Chapter 272: Rogue Woman

Leonard was unfazed by her "sudden confession" toward him. Maybe it wasn’t a confession, since being interested didn’t necessarily mean love.

"How heartless of you." Eleanor sighed softly when her confession was met with an aloof response.

"The second question." Leonard ignored her reaction and asked for the second question. He honestly believed her words earlier when she mentioned someone was spying on him from afar at the beginning.

But upon closer inspection, that kind of spying wouldn’t work.

The Crimson Guards weren’t for show. If there was truly someone spying with magic, the mana traces alone would have been detected by one of the Crimson Guard Divisions.

He had witnessed their capability and understood they were a competent army in themselves.

It was no wonder why even his own father would be wary of him and cautious of the guards under his control.

Based on all of the above, the only reason Leonard had was that she received insider news.

Eleanor’s expression changed when she noticed his tone.

"Do I still need to answer?" She asked. She was certain that he already had an answer.

"I want to hear it from your mouth, rather than my deduction," Leonard said.

He wanted to know who would have the courage to spill his whereabouts to someone else. That was no different than having a drone hovering above his head constantly.

"It’s Spencer," Eleanor revealed.

"Now, before you think I’m lying or that Spencer has betrayed you, the truth is that I was nurtured by your Mother, Clarisse Lawson."

THUD!

Leonard froze for a moment. ’My Mother nurtured her? When was that?’

The more he learned about his Mother, the more confused he was.

He couldn’t fathom how his Mother could nurture and have so many talented people who swore loyalty to her end up being exiled.

’I should head to the Kingdom of Elaris.’ He thought to himself.

Truth be told, the Imperial Aldros Academy was merely a stepping stone for him to establish his presence and expand his connections.

There was no need to physically attend any classes in person.

And nobody would be foolish enough to deduct points from him for not attending.

Equality was established, but fully enforcing it required a long time. It wasn’t something that could be done instantaneously.

He had learned this concept when the commoner student received an unfair judgment even though the fault was clearly on the noble students.

"Your words... I’ll verify them later," Leonard said calmly. He was about to leave the room since he got all the information he needed.

"Verify?" Eleanor frowned. "Are you trying to head to the Kingdom of Elaris?"

Given the nature and severity of the account, she highly doubted he would verify the information from Spencer.

The only person who could possibly convince him and reassure him was Clarisse.

"Do you intend to interfere?" Leonard’s tone dropped.

"No, but I fear you might interrupt Madam’s plan." Eleanor shook her head. She pushed her wheels forward and approached him.

"There must have been a reason she chose to head to Elaris. If you go there unannounced, it could ruin everything."

"..."

A moment of silence occurred. There were too many mysteries and circumstances involved if he were to make his journey to Elaris.

"If you really seek an answer, I suggest your destination be set at the Black Mire." Eleanor took a deep breath and revealed.

"The Black Mire was a fog of mystery, filled with the most treacherous Amazon forest environment and monsters. But rumors have it that the place was home to elves, or more specifically, the dark elves."

"Dark elves?" Leonard raised an eyebrow. He knew the world was a fantasy one, so species like elves existed. But he had never heard of dark elves being friendly to humans.

In fact, dark elves could be considered more arrogant than regular elves due to their difference in nature and philosophy.

"Why would I seek the dark elves?" He questioned.

"Because the dark elves managed to nurture a Dark World Tree." Eleanor suddenly said. The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped.

The World Tree was considered a natural blessing, and its benefits were known to everyone.

Its existence and value were highlighted in numerous textbooks.

’The World Tree is the sacred ground for elves, and no humans were permitted to approach without the queen of elves’ permission. But what about the Dark World Tree?’ Leonard was baffled.

Could it be a trap?

"I hereby swear to god that if I harbor any ill intent toward Leonard Lawson, I shall be condemned to eternal hell." Eleanor flashed her three fingers and swore an oath.

A flicker of light emitted and dazzled upon her, signaling the oath had been accepted.

"I’m still alive." She stuck her tongue out and mused.

"..."

Leonard was rendered speechless by her bold actions. Had she truly harbored any ill intent, that oath would have taken her life without hesitation.

"Why should I seek the Dark World Tree? What is the Dark World Tree anyway?" He raised his questions.

Unfortunately for him, Eleanor remained silent and pointed at her lips again.

’Sigh...’ He exhaled softly and prepared to retrieve another cup of water for her to hydrate.

"Nope, I want a kiss this time." Eleanor stopped him. "Water isn’t going to be enough. I want your saliva."

Leonard stood still in response.

"Oh, come on, I don’t bite. Besides, if I really want a kiss, the men who would line up will fill the capital and exceed it too." She mused.

Indeed, given her status and beauty, if she announced she wanted a kiss, nearly every man would rush to kiss her.

"Forget it—"

Just when he wanted to drop the questions and request that Spencer investigate the Dark World Tree, Eleanor suddenly snapped her fingers.

The surrounding mana soon bent to her will, and Leonard was forcefully pushed forward. He was caught off-guard completely.

Smooch!

His mouth connected with Eleanor’s, and his body levitated midair.

’This rogue woman!!!’ Leonard cried inwardly.