Chapter 104: A Naughty Little Girl?

"Pfft! Prince Nolan really crushed him," Orlan chuckled, shaking his head.

He had expected this outcome, but seeing it unfold in person still left him both surprised and impressed.

Beside him, Syra couldn’t help but smile. She glanced at her husband and said, "You were right, dear. Prince Nolan got out of that mess so easily! You’re a genius!"

At first, she had thought Nolan would be no match for Allen—after all, he was the son of the prestigious Ashvale family.

Even with Orlan’s reassurances, she hadn’t been able to shake off her worries.

As it turned out, Orlan had been right all along. Nolan handled Allen’s provocation with ease and came out on top.

Orlan smiled at her praise. It had been a long time since he’d last heard a compliment from his wife—probably back when they were still engaged, nearly seven years ago.

"It’s not that I’m a genius or anything," Orlan said casually. "I just believe in Prince Nolan."

He then glanced toward Nolan, who was now eating with Eliza, and added, "Come on, let’s go greet him."

Alicia, who had been quiet until now, lit up with excitement.

"Yes, let’s!" she exclaimed.

Without saying anything else, Orlan and Syra shared a smile and made their way to Nolan.

As the three walked away, Aston and his wife exchanged glances, disbelief clear on their faces.

"My dear, was that truly Prince Nolan? How could he be so different from everything we’ve heard?" Ena asked, her voice laced with doubt.

Until now, Nolan had been branded with countless unflattering nicknames—the foolish prince, the lazy one, the wild one, and many more.

Yet just moments ago, he had demonstrated remarkable ability. He spoke with eloquence, possessed a sharp intelligence network, and displayed a level of mental fortitude rare for someone his age.

Even in front of the noble heads, he had remained composed—treating them not as intimidating figures, but as little more than a stage to pressure Allen.

And his final words? They struck like a whip, jolting everyone awake.

The struggle for the throne wasn’t just a contest—it was a fierce battle among princes to determine who truly deserved the crown.

Of course, most in the room were already aware of that. But hearing it from Nolan, with such weight and presence, had left Ena completely stunned.

Aston let out a long breath, then smiled faintly.

He looked toward Nolan standing on the right side of the hall and nodded slowly. "Of course it’s Prince Nolan. Who else could it be? And seeing how different he is from the rumors... I have to admit, it caught me off guard."

"Until now, I only ever judged him by the rumors. But that changes today. That young man... he’s truly gifted—and frighteningly well hidden."

Now, he finally understood why Orlan had praised Nolan so highly.

It wasn’t just Nolan’s extraordinary abilities that left an impression—but the way he had hidden his true self from everyone’s eyes and judgment.

Who would have thought that the prince once dismissed as worthless possessed such sharp communication skills and an impressive intelligence network?

Had he not seen it with his own eyes, Aston wouldn’t have believed it.

And just like that, the doubts that had clouded his mind began to fade. At last, he could make his decision.

***

"Is this good?" Nolan asked softly.

"M-mm! It’s delicious and so soft!" Eliza replied as she chewed the chocolate pudding Nolan had just fed her.

Nolan smiled gently and affectionately patted her head.

"Prince Nolan."

A warm man’s voice suddenly came from behind, making Nolan flinch slightly.

Instinctively, both he and Eliza turned around and saw Orlan approaching, accompanied by Syra and Alicia, all wearing friendly smiles.

"Marquis Orlan?" Nolan was briefly taken aback, then smiled and gave a small nod. "Have you just arrived?"

Orlan stopped about a meter away and extended his hand. "No, I’ve been here for a while now," he replied.

Nolan shook his hand, and they exchanged a firm grip.

The scene quickly drew the attention of the surrounding noble heads, who began exchanging glances filled with unspoken meaning.

"By the way," Nolan said as he withdrew his hand, turning to Syra, who stood beside Orlan. "You look much better—no, you’ve fully recovered since the last time I saw you, Miss Syra. I’m truly glad to see that."

Syra chuckled softly, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Thank you for your kind words, Prince Nolan. My recovery was inevitable—and it’s all thanks to you. Once again, I sincerely thank you," she said politely, dipping her head in gratitude.

As they spoke, Orlan glanced around at the noble heads once more—many of them still wearing stunned expressions.

Involuntarily, a faint smile appeared on his lips as he whispered softly, "They’re hooked."

After exchanging pleasantries with Syra, Nolan turned his gaze to Alicia and offered a gentle smile.

"It’s been a while, Alicia. Have you been a good girl at home?" He asked softly, patting her head with affection.

"Hehehe..." Alicia giggled, squirming happily under his touch. "Of course I have, Brother Nolan! I always listen to Mother and Father, and I never talk back!"

"Good!" Nolan nodded in approval. "Keep it up, okay?"

As he spoke, his eyes briefly swept over Alicia. She looked taller than the last time they’d met.

It made sense—Alicia was already six, but her growth had been stunted due to the malnutrition caused by the curse.

Now that the curse was lifted, her body was slowly catching up.

Behind him, Eliza watched with a jealous pout on her lips. She stepped forward, gently pulling Nolan’s hand away from Alicia’s head.

Then, with small but deliberate steps, she moved in front of him—placing herself between them as if to keep them apart.

"Don’t come near my brother!" she said firmly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Alicia blinked, surprised, and looked at Eliza with curiosity.

"And who are you?"

"Who am I?" Eliza grinned smugly. "I’m Brother Nolan’s little sister—Eliza Lorian."

"Brother Nolan’s little sister?" Alicia’s eyes widened, and she took a small step back in surprise. "So... you’re the one Brother Nolan once mentioned as that naughty and disobedient girl?"

Eliza’s expression froze. The smug confidence on her face vanished, replaced by confusion.

"Naughty and... disobedient? What do you mean?" she asked, her voice uncertain.

Alicia blinked innocently. "Brother Nolan once told me he had a younger sister who was always causing trouble and never listened to him. Since you’re his sister... that must be you, right?"

Eliza fell silent, her small body trembling softly.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Nolan, her expression full of hurt. She clung to his right leg tightly.

"Brother Nolan... is what she said true? Am I... really a bad girl?"

Nolan: "..."