CHAPTER 193: HUGE BURDEN

Leonard was rendered speechless when he realized that his action might actually be controlled or spied on by someone close to him all along.

"Could it be Spence?" He murmured. But he quickly denied this possibility.

As much as he admitted Spencer was powerful, his scheming mindset was still lacking.

It couldn’t be Spencer who manipulated things behind the scenes. There had to be someone else who was equivalent to Spencer.

After all, the scale of the Crimson Guards had far exceeded what he knew Spencer was capable of.

Spencer was known as the Butcherer to the public. This goes to show that he was more prone to action and direct confrontation as opposed to plotting from the background.

Although he wanted to ask Curtis about who it might be, he reckoned the former would be tight-lipped.

Moreover, it was better for him to continue to be in the dark to avoid a messy and sticky situation.

"Curtis, can you guarantee with your life that the person who had a hand in assisting me is actually loyal and not some traitor?" Leonard turned to the kneeling Curtis and asked solemnly.

"I can swear with my life and everyone in the Crimson Guards." Curtis bowed and replied with utmost reverence.

"I’ll believe you for now." Leonard stood up and approached the windows.

"If there comes a day when that promise is violated, don’t blame me for being merciless. What I hate the most is traitors and backstabbers."

He had died once in his previous life because of his trusted aide.

Thankfully, the difference between Aetherion and his old world was the existence of blood and magic contracts.

Blood contract was the most severe and secure contract, whereas magic contracts were most commonly used by people in Aetherion.

Curtis understood the severity of the matter. He kept quiet and knew only actions could prove his promise.

"Alright, I won’t pressure you too much. I know you are also helpless in this situation." Leonard sighed softly.

He turned around and instructed, "Have some of the Ward Division remain stationary in Velastra and let Wesley continue to be the public figure. His presence had long been recognized, so it’s better for him to act."

"Yes, Crown Prince." Curtis obeyed the command. "Then what about the 40% share revenue to the Royal Family?"

"Tell them that 25% is the limit. If Father really wants 40%, then he’d better contribute something." Leonard snorted coldly. He refused to agree to the term without even fighting back.

Since his heartless father was willing to compromise and actually relent the authority to him, it meant that he was wary of something.

Although Leonard didn’t know what he was wary of, he would be a fool to not take advantage of that fact and negotiate for a better price.

That way, he could not only retain the majority of the wealth but also inform Kaelion that he wasn’t some stepping stone or pushover.

Want something for free?

You can dream on!

Sometime later, Curtis exited the suite with the order kept to heart.

’The Crown Prince is giving me a warning to contribute something to retain my position.’ Curtis wasn’t slow to comprehend the double meaning behind Leonard’s words.

Although it appeared to be directed at the emperor, it was actually directed to him. After all, there was no need for Leonard to mention the emperor in front of him. It was redundant, to say the least.

Having understood the implication, Curtis knew he must also send a message to his Master, Spencer Reed, regarding the matter.

While he held such a mindset, Curtis suddenly spotted Mirelle and Claudia heading toward the Presidential Suite.

"What is she doing here?" Curtis asked with clear hostility toward Claudia.

His tone was quite mild this time when speaking to Mirelle, granted that the latter had proven herself during the aftermath process.

Mirelle didn’t mind his clear hostile behavior and explained very briefly.

"She has a clue that would help lift a huge burden on the Crown Prince’s mind. Are you sure you wish to stop her from meeting the Crown Prince?"

"Lift a huge burden?"

Curtis was visibly stunned.

What kind of huge burden was the Crown Prince carrying that he didn’t know about?

Mirelle wasn’t surprised by his confusion. The assassination attempt on Leonard was known to them, but not all the details. The death of Irene was withheld, with only those present at the scene knowing about the situation.

"I suggest you not to pry further and attempt to learn about the information." Mirelle gently warned him. She knew this topic was considered taboo in Leonard’s perception. Those who broke this taboo were destined to suffer.

If that wasn’t the case, then Leonard wouldn’t have condemned the main perpetrator, Darius, into oblivion.

"I understand," Curtis nodded and realized the severity of the issue. "I still have something to do, so I shall excuse myself."

Soon, Curtis’s silhouette could no longer be seen. Mirelle was also too lazy to care about him either. She only warned him as a return gesture for his dedication and loyalty to Leonard. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have minded letting him dig a hole to die in.

"Let’s go," she turned her attention to Claudia and said.

Claudia remained silent and promptly followed along.

As Mirelle knocked on the door, she received permission to enter.

"What’s the matter?" Leonard asked, his eyes shifting to Claudia. If she came here to plead for her, then he would become disappointed.

Claudia hailed from the very Assassin Syndicate that he very much despised.

"Claudia said she has a way to capture the platinum-rank assassin." Mirelle took a deep breath and said softly.

Instantly, Leonard’s emotions fluctuated as he stared at Claudia.

"Before you speak, I’ll warn you in advance. If it’s not satisfactory, then I don’t mind becoming a devil and inflicting gruesome pain on you." He warned in a deep tone, his eyes glinting in a cold light.

A week had gone by already, yet there was still no relevant information regarding this platinum rank assassin. Not even Wesley or the Crimson Guards were able to find a single lead.