Chapter 49: Black Lotus

Words : 1017 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 49: Black Lotus Leonard could never allow himself to employ someone who would prioritize their emotions over rational action. Although he could sympathize and understand Mirelle’s internal turmoil, what she just did could easily result in catastrophic damage. It was a good thing that he got the enemy trapped in the sea to ensure they couldn’t retaliate. But what would happen if he didn’t and the enemy sieged the chance to deal a final blow? Was he supposed to pay with his life because one of his teammates couldn’t adapt or do their duty properly? As the enemy received timely assistance, she was finally able to shove all the sea monsters on deck to the sea. Simultaneously, the dying ether on her body was slowly being dissipated. Nevertheless, there was still no escape because another large ship had arrived. "Crown Prince, please pardon my lateness!" A thunderous voice resounded, followed by a brief shadow of silhouette. Their speed was fast and in the blink of an eye, they arrived at the tilting Astral Gale. The person went on their knees and lowered their head, clearly pleading for mercy. This person was none other than Curtis, who had been following at a fixed distance with a ship larger and greater than Astral Gale. Shortly after his arrival, numerous lifeboats also appeared in the Virellian Sea, ready to assist him. "It’s fine. You’re just on time." Leonard waved his hand and pardoned Curtis. "Capture the enemy alive for now, but make sure that she is restricted completely." He then pointed at the wrecked lifeboat that was barely sustaining itself to stay afloat. Since Mirelle’s timely assistance enabled her to survive, then Leonard might as well keep the enemy temporarily alive for now to interrogate. "Yes, Crown Prince!" Curtis received the order and hurriedly signaled the Crimson Guards to commence the action. Once that was done, Curtis’ eyes trailed toward Number 13 and Mirelle. "Number 13 should be rewarded for his effort in trying to protect me, so send him to a cabin for rest. As for Mirelle, have some people watch over her." Leonard commanded. Despite being displeased with Mirelle, he couldn’t fall out with her at this current juncture. After all, Mirelle’s prowess alone overwhelmed the rest of the Crimson Guards. Not to mention, fighting her in the Virellian Sea would be a foolish decision. Sometime later, the group boarded the lifeboat and entered another large ship. Above the deck, Leonard stood near the railings as he watched the Astral Gale sink completely. The corpses and everything else were buried undersea. "Curtis, follow up with the list of people working in the Astral Gale. Ensure their family gets proper compensation and enrollment to the imperial academy or the imperial knighthood if they have any children eligible." He calmly spoke, his tone contained traces of bitterness. These deceased crewmates didn’t betray him and stood their ground to confront the enemies with their lives. It was only right for him to make sure their deed didn’t go to waste. "I understand, Crown Prince." Curtis placed a hand by his chest and slowly retreated to a fixed distance. He could sense the crown prince wished to be alone for the moment. Having faced such an incident two times in a row, it was already a miracle that the crown prince could remain calm. As Curtis slowly retreated to the distance, a nearby Crimson Guard arrived from behind and relayed the reports. A few minutes later, Curtis’ eyes narrowed slightly. "So you’re saying the assassin killed nearly everyone on the ship, but Lady Mirelle still decided to save them?" "Yes, that is correct!" The Crimson Guard nodded. "Should we interrogate her more deeply or utilize some of our tools?" The tools naturally referred to torturous devices designed and intended to pry open the criminal or suspect’s mouth to speak. When Curtis heard their question, he snorted and glared at them. "Tools against a sixth circle mage?" He forcefully suppressed his enraged tone and scolded, "The Crown Prince said to keep watch on her only. Do you know why? It’s because our abilities are limited and we can’t make a move on her until we land in Velastra." "I apologize, Sir Cobra." The Crimson Guard realized their mistakes and hurriedly bowed slightly. "Alright, just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t come into contact with the assassin." Curtis waved his hand. "Also, make sure the deceased gets compensated. The Crown Prince placed a heavy emphasis on this matter." "Yes, Sir Cobra!" Sometime later, the Crimson Guards got to work while Leonard finished contemplating the event for today. He retreated from the railing, his mind filled with many doubts. ’Just who could have been the mastermind? This assassin isn’t strong in combat, but their sabotage and disguise are top-notch.’ "Crown Prince." Amidst Leonard’s dazed, Curtis approached him and relayed their findings. "The enemy is confirmed to be an assassin from the Assassin Syndicate, but their name remains unknown. We only know they go by their assassin code, Black Lotus." "Black Lotus eh? What a cliche code name." Leonard sneered coldly. "She was willing to talk about her assassin code to you? What else did she spill then?" "She didn’t spill anything, Crown Prince." Curtis shook his head. "One of the Crimson Guards recognized her appearance. She was an assassin who had killed quite a few nobles in the rural region known to be corrupted and ruthless to their own people. The nobles called her Black Lotus because she comes at night and leaves a lotus symbol." "The nobles called her that?" Leonard raised an eyebrow. "Then what do the commoners call her?" He questioned. Given Curtis’s wording, there should be another form of address for them. Curtis’ face turned somewhat pale, seemingly unsure whether it was suitable to say it. "Just speak the truth. I’m not petty enough to lash out at subordinates for something that’s not from their thoughts." "Yes, Crown Prince." Curtis nodded and said with a solemn tone. "The commoners call her the Justice Lotus."

Chapter 49: Black Lotus

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