CHAPTER 72: NO IMPACT

Butch’s death was more or less related to Leonard. He didn’t personally make the killing move because he already discerned someone else was more eager to do the killing on his behalf.

However, to ensure his role remained safe and sound, he needed to play his part well. After all, there was still Jeffrey besides him, and possibly more spies lurking around the vicinity.

"I’m not going to pay you for this kill, Relle," Leonard stated. "I wasn’t in any danger, and this drunkard is of no threat to me either."

Indeed, the killer was none other than Mirelle, who had long raised her killing desire upon listening to Butch’s delusional claims.

She simply hadn’t made a move until Leonard subtly gave his permission from the statement he said. The valuable thing that Leonard meant was an end to Butch’s miserable life. His death would be valuable because he no longer needed to be concerned about winning big anymore.

’Such a person who causes his own downfall and brings ruin to others doesn’t deserve to live.’ Leonard held zero sympathy toward the deceased Butch.

While he was conversing with Wesley and Darren, he had already noticed Butch had seen Meagan’s corpse. But instead of having any reaction such as remorse or regret, Butch actually walked over her corpse to rush to him to beg for money.

"You can save your stingy personality. I’ve only killed him because he disgusted me." Mirelle coldly snorted and retracted her hand.

She then gazed at Jeffrey and questioned, "Are you going to arrest me for killing in public?"

"Haha, you sure know how to joke with me, Miss Relle." Being suddenly called out, Jeffrey shook his head and retreated a few steps.

"A drunkard who does nothing for society can be found everywhere in Velastra. They hold no impact on the city, and it’s not like the kill was unjustified either. Since the drunkard was related to the criminal whore, then in a sense, he’s equally guilty."

"Then does she get paid for doing your job?" Leonard chimed in and asked.

"..."

Silent, Jeffrey could only pretend to be mute and refrained from answering the question.

Truth be told, he was already turning a blind eye to the incident with respect to Leonard’s identity. Killing in public was against the law, but granted that the judgment was delivered by Wesley, he could simply add another death to it.

Moreover, he had no intention of detaining someone whom even Wesley refused to act further upon.

’Lord Wesley only restrained her earlier and didn’t charge her with anything. As if I will involve myself in some sticky situation.’ Jeffrey thought.

He was already relieved that Wesley didn’t glance at him one bit. Otherwise, who knows if he could still keep his job?

Sometime later, Jeffrey went to a shop and purchased a map at quite a high price.

"Sir, this map details every key point in Velastra," Jeffrey explained. "I must apologize and return to my duty now."

Leonard didn’t bother to accept the map and simply gestured for Claudia to accept it on his behalf.

"Thanks for the tour, Jeff." He then said and allowed Jeffrey to leave.

Once Jeffrey’s presence was no more, Mirelle approached him and whispered, "You’re letting him leave just like that? You paid him a gold coin, and he barely gave any valuable information."

"He already gave them to me." In response, Leonard lightly chuckled. The pleasure houses, albeit somewhat ridiculous in ordinary eyes, were technically the main venue for merchants to discuss business.

When Jeffrey decided to show them around in front of those pleasure houses, he was essentially declaring his identity to them about his significant status.

No words were needed to be exchanged, but those with keen perception would know about Jeffrey’s intention.

It was also precisely because of such action that Wesley was promptly notified and informed of a certified gold merchant in the city.

As if someone who could be addressed as Lord could be that carefree to stroll around the streets and stumble across his incident to arbitrate.

The only regretful thing was that Leonard didn’t expect the latter to be so ruthless in eliminating Meagan on the spot.

’Did he think I might be frightened by his threat?’ Leonard wondered silently.

Wesley’s act of killing Meagan wasn’t done to soothe the incident between him and Abel.

Instead, it was a warning and a threat to him to not do anything funny. The subsequent invitation to his banquet before the Crown Prince’s banquet was a confirmation of that aspect.

Leonard reckoned the banquet was to use the collective certified merchants in the guild to demonstrate a show of force to suppress him, that even if he were a certified gold merchant, it was still not his turn to flaunt around.

Although such a threat was useless if he resumed his true identity, for now, he must lower his head slightly to avoid being exposed. After all, only by remaining in this identity could he uncover all the filth and corruption in this so-called free trade city.

"Anyway, let’s start to search for your friend." Leonard put aside the matter and told Mirelle to lead the way. There was still the problem with his instability to properly control his mana once condensed, and Mirelle had told him that her friend, Caroline, might be of help.

Additionally, Caroline was said to be a researcher, so she might have some clues to resolve the curses embedded in Claudia’s body.

"Let me do a check first." Mirelle closed her eyes and expanded her magical perceptions.

In a matter of seconds, she detected quite a few people lurking around in the shadows.

"Should I get rid of them?" She asked. Her eyes were laced with killing intent, almost as if she wanted to let loose some of her steam from the previous bout.

The death of Meagan might have still affected her somewhat emotionally.

Leonard pondered for a few moments before giving her the green light. "Go for it. I’ll take responsibility if someone wishes to seek trouble."