Chương 58: Chapter 57: Crown Prince Ronin McCann

After the dragon incident, Ronin returned home. His first instinct was to continue searching for the person who had created the barrier. However, even when he attempted to continue his investigation, the head maid stopped him. She informed him that he needed to report back to the Empress Dowager, and that she would handle gathering information regarding the barrier creator in his stead. After hearing that, Ronin felt slightly calmer.

With the head maid handling the investigation, he knew that no matter where the person hid, they would eventually be found. However, despite that, Ronin could not continue pushing himself. His body had been overexerted. When he returned to their temporary residence, the Empress Dowager immediately scolded him. After three days, the Crown Prince had fully recovered. However, during his period of rest, the investigation had already found the person responsible.

And it was the exact same person who had impersonated the Empress Dowager. Ronin frowned. This person was becoming too much of a problem. However, instead of immediately confronting them, Ronin realized something important. Right now, his priority was taking care of his body. His mind possessed the experience and knowledge of his previous life, but his current body could not keep up. He needed to train and reduce the gap between his memories and his physical abilities.

For the next few days, Ronin continued practicing. At the same time, he did not neglect his responsibilities. He remained in occasional contact with the Hero's Party, who had gone on an expedition without him due to his current circumstances. Because the Holy Nation and their Saint were no longer actively supporting them, the Hero's Party could no longer rely on certain resources or assistance they previously had.

And with the end of the year approaching, he understood that the situation would soon become more difficult. While Ronin continued his training, the Empress Dowager came to speak with him. She informed him that in two days, a certain person would arrive. During that time, they would move to Lamb Street, where they would stay within the seventh residence.

"Grandmother, you're not serious." Ronin looked at her in disbelief. The Empress Dowager simply nodded with determination.

"According to what my dear friend told me, this Nina seems to be someone who is not blinded by wealth."

"However, I am not certain how accurate that assessment is." She paused.

"I believe the reason she appeared this way is because the Roosevelt family is rather modest in how they display their wealth."

"Since Nina is a commoner, she may not fully understand what true wealth represents."

"Therefore, we should show her."

"We should place her in front of overwhelming wealth and see how she reacts."

"We need to know how far she is willing to go when she understands that we are capable of paying for anything." Ronin frowned.

"That is irresponsible." The Empress Dowager looked at him calmly.

"What are you afraid of?"

"Do you truly believe that going to Lamb Street without proper protection would place us in danger?" She smiled.

"You do realize that we are descendants of dragons." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"Therefore, poison cannot harm us."

"If someone attempts to test us, the only thing they will accomplish is revealing their own intentions."

"You do not need to worry." Hearing that, Ronin could only sigh in frustration. Despite his concerns, he eventually agreed. However, just as he thought the conversation was finished, the Empress Dowager spoke again.

"Oh, by the way." She smiled lightly.

"You will need to wear this outfit when we meet her." Ronin looked toward the clothing she had prepared. The outfit was almost blinding, covered in gold and countless jewels. For a moment, he felt physically ill.

"Grandmother..."

"Do you see me as a circus performer?" The Empress Dowager shook her head.

"No."

"Do not worry. I will also wear something of a similar caliber."

"But we must make certain that she does not hesitate."

"Everything about us needs to communicate one thing."

"We are wealthy."

"So she will have no hesitation in asking for what she needs." Ronin stared at the outfit. After a moment, he sighed.

"Understood." … After waiting for some time, the moment finally arrived. Ronin looked at the place where they would be staying for the evening while preparing to meet the person in question. The moment he saw the exterior, he felt as though his eyes physically hurt. He could not handle this. Quietly, he guided some of the servants to remove a portion of the decorations, including several gold lion statues that had been placed outside. It was simply too much.

When the Empress Dowager appeared and noticed what her grandson was doing, she questioned him.

"Ronin?"

"Grandmother," he replied lightly.

"This is exactly why I am removing some of these things." She opened her fan, which glittered with countless jewels and diamonds. Her outfit, jewelry, and hairstyle all reflected the sunlight, making her shine brightly. Despite the elegance of her appearance, Ronin still felt as though he was looking at a walking disco ball. The light was genuinely painful. He had to squint just to look at her.

"Unless you want the person to be frightened the moment they arrive, we should keep the outside appearance more low-key and make the inside more extravagant."

"Really?" The Empress Dowager thought for a moment.

"I suppose that makes sense." She turned toward the servants.

"Bring the removed decorations inside and place them throughout the hallway."

"We must make her hesitate the moment she enters." Ronin frowned. He had never known his grandmother could be so determined to overwhelm someone with wealth. The servants guided them through the residence. Eventually, they entered the dining room. Ronin immediately stopped.

"Wow..." He could barely open his eyes.

"This is worse." He covered his eyes slightly.

"The light is making it even harder. Hopefully, once the sun goes down a little, it will become better." After seeing the dining room, they continued toward the living room where they would wait for their guest. However, the moment Ronin entered, he immediately regretted it. Even the Empress Dowager, who had been quietly observing the room, realized the problem. The living room had an open-window design where an entire wall consisted of glass. There was no actual wall blocking the sunlight.

Everything bright outside was shining directly inside. Ronin felt his eyes suffer once again. Without hesitation, they closed the curtains and ordered the servants to remove as many unnecessary decorations as possible. After the changes were made, they looked back at the living room. It was still extravagant. Perhaps slightly uncomfortable. But compared to before, it was manageable. Both Ronin and the Empress Dowager sat across from each other, waiting for their guest to arrive. Time continued passing.

Eventually, the appointed time arrived. According to what the Empress Dowager's friend had told her, the person was rarely late. At worst, she arrived exactly on time. Usually, she would arrive thirty minutes early. But now... One hour had passed. The person still had not arrived. Looking at the time, the Empress Dowager's expression slowly changed. Ronin looked toward his grandmother.

"Grandmother, I have a question." She turned toward him.

"Do you remember that the person we are meeting is a commoner?"

"Oh, yes."

"And this location is at the furthest possible area of Lamb Street?"

"That is correct."

"Then unless this commoner owns a carriage, there is no way she could arrive here on time." The Empress Dowager paused.

"You are right."

"I suppose we should give her some additional time."

"That would be reasonable." After calming his grandmother down, they continued waiting. Forty-five minutes later, the Empress Dowager finally stood.

"You know what?" She sighed.

"I will send someone to the gate to find her, just in case."

"She is a commoner. She may not understand the area."

"Someone should go and bring her here."

"Grandmother, is that not a little excessive?"

"I do not care."