The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 144. Sort out

Chapter 144: 144. Sort out

Three days had passed since the banquet, and the Threx family had left for their estate yesterday morning. Lysa’s tearful goodbye lingered in Leo’s mind—she’d clung to his leg, sobbing into his tunic, not wanting to leave her hero. he promised they’d meet again, coaxing a shaky smile before her parents gently pulled her away.

Now, in the cool dawn air outside Caulem Manor, Leo stood on the cobblestone courtyard. He stifled a yawn, rubbing his crimson eyes as a light breeze carried the scent of dew and polished leather.

Servants hurried around Lucian’s carriage, tying down trunks and supplies, the clatter of hooves and soft voices filling the courtyard. The manor’s escort guards stood ready, their armor gleaming faintly.

Vivien held Leo’s hand tightly, her small fingers full of quiet sadness. Liana stood beside them, her silver gown catching the morning light.

Lucian approached, a travel cloak over his shoulders, his grin bright as he stopped in front of Leo. "When you coming to the academy, Big Brother?" he asked, his voice light but curious.

"Tomorrow," he said, his tone easy. "Got a little detour first."

Lucian nodded, then knelt to Vivien’s level. His voice softened, warm and gentle, as he met her teary eyes. "I’m off to the academy, Vivien," he said, brushing a curl from her face.

Vivien shook her head, her voice shaking with a child’s raw honesty. "No, don’t go! I’ll be all alone if you and big brother leave." Her grip on Leo’s hand tightened, her small body trembling.

Leo knelt beside her, his chuckle soft and warm, his hand resting lightly on her head. "You won’t be alone, kid. There’s a hunting competition in two months. We’ll all be together then, yeah?"

Vivien’s lips pursed, her voice a quiet, stubborn mutter. "That’s forever away."

Lucian’s smile grew, his eyes crinkling with love. "I’ll write you letters every week, Vivien. Stories about the academy, all the silly things I get up to."

Her eyes brightened, though tears still clung to her lashes. "Really? Promise?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

"Promise," he said, hooking his pinky with hers in a solemn vow. Vivien’s small smile broke through.

The servants signaled the carriage was ready, their voices a low hum as the guards adjusted their stance, armor clinking softly.

Lucian stood, his gaze shifting to Leo, his expression turning serious, the playful brother replaced by something deeper. "I know what Mother did was wrong," he said, his voice low and careful, like he was stepping on thin ice. "But you don’t need to forgive her, at least talk it out. For me, Big Brother?"

Leo’s crimson eyes darkened, a shadow crossing his face. He stayed silent, his jaw tight. Then, a small, real smile curved his lips, and he nudged Lucian’s shoulder, his voice quiet but warm. "For you, I’ll try."

"That’s all I ask. See you at the academy, Big Brother." He climbed into the carriage, its polished wood creaking as he leaned out the window, waving grandly at Vivien and Leo.

The horses snorted, hooves stamping, and the wheels rolled forward, kicking up a faint dust trail as the carriage moved down the path, the guards marching beside it.

Vivien waved wildly, her small hand a blur, her voice a soft cry. "Come back soon, Lucian brother!" Leo raised a hand, his smirk softening into something gentle as the carriage rounded the bend, its shape fading into the golden morning haze. The courtyard felt quieter, the sound of hooves replaced by the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Vivien’s shoulders drooped, her grip on Leo’s hand tightening as a small sob escaped her. Liana knelt beside her, her voice soft and soothing, like a lullaby. "They’ll be back before you know it, Lady Vivien. Shall we pick flowers in the garden? The roses are blooming today."

Vivien nodded slowly, her sadness easing at the thought, her small hand slipping into Liana’s. Leo watched them head toward the manor’s gardens, Vivien’s steps a little lighter.

His crimson eyes drifting up to the Duchess’s chamber, he sighed, and walked into the manor, his steps were steady, as he reached the Duchess’s chamber. He knocked and a maid opened the door, her eyes widening at the young heir.

"Who’s there?" Maria’s voice called from inside.

"Young Lord Leonhardt, Madam Duchess," the maid answered, her voice soft, almost awed.

A moment of silence hung, then Maria’s voice came again. "Let him in."

Leo stepped into the chamber, Duchess Maria rose from a cushioned chair, she gestured to a velvet couch across from her. "Please, sit."

Leo sat, his crimson eyes meeting hers briefly before glancing around—a shelf of leather books, a silver tea set gleaming on a side table.

Maria looked at the maid. "Tea and coffee." The maid bowed and slipped out, the door closing with a soft click, leaving them in a quiet that felt close and tense.

Maria’s gaze softened, her tone light but searching. "Has Lucian left for the academy?"

"Just now."

"And you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," he replied.

The maid returned, her steps silent as she set a tray of steaming tea and coffee on the table. She bowed and left.

Leo reached for a coffee cup, his crimson eyes flicking to Maria, who held her teacup with delicate care. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he asked. "So, he sent it?"

Maria’s chuckle was soft as she slid an envelope across the table, its parchment plain, without the seal—a secret letter. Leo took it, unfolding the letter, decoding the hidden words easily.

The message, written by Prince Cassain but unsigned, spoke of a failed assassination attempt on Leonhardt, planned by Maria. Now, with Leo’s rise as heir, Cassain urged her to back off, promising to handle Leo at the upcoming hunting competition to clear the way for Lucian’s claim to the Dukedom.

"Why’s Cassain so obsessed with me? He’s not even my type."

Maria laughed, but her eyes turned curious, probing. "How did you know he’d send this? I thought I had a spy watching us, one even I didn’t know about in this manor."

Leo’s gaze flicked to the open window, where Nimbus slipped in and stretched lazily, yawning to show sharp fangs, his purple eyes glinting with quiet mischief.

"Six spies, total," Leo said, his voice calm but sharp with satisfaction, like a hunter recounting his catch. "Alberk reported two servants missing. Sir Dian mentioned that three soldiers vanished."

He leaned back. Nimbus tracked them. He handled them. Quietly.

Maria’s eyes widened, a flicker of awe crossing her calm face as she understood. "And the last one?"

"Cassain bought him with coin. I bought him with fear."

Maria’s chuckle returned, softer now, her amusement mixed with admiration for his boldness. But her face grew serious. "What will you do, Leonhardt?"

Leo sipped his coffee, the cup’s warmth steadying his hand as he set it down with a soft clink. "I’ll join the hunting competition and face him head-on." He stood and moved toward the door, his hand on the knob.

He paused, turning slightly, his crimson eyes meeting hers, softer now. "Lucian asked me to sort things out with you, Duchess."

Maria’s smile was warm, as if she’d sensed his reason long before he spoke. "You knew what he’d ask, didn’t you? That’s why you came, even before the banquet."

Leo’s smirk returned, small but real, and he gave a slight nod before stepping out, the door closing softly behind him.

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