Ronnel knew perfectly well that he had no real connection with Sayird.
The only time their paths crossed was when Sayird was under control. Ronnel had saved him—and he'd thanked him.
That was it. Ronnel didn't even know what Sayird's ability was called, or how it worked.
Huh? Don't tell me... saving someone and being thanked is all it takes for him to use their Nen?
But he could use it without any apparent restriction. Wasn't that just ridiculous?
Bill felt like his brain was overheating. Kurapika, however, made a calm suggestion:
"Prince Marayam always brings his pet. Since your ability can be used multiple times without issue, then when Queen Oito attends the next dinner, try controlling the pet outside the banquet hall. If you can do that, it'll be a good chance to approach the other princes."
"Really?" Ronnel opened one eye. "Depends on my mood~"
Then he shut it again, choosing to ignore the conversation entirely.
To him, none of this required so much fuss.
As for explaining things to Kurapika and Bill... was it really necessary?
Their goal was to protect the Queen and the Fourteenth Prince. That basic requirement? Ronnel could handle it himself.
Even if he explained it, someone like Kurapika wouldn't just take his word for it. They'd end up acting on their own, complicating things further.
So why bother?
They could go about their business, as long as it didn't interfere with the Queen and the baby prince.
But if they wanted him to go out of his way for something pointless... then it would depend entirely on Ronnel's mood.
As for Kurapika and Bill's feelings?
Not his concern.
Sure enough, when Ronnel closed his eyes again, Bill's expression twisted in frustration.
He took his job seriously. Too seriously. He wanted to move Ronnel with responsibility and righteousness.
But before he could speak, Kurapika raised a hand to stop him.
"Depends on your mood, huh?" Kurapika stared at Ronnel for a long moment, then gave a small nod.
"I see."
He suddenly realized—just because Ronnel said he could copy abilities infinitely didn't mean there weren't hidden conditions.
Maybe the ability had a duration limit. Maybe it drained double the aura. Or maybe—like Kurapika's own chains—it demanded something far more personal, like lifespan.
Maybe "depends on my mood" was just a way to avoid explaining the price he had to pay.
After all, Ronnel was an Associate Hunter, someone qualified to be on the Black Whale.
Bill, after being stopped by Kurapika, took a moment to cool down. Then he, too, began to consider the possibility.
Gradually, the tension in the room eased...
...
Bili~ Bili~ Bili~
The public phone in the hall rang, loud and unexpected.
"Sorry—it's a call routed through the switchboard..."
The servant answering the phone looked shaken as she turned toward Kurapika and Ronnel.
"They want to speak with you."
"Who is it?" Kurapika's expression sharpened immediately.
"There are three callers... at the same time." The servant's forehead beaded with sweat.
"The First Prince, the Third Prince, and the Fifth Prince. The First Prince specifically asked for the one who subdued Vincent. The other two requested to speak with Kurapika-san."
Just then, Queen Oito emerged from her room, holding Prince Woble in her arms.
"Normally, by protocol, the princes should be answered in order of rank," she said, face pale and drawn.
"But if we delay in responding, it might be seen as an act of hostility."
Kurapika's face turned grim. "True. If we're suspected of conspiring with any of them, denial won't be enough."
"And if one of them hangs up... it could be seen as a declaration of war."
...
Ding~
As the Queen spoke, the doorbell rang.
Standing at the entrance was the new guard sent by Prince Benjamin to replace Vincent—Babimyna. His expression was stern and unreadable.
Now, in the middle of three politically charged phone calls and an unexpected visit from a known enemy soldier, the tension in the room skyrocketed.
Queen Oito clutched Woble tightly and cast a trembling glance at Ronnel, silently pleading for help.
Kurapika's mind raced.
First Prince Benjamin knows his soldier was compromised. That means we're already at war.
But he still reached out—and sent another soldier? What's his game?
As for the other two princes... it's probably about the "Nen Beast."
Their soldiers likely lack Nen knowledge. The Third and Fifth Princes didn't recruit outside professional guards; they embedded their own soldiers in the ranks.
That supports the theory. They want intel. But... we barely know anything about them either.
Benjamin wouldn't call just to declare war. If anything, this is a show of strength meant to intimidate the others.
With the pieces coming together, Kurapika was just about to instruct Ronnel to answer the First Prince's call first—
...
"Let's take the Third Prince's call first~ Three."
Ronnel opened his eyes and casually spoke to the servant, who was still standing nervously by the phone.
"Huh?!"
Kurapika blinked, stunned by the choice, and turned to Ronnel in confusion.
But Ronnel simply shifted his gaze toward the front door... then looked away, uninterested.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)