Chapter 502

The next morning, as the warm yellow winter sunlight just crept over the skyline of metal and earth, casting its glow on the long streets filled with gears and copper pipes, Lord Leon and the female journalist had already departed from the accommodations arranged by the Crocodile Kingdom, boarding a peculiar-looking tram.

Because of the complex planning of various districts and frequent changes in positioning, nearly all private vehicles had been banned within the Crocodile Kingdom almost a hundred years ago, replaced by an extensive network of trams.

Adding to that, due to the dual-layered city structure of the Crocodile Kingdom, small flying cars were also completely prohibited except for a few special roads like open air ports. Therefore, even foreign envoys couldn’t enjoy the special treatment of “private car pick-up” and could only rely on public transportation.

However, compared to ordinary citizens, His Royal Highness Prince Leon did receive a bit of privilege – like eating breakfast on the tram.

…

“It’s not… you eat this stuff every day while you’re in the Crocodile Kingdom?”

Stirring the purplish meat paste in the bowl with a fork and pressing the greenish-yellow vegetable mash on the plate with a spoon, squeezing out a pool of eerie green juice, Leon lost his appetite entirely, put down his utensils, and turned to the female journalist beside him, struggling to keep a straight face as he asked, “Never mind how bad this tastes, I just want to know one thing: why does this cold mush need a fork?”

“This… it might look terrible, but it’s good for your health.”

Upon hearing Leon’s exasperated complaint, the female journalist, who was originally from the Crocodile Kingdom, couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, then explained helplessly:

“I’m not entirely sure about the specifics, but many years ago, the science department of the Crocodile Kingdom used Apheta 01’s computing power to find the food ratio that best ensures human health.

After completely banning the original food and enforcing it for ten years, the annual expenditure on healthcare in the Crocodile Kingdom was directly reduced to 15% of the original amount, and it’s even said that life expectancy can be extended by six to ten years.”

But if living longer means eating this cold mush for sixty years, I’d rather live shorter…

Disdainfully scooping up a spoonful of the tasteless vegetable mash without any spices, Leon stiffly stuffed it into his mouth, feeling like he was chewing halfway-eaten grass forcibly taken from a goat during rumination, causing his facial features to contort involuntarily.

Honestly speaking, he never understood the Aquarius Director so much before; anyone eating this semi-fermented wet garbage for over a hundred years would have psychological issues!

Sigh! Well, it’s just a few days of eating this.

Forcing himself to swallow the life-sustaining meal, Leon continued to mechanically scoop various kinds of mush while prodding the horn of Black Goat with his fingers, using soul communication to inquire: ‘Let’s set aside the food issue… Nicole, are you ready for the action?’

‘I am ready.’

Upon hearing Leon’s inquiry, the female journalist glanced at the reception staff accompanying her and Leon inside the carriage, then nodded slightly:

‘I’m familiar with the cleaners from Gemini Division. If someone is protecting Prince Andre, whoever comes, I have confidence in subduing them immediately.’

‘Good that you’re confident.’

Leon nodded upon hearing this, then reached into his pocket, tapping a small flower inside with his fingertips.

‘What about the two seniors? Are you guys ready?’

‘No problem.’

‘We’re also ready.’

After receiving Leon’s soul vibrations, the two Level 2 Cleaners hiding inside the flower bud gave their affirmative responses.

‘Excellent, let’s review our tasks one last time before we start the operation.’

Having received the replies, Leon blinked, his expression serious as he said:

‘According to the plan I discussed with Bureau Director Edward, after meeting Prince Andre, I will ask him to take me on a tour of the festival in the Crocodile Kingdom, trying to separate him from his guards amidst the crowd to create an opportunity.

After that, Nicole will handle the possible cleaners following him, while I’ll knock out Prince Andre and hand him over to Senior Ruben. Finally, relying on Senior Ruben’s [Flower Fairy], we’ll hide him in the flower bud and take him away.

Also, Bureau Director Edward and a few other seniors are stationed three blocks away in the 05 Residential Area to support us. If things go wrong, Senior Franky will reel us in and deliver us directly to Bureau Director Edward for immediate evacuation… Is everything clear?’

‘All clear!’

‘I’m ready.’

Inside the little flower sticking out of Leon’s pocket, Ruben, dressed in leafy attire, patted his chest.

“Don’t worry, everything will go smoothly!”

Similarly hidden in the flower, Franky, with a miniature fishing rod on his back, raised an OK sign, brimming with confidence:

“As soon as Prince Andre shows up, we’ll definitely catch him!”

…

“Very sorry.”

An elderly waiter in formal attire bowed deeply to Leon and the female journalist, his expression slightly apologetic:

“Prince Andre caught a sudden chill last night and is running a fever now. He may not be able to accompany you on the tour of the celebration.”

“One mistake none of the content in 69 book bar has seen!”

“…”

My cursed luck…

Looking at the sincerely apologetic old waiter, Leon couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth violently, his face turning green like the vegetable mush churning in his stomach.

To prepare for today’s mission, he had barely managed to convince the Scorpion Bureau Director and meticulously planned all night. Not only did he memorize the maps of the several blocks hosting the festival, but he even thought through escape routes in case of ambush.

Yet, just when everything was ready, the prey didn’t leave the den and decided to sleep instead!

“Are you sure he has a cold?”

Having drawn his bow and prepared to shoot, only to miss entirely, Leon couldn’t help but scowl at the elderly attendant whose soul clearly betrayed lies:

“Why do I feel like your Prince Andre just doesn’t want to come out?”

“This… You’re joking…”

Upon hearing Leon’s questioning, the elderly attendant’s eyelids couldn’t help but flicker slightly. After giving an awkward laugh twice, he somewhat insincerely said, “Prince Andre is usually… quite diligent, but he’s always been frail since childhood. Occasionally catching a cold is unavoidable, please understand.”

“Hmph, how am I supposed to understand?”

Since the target, Prince Andre, wasn’t present, Leon naturally had no interest in touring the festival and thus directly “exploded in anger”:

“How many times has this happened? Though my country’s strength can’t compare to yours, I am still a prince! You can’t even send out a royal family member to accompany me! You people are simply…”

“Lord Leon~”

Just as the prince was about to use this as an excuse to storm off, a crisp greeting suddenly came from afar.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

After nodding in apology to a somewhat surprised Leon, the tardy young lady surrounded by a group of guards performed a standard ladylike curtsy, then smiled brightly:

“I am Princess Phelia the Sixth. My brother Andre isn’t feeling well, but to show respect for Your Royal Highness, they specifically sent for me to accompany you on the tour of the celebration… Are you satisfied with this arrangement?”

(End of Chapter)