Chapter 374
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Third Person’s POV
Lycan Erasmus sighed. “Currently, Tad is stalling the negotiationis, but Dragon Ash hates him to the core He’s likely endured no small amount of torment. Regardless… we must bring him back , dead or alive. At the very least, we need to know his true identity.”
“Yes, I’ll depart for Dragon Ash’s border city tomorrow and hand over my duties at the Ministry of Justice to my subordinates,” Lance said.
Lycan Erasmus advised, “Exercise caution. Bring along skilled individuals and infiltrate undercover as civilians to gather information. Should the rescue prove impossible, do not force the issue , understand ?
Lance nodded in agreement.
Lycan Erasmus continued, “Additionally, Dudley is investigating the massacre case in Union County. We’ve already uncovered leads regarding the perpetrator. You need not concern yourself with this matter any longer; focus on your mission.”
Lance nodded slightly.
Lycan Erasmus went on, “And regarding Melinda, I cannot constantly meddle in their family affairs. Ensure Adelaide keeps a close eye on her. As for Alpha Howell…”
Lycan Erasmus shook his head, well–aware of Howell’s motives.
Howell sought to remain in the capital, not out of filial piety, but due to his reluctance to leave the affluent city for his fief.
His timid nature was compounded by cunning intentions.
Despite his elderly mother residing with other senior priests rather than with him, he displayed neither true filial respect nor genuine care for his children–only timidity and calculation.
Lance said, “Rest assured. Adelaide has assigned someone to watch over Melinda. With your reprimand of Alpha Manfred today, they likely dare not neglect Melinda further. However, Dwight has indeed mistreated his mate; such a person is not worth entrusting with important tasks.”
Lycan Erasmus replied with disgust, “How could I be unaware? I’ll retain his academic credentials but remove him from public office. Furthermore, I’ve stripped him of his inheritance rights. With the Soulrend Pack in disarray over selecting a new heir, let them deal with their own chaos – so long as Melinda remains unharmed.”
“You’ve considered everything,” Lance said.
Lycan Erasmus inquired, “You’ve heard about the woman from the nightclub, the breeder who bore Hunt’s child, right?”
“I have,” Lance confirmed, recalling that Prunella’s people had uncovered the information.
Lycan Erasmus mused, “What does Madison intend? Sending her own daughter to a nightclub and then into a noble wolf pack–could it be that other packs are involved as well, perhaps under different
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identities ? ”
Ever the family–oriented yet suspicious figure, Lycan Erasmus could spin a web of conjecture fremt slightest hint,
Lance suggested, “We could dispatch investigators.”
Lycan Erasmus smiled and waved it off. “It’s not urgent. Attend to your own tasks first.
“Then I’ll take my leave,” Lance said, bowing and exiting.
At the Blackthorn Pack, Adelaide was packing Lance’s clothes, a subtle worry creasing her brow . “ Perhaps 1 should accompany you. I can’t bear the thought of you going alone.”
“I won’t be alone. I’ll have Tommy and Caldwell with me. You needn’t come. You’ve got Zelda’s mating ceremony to organize, and Cedric is starting school soon,” Lance said.
“How about Caldwell’s combat skills ? ”
Adelaide wasn’t overly familiar with Caldwell. Despite his significant role in the pack, he tended to blend into the background.
“His combat skills are average, but he’s sharp–minded,” Lance replied.
Adelaide remained uneasy. This mission involved infiltrating Dragon Ash’s border city. “What if I send Paisley along?”
Lance drew her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
Her concern warmed his heart. “No need. I’ll have my mentor accompany
me. ”
“Klein?” Adelaide asked. If Klein were going, she’d feel more assured.
Klein was a strong combatant with an unpredictable presence.
Sometimes distant, he had a knack for appearing when needed most.
“Exactly. Rest assured, I’ll bring Eugenius back,” Lance assured her, placing another kiss on her cheek.
The thought of being apart for over a month filled him with reluctance.
“Eugenius, you said his name is Eugenius?”
“Yes. He’s been infiltrating Dragon Ash’s supply convoys to the southern border, passing us intelligence, Lance explained.
“The enemy from the Western Tribe posing as Dragon Ash soldiers was verified through him,” Adelaide added.
“After we returned from reclaiming the southern border, we connected with him via Stewart. The plan was for him to stay in Dragon Ash for a year to ensure no resurgence of conflict before returning,” Lance said .
“Eugenius… Eugenius,” Adelaide repeated the name. “Is this a codename?”
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“No…” Lance paused, then repeated, “Eugenius. Wait, codename? Eugens…. The pieces suddenly clicked
Adelaide pushed him away, their eyes locking. An unlikely thought surfaced, and they voiced it in ursore “Eugene Hutchinson!”
“Could it be?”
Lance’s heart raced. Why not?
He’d heard Abbott mention Eugene multiple times during the Southern Border Campaign, praising his youthful bravery and potential for leadership.