Chapter 57

"Brother, I heard that Marquis Caltheron came to the palace to see you. Is that true?"

Just as Nolan was about to enter his room, Elina’s excited and curious voice called out from behind.

He paused, slightly surprised, then turned around.

Somehow, his sister was already standing there, her face glowing with excitement.

Nolan smiled and gently ruffled Elina’s hair.

"Yes, he did," he replied honestly, brushing aside her beautiful white hair. "How did you know?"

"Hehehe..." Elina giggled. "I saw you go into the parlor earlier. When I asked one of the maids, she said you were meeting with Marquis Caltheron."

Then, with a curious look, she asked again, "But why would someone like Marquis Caltheron come to see you, Brother? Do you know him?"

As far as she knew, her brother had never interacted with nobles—especially someone as prominent as Marquis Caltheron.

She also knew his personality well—lazy and unwilling to engage in small talk with high-ranking nobles.

He was nothing like Aldric, Cedric, Adalen, or even Zarak, who all enjoyed mingling with the young noble heirs and their influential families.

"I’ll explain, but let’s talk inside. This isn’t the best place for that kind of conversation," Nolan said lazily, glancing down the hallway.

Elina immediately caught his meaning and gave a small nod. "Okay, I understand."

The two of them entered the room and locked the door securely behind them.

Moments later, a servant emerged from behind the wall.

He frowned and muttered with irritation, "Tsk! That useless prince is sharper than I thought. I need to report this to Prince Aldric."

He shook his head and turned to leave, but someone suddenly bumped into him.

"Hey! Watch where you’re going!" he snapped angrily.

Looking up, he saw a handsome, gray-haired man dressed in a black servant’s uniform.

The man gave a polite smile and said, "Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Please don’t be upset."

With a scowl, the servant waved him off and walked past.

Unbeknownst to him, a thin, sinister smile had crept onto the gray-haired man’s lips.

"So you’re saying that Marquis Caltheron came to offer his support to me?"

Elina’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open in shock.

Her brother’s explanation sounded like a dream in broad daylight.

Marquis families were part of the highest tier of the empire’s aristocracy—just one rank below the Dukes—and they ruled over vast, prosperous territories.

Earning their favor was like taking one step closer to the throne.

Seeing her adorable look of disbelief, Nolan chuckled softly. He reached out and pinched her cheek.

"Why are you so surprised? Do you think I’m lying?" He asked playfully.

Snapping out of her daze, Elina quickly shook her head.

"No, I believe you, Brother. It’s just... This is all so sudden. It feels like a dream."

She never imagined Marquis Caltheron would come just to offer his support.

There might have been a glimmer of hope, but it was so faint it almost felt impossible.

In fact, she had been more worried that her brother would somehow make a mistake or get into trouble dealing with someone of such high status.

What she never expected was that someone as powerful as Marquis Caltheron would stand on her side.

It was something she hadn’t even dared to hope for—let alone imagine.

"Don’t get too excited," Nolan said, his tone turning serious. "There are conditions to his support."

"Conditions?" The joy on Elina’s face instantly faded, replaced by confusion and curiosity. "What kind of conditions, Brother?"

"It’s related to the Singularity of Chaos." Nolan leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs. "The real reason he’s willing to support you has to do with his daughter and his wife."

He then began explaining the details of his conversation with Orlan.

Elina listened carefully, but her expression gradually shifted.

"So... you promised to lift the curse on his daughter? And to save his wife, who’s been in a coma?"

She was stunned—completely speechless.

She had believed Marquis Caltheron was offering his support out of goodwill.

Never did she imagine the conditions would be this heavy.

Break a curse? Wake a woman from a coma? How was she ever supposed to do something like that?

Her excitement quickly drained away, replaced by a look of anxiety and helplessness.

"Pfft!" Nolan couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on her face.

He took a sip of tea and glanced at her with an amused smile.

"Why that face? Do you really think we can’t handle this?"

"Of course not," Elina replied honestly, letting out a soft sigh. "But the conditions are too much, Brother. Even if he’s hoping the Singularity of Chaos will help, what’s the point? I don’t even know him—let alone have any connection to someone like that. How am I supposed to solve something like this?"

Elina shook her head slightly, her expression serious. "Brother, it’s better to refuse. This is beyond us."

But Nolan shook his head firmly. "No. I gave him my word. Breaking that promise would damage my reputation—in his eyes and among the other noble houses."

"I don’t care about that for myself," he added, "but it will affect how they see you. And..."

He ran a hand through his white hair before continuing, "Besides, who said I’m leaving this to you? Didn’t I say I’d handle it? I agreed because I’m confident I can."

"Your only job is to stay here and wait for my updates. That’s it. Understood?"

Elina opened her mouth to argue but found no words.

In the end, she leaned back with a weary sigh and said helplessly, "Alright... I understand. I trust you."

She knew her brother well—once Nolan set his mind to something, nothing could stop him—not even her or their mother.

"Good." Nolan nodded, satisfied, and gently patted her head. "By the way, I’ll be gone for three to five days. During that time, expect some heads of noble families to come to you and declare their support."

"So, do your best to win them over. This will be your first test—the one that decides if you’re worthy to win this battle for the throne."

Elina’s face turned serious as she nodded firmly.

"Don’t worry, Brother. I’ll do my best."

Nolan nodded slowly, about to say more, but a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Prince Nolan, sorry to bother you. There’s a consignment from the Red Obsidian Trading House for you. May I come in?"

Nolan paused for a moment, then smiled faintly and muttered,Tsk, tsk, tsk... So the free money finally arrived. Sooner than I expected.