Chapter 500

Though the situation was indeed as such, even if the Bureau later found out about his attack on the Crocodile Royal Family, it probably wouldn’t rule him in violation. But this seemingly flawless proposal, once spoken by Leon, oddly made people feel uneasy.

“Leon.”

Instinctively sensing something amiss but unable to pinpoint what, the Scorpion Bureau Director on the other end of the communicator hesitated before speaking:

“Your method isn’t wrong, but it’s a bit too aggressive. Let me think about it…”

“Edward-sama, we’re running out of time!”

Leon grabbed the communicator that wanted to retreat and earnestly reminded: “You mustn’t forget, the Aquarius Director has ties with the Crocodile Kingdom. No one knows how much intel she’s leaked. If she’s told everything, I’m not sure if your identity is compromised, but mine certainly is.

If we don’t take advantage of their侥幸 psychology and seize this rare chance where they haven’t forbidden our contact with the Royalty yet, and grab a few royal members first, once they realize they can’t hide the situation anymore and choose to take royal hostages instead, then we’ll be the ones in a passive position.”

He does have a point…

After hearing Leon’s reminder, the Scorpion Bureau Director on the other end of the communicator couldn’t help but instinctively clench his fists.

Before accepting this investigative task, the Archer Director had set three bottom lines for him.

The best scenario would be smoothly figuring everything out while keeping the Crocodile Kingdom’s royalty safe, minimizing the impact; if things couldn’t go as planned, prioritize protecting the royal family of the Crocodile Kingdom;

And if the situation got too complicated to protect all the royals, the Bureau’s final line was to secure the bloodline of the Crocodile Royal Family to prevent the effectiveness of the Watchtower Palace from being diminished.

The three bottom lines drawn by the Archer Director were from high to low priority, but Leon’s suggestion flipped them around, starting with securing the bloodline, then considering the royal family, and finally attempting to figure out the situation here.

If I were to say…

Leon’s approach, though very aggressive, upon closer examination, seemed more stable than the Archer Director’s ideas?

“Edward-sama!”

Seeing the Scorpion Bureau Director remain silent, Leon thought for a moment and then stepped back, saying:

“If you think the current situation is still manageable without doing this directly, then continue investigating according to your original plan. The matter of abducting the royal family can be left to me! But as the cost of my taking responsibility, I hope you can provide some assistance. Even if you stay behind the scenes, ensure the safety of Nicole and myself, okay?”

“…”

So, I make no decision and leave it all to you, with me just helping out?

After hearing Leon’s words, the Scorpion Bureau Director on the other end of the communicator couldn’t help but be slightly moved, followed by a faint hint of self-mockery flashing in his eyes.

It seems these past years, I’ve truly grown accustomed to comfort. Despite my strength growing stronger, even going nearly a decade without injury, my decisiveness has deteriorated significantly, becoming indecisive. My boldness has been overshadowed by this new cleaner.

Thinking about this, the Scorpion Bureau Director couldn’t help but take a deep breath, a long-lost sense of passion appearing on his face as he loudly declared through the communicator pinned on his shoulder:

“Alright! We’ll do it your way! Hmm… but remember, the responsibility is yours, and don’t say later it was my command!”

Can’t help it, passion aside, if avoidable, it’s better not to bear the blame.

After all, Leon is quite unpredictable. Who knows how this thing will turn out? I don’t want to end up like Olivia, having her performance locked at the bottom in the first month of the year.

Not caring about the Scorpion Bureau Director’s thoughts, seeing him agree to back his plan, Leon couldn’t help but nod satisfactorily and then proposed:

“Edward-sama, my strength isn’t as strong as yours, so if you don’t show up, the number of targets we abduct needs to be reduced… What do you think about the Third Prince of the Crocodile Kingdom?”

Third Prince? Andre?

Upon hearing Leon’s words, the Scorpion Bureau Director recalled and replied:

“If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t he the royal member responsible for receiving you? Are you planning to abduct him directly?”

“Yes.”

Leon nodded: “Nicole told me that the Crocodile Royal Family started staying secluded a long time ago and hasn’t appeared much in recent years. Now, the only royal member whose location we can confirm is him.

Moreover, according to the default diplomatic etiquette between kingdoms, apart from the standard reception process, if I wish to tour, a royal member must accompany me.

Later, when the Diplomatic Minister returns, I’ll directly propose wanting to tour the Crocodile Kingdom, giving us plenty of opportunities to be alone together. Grabbing him would be the simplest option.”

Under the guise of needing an escort for touring, lure out the Third Prince, Andre, and then seize the opportunity to capture him?

After hearing Leon’s rather simple plan, which seemed feasible, the Scorpion Bureau Director pondered briefly and then nodded: “I think it works. As for after abducting the prince… Reuben! Franky!”

At this point, the Scorpion Bureau Director called out the names of two Level 2 Cleaners and gave orders without room for refusal:

“Your original mission changes. Starting now, your task is to assist Leon in abducting Prince Andre and use your abilities to hide him!”

“…”

Upon hearing the Scorpion Bureau Director’s instructions, the two Level 2 Cleaners who were already confused glanced at each other, simultaneously seeing shock on each other’s faces.

Director, didn’t we agree earlier that we’d just keep an eye on this Leon Big Shot, prevent him from causing trouble, and claim credit afterward? Why did you suddenly change your mind and start teaming up with him?

“What? Do you have any issues?”

“No…”

“No issues…”

Seeing how their director was swayed in just a few words to change the original protection of the royal family into an abduction mission, the two Level 2 Cleaners could only silently lament in their hearts while hurriedly shaking their heads, assuring they’d complete the task.

“That’s settled then!”

Seeing no objections from the two Level 2 Cleaners, the Scorpion Bureau Director decisively finalized:

“Since the Crocodile Kingdom is preparing for a celebration, tomorrow, invite the Third Prince there and abduct him directly. If anything goes wrong, I’ll cover for you!”

(End of Chapter)