The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 139. Announcement

Chapter 139: 139. Announcement

As Rin and Leo stood among the nobles, their glasses gleamed in the warm light. Rin’s pink eyes darted between the gentle murmurs of the nobles and the dais where the Caulem family stood. Leo sipped his amber liquor.

Princess Thalia, Adrian, and Erin were waiting for Duke Alric’s major announcement across the hall while seated on a plush velvet couch with their eyes focused on the dais.

As the quartet’s music faded, nobles whispered behind ornate fans and crystal goblets. Some speculated that Lucian, the endearing second son, would be the next Duke to be named.

One noble whispered, "It’s definitely the second son."

"Why not celebrate a birthday with such a lavish feast?"

Others brought up Leo’s recent reputation.

"The first son has been causing a stir."

"They claim that he slain an unidentified S-rank monster."

There was a caustic scoff. Though their gaze lingered on Leo with renewed interest, one doubter remarked, "Faked tales to polish his reputation, nothing more."

Lucian moved forward on the dais, catching everyone’s attention. Despite the fact that his leg wasn’t completely healed, he stood erect and exuded determination. Duke Alric, Duchess Maria, Velmera, and Vivien stood behind him, their expressions a mixture of solemnity and pride.

Bright in a delicate gold gown, Velmera stood near Lucian, her eyes warm with encouragement. With everyone watching him, the hall fell silent as Lucian cleared his throat. Leo sipped slowly while watching his brother with a steady gaze and a gleam of pride in his eyes.

Lucian stated, "Thank you all who attended this banquet," in a loud and cheerful voice that echoed in the hall. "Although we had to postpone the event, I really would like to thank you for actually coming. Your attendance here means more to my family than I can ever express."

His eyes briefly met Velmera’s as he paused, a genuine smile piercing his formal tone. Silently encouraging him, she nodded, her pride evident.

Lucian continued in a steady but sincere tone, "This year has been... challenging, to say the least."

"We have faced challenges that have tested our strength, solidarity, and resolve. But as I stand here tonight before friends, family, and allies, I am reminded of what it is that makes the Caulem name endure: our unshakeable spirit and our common bonds."

A few nobles raised their glasses in silent respect, their faces displaying admiration for Lucian’s confidence as the crowd murmured in agreement. He looked at Vivien, who smiled up at him with her little hands clasped together.

"Many of you are aware of the hardship my sister endured," he stated in a firm yet emotionally charged voice.

"Her safe return is not a miracle but one guy’s sole struggle." His eyes flicked to Leo, a quick but clear nod that sent whispers through the crowd.

"This banquet is not simply a party for my birthday. My father, Duke Alric Caulem, will announce the real reason behind this big event."

He moved back, Duke’s hand caressing Lucian’s shoulder in a soft whisper. "Thank you son," receiving Lucian’s subtle nod of gratitude.

Duke Alric strode forward, his eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of warmth and authority. As they waited for him to speak, the nobles leaned closer and their whispers became less frequent.

Rin approached Leo, her voice a faint murmur among the aristocrats. "What will be the announcement?"

Leo swirled his liquor and shrugged. "Lucian’s role as the heir apparent Duke."

Rin hesitated, her pink eyes examining his face with a tinge of concern. "You’re not interested in it? The power, the title?"

"I don’t," he stated in a firm yet low voice. "I would leave all of this behind if I could."

Her brow furrowed as she spoke in a warm, firm, yet gentle tone that drew him in. "Leonhardt, stop talking like that."

A tiny, bittersweet smirk appeared on his lips as he looked into her eyes, but before he could respond, Duke Alric’s powerful voice filled the grand hall, bringing everyone to a halt. Alric began, his voice full of appreciation and his deep blue eyes sweeping the crowd with silent strength, "My deepest thanks to you all for celebrating my son’s birthday."

"Your presence honors our house." His eyes remained steady as he looked at Lucian and Duchess Maria, who both nodded with a sense of purpose and had composed, proud faces.

"Tonight, I name the next heir to the Caulem Dukedom," Alric said, his voice becoming more solemn.

With nobles leaning forward and frozen glasses, the hall was motionless. They were confident that Lucian would be next to be called due to his charm and recent struggles.

But they were surprised at Alric’s declaration, which came with certainty. "Leonhardt Caulem, my first son."

The hall was filled with a stunned silence that felt electric and tense. Leo froze, his crimson eyes widened and locked onto his father, his glass of amber liquor halfway to his lips, the liquid trembling. Rin’s pink eyes darted from Leo to the dais as her breath caught.

"Leonhardt?" A nobleman let out a gasp. "He is not suitable for the Dukedom!"

Another hissed, their voice bold in the mounting rage of the crowd, "He’s a weak coward." "No backbone, no strength!"

A third noble sneered, "He doesn’t even have a Soul Resonance weapon!" "Not him, we need a real leader!"

Rin’s fingers gripped her glass more tightly, and as she heard the harsh words of the nobles, her eyes flashed with concern. In a silent gesture of encouragement, her hand touched his arm, but Leo remained motionless.

Adrian leaned toward Princess Thalia, his voice a low mutter, his jaw taut. "They have no idea what he is capable of. Shall we back him?"

Thalia shook her head, her blue eyes calm but sharp. "No. We stay out of it."

Erin leaned in, her violet eyes shining with comprehension, while Adrian scowled, perplexed. "Leonhardt is not receiving a little lord title brother. The Dukedom is it. He must demonstrate his worth to himself as well as to them."

Thalia nodded, a tiny, sly smile curling her lips. "You’ll see if he’s capable soon enough."

The nobles’ shouts became more frantic, with some yelling for Alric to reconsider his decision.

clink

clink

The slow, unsettling clink of chains, like a warning growl, pierced the clamor with a chilling sound. Like a sword drawn, the crowd was silenced as the air became heavy with a rush of unadulterated, wild energy that rippled through the hall.

Everyone turned to face Leo, their eyes wide with surprise. His crimson eyes blazed with a silent, ferocious rage, and his face was as hard as stone as he stood in the middle.

The Chained Blood Dragger materialized in his hand, its blade a rich, glossy red as if it had been drenched in new blood. The fire mana pulsed from the Soul Resonance weapon, a daring response to the nobles’ skepticism.

The silence was broken by Leo’s voice. "Want to test out my Soul Resonance?"

"I could test on everyone who’s doubting if you guys like."

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