The Useless Prince Is A Gangster

The cobblestone path was painted a soft gold by the first rays of dawn on a calm early morning at Caulem Manor. With their shiny armor gleaming in the dim light, two guards stood watch at the tall main gate, keeping a close eye on the deserted street. Two young girls were walking closely behind a cloaked figure that was approaching with its hood down and steady, sure steps. As the three approached with their swords in hand, the guards’ faces tensed with suspicion. The lead guard moved forward, speaking in a firm but wary tone. "Who are you? Strolling straight to the Duke’s residence?

The figure reached the gate and slowly pulled back his hood, showing Leo’s face. His eyes were darkened with sleepless nights, dark circles deep under them. The guards flinched, stepping back.

Leo’s voice was low, rough with exhaustion. "Can’t I enter my house?"

The guards’ eyes darted to Vivien beside him, her auburn hair glowing in the dawn. Recognition hit like a shock. "Young lord has returned!" the second guard shouted. "Open the gate!" The heavy iron gates creaked open.

Maria sat on the edge of her opulent bed in the duchess’s room, her eyes puffy from six days of unending tears and her face as white as ash. Three days have passed since Leonhardt disappeared to find Vivien, and six days have passed since she was taken.

Her heart ached with every hour of the silence. With silent sobs and whispered prayers for their safety into the empty room, she clutched a small piece of cloth that had been embroidered, a favorite of Vivian’s.

Maria’s head snapped up as the door flew open, her heart pounding and her breath catching. With tears in his eyes and a youthful expression of relief and unadulterated joy, Lucian stood in the doorway, hardly able to stand, clutching the knob to prevent himself from falling.

The cloth slipped from Maria’s unsteady fingers as she stared, her heart racing. The hope she believed was gone was restored when she noticed the light in Lucian’s eyes. His voice was quiet, shaky, but confident. "Brother kept his word, Mother."