Ⅰ
The sound of the Lead Box twitching was extremely faint, but to Arthur at that moment, it was like thunder exploding beside his ear.
Of course, that was not the real reason Arthur smiled.
The real reason was-
The sound of Joe pacing inside the first-class cabin.
Quick and incessant.
After the Lead Box twitched, Joe, the "prey" Arthur had been watching all along, had fallen into that state.
Then came a sudden pause.
During that pause, not a single sound emerged.
Even his breathing had vanished.
Of course, that did not mean he had died.
Rather, Joe, possessed by "Mihailo," had set up a barrier and was seeking outside help.
As for whom he was seeking help from?
Naturally, it was the Old Lion of the Inner Bay.
Mihailo's unique nature as a "Lady of Pain" meant Arthur would never give him up, but before truly "possessing" him, Arthur did not mind letting him serve another purpose.
For example...
Distracting the Old Lion and easing the pressure on Arthur's voyage ahead!
Go on! Go on!
Go investigate South Los!
The Countess welcomes you!
As Arthur thought this, the smile on his lips deepened.
Especially when he noticed Malinda secretly watching him. Arthur winked straight at her, and almost instantly, she caught on.
Is this rascal planning to use me to distract the Old Lion?
At that thought, Malinda discreetly lifted her foot and stepped on Arthur's toes.
Arthur's smile immediately turned rueful, and he clasped his hands together, his face pleading for mercy.
"Hmph!"
Malinda gave a cold snort.
But that was all she did.
How could anyone expect to reap the benefits without taking any risks? When she decided to sign that Contract for a share of Dordot Harbor's profits, she had known what would happen.
The