The Omega Princess and Her Two Leashes - Chapter 77

Schedule: Monday and Friday

Chapter 77

“Hmm. By the way, the reason I sought you out is… Crescent Modreo.”

Camin’s face fell as Enrique changed the subject.

“It’s about my brother’s treatment, I presume.”

“Yes. Dealing with him is proving more troublesome than I anticipated.” Enrique grimaced, looking as though he wanted to curse. After Crescent’s disruption at the last ball, Enrique had resolved to ban him from the royal palace. However, it wasn’t as simple as he’d thought.

Although Crescent had grabbed the other nobleman by the collar and shouted, he hadn’t resorted to actual violence. Such friction between nobles was a common occurrence, making it a flimsy excuse for a ban. Banning him from the palace for that incident would require adding a charge of slander. But Crescent Modreo insisted his claims were entirely factual.

With his reputation suffering and a potential palace ban looming, Crescent became proactive, determined to prove his allegations. He formally accused Camin Modreo of orchestrating the carriage accident.

Crescent Modreo held little influence at court, but he was the leading candidate to inherit the dukedom. No matter how absurd the accusation, it couldn’t be ignored. Once filed, an investigation and trial had to proceed.

At this point, Enrique had already abandoned the idea of banning Crescent and shifted to appeasement. These weren’t just any nobles; they were sons of a Duke. For them to be embroiled in a trial over a staged carriage accident—how v*lgar and unseemly it would appear. At any other time, perhaps, but not now, with the Crown Prince and the Imperial delegation present for the peace treaty. Such undignified behavior couldn’t be tolerated.

However, no amount of persuasion softened Crescent’s stance. Even suggesting they postpone the proceedings until after the peace treaty proved futile. Crescent argued that Camin would surely destroy any evidence in the interim, necessitating an immediate investigation.

His paranoia was truly remarkable. In Crescent’s delusion, his younger brother, Camin Modreo, was a cunning and vicious villain.

Finally, after protracted negotiations filled with alternating pleas and threats, Crescent offered a condition.

“Crescent asked to be put in charge of the search for the Demonas spy.”

Camin’s brow furrowed at the unexpected condition. “The search for the Demonas spy… you say?”

“Yes. He wants your investigation records handed over. The evidence, too, of course.” A disgusted Enrique clicked his tongue. “Crescent’s motive is clear. He wants to steal the credit, knowing you’re likely to succeed. He wants to take everything you have.”

Camin’s expression softened as he shook his head. “That’s not true. My brother simply…”
“I know you’re admirably kind and principled, but there’s no need to defend someone like him. Every noble in the palace knows Crescent is consumed by jealousy of his brother.”

Faced with Enrique’s firm expression, Camin swallowed his words and lowered his gaze. “It’s all my fault for being a deficient brother.”

“Nonsense. There’s nothing deficient about you. This is happening because he has a brother who surpasses him.” Enrique clicked his tongue again, looking at Camin. The situation left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Camin’s investigation had yielded the significant achievement of securing a strand of Diabolus’s hair. But he’d withdrawn immediately afterward to resume his duties as Arlenrose’s knight.

Enrique had halted the investigation, not assigning it to anyone else. Officially, the peace treaty was the reason, but in truth, he’d hoped Camin would resume the search and gain further accolades.

Enrique’s aim was for Camin to achieve great distinction, leading to a different public office, and ultimately, for him to relinquish his role as Arlenrose’s knight and become the next Duke.

He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. The Demonas spy was a pressing matter, but the chance to elevate Camin might not come again.

And that remained true now.