I Was Hired by the Dark Prince for My Life's Worth - Chapter 28

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 28. Investigation
“The password.”
Ah, a password?
‘Wait, wasn’t the servant supposed to be alone?’
I flinched at the unexpected situation.
I was about to open my mouth to say something.
[Hush. Stay quiet.]
Yurian stepped forward.
His broad back blocked my view ahead.
He smiled with an air of ease.
“How unfortunate.”
“I cannot let you in without the password.”
“I see.”
Yurian’s smile deepened.
It was a beautiful smile, the kind that seemed to glow with its own light.
“I am Yurian Ozwald.”
…….
“Though modest of me to say, I am the Third Prince of the Empire.”
The space beyond the door fell silent at once.
Shock was unmistakable.
A faint crash echoed through from the other side—proof of their alarm.
Yurian continued unhurriedly.
“During my inspection, I discovered a building that doesn’t match the records.”
…….
“It’s listed as a sealed warehouse, yet I heard signs of activity inside.”
His voice was soft.
Yet I could be certain of one thing.
Because of that gentleness, their spines would grow all the colder.
“I merely wish to verify a few details before taking my leave.”
…….
“Of course, you’re free to refuse.”
Yurian smiled innocently.
It was a smile as warm as sunlight.
“But then I’ll have no choice but to record everything I’ve witnessed today in my report.”
Before that sentence even finished, I heard frantic movement from inside the door.
Then, after a moment,
Click.
“Come in.”
The door swung open, and a rough-faced man emerged.
He was tall and powerfully built, somewhere between youth and middle age.
Tattoos writhed chaotically across his forearms, and a long scar ran across half his face.
‘…A pirate?’
Whatever he was, he was terrifying.
I reflexively grabbed hold of Yurian’s sleeve.
Yurian glanced down at my hand gripping his coat and let out a soft chuckle.
[Why don’t you hide completely behind me?]
‘Is that… allowed?’
[By all means.]
Much obliged…
I didn’t hesitate and slipped half a step behind him.
There was something about standing behind him that made me feel utterly safe—as though nothing could harm me there.
The man looked us over from head to toe.
His already harsh face grew even darker when he studied Yurian’s features.
“…You’re really a prince?”
“Would you like to verify?”
Yurian smiled pleasantly.
“It might be simpler to summon the Baron’s knights instead.”
“Never mind.”
The man cut himself off quickly.
After grinding his teeth for a moment, he finally stepped aside.
“Just take a look and be on your way.”
“Thank you.”
Yurian remained unflappable regardless of the man’s rough tone.
He offered his gratitude politely, smiled gently, and walked inside—that was where his composure showed.
‘…He really is terrifying.’
Yet somehow his manner put me at ease.
There was something reassuring about it—the sense that a threat of this caliber didn’t even register as a threat to him.
I crept forward and grasped the edge of his robe, following him into the warehouse.
The interior was larger than I’d expected.
Old wooden crates and cargo draped in cloth.
The damp scent of the sea.
And an air that felt stale and oppressive.
The Scarred Man followed us openly, watching our every move.
“Seen enough? Get going.”
“There’s a second floor, isn’t there? Don’t be hasty.”
Yurian climbed the stairs without hesitation.
The old wood creaked beneath his feet.
My heart hammered for no good reason, and I glanced nervously about.
‘I was certain I saw odd things through the window earlier.’
A large navigation map, route markings traced across it.
But now—
‘…it’s gone?’
The second floor was bare.
There wasn’t even a servant in sight.
The large sea map still hung on the wall, but the complex markings that had covered it before were nearly erased.
The table that had been piled high with documents was now neat and orderly.
Hastily cleared—only faint dust marks remained as evidence.
Yurian smiled and asked quietly.
[What do you suggest?]
‘Hmm…’
Since this was a warehouse space, there weren’t many places to hide.
To put it plainly, the options were obvious.
My eyes met the servant’s from between the double-door cabinet in the corner.
“…….”
“…….”
The servant’s pupils trembled with anxiety.
It seemed like a silent plea—don’t say anything, pretend you didn’t see.
