Chapter 23: The Confrontation with Adalen

Chapter 23 - The Confrontation with AdalenAs soon as those words were spoken, the square fell silent once more. Everyone's expressions—from the commoners to the heads of noble families—suddenly stiffened, filled with disbelief. "Replaced by Princess Elina? How is that possible?" One citizen exclaimed in shock. Those around him remained silent, unable to respond. From the beginning, they had been suspicious, quietly wondering why Elina had appeared. Many had even suspected she would take part in the battle for the throne herself. But none of them had expected this—she was replacing Nolan in the competition! Something like this had never happened before. They truly didn't know how to react. "I never imagined His Majesty would take such a step." Seated on the platform reserved for nobles, Marquis Valmire couldn't hide his surprise. Beside him, Marquis Caltheron nodded with a complicated expression. "I'm sure His Majesty has his reasons. Our role is simply to accept that decision," he said quietly. "Yes, you're right," Marquis Valmire replied with a faint smile. Meanwhile, Ragan watched the crowd's reactions, entirely unbothered. What he had decided was the Emperor's will—and that will was absolute. No matter who disapproved, it meant nothing. "Alright, everyone. That is all I wish to say to you," he declared in a thunderous, indifferent voice. "With this, I hereby decree—the succession to the throne officially begins!" Plak! A single clap rang out from the Dukes' seats. Moments later, the heads of the noble families, followed by the commoners, began to applaud as well. The sound of applause echoed across the square, loud enough to be heard even a kilometer away. Swissh... Boom! Firecrackers burst in the sky, one after another, illuminating the air and adding to the festive atmosphere in the Imperial Palace square. The succession to the throne was a fierce contest among princes—a grand battle to claim the empire's highest seat of power. It was the most spectacular event in the Great Velmora Empire, held only during times of transition. For that reason, the celebrations were always extravagant and spectacular. Watching the excitement from the stage, Nolan's expression remained calm and composed, without the slightest change. A battle for the throne, huh? He muttered softly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He understood that from this moment forward, he could no longer hide or pretend to be a lazy, good-for-nothing prince. If he did, Elina would be the one to suffer for it. After all, he was now her main supporter—and every move he made would reflect on her name. Even so, he didn't mind. As long as it meant he could live freely in the end, he was willing to put in the effort now. "Tsk. So this is your true self, Nolan? I didn't expect you to hide it so well." A light, casual voice came from the side. Both Elina and Nolan turned their heads instinctively and saw Adalen standing nearby. There was a clear playfulness in Adalen's eyes, laced with a hint of disdain, and he didn't bother to conceal it. Elina frowned, ready to respond, but Nolan gently held her back and stepped forward. "What's the matter, Third Brother? Surprised by my appearance?" he asked with a slight smile. There was a hint of arrogance in his expression, but thanks to his handsome features, that smile appeared charming rather than irritating—at least in the eyes of the women watching. Adalen smiled and casually stepped closer. "Yes, I was quite surprised," he admitted bluntly. "You've always looked messy, nothing like a proper prince. So seeing you like this is... quite the transformation." Nolan didn't flinch at the provocation. He might have only been eighteen in body, but his soul was already forty-six. And for someone like him, a shallow jab like that wasn't even worth reacting to. Wearing a faint smile, Nolan crossed his arms over his chest and met Adalen's gaze with steady, unflinching eyes. "Thank you for the compliment, Third Brother," he said calmly. "I admit I've been negligent. As a prince, I failed to set a proper example—that was my mistake. Is that enough for you?" When faced with ridicule, sometimes the best defense was simply to accept it with grace. After all, Adalen wasn't wrong. Nolan had always looked disheveled and acted in ways that were completely unfit for royalty. So what was there to deny? As expected, the moment Nolan acknowledged it without resistance, the smile on Adalen's lips seemed to freeze. His gaze shifted—cold and cautious—as he studied Nolan from head to toe. There's something off about that fool... Adalen murmured under his breath. While their interactions had been limited, Adalen had crossed paths with Nolan more than once. At the time, Nolan had struck him as arrogant and immature, which was why Adalen never took him seriously. But now... why did he seem so different? A sharp instinct warned him that something significant was about to unfold, but he had no idea what or when. Shaking the thought away, Adalen shifted his attention from Nolan to Elina, who stood quietly behind him. "Elina," he said flatly, "I'll give you one piece of advice—drop out before it's too late. You have no real support, and in the end, you'll only bring misery upon yourself." Despite the cold threat laced in his words, Elina remained composed. She didn't so much as flinch. Fixing him with an icy gaze, she replied, "You don't need to worry about me, Brother Adalen. You'd do better to look after yourself—and your own safety." Adalen's brows furrowed slightly at her response. He let out a cold snort, then turned his head away. "I've warned you. If things go badly, don't say I didn't," he said indifferently before walking back to his place. Elina glared at his back, her expression a mix of anger and frustration. "Don't worry." A hand gently patted her shoulder. Startled, Elina turned her head. Standing beside her was her brother. "I'm your supporter," he said softly. "I'll clear every obstacle in your path." Her anger slowly dissolved, replaced by renewed determination. "Mm! I believe in you, Brother!" What Elina didn't realize was that behind Nolan's warm gaze, a cold glint flickered—one filled with murderous intent, directed squarely at Adalen. Adalen, oh Adalen... Nolan thought, his lips curling into a sly, chilling smile. You think just because your grandfather, the Singularity of Light, stands behind you, you can threaten my sister without consequence? Just wait... I'll show you how vast the world truly is. And even that old man won't be able to save you.