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𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫
“Isn’t that Alma?! What’s going on here?”
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About ten guards were outside.
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The tall, slim woman with short hair and brown skin who was leading them approached in surprise.
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Luke knew she was Rebecca Bartlett, Alma’s immediate supervisor.
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“There was a struggle when we found and protected the kidnapped woman. All who resisted have been detained.”
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“Really?!”
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Rebecca’s eyes widened at Alma’s report.
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Then Sicily brought in the women who had been kidnapped.
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“These are the women we’ve protected. They seem unharmed but quite weak, so I think they should receive medical treatment.”
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Rebecca’s eyes widened again at the sight of the rescued women.
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“This is. . . aren’t these all the people who were reported missing? To think they were imprisoned here. . .! We thought it was an explosion incident, but this is something else.”
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Sweat trickled down Rebecca’s cheek.
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“So, who is this man?”
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Suddenly, Rebecca looked towards Luke.
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“His name is Luke. He’s the civilian collaborator I mentioned before.”
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“Ah, the one you talked about earlier.”
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Interest gleamed in Rebecca’s eyes.
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It seemed like Luke’s involvement was already known.
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“I am Rebecca Bartlett. Alma and Sicily are my subordinates. Thank you for your cooperation.”
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“I’m Luke. Honored to meet you.”
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Luke smiled as he shook Rebecca’s outstretched hand.
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“But this has turned into a serious matter. It’s like poking a fox’s den and finding a wolf instead.”
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“We’ve checked around but haven’t found anything significant. It seems they’ve gone to great lengths to obscure any organizational ties.”
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“Hmm, it’s hard to believe that a crime of this scale was done alone. There were no ransom demands for the kidnapped women either. It suggests the aim was human trafficking, pointing to organized crime. . .”
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Rebecca clenched her fist.
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“Alright, we need to proceed carefully! First, we’ll thoroughly gather clues! We need to uncover their tracks as much as possible!”
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“In that case, please let me help too. I’ve already found some leads—”
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“Stop right there!”
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Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind.
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Turning around, there was another cavalry unit lined up.
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They were all clad in jet-black armor with golden trim, exuding a presence distinctly different from the city guards.
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“From this moment, we are in charge here. Leave immediately.”
The man at the front coldly declared.
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“Absurd! We were informed about this situation! Besides, isn’t the city’s security the responsibility of the city guards?!”
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Rebecca retorted.
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“The situation is different now. This is not a matter for mere city guards.”
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“Then let’s follow proper procedures. Until then, I have no intention of backing down.”
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The man, having dismounted his horse, confronted Rebecca.
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A tension like sparks about to ignite filled the air between the two.
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“What is that?”
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“That is. . . the St. Arrogas defense force. . .”
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Alma answered Luke’s whispered question with a stern face.
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“A special task force directly under the royal family, overseeing all criminal activities across the Arrogas Kingdom. An autonomous organization with investigative powers surpassing all others. Because its leader is. . .”
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Suddenly, the formation of the St. Arrogas defense team split apart.
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“!”
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An intense aura, like heat, surged from the gap.
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Almost instinctively, one might step back, reminiscent of a wild beast’s presence.
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Rebecca and the man she was facing knelt down as if spring-loaded.
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There stood a man.
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Wearing the same armor as the St. Arrogas defense force, but clearly not just an ordinary soldier.
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The man walked straight ahead, not sparing a glance at the surrounding soldiers.
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His stride conveyed absolute certainty of his authority.
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“Luke!”
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When he turned his gaze to the voices coming from below, Alma and Sicily were also kneeling.
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Luke hurriedly followed suit.
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“Who is that person?”
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Whispering to Alma.
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“That person is. . .”
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Staring at the ground, Alma replied with cold sweat.
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“He is the captain of the St. Arrogas Defense Corps and also the first prince of the Arrogas Kingdom. . . Prince Gale Arrogas.”
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“That person?”
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Luke gasped.
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He had heard the name many times and had seen him from a distance during his school days, but this was the first time he had seen him up close.
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His flowing golden hair in the wind, shining cobalt blue eyes beneath thick eyebrows, they sparkled like a new star.
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The firm jawline and strong chin spoke volumes about his well-toned physique below.
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He was not just a mere decorative prince; Luke realized it immediately.
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Prince Gale, who had approached them, fixed his gaze on Rebecca.
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“You there, now, you mentioned the proper procedures. I am here in person, do you have any objections?”
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“None at all!”
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Rebecca replied while still on the ground.
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“Then leave. You’re obstructing the investigation.”
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Gale said coldly.
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His voice allowed no room for compromise.
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“. . . Okay.”
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Rebecca replied shortly and stood up.
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There was a hint of frustration in her words, but it was not prudent to make it too explicit.
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There was too much difference in their respective statuses for that.
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“Let’s go.”
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With Rebecca’s words as a signal, the guards began to move quietly.
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Luke and the others followed.
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“Wait.”
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At that moment, Gale’s voice echoed.
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His cobalt blue eyes, reminiscent of glaciers, were fixed on Luke.
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“Why are there civilians here?”