Chapter 93: A Special Present From the Southern Region

"By the way, I have a present for you," Nolan said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Elina blinked in surprise and looked at him with curiosity.

"A present? Did you bring it from the southern region? What is it?" She asked hesitantly.

Nolan didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out two tokens—one bluish-purple, the other black.

With a gentle gaze, he took both of Elina’s hands, opened her palms, and placed the tokens in them.

"This is your present."

Startled, Elina looked down—and froze.

"A-Are these tokens from two noble families? And this black one... it’s from a Marquis family!?" She gasped, her mouth falling open in shock.

Each noble family’s token had its own distinctive design, but the tokens of Marquis families bore a golden crown at the top—a symbol of their territory’s autonomy and independence.

In contrast, noble families of lower rank, such as Barons, Viscounts, and even Counts, typically relied on the support or cooperation of the Marquis or Duke families. Their lands were often smaller and less fertile by comparison.

And now, her brother had returned with a token from a Marquis family. The sight of it nearly stopped her heart.

In that moment, Elina recalled Nolan’s recent trip to the southern region... to the territory of the Caltheron Marquis family.

"Wait..." Elina’s eyes widened as she stared at her brother. "Does this black token belong to the Marquis Caltheron family?"

Nolan chuckled softly. He picked up a fat-glazed piece of beef with his fork and held it up to her.

"Since you got it right, here’s your reward."

Elina took the bite, chewing as her eyes curved into crescent moons.

But then, her expression shifted. Her eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head.

No way... how could I fall for food so easily?

She muttered with a frown.

She looked back down at the black token in her hand—her gaze filled with excitement, doubt, joy, and... fear.

Am I dreaming?

she whispered.

She never imagined her brother would return with a gift this significant.

Not long ago, she had felt nothing but envy and helplessness when the Marquis Vandelar family pledged their support to Aldric.

Back then, she had wondered,

"Is it what it feels like to have a powerful family backing you?"

But now, she too had the support of a Marquis family—and not just any family.

The Caltherons were among the wealthiest and most influential Marquis households in the Velmora Grand Empire.

Their territories included the cities of Valmiris and Lunaris—two of the southern region’s most prosperous and strategically vital trade hubs.

Earning their support meant far more than anything the Vandelars could offer.

"Don’t just focus on the Caltheron family. Take a look at the other token—I’m sure it’ll make you even happier," Nolan said with a grin.

Elina looked briefly startled, then quickly turned her attention to the bluish-purple token, examining it closely.

In an instant, the shock hit her again. The token bore the symbol of a long-scaled fish—almost serpent-like in appearance.

At the bottom, a beautifully engraved name caught her eye: Balfron Family.

"The Balfron family? Isn’t that the Count’s family that controls the most vital port in the southeastern region?" Elina gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief.

Many believed there were twelve Marquis families in the Empire.

However, others claimed there were actually thirteen—though the last was not a true Marquis house, but a Count family known as Balfron.

The nickname

"the Thirteenth Marquis Family"

wasn’t given lightly.

Their territory housed one of the Empire’s three most strategic ports, and they controlled the main trade routes for goods arriving from outer kingdoms and distant provinces in the north, east, and west—routes that could only be accessed efficiently by sea.

Just three days ago, Elina had overheard a conversation between Cedric and the Prime Minister. They were discussing a plan to win over the Balfron family’s support.

What Elina didn’t expect was to be the one receiving support now—all thanks to one person: her brother.

Without realizing it, tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Nolan with deep affection.

Nolan looked slightly startled. His brow furrowed before he gently wiped her tears away.

"Why are you crying?" he asked softly.

Elina shook her head and held the two tokens tightly in her hands.

"It’s nothing, Brother. I’m... just really happy. If it weren’t for you, I never would’ve received these tokens."

Nolan chuckled softly and gave her cheek a playful pinch.

"You don’t need to thank me, Elina. Didn’t I promise to help you in this succession? I’m just keeping my word. Now it’s your turn to sharpen your skills—so the heads of the noble families will respect you and be willing to support you. Got it?"

"I got it, Brother!" Elina replied with determination.

"Good," Nolan said with a satisfied nod.

They continued their lunch together, chatting about many things—one of which was their father’s upcoming birthday celebration, now only four days away.

"Oh, by the way," Elina said curiously, "I saw Brother Seira, Adalen, and Concubine Clarisse leaving together in a carriage. Do you know where they went?"

Nolan picked up a napkin, wiped his lips, then leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs.

"They’re heading to the Holy Empire of Valtanir," he said briefly.

"The Holy Empire of Valtanir?" Elina repeated, surprised. "Does it have something to do with Father’s birthday?"

"It seems so," Nolan replied with a slow nod, then turned to her with a serious look. "You need to be careful and stay alert. Adalen will likely use his grandfather’s influence during the party to rally support from the heads of the high-ranking noble families."

He realized their father’s birthday party was more than just a celebration—it was a crucial occasion for the princes, including Elina, to gather support from the noble families.

Moreover, influential figures from both rival and allied kingdoms were expected to attend—some to offer their congratulations, others to quietly observe the political landscape of the Great Velmora Empire.

That night would be Elina’s golden chance to prove herself in front of those influential eyes.

Her expression hardened with determination. She gave a small nod and said quietly, yet firmly, "I understand. I won’t let that moment become a stage for my brothers while I remain in their shadow."

Nolan smiled in approval and gently ruffled her hair. They chatted for a little while longer before Elina finally excused herself and returned to her room.

Once she was gone, Nolan closed his eyes for a brief moment, then called out, "Malverna, Arnold. Come in."