* * *

For a brief moment, Crown Prince William thought the fiery red hair spilling from the crimson drape suited its owner rather well.

“What do you think we’ll do? Flip everything upside down, of course.”

Crown Prince William’s bright smile was met with a shake of the head from Hook.

“That’s not why I gave you that information.”

“That’s precisely the role of a crown prince. It’s what the position demands.”

“I only wanted you to consider the plight of the unjustly wronged.”

In their dealings, Hook had provided information linking the Grand Mage’s treasure to a certain noble, even advising William to make his investigation conspicuous rather than covert.

It was a strategic suggestion, one Hook believed necessary.

But that wasn’t all.

Hook had only passed along information he knew to be accurate and, in return, requested one thing: for William to give consideration to those suffering injustices.

“Does Henry fall into that category of the wronged?”

“I only made the request because of personal feelings toward Master Henry.”

This was the first and last time Hook would offer help for Henry’s sake without expecting anything in return.

He merely wanted the Crown Prince to stop anyone who sought to torment Henry out of petty spite.

“Fine, fine. For Henry, I’ll make an exception. After all, he’s the one who brought us together in the first place.”

Crown Prince William accepted Hook’s terms and began resolving issues, one by one.

Yet, Hook’s expression remained heavy.

“I’ve heard Master Henry has fortunately regained consciousness.”

Still, things could have taken a turn for the worse, leaving him never to wake again.

That was why Hook had rushed to William for help, only to discover Taylor had already acted first.

“It’s regrettable that he collapsed. I feel the same way.”

William hadn’t been able to hide his shock upon learning of Henry’s collapse.

Even as he upheld his agreement with Hook, he was actively investigating Taylor, only for the latter to act faster than anticipated, causing harm to Henry.

“This ordeal has taught me many lessons.”

Recognizing the need for urgency, William quickened his pace in all matters.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Hook, having completed his business, bowed to Crown Prince William.

“Wait…”

Hook stopped mid-turn at William’s call and looked back, puzzled.

“You asked me to look into the grievances of the unjustly wronged, didn’t you? But there’s one person missing from your request.”

Hook tilted his head, confused by William’s sudden change of subject.

“You, the baker’s son.”

William’s gaze hinted that he wasn’t being entirely literal, but it clicked for Hook.

The “baker’s son” was a metaphor—William was pointing at him.

Hook couldn’t hide his exasperation.

“Sorry, but my family never baked bread.”

“Let’s skip the unimportant details.”

With a wave of his hand, William pressed on. Why hadn’t Hook mentioned his own grievances?

“Didn’t you come to me to resolve your own injustices?”

“I won’t deny there was some of that.”

Hook admitted it plainly.

Deep down, he’d wished to restore his fallen family, using Henry as a bridge to meet the Crown Prince.

At one point, he’d reached out to William with that goal in mind.

But when had his priorities shifted?

“I’m fine now. Instead, I’m grateful Your Highness has used our arrangement to help so many others.”

“What made you change your mind?”

“Who knows?”

Hook reflected, searching for the right words.

A memory surfaced, vivid as if he’d just experienced it.

“Perhaps it’s because of Master Henry.”

“Henry?”

“I remember seeing how someone changed because of him.”

Edwin Lorenz, the young lord, had softened and even learned to smile after spending time with Henry.

What had initially seemed like a fleeting moment left a lasting impression.

“I realized it’s enough for me if my actions can change someone for the better.”

And so, Hook adjusted the terms of their agreement.

Instead of seeking justice for himself, he asked William to focus on the injustices of many.

With a serene smile, Hook seemed to let everything go.

“I entrust it all to Your Highness now.”

Knowing he wouldn’t return unless absolutely necessary, Hook gave William a deep bow.

While the prince had once seemed irritating, Hook had grown fond of him over time.

After one last glance, Hook turned and walked away.

His confident stride caught William’s eye.

“I find him… irresistible.”

It wasn’t just Hook’s competence—it was his character, his charm, and the way William couldn’t help but be drawn to him.

Calling his steward, William made a decision.

Once his current duties were finished, he wanted to focus entirely on Hook.

“You’ve caught Taylor’s trail, haven’t you?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then let’s hand him over to Edwin.”

William, with a mischievous smile, likened Taylor to a mouse and Edwin to a cat.

“Not to you, Your Highness, but to Lord Edwin Lorenz?”

“Exactly. It’ll be far more entertaining to let someone with deeper feelings handle it.”

For William, Henry and Edwin were amusing companions from start to finish.

Watching their reactions always provided him with endless delight.

---

“This way.”

The knight spoke as he entered a rarely frequented alleyway, directing the man following behind.

The figure, face tightly concealed by a hat, hesitated briefly at the alley’s entrance.

Taylor clicked his tongue in irritation as he surveyed the dingy surroundings—the pungent stench, the grimy ground, and the homeless leaning against the walls here and there.

Walking through such a place was unbearable.

Had it not been for today’s unavoidable circumstances, he would have never ventured here.

Taking reluctant steps forward, Taylor clenched his teeth as Henry Timothy’s face came to mind.

If not for that man, none of this would have happened. It was a regret he had replayed thousands of times since that fateful day.

He should have killed him then and there.

Instead, his attempt to avoid getting directly implicated had come back to haunt him.

“If I can just get out of here…”

Next time, he would ensure Henry Timothy never woke again—this time by putting a leash on him for good.

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, the knight walking ahead made a choking sound and came to an abrupt stop.

“What’s going on?”

Pulled from his thoughts, Taylor turned toward the knight, his body tense.

He was confident no one had followed him; the movements had been discreet, and he’d even confirmed with spies planted on Henry Timothy’s side.

The same went for the other nobles.

Yet, just as Taylor observed the knight standing motionless, the man collapsed sideways, revealing a figure hidden behind him.

“You…!”

Taylor’s eyes widened in shock as he took in the person blocking his path.

Edwin Lorenz.

Though he knew Edwin had been hunting him, he had never imagined they would meet like this.

Taylor quickly scanned his surroundings.

Apart from the knight acting as his close escort, there were many others protecting him from the shadows.

But no matter where he looked, no one appeared.

“Don’t bother waiting. No one’s coming,” Edwin said.

“It can’t be…”

From his tone, it was clear Edwin hadn’t just stumbled upon him by chance.

The man had been waiting, knowing full well that Taylor would come here.

Taylor had been certain he’d shaken off Edwin’s pursuit.

He’d even assigned people to keep tabs on Edwin, ready to act at any moment.

That was what made this encounter all the more shocking.

Despite his growing frustration, Taylor remained guarded, meeting Edwin’s gaze.

“What did you do to Henry?” Edwin’s low voice cut through the tension.

Though his tone was calm, it carried an unmistakable threat, as if Taylor’s answer would determine his fate.

Taylor clicked his tongue inwardly but held his glare.

* * *