What secret could be worth such desperation to keep?
[How long do you plan to keep staring at each other?]
‘…Ah. Was it that obvious?’
[Come here.]
I hurried over to him.
Then I whispered my honest thoughts.
‘I don’t think this is the right time.’
[Why do you say that?]
I cast a careful glance around.
The hastily cleared table, the route markings not quite erased in red, the scraps of paper scattered across the floor… and the servant in the cabinet, barely breathing.
‘…This looks like something the baron doesn’t know about.’
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have reacted with such alarm at your mention of reporting to him.
Their wariness toward us came from the same source.
They clearly believe we’re on the baron’s side.
I spoke in barely a whisper.
‘Even if we drag them out now, won’t they just refuse to talk?’
[So we let them go for now?]
‘Yes. I think we should investigate further separately.’
Yurian looked down at me thoughtfully.
There was something evaluating in his gaze.
Then he let out a soft laugh.
[You’re mostly foolish, but moments like this remind me you’re quite capable.]
‘…Is that a compliment?’
That’s kind of you to say.
I don’t think so.
Yurian turned with a bright smile.
“There’s really nothing much here.”
His gaze drifted lazily across the interior.
And naturally settled on the cabinet.
“There’s nothing particularly suspicious, though….”
…….
“Everyone has secrets they’d rather keep.”
He spoke in a drowsy tone.
“I’ll graciously pretend I saw nothing today.”
…He’s talking to the Servant, isn’t he?
For some reason, the cabinet seemed to flinch slightly.
At that, the Scarred Man beside me frowned sharply.
“If you’re done looking around, get out.”
Right, he was here too.
At his rough voice — the kind that suggested he might grab me by the collar and throw me out on the spot — I flinched and edged closer to Yurian.
Of course, Yurian remained unruffled throughout.
“Forgive the intrusion.”
He turned without hesitation, and I hurried after him.
Click.
The moment the warehouse door shut, I exhaled the breath I’d been holding.
“Phew…. That was terrifying.”
“You’re afraid, yet you keep trying to cause trouble.”
“I thought the Servant was being abused… hehe.”
Honestly, when I saw those shackles, I was certain something terrible was happening.
Just knowing it wasn’t provided some relief.
Though he still looked dangerous….
“…What about that hulking man anyway? He looked like a criminal.”
“He probably is one.”
“Really?”
My eyes widened.
I looked at him hoping for more explanation, but he only smiled lazily and walked out of the alley.
Back to the bustling streets alive with festival preparations.
Even with the sound of people’s laughter around me, the stale air of that alley seemed to cling to my skin.
“You know something about this, don’t you?”
“Do I?”
“You’re not going to tell me!”
“Correct.”
It was as good as admitting he knew something.
Sigh.
The strength drained from my body.
“You have too many secrets.”
“Does that displease you?”
“…That’s a dirty trick of a question.”
As I grumbled, he laughed softly.
“What’s wrong? Can’t say you dislike me?”
“Ugh.”
Without thinking, I narrowed my eyes.
Platinum hair flowing in the sea breeze.
A profile glimmering in the sunlight.
…How could I say I dislike him when he smiles like that?
My eyes felt dazzled, so I abruptly turned my gaze away.
Then.
“Hm?”
A familiar silhouette appeared in one corner of the plaza.
Brennon’s daughter wore a completely different expression than before as she moved among the crowd.
The way she smiled gracefully and exchanged pleasantries with merchants was the perfect picture of a noble lady.
“…She acts well.”
As I murmured without thinking, Yurian laughed.
“That’s what nobles are like, after all.”
“Even you, Your Highness?”
“Of course.”
Though in terms of deception, there’s no one quite like him.
It was then that the Baron’s daughter suddenly looked in our direction.
“Oh.”
Her expression stiffened for a fraction of a moment.
At the same time, her gaze flickered between us and the Alley that stretched behind us.
I flinched involuntarily.
‘Has she figured it out?’
That we’d been near the Warehouse?
The young lady quickly approached as though nothing had happened, lowering her head in a bow.
“Good day to you, Your Highness. What a surprise to meet you in a place like this.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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