Chapter 87: Keeping the Promise

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Jisha was the most talented mage in the Tower of Silence.

At a remarkably young age, she had already reached the level of a high-tier mage and become the only direct disciple of the tower’s leader.

Many placed their hopes on her to one day reach the pinnacle of magical mastery—a realm spoken of only in legends: the Supreme Ruler level.

Throughout human history, no one had ever reached that level. Still, many believed it truly existed.

Only those exceptionally gifted—or perhaps truly chosen—stood a chance of achieving it.

Raised in an environment filled with admiration and expectations, Jisha naturally developed a proud, arrogant, and deeply confident nature.

But for the first time, her confidence and arrogance shattered—because of someone she had never once taken seriously: Nolan.

That man, the Sixth Prince of the Great Velmora Empire, was widely known as the "Prince of Scum"—useless, spineless, and disgraceful.

Yet beneath those foul labels lay something terrifying: a cunning, powerful, ruthless, and calculating man.

Jisha had never imagined that Nolan could fabricate evidence so flawlessly that he fooled not only Orlan but even Melissa, the accused herself.

Even more shocking, that very evidence exposed Melissa as the true mastermind behind everything. And it was Nolan who brought about her downfall.

If not a monster... then what else could he be called?

"Monster, huh? That’s a harsh nickname," Nolan said with a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

In truth, there were things he hadn’t told Jisha. What he’d done earlier had been nothing more than a gamble.

He hadn’t been entirely sure whether Melissa was the real culprit.

Relying only on personal suspicion and assumption, he had instructed Alex and asked Arnold to investigate Melissa’s activities over the past year.

One of the most suspicious acts involved the placement of talismans around the mansion.

But in the end, he made a critical mistake—it wasn’t Melissa who had placed them, but Nina, who had been under Melissa’s control.

Fortunately, Melissa had been in such a vulnerable position last night that she had no chance to deny or escape anything.

And Orlan? He had no choice but to side with Nolan—because Nolan knew his deepest secret: his feelings for Melissa.

It might sound strange, even absurd, but it was true. Orlan had feelings for Melissa.

And how did Nolan know? Simple—he could read emotions from the smallest expressions and gestures.

More than anything, it was the way Orlan looked at Melissa earlier. There was something off about it. That look told Nolan everything he needed to know.

If Orlan had still insisted on defending Melissa in front of the servants, soldiers, and Alex—despite all the clear evidence—then suspicion would have fallen on him as well.

People would have started to wonder: why was he so desperate to protect her?

Well, to be honest, Nolan didn’t blame Orlan for liking Melissa.

As far as he knew, she had been working at the mansion even before Orlan got married—and Orlan trusted her as much as he trusted Alex.

Besides, for the past six years, Orlan had lived a lonely life, enduring one misfortune after another.

As a fellow man, Nolan understood. He had never intended to mock him.

After all, it was Orlan’s personal matter, and Nolan had no right to interfere. As long as Orlan kept his word, that was all that mattered.

"Are you hiding something from me? There’s still something you haven’t told me, isn’t there?" Jisha asked suspiciously.

For some reason, her instincts were screaming at her.

"There’s nothing else. That’s it," Nolan replied casually.

Jisha narrowed her eyes and glanced at the white orb in his hand—but it wasn’t glowing. That meant he wasn’t lying.

"Then let’s end it here," Nolan said, yawning lazily. He stretched, then shot Jisha a playful look. "And don’t forget the conditions I mentioned."

Without another word, he turned and headed back to his room—leaving Jisha behind, cheeks puffed in frustration.

"This man is definitely hiding something!" she muttered, stomping her foot.

She was certain of it. But unfortunately, she had no evidence to prove it.

***

Nighttime...

"Marquis Orlan, may I come in?"

Nolan knocked on the door to Orlan’s office and waited quietly.

Moments later, a voice called from behind the door, "Come in, Prince. It’s unlocked."

Upon hearing that, Nolan turned the knob and stepped inside.

Inside, Orlan was seated behind his desk, reviewing a stack of documents.

As soon as he saw Nolan, he smiled and rose from his chair.

"Welcome, Prince Nolan," he greeted politely. "Please, have a seat."

He gestured to a chair across from him.

Nolan gave a small nod, stepped forward, and sat down, one leg crossed over the other.

"I’m not disturbing you, am I?" He asked casually.

"Disturbing? Of course not." Orlan chuckled lightly.

He walked over to a small table in the corner, where various coffee supplies were neatly arranged—jars of coffee, cups, and a large two-liter bottle of milk.

After brewing two cups, he returned and placed them on the desk.

Setting aside the documents, he smiled and said, "If anything, I’m the one intruding on your evening, Prince. I hope you don’t mind."

"Don’t worry," Nolan replied nonchalantly. "I’m not asleep yet, so there’s nothing to feel guilty about. By the way, how is Lady Syra’s condition? Has she gotten any better?"

As soon as Nolan brought her up, Orlan’s expression brightened.

"She’s much better now, Prince," he replied gently. "The doctors I summoned said Syra will make a full recovery within three days. They also confirmed that she’ll be able to return to her usual activities, just like before."

"Good! I’m glad to hear that." Nolan breathed a sigh of relief.

Orlan simply smiled, then opened a drawer in his desk and took out a black token.

It was round, about half the size of a palm, with a golden bird engraved at its center—the proud and commanding crest of the Caltheron family.

Without saying much, he handed it to Nolan. "Prince, please accept this token as a symbol of the Caltheron family’s loyalty to Princess Elina."

Nolan took the token, studied it for a moment, then looked at Orlan. "Do you have no regrets about this decision?"

Orlan smiled calmly. "Regrets? Why would I? Isn’t this the path I’m meant to take?"

His words made Nolan smile despite himself. "You’re an honest man, Marquis Orlan. I like that."

But then, Orlan let out a quiet sigh and shook his head slightly. "I’m sorry, Prince, but... I already like someone. And I already have a wife."

Nolan: "..."