Chapter 48: The Strangeness and Nolan’s Suspicions

Chapter 48: The Strangeness and Nolan’s SuspicionsInside Nolan’s room, Elina sat on the edge of the bed, her expression heavy with sorrow and frustration. Her gaze occasionally flicked toward the door, as if waiting for something—or someone. At his study desk, Nolan paused his reading and turned to look at her. He closed the book quietly. "Why do you look so anxious, Elina? Is something troubling you?" He asked softly as he stood up. He walked over and sat beside her, softly brushing the hair away from her temples. Elina remained silent for a moment. Then she let out a faint sigh and rested her face against his broad chest. "Brother, don’t you think something is wrong? It’s been three days, and I haven’t received any letters from the heads of the noble families. Could it be that they don’t have any hope for me?" She asked doubtfully. Nolan froze, his brows knitting together in quiet concern. "You’re right, Elina. Something like this shouldn’t be possible. You have the indirect support of the Singularity of Chaos, and if I were one of the heads of those noble families, I’d be paying close attention to you," he said calmly. "But don’t worry. I’ll look into the situation later. For now, go back to your room and rest." Elina said nothing but stood up and gave a small smile. "Then I’ll leave this matter to you, brother. I’ll also try to find out on my own." Nolan nodded with a smile. After she turned and left the room, Nolan’s gentle expression shifted to one of calm detachment. "Hmm..." He rubbed his chin and crossed his legs. "This is truly strange. Someone must be behind all this." The situation was suspicious. Elina’s standing was equal to Aldric, Adalen, and Cedric, yet for three days, no one had come to negotiate or speak with her. Nolan refused to believe it was a coincidence. He was certain someone was making a move. But who? He wasn’t ready to guess just yet. Still, a few suspects came to mind—and he would watch them closely. "Arnold," he called, closing his eyes. Whoosh! A black swirl appeared before him. Moments later, a handsome, gray-haired man in a servant’s uniform materialized. He smiled and bowed deeply on one knee to Nolan. "What are your orders, my lord?" Nolan opened his eyes and asked, "Have you gathered the information from the princes as I requested?" "I have, my lord." Arnold stood and opened his right palm. Buzz! A dazzling black light appeared above his hand, coalescing into a thick stack of documents. He carefully handed them over. Nolan took the documents and set them beside him. "By the way, I have another task for you. Monitor any activity from the Malvain family, the Kleith family, and Concubine Clarisse. Also, keep a close watch on the Red Obsidian Trading House. Gather all the information you can and report back to me without delay," Nolan commanded. Arnold bowed promptly, not daring to argue. "As you command, my lord." "Good." Nolan nodded slightly and waved him off. "Now, go." But Arnold stayed rooted in place, causing Nolan to raise an eyebrow. "Do you have something to say?" Arnold hesitated before speaking, "May I ask you something, my lord?" "Of course." Nolan crossed his arms and nodded. "I’ve been wondering... why haven’t you helped Young Lady Elina claim the throne directly?" Arnold asked cautiously. "With your power, influence, and status, it should be easy. Is there a particular reason for your restraint?" Nolan remained calm and closed his eyes once more. Arnold instantly panicked, fearing his question had offended Nolan. He hurriedly kowtowed, banging his forehead against the floor. "Forgive me, my lord! I did not mean to be presumptuous!" Nolan frowned, opened his eyes, and raised his right hand slightly. In an instant, Arnold’s bowed body was lifted upright. "I’m not angry," Nolan said casually, shaking his head. "The reason I haven’t used my power is because I want her to grow at her own pace. If she were to suddenly become ruler of this empire, it would only bring disaster." "Power is a double-edged sword. It can grant fairness, prosperity, and peace—but it can also wound and destroy its wielder." "With Elina’s current state, she’s far from ready to be empress. She’s weak, whiny, and hasn’t yet understood human nature. This succession process is meant to help her overcome her flaws so that when the time comes, she’ll be truly ready and worthy." Arnold was stunned by the explanation. After a moment, he recovered and took a deep breath. "My lord, you are truly extraordinary," he said sincerely. "You are unlike anyone else. Your mind is sharp and far-sighted. I can see how deeply you care for Young Lady Elina." "Pfft!" Nolan chuckled, waving his hand. "Don’t flatter me like that—it’s disgusting. Now go, carry out my orders." Arnold smiled and gave a slight nod. He placed his palm over his right chest and bowed. "Then, I take my leave, my lord." With that, his body dissolved into smoke and vanished from sight. Nolan shook his head softly, then turned his attention back to the stack of documents beside him. He picked up the top one and began reading. Almost immediately, his expression shifted. "Oh? Aldric’s doing well... no, it’s not about him—it’s about the Malvain family," he muttered. The document showed that the Malvain family had begun to take action. They were using their authority and influence to rally nobles at the Baron, Viscount, and Count levels to back Aldric. That wasn’t surprising. The Malvain family held a dukedom and, among the three dukes, controlled the most prosperous territory. The southern region was famed for its fertile soil and stability, where abundant crops flourished alongside thriving herds of cattle, horses, and other livestock—thanks to its favorable climate. This was why the Duke of Malvain’s family was so prosperous and wielded such extensive influence. After setting the document aside, Nolan moved on to the next ones, which contained information about Cedric and Adalen. Like Aldric, they had also begun making moves. Many families—Baron, Viscount, Count, and even Marquis—had started showing interest in them. And again, this was hardly surprising—they had the support of their mother’s side, so such backing was to be expected. Honestly, they were a bit late. With the power behind them, they should have secured this kind of support from the very beginning of the succession. But Elina had changed everything. The situation had become far more complicated, and Nolan was certain that not all parties would be quick to cooperate. After all, following the incident in the square, the heads of the noble families had raised their guard to the highest level. Just as Nolan was engrossed in the reports, a knock came at his door. Knock! "Sorry to interrupt, Prince Nolan. A special guest has arrived," an anxious servant’s voice called from outside. "A guest?" Nolan paused, confused. "Who is it?" "It’s Marquis Orlan Caltheron, leader of the Caltheron family."