It's been almost a month since the last visit of Lucian to the guild, this to buy that drug. Since then, the plebeian neighborhood began to be the target of investigations by Cadec, who was hunting the rebels after discovering that they were hiding there. Lucian was not surprised as he followed the newspapers reporting on the progress of the investigations. It was something that happened in
However, remembering the details of the original plot always caused headaches in Lucian. Just like now, he was trying to reconcile the information to start negotiations. But it took a monstrous force to repress the grimace of pain and keep the serene facade of always.
"Actually, I'm not asking for the list of names for free. I'm willing to do something much more valuable than hand you a bag of gold coins."
"I'm listening."
"Everyone knows that the first prince has been sweeping this region in search of the rebels who are hiding."
"Exactly. Many mercenaries like to hide in the plebeian neighborhood because of the information networks" Ethera replied promptly, interrupting Lucian "Although they also make the party by picking up women for fun. But what does that have to do? You want to prevent your brother from doing his duty?"
"By no means, I just wanted to confirm that this is why your guild is going into decline."
Ethera hesitated further and with the frown of her forehead, it became clear that Lucian was stepping on a mine. Strangely, Ethera seemed to show more of her nervousness than the last time he saw her. Lucian assumed that she was going through problems in the guild, but it didn't make sense to disturb her so much.
"What makes you think my guild would be in decline, Your Highness? That's very presumptuous of you, you know?"
Lucian couldn't say he knew that because of
That was a huge problem that brought a big "red flag" on top of his head. A dangerous sign that history was taking a different course.
Desperate situations require desperate measures.
"Where are your furniture? And the reduction of your staff?"
"Now that, Your Highness, as you said, this region was targeted by the rebels and mercenaries. Do you really think I will leave luxurious furniture in the guild to attract attention of these bandits? That's the last thing an information guild should do. Besides, my people are working."
"You are failing precisely because you are in a plebeian neighborhood. They probably think you're harboring mercenaries and rebels to send them on missions and get your precious information."
For the second time she frowned. Lucian definitely needed to be more careful. Ethera did not answer him promptly, she just took her hand to the chin and stared at the prince silently. On the other hand, one person seemed too surprised by Lucian's revelation.
"Was that what Your Highness 'saw'?" Argus asked, covering his mouth immediately afterwards.
The fact that Lucian shuddered caught Ethera's eye. The alpha cast a glance at the poor boy, who could only murmur an apology.
"What did he mean?"
Damn, Argus!!! You and your mouth bag!
"No big deal."
"Your Highness, we are past the stage of hiding information from each other. We have closed deals before, and to continue we need to be transparent, don't you think?"
Shit! Lucian didn't want to lean on a belief that only his personal servant had! Mainly because Lucian was having trouble getting detailed information from the original story. All he had so far were fragmented memories of what he read in the original and the news that accompanied it in the newspaper.
Should he risk it?
The worst-case scenario would be that Ethera wouldn't do business with him because she considered him a quack, even though she would remain willing to accept his requests. Taking into account that Ethera was on the defensive and evaluating each reaction, Lucian would not be able to reduce the tension by pretending crazy.
If Lucian couldn't make business with her... well, he'd have to think of another way to secure that damn list of names. But since it was for Magnus, his wonderful villain and fiancé, then Lucian was willing to go crazy with delusions of grandeur.
And so, with an innocent smile and his mask of good prince, Lucian did his greatest scoundrel.
"It's just a little secret that only my personal valet knows. I'm afraid it's something so absurd you won't believe it."
"I'm tempted. Try to surprise me, Your Highness."
Taking his fingers lured to the chin, Lucian thought a little.
What information did he have about the future of the guild?
Very good, very good. The rebels who were against Cadec infiltrated among the commoners to outwit the first prince and to ensure that his smuggling was not discovered. Damn, his head is throbbing again... breathe Lucian, breathe. What else did he know?
Ah, yes! The nobles who intended to seek out the Nightshade guild for information would now be hesitant about Ethera colluding with the rebels, causing rumors to spread among the nobles. In the end, she and her guild risked getting on Cadec's radar and Magnus probably wouldn't look for her.
That damn feeling of fog bothered him again... damn, his vision was getting blurry.
Still, Lucian forced himself to face the headache to remember.
What happened next?
A drop caught everyone's attention.
The reddish spot was highlighted on Lucian's white skin.
"Your Highness!" Argus suddenly screamed.
The servant took a handkerchief out of his pocket and covered Lucian's nose. His hand was shaking with fear at the sudden situation. Lucian blinked stunned, still feeling his head throbbing his vision becoming blurred, but he still remained conscious.
"What do you..."
"Okay, no need to be alarmed" Calmed Lucian, holding the handkerchief to stop the sudden nosebleed.
"You don't look well, Your Highness. Are you on any drugs? Or are you exhausted?"
Although the nosebleed was unexpected, Lucian saw a big gap there.
"When I have my visions, I end up with a nosebleed."
"Visions? Like... to predict the future? What could you have seen to the point of your body bleeding, Your Highness?"
"I just had a dream about the dark times you would face because of the rebels and mercenaries. It was a terrifying dream about some men in black fighting in a place full of trees under the supervision of the moonlight... It will be an unfortunate death."
Ethera leaned her elbows on her legs and bent as she looked fiercely at Lucian.
"You're saying some pretty dangerous things, Your Highness."
"I'm just saying what I saw in my dream." Lucian tried to ease the tension by removing the handkerchief from his face and raising his hands at the height of his chest as a sign of surrender "And do not need to suspect me, You know very well that I have no power to mobilize people to hurt other people just to gain their trust."
"Right... so you are saying that you have inside information in a way... supernatural. I will pretend that I bought this. What is your proposal?"
That's it! At least she was willing to listen. Swallowing his joy, Lucian continued with the posture of a calm and controlled prince.
"This loss will cause you to have fewer people for your information-gathering work. Thanks to the rebels, your reputation may be tarnished. So, I am willing to give you a new headquarters within high society."
Ethera raised her eyebrow in surprise, and tilted her head.
"This seems quite surreal to me, Your Highness. How do you intend to do that? As far as I know, you are a renegade prince without power."
"We can discuss the payment when you accept my proposal. I am only asking that if you accept, I will myself sponsor your guild in exchange for the list with the names of influential people in the underworld."
Ethera thought for long minutes. Lucian hesitated whether she would believe him or not, and it made her hands sweat a little.
After all, what would be the answer of the guild leader?