Chapter 115: Setting The Trap

"First, we need to throw the bait." Mikael rubbed his chin in contemplation as he paced back and forth inside the Medium, "Let's invite a journalist to the castle, kid."

"Hmm… we'll need father's permission for that, Sir."

"No. keep it a secret from your father for the time being since he might intentionally hinder us if he realizes our plan."

"Then… how about Gramps Sebastian?"

"Your Butler? Are you sure he'll help? He looks just as overprotective as Avery."

"I'm sure, sir. After all, he never says no to me." Deon proudly declared. The young prince spoke like a typical brat spoiled by his grandparents.

So, the partners, escorted by Dame Nora, went straight to Butler Sebastian's quarters after Sir Finn kicked them out of his laboratory.

Knock. Knock.

"Gramps? Are you there?" Deon lightly tapped the old butler's door.

A second later, the kind-faced butler opened the door and ushered Deon and Nora inside his room.

'Ohoh? I thought only the masters' rooms were big... to think that even a servant's quarter is this big. Whoa… Your family sure are good employers, kid' Mikael commended as he flew out of the Medium to tour around Sebastian's room.

The butler's room was the size of a decent apartment on Earth. it was wide enough to fit a mini kitchen and dining area on top of a small study and a large bed. It also had a mantle like Deon's that kept the room warm and cozy even in winter.

"What brings you to this old man's room, your highness?" Sebastian moved to prepare tea and snacks from his cupboard.

"Ehm… I just missed you, grampa." Deon pulled back a dining chair and comfortably sat with the Dame.

At the young prince's bashful reply, the butler quietly chuckled, "It seems the little master has a favor to ask."

"Hehe. You know me so well, grampa" Deon received the fragrant tea and joyfully munched on the complimentary snacks offered to them.

"So? What can this old man do for you, your highness? please ask away." The butler lovingly patted the boy's head.

Deon placed the teacup back into the saucer before carefully opening his mouth, "Do you know of any reputable journalists, gramps?"

"Journalists? Why, of course." Sebastian readily answered, "His Majesty has called for some of them in the past, prince."

"Then! Can you call one of them secretly into the castle, Grampa? I have a favor to ask them"

"Secretly?" a mischievous smile bloomed into the old man's face.

"Yes, gramps. Secretly." An equally mischievous answer came out of the boy's lips. It's as if this wasn't the first time that the youngest prince and his butler colluded behind the king.

"Very well, your highness. I shall SECRETLY bring in the best journalist in the kingdom."

Mikael pumped his fist in the air at the Butler's approval.

However…

"But on one condition, Your Highness." the old man continued, "You must promise me that you will not put yourself in danger."

It seems that the sharp minded butler was at least aware of Deon's reckless tendencies.

"I-I promise!"

Seeing his little master stutter, the old man sighed then he turned to Dame Nora and said, "Dame. I heard that you are strong."

"Ah…" Nora froze in mid-bite, apparently thinking of how to respond.

But then the old man touched her hand warmly and spoke with a grandfatherly voice, "Please protect our little master, Dame. This old man would never forgive himself if danger befell his highness. So please… no matter what happens, stay with him and protect him to the best of your abilities." 

The wooden chair screeched as Dame Nora abruptly stood. She placed a hand on her chest and bowed, "I will do my best, respected elder. Please leave the prince to me!"

Sebastian softly smiled. 

'What a good child…' he thought.

The next day, a renowned journalist covertly entered the castle with the help of the Butler. His name was Johnny Walter.

The man was only in his late 20s, but Johnny had already established his own newspaper company— Veritas** Newspaper. 

The Veritas is known throughout the kingdom as the highest grossing and most influential newspaper. It was the main source of gossip and news for both the commoners and nobility.

The reason?—it was the most entertaining.

The Veritas reported the most shocking revelations and the most scandalous affairs. It does not hold back on criticisms or praise. It represented the voice of the people.

However, contrary to its name, the Veritas was not the most credible.

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Johnny Walter places more importance on the entertainment value of the news rather than the truth. After all, the truth does not sell.

Today, Johnny Walter has come to the Heinken Royal Castle to write an explosive article straight from the Royal who recently caused a tremendous stir in the society.

