The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 135. Spying

Chapter 135: 135. Spying

Four days ago, at the Duke’s office was dark, Duke Caulem stared at Leo, his voice rough with disbelief. "Why do you want Varion Keech at the banquet? Those vile bastards don’t deserve to step foot in my house."

With calm but fierce crimson eyes, Leo reclined in his chair. "I hate them just as much as you do, I assure you. However, I realized something was amiss when I saved Vivien. The place housed hundreds of people—far too many to mention."

The Duke’s brow furrowed, his grip tightening on his chair. "Slaves, you mean?"

With a steady voice, Leo shook his head. "No. Slaves are not the only ones. It’s almost impossible to get that many people together in one location without anyone noticing. Then Lysa described to us how she was snatched, not purchased. It’s definitely mass human trafficking."

"Trafficking?" The Duke’s face darkened as he comprehended, and his voice was low. "Powerful allies—nobles, perhaps even houses—would be necessary for that kind of operation."

Leo’s tone was sharp, and his eyes narrowed. "Exactly. Some jerks who believed I was one of their cult contacts approached me a few days ago. They reveal information about the trafficking network and the person behind it.

With a growl in his voice, the Duke leaned forward. "Varion Keech?"

Leo gave a nod. "He’s definitely involved. I believe the cult gradually take over noble houses for this work. I can find who Keech is working with and how deep this rot goes if I invite him to the banquet."

-

In the present, Nimbus crouched low, his tail flicking once. He’d found his target.

Valemont spoke in a smug, amused low drawl. "How is your new wife doing, Lord Bohdan?"

Bohdan grinned slyly. "She’s good, Baron. Practically worships me since I made her marchioness. The old one was a nightmare—always prying into our business after I took the new one as a concubine."

Varion smirked, sipping his wine. "Of course, she couldn’t keep quiet about our work. Poor thing...didn’t stand a chance."

Bohdan’s expression darkened and his voice became hushed. "You also received the order, Baron?"

Varion’s brow furrowed as he nodded. "Why they instructed us to stop the supply is beyond me. It doesn’t add up.

Bohdan’s eyes were bright as he leaned in closer. "They have more ambitious plans. We’ll see the real prize at the hunting event, they hinted. Be patient, Varion."

Nimbus’s eyes narrowed, silently taking in every word.

Leo sat in a quiet corner of the grand hall below with Rin, Lucian, Velmera, Vivien, Lysa, and Liana, while the gentle hum of noble conversation surrounded them.

Leo’s lips curled into a grin.

Rin’s pink eyes narrowed in curiosity as she saw his expression. "What is that smirk about, Leonhardt?" With a gentle yet playful tone, she asked.

Leo turned his smirk into a playful smile as he looked at her. As if that were all, he nodded toward the dance floor where the nobility swayed to the music and said, "Just enjoying the party."

Rin pursed her lips, unsure, but she didn’t press. She turned to look at Lysa, who was holding on to Leo’s side while he helped her drink her juice. Her tiny hands were on his arm. Nearby, Vivien was chatting with Velmera while joyfully sipping her juice.

Rin tilted her head, observing Lysa’s bond with Leo, a slight glimmer of something—not jealousy, she insisted—stirring within. Her tone was light as she asked, "Leonhardt, why is she so attached to you?"

With a rare warmth in his eyes, Leo’s face softened as he gazed at Lysa. "Lysa had been imprisoned in the hellhole for months when I went to save Vivien. Ever since I freed her, she has remained attached to me."

Rin’s eyes were warm with admiration, and she smiled gently. "You’ve got a soft spot for kids, huh?"

Leo grinned slightly as his mind wandered to a memory of a little girl from a previous life. He said softly, "Kids are pure souls," in a tone that Rin couldn’t quite understand.

The glint of kindness beneath his tough exterior made her smile and warm her heart.

Velmera, seated next to Lucian and Vivien on the couch, leaned forward and spoke brightly. "So, Senior Rin, are you now completely well?"

Rin smiled, clearly confident. "I’m in excellent health. I can use magic without any problems, said by the priests."

Velmera clapped her hands, delighted, and Lucian’s smile widened. "That’s great to hear, Senior Rin."

Rin’s eyebrows rose as she looked at Lucian. "And your leg? I’ve heard that you have a serious condition.

Velmera grinned with pride. "It’s healed now, but it was bad for a while."

Lucian laughed and gave her a playful prod. "Thanks to your divine magic, Vel."

She laughed and pushed him back. "Lucian, it’s your obstinate effort."

A little taken aback by their effortless love, Rin observed their lighthearted conversation. Leo spoke in a low, playful whisper as he leaned closer. "This is how they always are. You will adjust to it."

With her pink eyes sparkling as she looked into his, Rin tucked a laugh, the warmth of the moment enveloping her like the gentle glow of the mana-lamps overhead.

A Caulem servant walked up, his face composed but serious, his steps swift but silent. "Young Lord Leonhardt, they’ve come," he whispered, leaning close to Leo.

"Are they?" he inquired, speaking softly to avoid drawing attention to himself.

The servant gave a nod. "Indeed, Young Lord. They are in the guest chamber with the Duke."

With a gentle exhale, Lucian heard. "At last," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with silent relief.

Rin’s brow creased, her pink eyes flicking between Leo and Lucian. "Who’s arrived?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

Leo stood, gently holding Lysa in his arms, her small hands clutching his coat. He met Rin’s gaze. "Wait for me here, alright?"

With a playful pout on her lips, Rin crossed her arms. "Leonhardt, you’re ignoring me? For this, you should give me a dance!"

Leo stopped and gave a little, playful smirk in return. "Agree." Rin’s cheeks flushed as he waved nonchalantly and left with Lysa.

Leaning over, Velmera’s mischievous eyes sparkled. "Well done, Senior Rin."

Rin stammered, her blush deepening. "S-stop it, Velmera!" Her flustered words only brought a bright laugh from Velmera and a giggle from Vivien, who nearly spilled her juice in delight.

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