Chapter 14: Velastra

Words : 1050 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 14: Velastra Velastra, commonly identified as The Trade Crown, was renowned for being the economic capital of Aldros. It was located at the intersection of Sunfire Road and several major river routes. It hosts sprawling markets, auction houses, and the Guild of Gold Sigils. The Guild of Gold Sigils were essentially the merchant union which made the city a very complicated place. The city was still under the jurisdiction of the Royal Family, but it wasn’t strictly regulated. Granted that the city was known as The Trade Crown, it was essentially a free market. A free market that wasn’t restricted by heavy laws and allowed all sorts of people to mingle around. "The middleman sure knows where to flee." Leonard scoffed. Even as the Crown Prince, if he were to suddenly dispatch any guards to commence a capture of someone in Velastra, public opinion and criticism would rise. Moreover, he didn’t have sufficient evidence to justify a mobilization either. "Indeed, Velastra is a rather complicated city for us." Marco frowned as well. "I originally wanted to capture the middleman but stopped because someone didn’t want me or the others to intervene." Needless to say, the only person who could possibly halt Marco from acting had to be the emperor. It was the equivalent of making an exchange. Want the Crown Prince title? Sure, make sure the house was weakened and stay away from the Crown Prince’s affair. "I get it now." Suddenly, Leonard found his mind cleared up. No wonder his father held a pep talk with him at the imperial garden. Why not try to investigate the culprit? How laughable was that! ’The main culprit must be opted out and the middleman was released by you as well to a complicated city. You just want me out of Elarion, huh.’ Leonard pursed his lips. The series of events made it obvious that he had to leave the capital and gain experience by proving his worth in the trial set up by his father. If succeeded, there would naturally be a reward. But if he failed, then his life might come to an end. Staying in the capital, he was destined to remain safe and sound. But to ensure such a mindset was nullified, his father allowed a poison attempt on his life. If this was still the old Leonard, then the latter would be wrecked in fear and readily escape the capital. After all, the old Leonard refused to believe his life would still be in danger if he were to flee the capital. For a prince, especially a crown prince to leave the capital without imperial sanction was as good as resignation. To summarize, Leonard must leave the capital to capture the middleman, but it must be done discreetly. Unfortunately, he knew better than anyone that the moment he left, it would be notified to the other houses. Those other houses wouldn’t report him. But instead, they would send assassins to end his life. The other houses weren’t foolish either. They must have understood the emperor’s intention as well. So whoever dared to make a report, would be facing his wrath. At this moment, Leonard also came to an understanding of Marco’s visit. He wanted him to know that his house was always supporting him and to be cautious of his upcoming journey. With the traitors within House Lawson dying under the pretext of an internal conflict, his uncles had eliminated an internal threat for him already. But the external threat remained. "Thank you, Uncle Marco." Leonard stood up and gave his thanks. "I know what else to do." Nodding in satisfaction, Marco was very pleased as he gazed more at his nephew. "The person at the top sure miscalculated heavily this time. If they knew my nephew was this sharp-minded, then they would have reconsidered appointing you as Crown Prince." "You over-exaggerate me, 4th uncle." Leonard shook his head. ’The real Leonard would have probably died without knowing when, where, why, and how.’ He thought. Sometime later, Marco wished to bid his farewell. But before leaving, he made sure to instruct Leonard something. "When the door opens up, make sure to curse at your uncle harshly and throw whatever furniture you can to harm me," Marco said solemnly. Leonard didn’t question his instruction and simply nodded. What Marco wished to depict to the public was their discord and possible resentment. Upon seeing how Leonard agreed without hesitation, Marco knew his intention had been seen through. ’Younger sister really gave birth to a bright son.’ Marco was glad that their house actually produced a talented individual. If it weren’t for all these sudden conspiracies came crashing down on their house, then Marco might have been kept in the dark about how clever his nephew was. "You ready?" Marco paused just a meter away from the door. "I’ve been ready," Leonard smirked and held a porcelain vase in his hand. Seeing the vase, Marco realized his nephew might really want to strike him dead. Without hesitation, Marco opened the door and shouted coldly. "Hmph, ungrateful nephew. You must have been blinded by the crown!" "Blinded by the crown?" Leonard snorted. "You are the blind fool for trying to vie for the authority of the house! Did you think I would side with you and let you take power?" After saying so, he proceeded to throw the porcelain vase straight at him. Luckily, Marco reacted fast enough and sidestepped away. Nevertheless, the porcelain vase crashed toward the wall. A mess was soon created, and the guards stationed outside were dumbfounded. If it were anyone else, then they would have immediately apprehended the person. Unfortunately, this person was not only the Crown Prince’s uncle, but he was also a powerful Count. Although a Count couldn’t outrank a Crown Prince, the seniority itself was a huge predicament already. Marco glanced at the broken vase with a solemn expression. "Unruly nephew, you really disappointed Uncle and the House Lawson." He flung his robes and started walking away. Leonard’s eyes narrowed coldly as he gazed at his uncle leaving. "What are you staring at us?" He then shifted his attention to the guards and lashed out. "We apologize, Crown Prince." The guards quickly knelt on one knee and pleaded.

Chapter 14: Velastra

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