Chapter 31: Bon Voyage

Words : 1087 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 31: Bon Voyage Mirelle lacked the necessary information required to finish the jigsaw puzzle, but not for Leonard. He came to a realization that his so-called plans and motives were under someone’s manipulation all along. Although he had no concrete evidence, he felt that the highest culprit was none other than his father, Emperor Aldros. Other than him, Leonard truly found it hard to believe someone else could orchestrate and create such amazing timing for him. The reason why he needed to travel to Velastra was because of the middle-man culprit. And there just so happened to be a researcher mage arriving at Velastra to raise funds to continue her research. What made it more surprising was that the person who would introduce him to her was the tutor he hired. Some might argue that Mirelle was chosen by random, but Leonard knew the trajectory would still bring her to him regardless of the randomization choosing her or not. After all, only Mirelle was actually available at the time in the capital when he required a magic tutor. In a sense, Spencer would still approach Mirelle and persuade the former to tutor him. To ensure Mirelle would accept the recruitment, they introduced an equality policy in the academy and someone like him could obviously enforce the policy. Everything was falling into a single puzzle. How could Leonard not feel a cold chill at such meticulous planning and being able to remain in the dark? "Are you alright, Crown Prince?" While Leonard was struck in a daze, Mirelle waved her hand around and asked him. "There’s no need to be disappointed by failures. Although you might not be able to condense the mana properly, based on your high senses, it wouldn’t be long till you succeed." She was worried and afraid that his motivation might be dampened. Hence, she offered him some consolation and hoped that he wouldn’t be falling into depression. She had witnessed many people who sought to become mages, only to end up realizing they were inept. For commoners to escape their low status, the fastest and easiest solution was to become a mage. After all, a mage guaranteed one to have a bright future. There was also another option, but the risk and danger were extremely high as opposed to the first option. And that was to enroll in the military to become a Knight and serve the empire. "You’ve mistaken me." Leonard snapped out of his daze and said. Though he didn’t elaborate further as to why he was quiet. His Father may have a hand in the grand scheme of the current events, but Leonard refuses to become someone else’s pawn or puppet. If his Father wanted to use him, then Leonard would gladly use him back. Sometime later, the carriage’s momentum gradually slowed down before coming to a full stop. "Crown Prince, we have arrived at the Western Port." Curtis’ voice resounded from outside. Afterward, the Crimson Guards quickly got to work to scout the perimeter and nearly flipped the place upside down to ensure the coast was safe. Having learned from the previous incident, they refused to allow another one to occur. If there was seriously another incident that threatened to harm the Crown Prince, then even their lives wouldn’t be enough to compensate. "We can try again when we board the ship." Inside the carriage, Mirelle suggested. "No need." Leonard shook his head. "In the ship, it’s not going to be steady. Trying to form a magic circle at that time would be a risk." His subtle implication went over Mirelle’s mind, who simply thought he was giving up after repeated failures. She remained unaware that Leonard was more wary during the sea journey than on land. ’I wonder how many presents people are waiting to give me.’ He wondered silently. He wished to survive, but he wasn’t going to cower either when enemies came knocking on his door. "Crown Prince, the coast is clear and the ship is ready to board," Curtis reported. "Alright." Leonard stretched his fingers and glanced at Mirelle. Mirelle exhaled softly and flickered her hand. Soon, the door was opened wide for Leonard to exit. Despite being his "tutor", there was still a distinct social difference between them. A few seconds later, Leonard exited the carriage and noticed the port was surprisingly quiet. "I recall the Western Port was a main spot for import and export. How is it so deathly quiet?" He raised the question. Almost immediately, Curtis’ body tensed up as he explained, "The incident at 23rd Street alarmed most of us, so we made sure to eradicate nearly everyone besides those from the ship we’re boarding in." "So because of one incident, you put many people’s livelihoods in jeopardy to make things convenient for me?" Leonard’s tone was calm, but it was like the calm before the storm. His expression soon darkened as he turned to him. "Didn’t you see me earning lots of public approval with my series of commands? Or did you think I do those out of guilt or for fun?" THUD! Curtis swiftly went on his knees, his head kept low as he came to realize he irked the crown prince. "Please punish me, Crown Prince," Curtis begged. Silent, Leonard didn’t even bother to glance at Curtis as he walked toward the ship. He paused for a moment to inspect the detail first. The ship was sleek and obsidian-hulled, shimmering faintly with mana-infused runes etched along its sides. A name was engraved on the ship, Astral Gale. The Astral Gale was a floating fortress, a diplomatic vessel, and a clear show of Aldrosian prestige. ’It’s even more fancy than the cruise ship I rode.’ Leonard sneered inwardly and embarked on the ship, which should have been called a warship. Meanwhile, Mirelle witnessed the entire scene from afar. She was alarmed by Leonard’s behavior. Nevertheless, she ignored Curtis and the other kneeling Crimson Guards as she followed Leonard. She embarked on the ship and spotted Leonard talking to the crewmates to get the captain to prepare for sail. "Are we not going to wait for the Crimson Guards?" She approached him and asked softly. "They’re still kneeling by the port." "Let them kneel and stay then." Leonard snorted. "A bon voyage required lively people and good omen. Yet they turn it into something like a funeral with extreme quietness." Unwilling to divulge further, Leonard ordered the Captain from the deck, "Set sail to Velastra!"

Chapter 31: Bon Voyage

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