The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 152. Lying

Chapter 152: 152. Lying

The evening sun danced on the stone railing in the Academy’s outdoor corridor. Leo leaned against it and gazed out over the training fields, where the cool stone and damp grass smelled fresh in the evening breeze.

The tightness in his shoulders subsided as the wind pulled at his red hair.

Velmera stood elegantly behind him, her short blond hair gleaming. "You were really harsh on Rin back there," she said in a kind but concerned tone.

Slumping close by, Mori scratched his head. "Yeah, dude, you can simply tell her not to do that again. She would pay attention."

Leo’s crimson gaze stayed on the fields. "I am the leader of the bronze section," he declared in a composed yet firm tone. "It is my responsibility to maintain order among my people."

Lucian took a step forward. "Indeed, but she’s your friend, brother. You don’t have to—"

"She’s under my command, friend or not," Leo cut in, his tone sharp but steady, eyes flicking to Lucian. "If I let her off easy now, what’s stopping her from throwing herself into danger like this? I pushed her hard so she’ll think twice about the consequences."

His words struck them, and the three fell silent, their faces softening. With warm eyes, Velmera’s lips formed a tiny smile.

"Fair enough," Mori murmured, shrugging leisurely.

Lucian’s scowl changed to a quiet nod.

With a quieter voice, Leo exhaled and running a hand through his hair. "I just hope she acknowledges it."

The moment was interrupted by a loud growl that reverberated throughout the hallway from his stomach.

The group paused, then erupted in laughter, their voices resonating joyfully and warmly against the stone walls. Leo allowed them to laugh while standing with his arms folded and a tiny smile on his lips.

Still laughing, Velmera wiped a tear from her eye. "When your stomach is so empty, are you worrying about Rin, brother-in-law?"

With a shy smile that broke his usual composure, Leo rubbed his neck. "Indeed. I’m going to the dorm. It’s surely Liana is cooking something."

Lucian smiled broadly and shook his head. "It will take an eternity. Let’s get some food together; the canteen is getting closer. My treat."

With bright eyes, Velmera clapped her hands. "That’s perfect!"

Leo stopped and looked out at the fields that were growing darker. He softened his smirk and said, "All right, you win."

But as footsteps rustled behind them, he tensed, his senses keen. He turned as a figure emerged from the shadows of the hallway, his crimson eyes narrowing.

Erin Dranemount stepped forward, her violet eyes glimmering with playful intentness, her playful smile curling. She teased, "Are you throwing a party without me?"

Sharp and wary, Leo’s smirk reappeared. "Erin, just dinner. Why are you skulking around?

With a bright, easy laugh, Erin held up a paper envelope with a faintly shining council seal. "Not skulking, official business. Got something from the student council for Lucian."

Lucian blinked and took a step forward, looking puzzled. He took the envelope and touched the wax seal with his fingers, muttering, "For me?"

Erin’s eyes darted between them as her smile turned sly. "Read it when you’ve time. It’s... fascinating." Her eyes grew softer as they focused on Leo, a glimmer of genuine concern visible in her playfulness. "How is senior Rin doing?"

Leo’s expression remained composed as he turned to face the group and spoke in a relaxed yet firm tone. "Go to the canteen and place an order for me. In a moment, I will catch up.

Sensing his change but not asking, the three exchanged inquisitive glances. As she led the way, Velmera called out, "Don’t take forever," in a happy tone.

Mori leaned toward Lucian as they walked, whispering. "Your brother’s a player, isn’t he?"

Lucian snorted, pushing Mori lightly. "Big brother? He’s too dense to notice Senior Rin’s feelings. Player is the last thing he is."

Leo watched them disappear down the hall, and turned to Erin, his crimson eyes steady, a hint of thanks softening their usual sharpness. "Thanks for the gun blueprint. I’ve sent it to the forge."

Erin’s lips curved into a playful grin. "I did it to make your mission smoother, you know. Can’t have our ruler struggling."

Leo’s gaze sharpened, studying her teasing look. "Did you design the Voltstell glove and Gravion wristbands too?"

"Let’s just say that," she teased.

Leo sighed, a flash of annoyance crossing his face as he rubbed his neck, a strange heaviness settling in his chest. Erin’s sharp eyes noticed the change, her playful act softening. "Hey, what’s eating you?" she asked, tilting her head, her voice quieter, showing real concern.

He paused, his jaw tightening as if the words didn’t want to come out. When he spoke, his voice was low, each word heavy. "At the banquet, before I blacked out, I was drinking with Rin. Right before I lost it, she said something... weird. Is she—could she be from Earth, like me?"

Erin froze, her smile fading for a moment, her violet eyes searching his with a look that made the air feel thick. She shook her head, her face firm but kind. "No, Reo. Rin’s from this world, born and raised. She’s not from Earth, but she’s tied to the events along with you."

Leo’s brow lifted, suspicion in his eyes. "You sure you’re not hiding something?"

Erin’s grin came back, teasing and bold, as she leaned closer, her face near his. "Do I look like I’m lying?"

"You could be telling the truth, and I’d still doubt you. That’s the problem."

She laughed, bright and carefree, and jabbed at his chest. Leo’s reflexes kicked in, his hand catching her wrist gently but firmly. "What, you mad?" he asked.

Erin pulled back, her laugh light as she raised her hands like she was giving up. "Just messing with you. Don’t get all serious."

She turned to leave, her silver hair swaying in the breeze, but stopped, looking over her shoulder. Her voice softened, showing real care. "Don’t be too hard on Elynn, okay? She’s just trying to help, same as me."

Leo’s eyes narrowed, curiosity sparking. "You are worried about the system too?"

"That system’s... one of a kind," she said, her voice fading as she slipped into the hallway’s shadows, leaving only the sound of her steps.

Leo stood alone, the breeze cooling his skin as his thoughts spun. If Rin wasn’t Chloe, why had her words at the banquet sounded so much like Chloe’s, sharp and playful, a memory from his Earth days? Was it a coincidence? or was everyone hiding something?

His jaw tightened, worry growing as he stepped away from the railing, his boots echoing in the quiet hallway. He walked toward the canteen, each step heavy with questions, a need to find the truth growing in his chest.

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