Lots of journalists would kill for a chance to do an exclusive interview with the third Prince, Deon Hensworth-- The boy who lived through the Hunting Competition tragedy and emerged as a hero.

To journalists like Johnny, Prince Deon was currently considered as a gold-laying goose.

"Ah… I can't wait!" Johnny rubbed his hands in anticipation.  Just imagining the increase in sales after publishing Deon's interview for tomorrow's daily made him tremble in excitement.

He nervously sat on a luxurious sofa in one of the many waiting rooms in the castle.

Creak…

The door opened and a handsome looking Deon entered.

'Jackpot!' Johnny gulped as his gaze followed the youngest prince. In his mind, he had already written several lines describing the majesty of Prince Deon. From his expensive clothes to the elegant air he carried, to the stern expression reminiscent of a gallant knight.

'My goodness… who would have thought that this prince was previously known as a useless coward?' 

The young prince – or rather, Mikael who was currently possessing Deon, peeked at the journalist's reaction and victoriously smiled.

He had taken extra care of his appearance for today's interview. He knew from his past life just how big of an impact one's physical appearance has on show business.

Whether their plan succeeds or fails depends on this journalist's first impression.

Johnny stood and respectfully said his greetings, "It is a great honor to be invited to the Royal Castle, Your highness! Thank you very much for this opportunity!"

Mikael sat in the opposite chair while gesturing for the journalist to sit comfortably.

"No, Mister Walter. It is I, who needs to thank you for accepting my invitation." Mikael gently smiled as he crossed his legs, "well, let's skip the pleasantries. I assume you have a general idea as to why you were invited?"

"Ah… yes, your highness," Johnny admitted, surprised that the 15 year-old prince talked with such maturity and grace.

"Great. Then I guess we are on the same page." Mikael leaned closer to Johnny and whispered, "I want to use your newspaper to catch a criminal."

"By a criminal… do you mean the serial kidnapper, your highness?!" Johnny, unable to hold back his disbelief, unconsciously raised his voice. But upon recognizing his blunder, he immediately shuts his mouth.

"Yes. I want you to publish an article saying that I have found a lead and that I am close to catching the criminal." Mikael carefully explained.

"I-is that true, your highness? that you're close to solving the case?" Johnny struggled to keep his excitement from showing. The words coming out of the third Prince's mouth were like sweet honey where the ants gather for a feast. This news was definitely Headline-worthy.

"No. it's not." Mikael nonchalantly replied. but seeing the journalist's shocked silence, he added with a smirk, "Isn't this the reason why we chose your company, Mister Johnny Walter?"

"Ah… That makes sense, your highness."

The two of them smiled. It was unspoken knowledge that Veritas only wrote juicy articles without caring much about credibility.

Johnny thought he had glimpsed into the true character of Deon Hensworth. He thought the third prince was bold and calculative. Very much unlike his cowardly reputation.

"So? Will you accept my request, Mister Walter?" Mikael extended his left hand toward the journalist.

"Gladly, Your Highness." Johnny took the prince's hand.

The deal was made.

"Now, let's talk about the details." Mikael poured himself some tea as he got right down to business, "I will be paying you 500 gold if you sign this nondisclosure agreement."

Mikael produced a paper from his coat pocket and handed it to Johnny.

"The agreement states that you will never. EVER. tell anyone that I used your company to propagate fake news. Otherwise, you will pay me back with twice the amount I give you."

"Of course, Your Highness. my lips are sealed." Johnny wrote his signature on the agreement after hearing about the 500 gold. 

Mikael smiled at the journalist's immediate response, 'Yes. Money really is the best!'

He put down his cup as he proceeded to tell Johnny the news contents.

"First, I want you to write that I have found a witness to one of the abductions. But for safety reasons, I shall not disclose her identity."

To make the lie more believable, Mikael decided to include a hint of truth—A witness. The dead Julia Brooks shall be his witness.

"Say that the witness saw an unidentified creature kidnap a child right in its bedroom and that as of this moment, I am tracking down the place where the children were allegedly transported."

--Chapter end--   

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**Veritas is Latin for 'Truth'

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