Chapter 110: Impressing the Count Balfron

"The representative of the Kingdom of Serothia, Prime Minister Martis, has arrived to offer His Majesty birthday greetings!"

As those words echoed through the hall, everyone was instantly startled.

Heads turned toward the entrance, where a man stepped in with calm, measured strides.

He was tall, with shoulder-length brown hair. His face was stern, yet a thin, captivating smile curved at the corners of his lips.

Dressed in a golden-brown robe that draped elegantly over his frame, he looked both refined and striking.

At his sides stood a man and a woman clad in white armor—both exuding strength and clearly serving as his personal guards.

Prime Minister Martis? I didn’t expect him to be the one representing the King of Serothia at this party,

Orlan murmured, admiration flickering in his eyes.

The Kingdom of Serothia was a large nation located in the eastern part of the continent, sharing a border with the Eastern Empire of Izanagi.

Of course, compared to the Eastern Empire of Izanagi—let alone the mighty Velmora Empire—Serothia was smaller and weaker in overall scale.

Even so, the kingdom was not to be underestimated, as its military power was quite formidable.

Moreover, Serothia was a close ally of the Great Velmora Empire.

As a result, Prime Minister Martis was warmly received and respectfully welcomed by the noble family heads in attendance.

After Martis’ arrival, representatives from various kingdoms—both great and small—began to arrive one after another to offer birthday wishes to Ragan.

Of course, not all of them came with genuine intentions.

Some of these kingdoms had less-than-friendly ties with the Great Velmora Empire, such as the Kingdom of Nothirus and the Western Kingdom of Salthis, both of which were currently in conflict with Velmora.

Still, for the sake of diplomacy and appearances, they sent envoys to deliver polite greetings and offer a few well-chosen words to the Emperor.

"Hahaha! So you’re the Sixth Prince, Nolan Lorian? I didn’t expect you to have grown this tall already. If I remember correctly, you were just a little runt the last time I saw you!"

Just as Leon and Orlan were deep in conversation, a cheerful voice rang out behind them.

They turned to see a short man approaching, his face stern yet lit with a warm smile.

"Father-in-law?" Orlan blinked in surprise.

It was none other than his father-in-law—Count Rudy Balfron.

Nolan was surprised as well, but he maintained his composure. With a courteous smile, he stepped forward and offered a respectful greeting.

"You’re looking as healthy as ever, Count Balfron. It’s an honor to see you again."

He extended his hand, and Rudy grasped it warmly without hesitation.

"Well said, young man! I already like your manners," Rudy said with a warm chuckle. Then, casting a playful scowl at his son-in-law, he added, "Unlike that stiff over there, who can’t even manage a kind word for his own father-in-law."

Orlan: "..."

Nolan let out a quiet chuckle at the remark but quickly restrained himself, not wanting to embarrass Orlan further.

Instead, he shifted the topic. "By the way, Count Balfron, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you."

His polite tone gradually took on a more serious edge as he continued, "Is the support you’re giving my sister in this battle for the throne truly sincere, or..."

He let the sentence trail off—but anyone paying attention could grasp the implication.

Orlan stared at Nolan in shock. He wanted to step in and smooth things over before his father-in-law took offense, but it was already too late.

"Oh?" Rudy’s gaze sharpened. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Does Your Highness believe my support is insincere?"

Nolan offered a slight smile. "That’s not what I meant. I simply wanted to hear your thoughts directly, Count Balfron. We’ve never really spoken before—aside from a brief meeting when I was a child. So I just wanted to be sure of one thing."

He continued calmly, "So far, your support has only come through Marquis Orlan. That’s why I thought it best to confirm your position directly."

Many believed that gaining the support of a noble house meant securing their unwavering loyalty.

In theory, that was true—but in reality, things were far more uncertain.

Just because a noble family pledged their support didn’t mean they’d remain loyal to the end.

Even the slightest chance of them switching sides midway was enough to topple a prince—no matter how strong his position at the start.

Many such betrayals had been recorded throughout the empire’s history—and that was exactly why Nolan wanted to hear the answer directly from Count Balfron.

He didn’t just want to confirm the support; he wanted to ensure there wasn’t even the slightest hint of betrayal.

Because if there was, then only he knew what kind of disaster would await anyone foolish enough to betray his beloved sister in the battle for the throne.

Orlan’s panic reached its peak. He had never imagined Nolan would speak so boldly to his father-in-law.

If this continued, it wasn’t impossible for their good relationship to sour—perhaps even turn hostile.

He glanced at Rudy, only to see the man’s expression had darkened, brows furrowed in clear displeasure.

Orlan knew that look all too well—it was a sign that his father-in-law was about to erupt.

"Father-in-law, please don’t be angry. Prince Nolan is actually—"

Before he could finish, the frown on Rudy’s face eased. The tension in his expression melted away, and a deep, hearty laugh escaped his lips.

"Hahaha! How interesting, Your Highness! You’re nothing like the rumors," he said with a pleased smile. "I like your boldness. Rest assured, Your Highness—Count Balfron’s support is not just for show. It is genuine, and it stands firmly behind Princess Elina. I swear it."

To be honest, Rudy had indeed harbored doubts about everything Orlan had told him.

The negative rumors surrounding Nolan had circulated for years, and it wasn’t easy for him to trust mere words.

His decision to attend today’s birthday was mainly to confirm things with his own eyes.

Yet he hadn’t expected the young man before him to be so bold, direct, and decisive.

Such qualities weren’t something just anyone possessed—they belonged only to those with unwavering self-confidence.

The doubts in his heart began to fade, gradually replaced by a sense of deep satisfaction.

My choice wasn’t in vain. With Prince Nolan by her side, I truly believe Princess Elina will rise as the dark horse,

Rudy muttered, clenching his fists.

In truth, Rudy hadn’t particularly favored any of the candidates in the current battle for the throne.

The First Prince, Aldric, was the nephew of Jason Malvain—and Rudy, who resented the Malvain family’s growing influence, had no intention of supporting him.

Adalen didn’t interest him either. His grandfather was the Singularity of Light—an outsider aligned with the Holy Empire of Valtanir, long-time enemy of the Great Velmora Empire.

Zarak and Cassian weren’t even in the running. Neither had the slightest hope of winning.

In the end, only two names remained in his consideration: Cedric and Elina.

Fortunately, he had not yet pledged his support to Cedric.

It was Orlan who had first told him of Nolan’s miraculous feats—and of his rumored connection to the Singularity of Chaos.

Now, having seen Nolan in person, Rudy felt even more confident that he had made the right choice.

Nolan’s cold, indifferent expression softened, giving way to a sincere smile that lit up his handsome face.

"Thank you, Count Balfron. I look forward to working with you."

The two raised their glasses of red wine in a toast and took a sip, the atmosphere between them warm and full of mutual respect.

Meanwhile, Orlan, who had witnessed the entire exchange, stood frozen—his face a portrait of confusion.

What... what exactly just happened?