Chapter 301: A Visit From Two Daughters (1)

In a special two-way room, Belfor sat on a chair. In front of him was a wall with a small hole, offering a glimpse of what lay beyond.

On the other side sat an extraordinarily beautiful woman in a graceful brown dress—Melinda Horven, the Third Concubine and Belfor’s daughter.

When Melinda saw Belfor’s pitiful state, a pained expression crossed her face.

She wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. A few seconds later, she regained her composure and said, "Father, how are you?"

Belfor let out a small sigh and smiled wryly. "I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me."

Melinda was the daughter he loved and trusted most. He didn’t want to see her saddened or burdened by what had happened to him.

"Fine?" Melinda murmured, glancing him up and down. Her father’s appearance was a mess—far from the man she remembered.

But that was only natural; it had been almost two weeks since his imprisonment. The arrogance and confidence he had always carried were gone, replaced by a deep sense of inferiority and despair.

"Father, you don’t need to worry. About the trial..." Melinda began, but Belfor cut her off.

"Don’t say anything about that. I know you did your best, and I don’t blame you."

Melinda froze, staring at her father in surprise. "Did you already know that His Majesty would not intervene?"

"Of course," Belfor replied indifferently. "Do you know who had me imprisoned? The Blue Moon Trading House. They are a true giant, controlling the entire economic sector across the three major regions. How could His Majesty possibly challenge them openly?"

Melinda was at a loss for words. Now she finally understood why her husband had been unwilling to intervene—it was the Blue Moon Trading House pulling the strings.

But she didn’t give up. She tried to persuade him, "I know it seems impossible, but I’ll still plead with His Majesty. I’ll use the connections I’ve built over the years to save you. Trust me!"

She couldn’t just lose her father. Aside from her son, he was the only family she still had by blood.

Moreover, her father and the Red Obsidian Trading House were her son’s main supporters in the struggle for the throne.

If they disappeared, she knew all too well what disaster would follow.

It wasn’t out of the question that she and her son could become targets for extermination by concubines or princes. Even the Emperor wouldn’t be able to intervene if that happened.

Belfor did not dismiss his daughter’s earnest concern. Though he knew he would eventually fade from the Empire, her attitude showed genuine care, and that alone brought him happiness.

As a father, he felt content and proud of having raised her so lovingly.

The two continued their conversation, covering many topics. Since they had rarely seen each other, they used the time to vent their longing and affection, reconnecting as father and daughter.

In the middle of their conversation, Belfor suddenly remembered the Red Obsidian Trading House and asked, "How is the Red Obsidian Trading House doing?"

Melinda’s expression turned serious. "It’s not doing well. Sales have continued to decline because your image has been tarnished in the eyes of the public. Many staff members have been forced to leave due to the ongoing losses."

Though she lived in the palace, Melinda kept a close eye on the Red Obsidian Trading House through her intelligence network. The outcome was what she had expected, yet it still pained her.

After all, the Red Obsidian Trading House was hers too.

Seeing it suffer such a devastating setback made her feel both angry and sorrowful.

Belfor felt a tightness in his chest but quickly suppressed it. The Red Obsidian Trading House was no longer under his control—it was now in the hands of Nolan and his other daughter, Claire.

"Melinda, I’d like to ask a favor. This concerns Zarak’s future as well," Belfor said solemnly.

Melinda stiffened, immediately alert, ready to hear her father’s request.

A few minutes later, her eyes widened in shock as she stared at him, disbelief written across her face.

"Father, how could you be so careless!? Selling ten percent of your holdings to Nolan!? You... you..." Her chest heaved, her voice choking with emotion.

She had always seen her father as wise and intelligent—but why would he make such a reckless mistake now?

And what had he sold? A portion of the Red Obsidian Trading House—to Nolan, the lazy, incompetent prince!

How could she not be seething with anger?

"I understand your anger, but please, hear me out first," Belfor said, calm yet firm. "You and others may see Nolan Lorian as a fool, and that’s understandable. At first, I thought so too. But when that young man easily offered two billion Sharn and pressured me with his arguments, I realized—he’s no fool. On the contrary, he’s extremely intelligent... and frightening."

Nolan’s reputation as a foolish and unscrupulous prince had long spread throughout the Empire. Ask anyone if they knew him, and almost all would answer, "Yes."

But their knowledge came not from his achievements or skill but from his vices—traits wholly unfit for an imperial prince.

As Melinda listened to her father, her heart skipped a beat. She trusted him completely, and seeing him so serious made her realize that what he said must be true.

Her dismissive attitude vanished, replaced by caution and vigilance.

"Do you know where he got that much money to buy the Red Obsidian Trading House?" she asked.

Two billion Sharn was an extraordinary sum. Even Melinda herself wasn’t sure someone like Nolan could possess that much wealth.

"I don’t know," Belfor replied, shaking his head. "That’s why I dare not underestimate him anymore. The one who hides their true self from the public is the most dangerous. So I want you to promise me—never underestimate him again. Understood?"

His gaze was sharp, full of warning, yet tinged with affection. He didn’t want his daughter to make the same mistake he had.

"I understand," Melinda replied solemnly.

"Good!" Belfor nodded in satisfaction. "The important thing is, you don’t need to worry. I will escape according to my agreement with Nolan Lorian. All you need to do is prepare an official asset transfer document and get your sister’s signature. That way, ninety percent of the Red Obsidian Trading House will belong to you and Zarak."

"Even though the trading house is in decline, its wealth and treasures are still more than enough to support Zarak in the battle for the throne. Understood?"

This time, Belfor was truly risking everything. He was confident that the noble families he had invested in would continue to support Zarak.

After all, that was the condition written in the official agreement they had signed—provided, of course, that the ownership of the Red Obsidian Trading House was fully in Melinda’s hands.

Otherwise, the nobles might break their promise, and all of Belfor’s efforts so far would be wasted.

Melinda nodded firmly. "Don’t worry, Father. Leave everything to me!"