NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter197-Kris, His Highness Is Asking for You by Name
"I can only scam my mentor alone."
"But you teaming up with others to trick the commander? That's next level, Your Highness—you really know how to play the game!"
Once Justin figured it out, he quickly caught up.
"Your Highness!"
Just as Velen and Justin were about to walk out of the fortress, Senator Ethan's anxious voice came from behind.
"Senator Ethan?"
"What's the matter?"
Seeing Ethan's worried expression, Velen asked curiously.
"Your Highness, I'm being watched!"
Ethan glanced around sneakily and lowered his voice with unease.
???
A flood of question marks filled Velen's mind.
What the hell do you mean you're being watched??
"You're not running a fever, are you, Senator Ethan?"
"It's true, Your Highness! Please, you have to believe me!"
Ethan looked deadly serious.
"And this person is seriously messed up!"
"They watch me during the day, and even when I'm asleep at night!"
"Especially at night—it's intense!"
"I'm going insane!"
Pfft!
Velen admitted his mind went to the wrong place and couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Your Highness, don't laugh!"
Seeing Velen laughing, Ethan got flustered.
"We've got Lord One-Eye guarding the fortress—it's impossible for outsiders to sneak in!"
"But every time this person looks at me, it feels like I've been stripped bare! Like they're staring straight into my soul!"
"Each glance sends chills down my spine, makes my spirit tremble—I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown!"
"Your Highness, I know you often bring people back into the fortress… So I just want to ask: there were no peeping freaks before, but now there is…"
"Did you bring in someone new recently?"
Ethan stared nervously at Velen, terrified he'd say no.
He was too old to deal with being mentally undressed on the daily.
It was like he was walking around naked in front of this person's gaze!
"Justin, did any newcomers arrive at the fortress recently?"
Seeing Ethan's distress, Velen asked with a smile.
Huh?
Justin was caught off guard but still answered,
"Your Highness, no one's come back recently. It was just the two of us and Senator Clinton who went out last time. You didn't bring anyone new either."
"I think I've hinted enough."
Velen looked at Ethan.
"Damn it!!!"
"Clinton!!!"
"I'm coming for you today!"
Seeing Ethan roar with rage and draw his level-9 Forge weapon to go confront Clinton, Velen quickly reminded him:
"Senator Ethan, Clinton now has a Soul Armor Set imbued with a powerful artifact spirit. He also possesses terrifying sword intent capable of Soul Unsheathing. Your strengths are on par—you're no match for him right now!"
"What?!"
Ethan froze in place.
That bastard powered up that much from one trip outside?!
I'm so damn jealous!
"But you could go with Senator William."
"William's one rank above you guys, and Clinton wouldn't dare really hurt you while wearing the Soul Armor Set. So, go get your revenge—just make sure to slap him good!"
Velen, always enjoying a bit of chaos, offered his "helpful" advice.
"Alright, time for us to go."
Watching the fired-up Ethan storm off, Velen took out two Spatial Portals.
"You've ridden my level-9 flying artifact before. Wait until I get through, then teleport to it."
With that, Velen activated a portal and stepped in first.
Uno Kingdom, Kris's Residence
"Kris! It's been two days—hope you've been well."
Stepping out of the spatial rift, Velen greeted the visibly nervous Kris.
"Your Highness?"
Seeing Velen, Kris suddenly felt a wave of dread.
Why is His Highness here again?
Don't tell me he's back to destroy my confidence again!
Ever since that last incident, Kris felt like his self-esteem had been shattered into pieces.
His Highness is just too ridiculously rich and powerful…
"Kris, I actually came to ask you for a favor this time."
Velen said earnestly.
"What?!"
"You want Arthur's help?"
"Please wait, Your Highness—I'll go get him right away!"
Before Velen could even respond, Kris took off into the sky, heading straight for Arthur's estate to the east.
"What's going on?"
"How does Kris know I need Arthur's help?"
Velen was completely confused.
Since when did that guy learn to read minds?
"That was terrifying!"
"His Highness, that insane spendthrift, actually needs my help? Whatever it is must be a nightmare. He's trying to drag me to my death!"
Kris had barely left his own estate and was already filled with fear.
If he got pulled in again, his mental state might collapse all over again!
"Good thing I'm smart—I'm dumping this on Arthur!"
"I took the fall last time. It's his turn now."
Thinking this, a smug grin crept onto Kris's face.
"Kris?"
"Why aren't you watering your garden or something? What are you doing here?"
Seeing Kris drop in from the sky, Arthur looked puzzled.
"His Highness is here—come with me!"
Kris didn't waste words and got straight to the point.
"Huh?"
"Why am I talking to myself all of a sudden?"
"Kris should be back in his own yard, watering his plants. No way he's here."
As he spoke, Arthur pretended to go blind, treating the Kris in front of him like thin air.
This absurd act made Kris's mouth twitch.
"Arthur, it's useless!"
"His Highness is asking for you by name. He said if you don't go, he'll send that one-eyed lunatic to get you himself!"
You fake blindness, I'll make up nonsense—let's see who caves first!
Kris already had the smile of a victor.
He knew just how terrified Arthur was of that red-haired one-eyed man!
The moment Arthur heard that, he shivered and vanished on the spot.
Damn!
You win!
"Your Highness, I'm here!"
No twists, no hesitation—at the mention of that one-eyed red-haired lunatic, Arthur bolted straight to Kris's residence, terrified the madman would show up if he was even a second late.
"Just how terrifying is that one-eyed red-haired guy?"
Though Kris had expected this, seeing the fear in Arthur's eyes made him even more curious.
Someone who could scare Arthur that badly…
Just how powerful was he?
"Eh, whatever. Arthur's gone. I'll just stay here till His Highness leaves."
Thinking he'd dodged a bullet, Kris once again wore that smug smile.
"Your Highness, you wanted to see me?"
Arthur arrived in a hurry, looking around anxiously.
When he saw that the one-eyed red-haired man wasn't there, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank the heavens—he's not here. That scared the life out of me.
Last time, that guy beat the crap out of him so badly, he nearly lost the will to live.
Thank goodness he's not around now.
"Huh?"
"Where's Kris?"
"I said I needed his help, and suddenly he ran off to get you. I mean, I do need your help, but I also need Kris!"
Seeing only Arthur return, Velen asked in confusion.