Endless World: The Rise of Leonard Lawson

As the door opened, Wesley promptly entered with a respectful expression.

”Crown Prince,” he bowed and greeted solemnly.

”At ease.” Leonard gestured to him to take a seat.

Wesley nodded and took a seat. His cautious nature was evident, as he was no longer the dominant party. Instead, he was on the submissive side toward Leonard.

”How’s the investigation so far?” Leonard asked.

”These are the pieces of evidence I’ve gathered.” Wesley handed over a pile of papers and explained. ”After many checks, I’ve discovered a city guard, Jefferey, commonly addressed as Jeff, as the most suspicious one.”

’Jeff?’ Leonard paused for a brief moment. This name was very familiar, granted that it was Jeff who greeted him during his entrance to the city.

As he read the paper, his expression gradually darkened.

”Hah, he really concealed well.” He laughed hysterically.

According to the investigation, Jeff was indeed a married man.

His wife wasn’t of noble origin, but neither from a poor background.

As for the matter that Jeff constantly patronized brothels, it appeared to be a cover-up aspect.

Rather than paying for whores to relieve his stress, he was secretly connecting with another party.

”One of the people I planted works on these brothels. When they heard about my instruction, they investigated day and night. The result was fruitful as they discovered Jeff’s patronizing habit has a specific time frame.” Wesley explained and listed out the suspicion points.

On the first day of every two weeks, Jeff would spend approximately 2 hours in a particular brothel, calling for the same woman.

The woman was named Harper, a moderate prostitute. To ensure nothing was amiss, Harper received customers frequently and appeared no different than other whores.

”Whoever the party behind was, they sure have their means.” Leonard narrowed his eyes. Even he was impressed by the enemy’s means to sacrifice people like pawns.

”My people are already on standby. As long as the Crown Prince wishes, I can have them capture this Harper woman, alongside Jeff and his family, immediately.” Wesley calmly said.

”Have the Crimson Guards cooperate along with the operation.” Leonard coolly instructed. ”Remember. I don’t want any rats to escape!”

”Yes, Crown Prince!” Wesley stood up and promptly excused himself from the room.

Based on his experience, he could discern that Leonard was currently in a foul mood.

To disturb him further could spell trouble.

After all, he was once the person on the other end, whom people must be aware of and cautious in front of.

Shortly after Wesley exited the scene, Leonard burned the papers to a crisp.

”Being overconfident is indeed a very frightening trait.” He slammed his palm on the small cabinet and laughed.

...

Velastra, Near East Exit Gate

Claudia walked the street cautiously.

Occasionally, she would pause for a moment and change her path.

As an assassin, it would be a grave mistake to keep her path or movement linear.

After all, linear movement made it easier for people to trace and track her down, whereas a constant change of pathway ensured she could detect if there were trackers.

Although it was a public street, if you discovered the same person more than three times, it was highly possible that they were stalking you.

’Nobody is tracking me?’ Claudia narrowed her eyes.

She found it hard to believe someone like Leonard would seriously let her go without hiding another plan.

’My mana reserve is still low, and my sensitivity has degraded.’ Claudia understood her condition well. The fight against Redflow had exhausted her deeply.

She stood in place for a few more seconds. She retrieved her permit token and hesitated.

Could it really be that easy?

After some more seconds, Claudia clenched her fist and walked toward the East Exit Gate.

The Crown Prince had already warned her sternly. If she were to appear in front of him again, then her life would be forfeited.

She didn’t doubt his words. The cruelty he displayed earlier in dealing with Ted and Redflow’s corpse was enough evidence.

He had purposely made that show for her to stop harboring any fantastical thoughts.

Mirelle’s position in his place was no longer significant, so even if she were to plead on her behalf, there would be no exception.

’I might end up being the second Redflow.’ Claudia thought to herself.

Sometime later, she was halted by the city guards.

”Lockdown is in session. Nobody is allowed to leave or enter the city.”

Unfazed by their statement, Claudia flashed her permit token. ”The Crown Prince permitted me to leave the city.”

The atmosphere gradually turned silent. The city guards inspected the permit token and confirmed it was indeed from the Crown Prince.

A few seconds later, they returned the permit token to her and stepped aside.

”You may leave—”

Just when Claudia was about to put away the permit token, she suddenly sensed danger.

Without hesitation, she kicked the ground and propelled herself backward.

Her pupils constricted when a cold gleam of light flashed across her eyes.

SLASH!

The city guards who had halted her were decapitated on the spot. Their body swayed around for a moment before it crashed to the ground.

Claudia’s face was drizzled in some of the blood that had sprayed toward her.

Her expression remained cold and indifferent.

Although there was some suspicion in her mind that it was Leonard’s doing, she ultimately rejected the notion.

If Leonard wanted to end her, there was no need to make such a commotion.

He had wanted to cleanse Velastra to become truly law-abiding for everyone.

Blatantly killing the city guards would go against his beliefs and principles.

Thus, she concluded this was committed at another person’s order.

”The Crown Prince is still a bit too soft.” The killer calmly said and turned around.

Claudia’s eyes widened in surprise. She staggered a few steps when she recognized the killer.

”Y-You’re that city guard who guided us in the beginning.” She nearly choked on her saliva.

Indeed, the killer was none other than Jeffrey, aka Jeff.

’So those frivolous and spineless behavior was all a facade.’ Claudia felt a cold chill running down her spine.