Chapter 38: Paul Wants to Work Hard
“You can leave now. I’ll be responsible for the princess’s safety from now on.” Kailun waved the two female knights away.
They exchanged glances and nodded. “We’ll leave her in your capable hands, then.”
They weren’t Vivian’s personal guards. They were Hilna’s subordinates, tasked with ensuring the little princess’s safety and preventing her from escaping.
Vivian had a history of running away. If she managed to escape at this crucial juncture, Hilna would be devastated.
As the knights departed, Vivian glared at Kailun, biting her lip in frustration, her cute little canines peeking out.
The sight of those familiar teeth sent a shiver down Kailun’s spine. He recalled some unpleasant memories. He had been deeply “wounded” by those canines in the past.
If not for her mastery of healing magic… He shuddered, pushing the memory aside. He would simply increase his Constitution. Then, even her sharp teeth wouldn’t be a threat.
“What do you want?!” Vivian quickly covered her mouth, noticing his strange gaze.
Kailun chuckled. “My, my, Princess. You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Making such a blatant invitation in public.”
Vivian: “…”
She refused to speak. Not a single word.
This wretched kingdom was doomed. Filled with devils like Hilna and Kailun, there was no hope for it.
Oh, and that Divine Church wasn’t any better. They could all burn together.
“Stop glaring at me. I know you’re cursing me in your mind. And I know you’re hoping for both me and the kingdom to be destroyed. Am I right?”
He flicked her forehead playfully.
He could read her like an open book. Even the slightest tap of her foot revealed her desires.
“Ow!” She glared at him with even more resentment.
How did he know? Was he a mind reader?
Fearful of him, she instinctively took a step back, dodging his attempt to pat her head.
He stepped closer and ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry, we’re just going for a stroll today. I’ll escort you back to the palace before noon. If I’m going to bully you, I’ll wait until tonight.”
This time, he wasn’t lying. Constant revenge would only lead to obsession. Taking a half-day break to clear his mind was a good idea.
Besides, he wasn’t just wandering aimlessly. If he encountered any “acquaintances” he disliked, he could always have some fun.
…
“Damn it! That bastard Kailun! Just you wait! Princess Hilna is just using you! When I find the chance… the chance to kill you, you’re finished!”
Loston, fuming after leaving Ella’s shop, punched a wall, leaving a deep crack.
He hated his own powerlessness, and he hated Kailun’s arrogance even more.
As the captain of the Royal City Enforcement Squad, even minor nobles treated him with respect. He had never been humiliated like this before.
And he had witnessed the woman he desired being treated like that! The woman he had spent so much money on, the woman he hadn’t even touched!
“Captain Loston, His Highness has sent you an invitation. Please take a look.”
One of his trusted subordinates approached him with a golden invitation.
“His Highness? Which one?” Loston quickly composed himself.
“His Highness, the Second Prince, Lodis. He invites you to attend a banquet at Youlan(Orchid) Castle tonight.”
“That’s strange. He should know I’m Princess Hilna’s man. Why would he invite me?”
He muttered to himself, opening the invitation with a puzzled expression.
It seemed like a regular invitation.
“Did His Highness say anything else?”
“The messenger said, ‘Even if you choose nothing, just playing around is good enough.’”
Loston’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Second Prince’s infamous parties. He tucked the invitation away. “You’re dismissed. I’ll consider this matter carefully. Oh, and expedite the investigation into the Divine Church. Princess Hilna wants results by the day after tomorrow.”
As his subordinate left, he retrieved the invitation, a gleeful smile spreading across his face. His earlier gloom vanished. He couldn’t believe he had caught the attention of such a powerful figure.
“This is perfect. I’m in a terrible mood, and this is just what I need to unwind. If I can convince the Second Prince to deal with Kailun, wouldn’t that be a great achievement?”
He began planning his outfit for the evening.
…
“Seeking three Rank 2 mage tutors. High hourly rate, excellent benefits. Potential for promotion to Baronial retainer.”
“Laborers needed. First come, first served. Limited positions available.”
“Seeking high-quality maids. Salary negotiable. Attractive candidates preferred.”
“Mercenaries wanted. Must be fearless.”
“…”
The North District Recruitment Plaza was always crowded, teeming with people seeking employment.
Paul, his funds dwindling, wandered through the crowd, filled with regret.
He regretted not accepting the few copper coins his aunt had offered. It would have bought him some time.
However, even that would only be a temporary solution. His true need was for money to fund his magic circle inscription.
“Jobs with long contracts are out. Jobs with low pay are out…”
He muttered to himself as he browsed the various offers. He stopped before an elegant old man who wasn’t shouting like the others. He simply held a wooden sign that read: “Seeking handsome young men and women to serve as attendants. One night only. Ten gold coins upfront.”
“Gulp…”
The mention of ten gold coins drew him in.
The old man noticed him and his eyes lit up.
“Young man, are you interested in being an attendant at a high-class banquet? You’re quite handsome, a real pretty boy. Why not give it a try? If you’re lucky, you might even make some wealthy friends.”
The old man was impressed by Paul’s appearance. Such a delicate and handsome boy would surely be popular with the male nobles.
“Why does a banquet attendant command such a high salary? It’s tempting, but it doesn’t make sense.” Paul inquired politely.
“My dear boy, this is no ordinary banquet. Princes and princesses will be attending. The host wants attractive attendants to enhance the ambiance. Someone like you would be perfect.”
“Where is this banquet being held?”
“A private estate. Youlan(Orchid) Castle.”
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