The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 138. Gift from Erin

Chapter 138: 138. Gift from Erin

As Thalia and Adrian entered the dance floor and joined the graceful waltz, the music grew louder. Adrian, initially apprehensive, matched her with careful skill, his hand steady at her waist, while Thalia’s dark blue gown flowed like a starry sky, her movements fluid and confident.

Leo and Rin stole everyone’s gaze with their waltz, a stunning spectacle of talent and harmony, but their dance was a subtle spark that ignited the nobles’ murmurs.

Feeling the challenge, Thalia smiled wickedly and tilted her chin. Her steps grew braver as she leaned into Adrian, who took a step in as her confidence built in leading him.

The music crested to a high point, the quartet’s melody soaring, and the dancers surged on. Leo dropped Rin low, her skirt flowing like a river, her breath stopping as she looked up at him, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

As the final note rang out, Leo and Rin finished with a flourish, his arm around her waist, her hand light on his shoulder, their faces close enough to feel each other’s breath.

Nobles clapped with genuine admiration as the hall erupted in applause, their murmurs humming with praise for the unexpected performance.

Rin looked at Leo and laughed softly while catching her breath. Her pink eyes shone. "Leonhardt, I had no idea you could dance like that."

Leo’s voice became low and playful as his smirk softened. "Told you to follow my lead." He stepped back, his chest rising from the effort, and stood tall, his hand resting on hers for a moment longer.

"You are fantastic," she said, beaming as she gently fannied herself, the excitement of their dance still pulsing through her.

Thalia came over and gave Adrian a shoulder pat while her laughter was bright. "Good job, Adrian. You followed me very well."

Her blue eyes glistened as she turned to face Rin and Leo. "But you and Rin stole the show, cousin, I have to admit."

Adrian nodded in agreement, his customary assurance returning, though he was still a little flushed. "The two of you were unique."

Leo laughed and shrugged the compliment off. "Just providing a topic of conversation for the nobles."

After a moment, Leo slipped away from the lively dance floor. He grabbed a glass of amber liquor from a server’s tray, his fingers curling around the cool crystal as he found a quiet corner by a tall window.

He mumbled, "Can I have alcohol?" as he slowly swirled the liquor while staring at it. "How old am I exactly?"

"You’re worried about underage drinking when you’ve taken so many lives?"

He turned, his crimson eyes narrowing as Erin was just behind him, her steps so quiet he hadn’t noticed her. She seemed to be testing him with her cautious yet playful smile. "It’s fine to Drink. You are now essentially an adult. Leonhardt is almost 19 years old, and unlike Earth, this world has fewer rigid rules."

A tiny smirk flickered across Leo’s lips. He took a slow sip and said, "Thanks for informing."

Leaning against the wall, she laughed in a lighthearted yet inquisitive tone. "Dancing with another girl like that makes it seem like you forgot who you’re fighting for." Her tone became piercing, playful yet abrasive. "Rin is obviously gorgeous and has a wonderful personality. No one could compete with her, could they? Not even Chloe?"

"Will you please stop talking?" Erin’s smirk only got bigger, unconcerned by his response, but his annoyance flared.

His voice fell to a heavier, quieter tone as he let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his red hair.

"How much do you know about Chloe? Just the girl I was with? "

He downed his drink in one quick gulp, the glass clinking as he set it on a nearby table. Erin silently handed him another from a passing tray, and he took it. "You know how bad my life is—just killing, killing, and more killing."

His eyes strayed to the window as his voice grew softer and more distant. "Then she appeared. I have no idea why I was attracted to her. However, I must admit that she is the most significant and attractive person in my opinion." His tone was firm with quiet strength as he met Erin’s eyes.

"Do you think I’m having fun at this party right now?"

As Nimbus drew closer, her grin vanished. The shadow panther stretched languidly before grazing her legs, his purple eyes sparkling as he peered between them.

Erin’s voice was low as she looked down at him and then back at Leo. "What did you find out?"

Leo’s tone became sharp and icy as his expression changed. "Cults control fourty percent of the noble houses. While some are being manipulated indirectly, others are directly involved."

A tiny smile of approval curled Erin’s lips. "Well done, Leo. What is your plan, then?

With a steady, resolute voice, he said, "Get evidence."

"History cannot be changed in a single day. I’ll wait for the ideal opportunity to strike them so forcefully that they won’t dare breathe again."

Erin let out a soft chuckle, nudging his shoulder lightly, surprising him. Leo blinked, confused, as she said, "Sorry for poking you about Chloe."

She took a rolled book-like object from her item space and held it out to him in elegant gift paper.

He raised a brow. "This is Lucian’s birthday, not mine."

With a firm voice that left no room for debate, she stated, "You’ll need this in the future. Take it."

He accepted the package and began to open it, his fingers grazing the wrapping, but Erin’s hand stopped him. With serious eyes, she said, "Open it when you’re alone."

With a sigh, he flicked his wrist to send the item to his own item space, the dim mana glow fading.

He paused, his gaze locking onto hers, his voice low and careful. "Can I ask you something?"

With a curious yet wary expression, she tilted her head and asked, "What is it?"

"Just as I’m Leonhardt, you’re using her body to pretend to be Erin. Like me, are you from Earth? Or are you divine, like the goddess Celestia?"

She glanced past him, a faint smile curling her lips as her eyes flitted, a shadow of something unreadable moving across her face. "Your partner seems to be trying to find you."

Leo turned to see Rin coming, her pink eyes glimmering with interest but slightly troubled by a brief flash of concern.

Erin gave him a gentle nudge, her voice a whisper. "I’ll tell you when the time’s right. Good luck."

She walks away, passing Rin with a cheerful, "Hello, Senior Rin."

Rin’s voice was courteous and she smiled warmly, but her face changed as Erin disappeared into the crowd, a glimmer of jealousy showing in her pink eyes. With a playful yet firm grip on his arm, she turned to face Leo and spoke in a playful yet insistent tone. "Leonhardt, what are you doing here? The Duke has been trying to find you.

He allowed her to drag him along, his brow arching and his smirk reappearing. "Hiding in plain sight."