Chapter 540: She Even Gave Me a Back Door Key

Just as Leech was wondering if the chef had mistaken sugar for salt when making the honey-glazed pork chop in front of him, an unfriendly voice spoke up, “You shouldn’t refuse a beautiful lady. That’s not gentlemanly.”

Leech glanced at the square-jawed face that had approached him.

“I’m already engaged. I should maintain a proper distance from other women.”

“Heh.” The square-jawed baron—oh, no, Baron Frey—seemed to find this hilarious. “Your devotion to love is admirable, Clarence, but refusing a lady’s heartfelt invitation is quite rude. Of course, you have a habit of doing rude things.”

Leech raised an eyebrow. ‘So that’s how it is. His words are barbed. He’s here to pick a fight.’

However, he really wanted to warn this square-jawed baron, who fancied himself handsome and popular with the ladies, that his fiancée had just given him a back door key before the ball.

He could easily take the guy’s home base.

He glanced over at Charming in the distance. She was turning down one man after another who asked her to dance. When she noticed Leech looking her way, she gave him a little wink, as if to say, “If *you* ask, I’ll agree.”

Leech immediately looked away.

He couldn’t possibly ask her. He had to maintain the basic principles he’d upheld for so long.

When Baron Frey saw that Leech wasn’t speaking, his verbal attacks grew more ferocious.

“…Miss Evangelina will soon marry Prince Hugo,” he rattled on. Leech only snapped back to attention when he suddenly heard the man mention Red Rose. “Lord Pine is also loyal to His Highness. Some people will have to pay a price—some arrogant, self-important fools!”

He was practically screaming it in Leech’s face.

‘A classic setup for a smackdown?’

Leech felt a jolt of excitement. ‘After all these years since I transmigrated, I’m finally getting one of these scenes!’

But on second thought, the idea felt rather bland. A satisfying smackdown required an antagonist who thinks he’s strong facing a protagonist he thinks is weak. The reality, however, was that neither the Eldest Prince nor the Duke of Shining Sun wanted to offend Leech.

“Ahem.” Leech cleared his throat, looking at the square-jawed baron. He was about to lay out some harsh realities. He thought it would be crueler to simply say, ‘Your fiancée just invited me to spend the night with her,’ but he decided to save the man some face and reined himself in.

“Frey, are you aware that I am Baron Porcupine, and also Baron Tiegu? Perhaps you’ve heard about what happened in the desert last year. That place is under my control now, too. What do you suppose would happen to you if I were to swear allegiance to the Eldest Prince?”

What would happen?

A young lord, powerful enough to destroy an old, established family and sweep across most of the desert, pledging his allegiance? Even if the Eldest Prince had his disagreements with him, he would be ecstatic.

Not to mention, he also commanded the desert’s warhorses, the Eastern Gorge’s infantry, and ferocious naval artillery.

If Leech really did pledge himself to the Eldest Prince, it would mean the Old Crocodile family would do so as well.

And then there was Waterfall Land, and even Monkey Territory, which had been beaten into submission… Baron Frey had, of course, heard that the family of Little Bill had repeatedly made overtures to Leech, because they were pitifully sandwiched between Iron Valley, Waterfall Land, the desert, and Burning City.

They were like a helpless, isolated island.

Baron Frey, who was currently enjoying his high status, would lose it in an instant. There were far too many nobles more powerful than him; they simply weren’t placing their bets yet because Bor II was in his prime, so there was no need.

Baron Frey’s expression soured. Leech clapped him on the shoulder as if they were good friends.

Noticing the situation, Charming lifted her trailing gown and walked over. “You two seem to be having a very cheerful conversation.”

The square-jawed face shifted instantly into a smile. “Of course, my dear. Clarence and I were having a very pleasant chat.”

Leech nodded in strong agreement. He had just witnessed the square-jawed man’s exquisite face-changing technique, straight out of a Sichuan opera, and it had indeed made him very happy.

She seemed to let out a breath of relief. “That’s good, then.”

“Care for another dance?” Baron Frey asked.

Charming shook her head. “I’m feeling a little tired.”

“Then you should get some rest,” Baron Frey said, sounding disappointed, but then he added suggestively, “But I still have so many things I want to tell you. If you have time later tonight…”

“Tomorrow, perhaps, Mado,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m tired.”

“Of course. Tomorrow. We’ll have plenty of time,” he said, nodding with a smile. Then, with perfect gentlemanly grace, he took Charming by the arm and escorted her away.

But just as she turned, Charming winked at Leech, as if to say, “Come find me anytime tonight.”

Leech, however, felt a chill run down his spine. ‘Don’t tell me she’s actually pregnant?’

He watched the square-jawed baron’s retreating back with a hint of pity.