CHAPTER 168: BATTLE OF INFLUENCE

Shortly after Logan exited the suite through the portal, Leonard began to listen to Curtis’s reports during his absence.

"Hoh, I didn’t expect to be this popular." Leonard rubbed his chin.

Curtis relayed that besides the people in Valodria Continent who sought an appearance, even those from other Continents wanted to meet with him.

"The city of Velastra is a gold mine to many people. They naturally wanted to establish a good connection with the Crown Prince to ensure their pockets were filled." Curtis commented.

No matter the rottingness in the city, one could not deny its money-earning factor.

The lawlessness only happened in the slum or among people of inferior status.

To the rich and people with decent status, they were protected and freed from those rotten aspects.

"Curtis, start deploying the Ward Division to the streets." Leonard stepped toward the windows and commanded.

His eyes stared at the desolate streets that were once bustling through the transparent glass.

"Use the name of the Crown Prince to begin a rescue operation. Make sure everyone knows that the movement is conducted by me." He declared solemnly. The Ward Division had remained stationary in the hotel ever since the outbreak for far too long.

They didn’t dare to advance, much less leave the hotel’s premises, to safeguard the Crown Prince.

However, they still accepted survivors who found their way to the hotel.

Just this wasn’t enough to gain influence. Although the survivors who were being treated at the main lobby would be grateful to the Crown Prince, it wasn’t by much.

They had all experienced some form of tragedy and barely made it to the hotel.

There would still be some lingering regret and thought process from within them. Thoughts such as Why didn’t the Crimson Guards actively search for victims or eradicate the berserk slaves?

Why did they remain stationary in a protected building like everyone else?

The human mind could be said to be complex, but also simple at the same time.

In times of crisis, whoever offered a helping hand and advertised themselves in a clever manner, their influence and public support would surge.

"I’ll have the men ready." Curtis cupped his fist and received the command.

Truth be told, Curtis had been eager to step outside to help with the crisis.

After all, this was a golden opportunity to make the Crown Prince’s name known to the people of Velastra.

Unfortunately, they were restricted from doing so because Number 13 was still impersonating Leonard.

Without Leonard’s personal consent, how could Curtis be daring enough to deploy and mobilize the Ward Division on his own?

Such an action was equivalent to treason!

As Curtis beckoned for Geo to come to the Presidential Suite, Leonard spotted Mirelle’s agitation.

"You can also go ahead and participate in the rescue operation." He lightly said.

Mirelle’s body jolted slightly, her eyes widened in disbelief. She glanced at him with a look that seemed to be asking why he permitted her.

Shouldn’t he be infuriated and still linger on her previous disappointing actions?

The number of times she had been treated harshly or even coldly by Leonard as of late was too many to count.

"Don’t be mistaken as this being a reward," Leonard stated.

"This is your punishment to help me raise my popularity and influence. Since you love rescuing helpless victims, your genuineness and sincerity will certainly impact them greatly as opposed to the Ward Division."

"Yes, Crown Prince." Even though the words sounded hypocritical and blatantly contemptuous for the manipulative reason behind the rescue operation, Mirelle knew this was his method to conceal his true emotion.

He claimed it was a battle of influence between Marquis Darius and Lord Wesley, but Mirelle had a feeling that he truly wished for the victims to be saved.

That sorrowful and suppressed anger when Leonard carried Irene’s corpse couldn’t be faked.

She had witnessed many war victims who behaved in such a manner when their beloved or close companions died in front of their very eyes.

’Rest assured, Crown Prince. I promise that such an incident wouldn’t happen again.’ Mirelle had come to terms with the fact that certain actions were inevitable.

Despite knowing that Leonard wasn’t a good person, given that he had allowed Meagan to be killed, she also knew he was helpless in the situation.

Ultimately, the true culprit of this series of tragedies stemmed from Velastra’s method of operations.

As long as she succeeded in assisting Leonard in taking control of Velastra, she reckoned these corruptions and dystopian ways would be eradicated.

Sometime later, Geo arrived at the suite and swiftly greeted Leonard.

"Subordinate Geo greets the Crown Prince." Geo kneeled in place.

"Stand up," Leonard gestured and informed the latter.

"Mirelle here will take command of the rescue operation. All Ward Division guards are to obey her orders without questioning."

"Her?" Startled, Geo’s eyes shifted to Mirelle.

A clear disdainful gaze could be seen in his eyes.

Who among the Ward Division hadn’t heard about Mirelle’s ridiculous deeds?

So what if you were a sixth circle mage?

The fact that she dared to go against the Crown Prince to save an enemy was something mind-boggling to the rest of them.

It was a miracle that the Crown Prince was still keeping her.

Maybe it was because she could serve the Crown Prince well in bed that she was pardoned, but they all held the belief that she was a cursed being who would bring ruin to the Crown Prince.

"Look at how great your reputation is." Leonard mocked her.

Mirelle didn’t show any anger from the mocking tone.

She understood that he was actually doing this to help her redeem herself.

By giving her the leadership to commence the rescue operation, it became an opportunity for her to change the prejudiced and disdainful mindset of the Ward Division.

"I will do my best—No, I will succeed in the operation!" Mirelle promised.

"I’ll make sure every victim and people of Velastra only know about the Crown Prince’s grace!"