striking girl by his side. Whispers spread around them.

"Is that Leonhardt?" a noble murmured, sounding surprised.

"It’s him, but... he’s not the same," another said, eyes narrowing.

"I saw him six months ago," a third whispered. "He’s changed—completely—in just months."

Rin looked at him, checking if the whispers hurt him, but his face stayed calm, his crimson eyes fixed ahead. "Do those words bother you?" she asked, her voice gentle.

He shrugged, his grin easy, though a hint of tiredness flickered in his eyes. "I just don’t care for the spotlight. That’s all."

With a soft tug on her hand, his touch warm and steady, he led her through the crowd to the center of the hall.

There, Lucian Caulem stood with a group of nobles, Velmira, his fiancée, close by, her laughter soft against his. Lucian’s sapphire coat, stitched with silver threads shone under the chandeliers, and his loud laughter pulled everyone’s attention.

Lucian saw them and grinned widely. "Senior Rin! You made it!" he called, walking over.

Velmira turned, her smile bright as she rushed forward. "Senior Rin!" she exclaimed, then wrapped Rin in a tight hug. Rin stiffened, her cheeks turning bright pink as nearby nobles staring.

"Velmira, what’s with you?" she stammered, her voice shaky with embarrassment.

Velmira pulled back, her eyes full of worry. "Are you okay, Senior Rin? Did your wounds heal properly? I was terrified when you fought—" Her words stopped as Lucian quickly covered her mouth.

"She’s thanking you and Elder Brother for saving us from that S-rank monster," Lucian said, gliding over her near-mistake.

The nobles nearby stirred, their whispers growing sharper. They’d heard only bits of the incident—a carefully hidden truth about the demon.

"So, the first heir really killed that monster?" one noble murmured, doubtful.

"My son could’ve done it," another scoffed. "They’re hiding something, mark my words."

Lucian glanced at Leo, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "It’s stifling here, Big Brother. Shall we find a quieter spot?"

Leo nodded, ucian led the way, moving through the crowd with Rin and Velmira following, toward a quiet seating area where two young girls sat, their frilly dresses making them look like little dolls. Vivien and Lysa were watched by Liana.

Vivien’s face lit up when she saw Leo. She jumped from her seat and ran to them, her voice bright. "Leonhardt Brother! Lucian Brother!" She stopped, her wide eyes landing on Rin, full of curiosity. Lysa, quietly slipped from her seat and took Leo’s hand, her gaze locked on Rin with a strange, intense stare.

Lucian smiled softly and gestured to the younger girl. "Senior Rin, this is Vivien, our little sister."

Rin’s heart warmed as she looked at Vivien, the girl whose kidnapping had shocked the nation, now standing here, happy and safe. She knelt slightly, her smile kind. "Good evening, Lady Vivien. I’m Rin Valarune."

Vivien gasped, her eyes wide. "You’re Rin? The one my brother keeps talking about?"

Rin’s brows furrowed, confusion crossing her face. "Talking about me?"

Vivien nodded eagerly, her auburn curls bouncing. "Yeah! Brother’s been talking about you. Lucian Brother even told Big Brother to esc—"

Her words were cut off as Lucian gently covered her mouth, muttering umder his breath through a forced smile, "Gods, why are these girls so loose-lipped?"

Rin’s confusion grew, her pink eyes darting to Leo, who looked calm, though a small smirk played on his lips. Her gaze moved to Lysa, still holding Leo’s hand, staring at her with a piercing, unblinking stare at her.

Leo noticed and chuckled, realizing he’d forgotten something. "Oh, forgot to introduce her. This is Lysa Threx. We’ve been watching her for a few days."

Rin tilted her head, studying Lysa’s quiet. "Nice to meet you, Lysa," she said softly, her voice warm despite the girl’s odd behavior. Lysa didn’t reply, her eyes never moving, her small hand tightening around Leo’s as if she didn’t want to let go.

___

Meanwhile Nimbus slipped through the crowd, his black fur blending into the shadows. his purple eyes glowed with quiet focus, searching the room. A few nobles glanced at the sleek cat, but none cared much.

He was looking for someone specific, his steps careful as he moved past people.

The panther’s ears twitched, catching bits of laughter and whispers, but he stayed focused. He glided toward the grand staircase and climbed to the upper floor. From a balcony overlooking the glowing garden below, Nimbus spotted two figures in a quiet corner: Marquess Valemont and Baron Varion.

They leaned close, talking in low voices, their faces serious. Valemont’s hair shone under the chandelier’s light, his sharp face set in a sly frown, while Varion’s bulky frame shifted nervously, his eyes darting to check if anyone was listening.

Nimbus’s tail flicked. He’d found his targets.

Down in the hall, Leo sat with Rin, Lucian, Velmira, Vivien, Lysa, and Liana in a seating area. His crimson eyes flicked up to the balcony. A sly smirk spread across his lips, sharp and knowing, as he leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping armrest.