CHAPTER 58: THE TRADE CROWN

Time went by, and the large ship finally reached the bustling dock of Velastra.

Known as the Trade Crown of Aldros, the city stretched wide with layered buildings, tall trade towers, and colorful banners fluttering above busy markets.

River barges and caravans flowed endlessly through its gates, while the golden emblem of the Guild of Gold Sigils shimmered over its grand auction halls.

The Gold Sigils symbolized the Merchant Guild, also commonly referred to as the Merchant Union, indicating the city’s free trade and welcoming vibe.

"We have arrived, Crown Prince." Outside the private chamber, Curtis knocked on the door and reported.

A few seconds later, Mirelle opened the door and glanced at Curtis.

"Where’s Claudia?" Mirelle asked.

"She’s being escorted here." Curtis’s tone wasn’t polite at all. Had it not been for her interference, the crown prince might not be at such a risk.

"I see." She nodded and relayed the instruction, "The Crown Prince said we’re in the dock already, so there’s no need to meet him. Just continue the plan that he had discussed with you privately."

By now, many influential people had gathered near the dock to welcome the Crown Prince’s arrival. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say their large ship was being scrutinized heavily.

Just one tiny mishap could render their whole plan useless. Leonard didn’t wish to risk anything and decided to leave after the crowd had died down.

"I understand," Curtis received the order and waited patiently for the assassin to be brought over. Now that the assassin had become a slave of the Crown Prince, he could be reassured that the former wouldn’t be able to harm him.

Not to mention, the assassin had lost their magic circles, rendering them into a normal person. The explosion might not have killed her, but it sure wrecked every internal organ of her body.

Sometime later, Claudia was brought over by a Crimson Guard. Her complexion was slightly better, and her body was no longer charcoal due to Mirelle shedding the burnt skin and rapidly healing her.

Nevertheless, Claudia still appeared very fragile and weakened. After all, the loss of her magic circles and wrecked internal organs made it difficult for her to move around.

While handing Claudia over to Mirelle, Curtis still made sure to warn the two of them sternly.

"You’d best behave yourself and avoid committing the same mistake. The Crown Prince might not say anything, but as a Crimson Guard, I will never allow anyone to hurt him."

"Do you think the Crown Prince is some fragile piece of glass that would be shattered in one fall?" In response, Mirelle rolled her eyes and gave her own warning.

"You don’t have to repeatedly emphasize your role and status. The Crown Prince has already forgiven my action. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be on the ship anymore. Instead, I would have been escorted out immediately."

"Hmph," Curtis snorted in the end and made his exit.

He knew that the crown prince had his own plan. But he still couldn’t help himself in warning Mirelle sternly of the consequences if she committed the same mistake.

Had it been any Crimson Guards who made such a grave mistake, they would have been expelled immediately and investigated thoroughly.

Mirelle ignored the departing Curtis and turned to face Claudia.

"How are you feeling?" She asked in concern.

"No thanks to you," Claudia hissed and glared fiercely at her.

"Seems like you’re doing fine." Mirelle nodded and said. "The Crown Prince is the one who wishes to meet you."

By saying that, the slave collar on Claudia’s neck would forcefully make her comply with the request and enter the private chamber.

Sometime later, the two of them entered and were greeted by a merchant-like person.

"There’s the slave I’ve bought from Slave Merchant Gerald." Leonard mused and ogled at Claudia.

"What did you just say?" Ignoring his ogling eyes, Claudia was more stunned by his claim. When did she become a merchandise slave?

Despite her astonishment, Leonard’s eyes quickly narrowed. He utilized the slave collar’s unique properties and commanded, "As of this moment, you are a mute woman that I bought from Slave Merchant Gerald. You are my pleasure slave, one who warms my bed tonight without making any noises."

Enraged, Claudia wanted to curse at him, but realized she was unable to produce any sound.

The collar’s magic effect was already active. Without Leonard’s approval or permission, Claudia could only be a mute. This was the scariest aspect of the slave collar.

As long as it was a doable action, no matter how absurd or ridiculous the commands were, the slave must adhere to them. Even if the command was to order them to commit suicide, the slave must do it with a bright smile.

Besides this kind of absurdness, the slave could never harm the Master.

’Slaves really are the lowest in the pyramid.’ Leonard was merely testing some theories out. He never imagined it would be this effective.

"Put away your enraged expression and show me a friendly expression. Make sure to look welcoming and heartwarming." He then commanded.

Sure enough, Claudia tried to resist, but to no avail. Her facial expression quickly altered as she flashed a welcoming smile and appeared heartwarming. Not a single trace of hostility could be detected, proving the horror of the slave collar.

Mirelle stood by the side and stayed silent. She didn’t dare to intervene unless the command was overboard. As for the slave collar’s utilization, she had seen it all. Hence, she wasn’t surprised or baffled by its profound usages.

In fact, she had even seen more degrading things during the Xundraeth 76th war policy.

What Leonard was doing could be considered extremely mild.

"Alright, I’ve tested enough." Leonard clasped his hands and turned to Mirelle. "You’re free to converse with her to make up for the old days. But that’s only until my impersonator gets through the checkpoints and fakes the nobles out."

His eyes trailed to the window, watching Curtis and the rest of the Crimson Guards escorting Number 13 cautiously, who was donned in a royal robe and mask.

This was the opening curtain of his attempt to take control of Velastra.