"He stood there motionless, back straight like a soldier, hands behind him, eyes locked forward."
Bill, who had been listening quietly, added, "Well, he is a soldier."
"Then let him in~" Ronnel said offhandedly. "The result won't change either way."
As he spoke, a small ball of aura formed in his hand—crafted from the ability [Little Eye].
The senior soldier stationed outside belonged to the royal standing army, dispatched under the National Defense Act: [Guard and Surveillance].
In other words, Benjamin sending his men was technically legal. Refusing them outright would be seen as breaking the law.
The prince, the Queen, even their attendants and guards could be detained by royal authority.
And once that happened, Benjamin and his faction would absolutely take over. The likely scenario was obvious: they'd stage something like "the Queen, driven mad by the succession war, murders the prince and then commits suicide."
The fact that the guy outside had been standing there for so long without making a move meant he'd already resolved himself.
Ronnel tossed the aura sphere in his hand lazily.
"The longer things seem unstable on our end, the better it is for them to move the rest of the pieces into place. This is their chance."
"But if the person executing the plan gets taken out... well, that's another story."
Bill silently offered a two-second moment of pity for the soldier, Babimyna, waiting outside. Then, with Kurapika's nod and the Queen's consent, he opened the door.
"Come in~"
Babimyna entered, a strange flicker flashing in his eyes as the door creaked open. He offered a sharp salute and strode in past the guards—who exchanged uncertain glances from the doorways of other princes' suites lining the corridor.
Then—
Whoosh!
Boom!
Bang!
Three muffled sounds erupted in rapid succession.
Before Babimyna could even speak, he felt a sudden lightness—his consciousness slipped from his body, and he collapsed.
Everything proceeded smoothly after that.
Bill stepped in, removed the earbuds from Babimyna's ears and the poison sac from his mouth. Once he came to, they'd question him about the "script" he'd been given.
With Ronnel watching over them, the Queen and the Fourteenth Prince stayed calm and secure.
...
As for Kurapika, she personally headed to the Third Prince's territory to fulfill her promise.
Room number 1003. That was Prince Zhang Lei's suite.
The Fourteenth Prince's quarters, where Kurapika had been staying, were 1014. Fourth Prince Tserriednich's was 1004, Fifth Prince Tubeppa's 1005, and Benjamin's 1001.
Room 1000 belonged to the king himself—Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, ruler of the Kakin Empire.
Kurapika straightened his clothing and stepped toward the door, eyeing the room number. The guard's wary gaze followed him.
As he entered, his eyes narrowed instinctively.
The golden light inside was blinding.
The furniture—tables, chairs, benches—was handcrafted from the same wood, lavishly accented with gold and glittering gemstones.
The ceiling and walls were constructed from top-grade rock, another six-continent rarity.
A subtle fragrance lingered in the air. Kurapika sniffed and immediately recognized it: ambergris herb. One gram alone was worth billions of Jenny.
Beside a flamboyant table lamp, a vase held a rare blue-green purple-leaf orchid—one of the world's seven most stunning flowers.
Just this room alone had enough wealth to bankrupt the entire Nostrade family, where Kurapika once worked.
It was a glimpse into Third Prince Zhang Lei's life—and his wealth, indulgence, and desire weren't hidden at all.
"Welcome. Please, have a seat~"
Zhang Lei gestured gracefully to the cushioned bench across from him. A satisfied smile played on his lips as he watched Kurapika's eyes flicker and quickly mask their reaction.
He took great pride in this room's decor. In his mind, life was meant for pleasure, wealth, and glory.
Only two things brought power: money and influence. Of the two, the latter mattered more.
That belief fueled his ambition to become king.
Though indulgent and flamboyant, he wasn't a fool like Eighth Prince Salé-salé, whose life revolved around wine and women.
Zhang Lei was sharp. He understood what he wanted—and how to get it. That's why so many favored him in the succession race.
Right now, what he wanted was information about Nen.
"Pick one." He pushed two bottles of pristine, expensive-looking water across the table. "This kind of reception may be a little humble—but we can both relax."
Kurapika didn't touch the water.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. Shall we begin?"
He gave a slight bow—polite and formal, but clear.
Kurapika had no intention of being lured in by apparent kindness. Even if Zhang Lei acted like a friendly host, Kurapika knew better than to believe it.
Zhang Lei noticed.
Kurapika had neither sat down nor accepted the drink, and a glint of appreciation sparked in Zhang Lei's eyes.
People respected those who could read the room and recognize reality.
"Then... even if it's a bit sudden, give me the information."
Still smiling, Zhang Lei raised a hand and picked up one of the water bottles. He took a long drink—demonstrating that it wasn't poisoned.
A calculated move, of course.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)