Chapter 58: The Perpetrators Behind the Scenes

"Come in, the door’s unlocked," Nolan called out loudly.

Moments later, the door opened, revealing a petite maid.

Her chubby cheeks made her look both pretty and cute. When she saw Nolan, her face brightened immediately.

"Good afternoon, Prince Nolan and Princess Elina," she greeted with a respectful bow. "I apologize for interrupting your conversation."

Straightening up, she stepped inside and stood beside them.

"What did the Red Obsidian Trading House send?" Nolan asked, pretending to be curious.

The maid smiled, then pulled a golden box from her pocket and handed it to him.

"This is a delivery from them, Prince Nolan."

Nolan glanced at the box—it was just a bit larger than the palm of his hand, adorned with delicate, elegant floral engravings.

At first glance, it was clear this was an expensive, valuable item.

"Alright," he said with a smile as he took the box and set it aside. "Thank you."

The maid nodded, her smile innocent and adorable.

Without another word, she bowed once more and left Nolan’s room.

Elina eyed the box with curiosity.

"Brother, what’s inside this box? Is this the six million Sharn you squeezed out of Zarak?"

Nolan gave a small nod, smiling knowingly. He opened the box to reveal a pale gold-colored piece of paper inside.

Unfolding it, the paper showed an astonishing number—sixteen million Sharn.

Elina’s eyes widened in shock. Her body trembled slightly, caught between disbelief and horror.

"Brother, did the Red Obsidian Trading House make a mistake? Why does it say sixteen million Sharn?" she asked, staring at him with confusion.

She clearly remembered the amount was supposed to be only six million. So where did the extra ten million come from? Could Zarak’s grandfather, Balfor, have made a mistake? But an error this huge? Impossible.

Sixteen million Sharn was an enormous sum, even for a powerful trading house like Red Obsidian.

"No, the amount is correct," Nolan said calmly, placing the paper back on the golden box. "Actually, something interesting happened before I met Marquis Orlan. It involves Zarak."

Nolan then explained how Zarak had insulted him, got caught, and was forced to pay an additional fine of ten million Sharn.

Elina’s mouth fell open, unsure how to react.

"Brother... you’re really cruel..."

That was all she could say. She knew Nolan wasn’t someone to be trifled with, but she hadn’t expected him to be so ruthless when it came to revenge.

Extorting six million Sharn... then adding another ten million... this was no ordinary punishment.

Nolan chuckled softly, a mocking grin on his lips. "Indeed. But it’s his own fault for crossing me. I’m just getting back what’s mine. Was I wrong?"

"Of course not," Elina replied firmly, her gaze turning cold. "If anything, the punishment was too light. Zarak should have paid twenty million—no, a hundred million Sharn—for daring to insult my brother! Hmph!"

She crossed her arms and snorted in annoyance.

To Elina, anyone who hurt her brother didn’t deserve mercy.

Nolan felt a surge of relief at his sister’s fierce response. Only someone with a cold heart and the courage to be ruthless without hesitation deserved the title of empress.

Still, she had a long way to go. She wasn’t fully ready yet.

But Nolan wasn’t worried. He would guide Elina, step by step, until she grew into a true leader—strong, intelligent, and unwavering.

He rubbed her head gently to ease her anger, then picked up the golden paper.

The paper was a check, functioning much like those in his old world.

Although this world’s technology and financial systems lagged behind what he knew, there were large banks that stored and lent money.

Among them, one bank stood above all—the Silver Dragon Bank.

Established by the Blue Moon Trading House, it controlled about seventy percent of the money circulation in the Empire.

No wonder it was the strongest and richest bank in the Great Velmora Empire—perhaps even the entire continent.

Nolan opened Elina’s palm and placed the check there.

"Take this money," he said calmly.

"What do you mean?" Elina frowned. "It’s your money, and I have no right to take it. Give it back."

Elina pushed the check back, but Nolan quickly tapped her on the head with his index finger’s knuckle.

"Ouch!" Elina winced, tears welling up in her eyes.

She glared at Nolan, annoyed and angry. "Why did you hit me?"

Nolan sighed softly and said, "In this battle for the throne, you’re going to need a lot of money. How could I let you face everything without financial support?"

"But I have savings, brother," Elina replied seriously. "One million Sharn—that’s more than enough."

"No!" Nolan shot her a sharp look. "That’s hardly anything. You won’t last long with just that. Don’t worry about me—I have more than enough. I don’t need this money. Just take it. Consider it an order. You have no right to refuse."

Even with his cold tone, Elina sensed the genuine care and concern behind his words.

She pressed her lips together, then looked down, clutching the check tightly. A small smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, Brother..."

...

Two days later...

"Did you discover the reason?"

Nolan stood by the bedroom window, arms folded behind his back.

Behind him, Arnold knelt on one knee and answered, "Yes, my lord. There are hidden forces at work, making some noble families reluctant to openly support Young Lady Elina."

Nolan’s expression remained unchanged. He closed his eyes and sighed softly. "The families of Duke Malvain and Marquis Morvain, right?"

Arnold blinked in surprise, then looked up at his master with admiration. "How did you know that?"

Nolan chuckled quietly, opened his eyes, and gazed at the sunlight beginning to break the horizon.

"Just a guess," he said lightly.

Those two families had long been on his suspicion list.

The Marquis Morvain family, in particular, was known as a loyal supporter of Adalen—actually pawns placed by the Holy Empire of Valtanir within the Great Empire of Velmora.

How did he know? It was simple—they had always shown an unusual interest in Adalen, as if bound by blood.

In reality, there was no connection between them.

Moreover, he had accidentally come across Clarisse’s travel records from the past two years, which frequently crossed paths with the family’s territory.

Eventually, after a thorough investigation, he uncovered the results he had expected.

The Malvain family was Aldric’s main backer. They wouldn’t hesitate to crush anyone who stood in his way.

"That means the Queen has made her move," he said quietly, a cunning smile playing on his lips. "Well then... It’s time to strike back—hard."