CHAPTER 59: THE WELCOMING

While Leonard remained in his private chamber alongside Mirelle and Claudia, outside of the dock, Number 13 was being greeted by numerous people.

"Greetings to the Crown Prince of Aldros."

"The people of Velastra are blessed to receive your grace and presence."

"A banquet has already been prepared. May we know if the Crown Prince wishes to attend?"

Number 13 had barely left the ship’s platform and entered the Northern Dock of Velastra when he was quickly bombarded with friendly gestures and warm invitations.

The Northern Dock spanned many acres and had a vast amount of space.

Yet at this moment, it was very crowded, overflowing with people. There was barely any space available to travel around, except for one particular aisle. Needless to say, this particular aisle was cleared specifically for the crown prince to walk into.

Who would dare to hinder the pathing of the crown prince?

They might be a free trade city, but the city was still within the Valdoria Continent, ruled by the Aldros Empire.

Only an absolute buffoon would make things difficult for the crown prince on his first visit.

’This is so nerve-wrecking.’ Facing such a crowd, Number 13 sweated profusely behind the mask. He was not used to such enthusiasm and was afraid of making any mistake.

After all, he was impersonating the Crown Prince. Whatever action he took was going to affect the Crown Prince.

While all eyes were on Number 13, whom they perceived as the real Crown Prince, one of the Crimson Guard stepped forward.

"The Crown Prince is appreciative of everyone’s enthusiasm, but we have just finished our sea journey. The subsequent event and banquet could be delayed for another time. The Crown Prince needs some rest, given it’s his first trip outside the capital."

It was none other than Curtis who stepped forward to resolve the situation. Having been instructed clearly and given many types of dialogue, Curtis was merely reciting them aloud like a professional actor.

Moreover, such a scene wouldn’t make him flinch or falter one bit.

The scenarios he dealt with in the past were much scarier and deadlier than this one.

’I need to disperse the crowd to give the Crown Prince an opportunity to escape the Northern Dock.’ Curtis knew that the time was pressing and he must make haste.

He quickly approached Number 13 and pretended to whisper something into his ear.

The action was captured by many people in the crowd, who were curious about the situation. While the situation went into a stalemate, some people in the crowd began to whisper with their associates.

"I’ve received news from the capital that the Crown Prince was quite the manipulator in public support. Why is he suddenly so quiet?" A merchant clad in a luxury outfit asked in concern.

They had thought a dramatic scene would be displayed to them. Hence, they went all out on the banquet to ensure the Crown Prince would enjoy his time.

"Who knows what the Crown Prince is thinking?" Another merchant shook their head. It was extremely hard for them to guess the behavior of royalty.

Some nobles with high ranks were still relatively easy to deduce their action, but royalties were always off-limits. After all, nobles with high rank could fall at any moment from a single mistake, but royalty would remain safe and sound.

To cross a royalty was essentially asking for a death sentence, whereas crossing a noble was simply burning the bridge. A bridge could always be rebuilt, but life could not be revived.

Sometime later, Number 13 casually nodded his head and gestured with his hand.

In response, Curtis swiftly acted and ordered the Crimson Guards to clear the way.

Soon, a luxury carriage arrived from the large ship and brought it over to them.

"Crown Prince, the carriage is here." Curtis bowed his head respectfully.

Number 13 didn’t speak and simply made a few more hand gestures, occasionally pointing his fingers at the crowd.

Afterward, Number 13 boarded the carriage, whereas Curtis stepped forward and glanced at the crowd.

"The Crown Prince was seasick and didn’t wish to converse with everyone in his condition. He expressed his regret and decided that there would be a banquet hosted in a few days." He announced loudly.

Almost immediately, the sly and shrewd merchants alongside the influential nobles responded with the usual superficial and protocol remarks.

Being invited to the upcoming banquet was good enough for them. Meanwhile, there were some people in the crowd who narrowed their eyes.

They were dressed luxuriously, but it was hard to tell what their mind were thinking. One of them even had a Merchant Guild’s platinum medal pinned to their clothes.

In the blink of an eye, under the many gazes, the Crown Prince’s carriage departed smoothly.

Back at the large ship, Leonard eyed the crowd slowly dispersing.

’The show’s over for now.’ He thought before noticing a wealthy merchant kicking and scolding their servants. Clearly, they were frustrated at being ignored and had nowhere else to vent besides their servants.

Looking at the servants being thrashed and dared not retaliate, Leonard’s expression remained stoic. The scene didn’t disappoint him one bit.

Free trade city! Indeed, this particular name for Velastra wasn’t incorrect. However, it also wasn’t fully correct because the word free was only limited to the wealthy.

"Is this why you went to assassinate the other corrupted nobles?" Leonard sensed Claudia’s hostility and inquired.

Alas, he didn’t receive any response. He thought she was ignoring him on purpose until he recalled something.

"Ah, right, I ordered you to be a mute, so how could you answer me?" He clasped his hands and chuckled.

"..."

Before the situation festered, Leonard suddenly offered, "How about being given the chance to eliminate such people? Will you take it?"

"Oh, and you may speak when the area is secured and private."

As soon as Claudia was granted permission to speak, she questioned, "What are you trying to say? I lost all my magic circles. I’m weaker than every ordinary person."