Chapter 499: Strolling with Eira

"Wait, Arnold. There’s something I want to talk to you about."

Arnold was surprised and asked curiously, "What is it, my lord?"

Nolan fell silent for a moment before speaking. "I received a report from my sister, Sharon. She’s been having difficulties at the academy, and the cause is the First Prince of the Dragon Empire. At this point, I’m sure you understand what I mean, right?"

His gaze was indifferent, yet it felt like a knife stabbing straight into Arnold’s heart.

Arnold’s heart pounded wildly as he quickly clasped his hands together.

"I-I understand, my lord. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. Please give me some time," he said in a trembling voice.

Nolan simply nodded and waved his left hand.

Feeling relieved, Arnold immediately disappeared from the spot.

Nolan’s cold expression softened as he looked at Eira in his arms.

"Let’s go back to the room."

Eira nodded enthusiastically. "Um! Let’s go!"

...

Knock!

"Father, it’s me, Sharon. May I come in?" Sharon called politely, waiting calmly outside.

"Come in, my dear. The door isn’t locked," Ragan’s relaxed voice replied from inside.

Sharon turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

Inside, she saw her father sitting in his work chair, with Cassiopeia standing beside him.

Sharon vaguely guessed what they had been discussing and chose not to comment.

"Come in—don’t just stand there," Ragan said softly.

Sharon nodded slightly, stepped inside, closed the door behind her, and walked closer.

"Sit down first. And Cassiopeia, please make some tea for my daughter."

Cassiopeia smiled and moved to the other end of the room to prepare tea for Sharon.

Once Sharon sat down, she looked at her father curiously and said, "Father, I came as you ordered. Do you want to ask about what happened in the Kingdom of Kaldarion?"

Ragan did not avoid the question. "Yes, about that. Can you explain how your trip there went?"

In truth, he had already heard about it from Cassiopeia, but only the parts that weren’t very crucial.

He had deliberately waited for Sharon so she could explain everything in detail herself.

Sharon straightened her posture, nodded slightly, and began to explain everything.

After twenty minutes, she finished, and Ragan understood the situation clearly.

"So, can we say that everything went smoothly because of Nolan?" Ragan asked in a heavy voice, leaning back against the backrest.

"Yes, more or less, Father," Sharon replied.

She could have claimed it was all thanks to her own abilities.

But she knew that would be pointless. Her father knew her well and would surely realize that she couldn’t have come up with such a perfect plan on her own.

Besides, she wasn’t that kind of person. Nolan’s achievements belonged to him alone—not to anyone else, including her.

She also wanted her father to know that Nolan was truly talented—not just a trash prince looked down upon by most people.

Ragan fell silent, as if pondering her words. From the very beginning, he had known that Nolan was not a trash prince.

Everything Nolan showed was merely an act, meant to avoid being burdened with imperial administrative work.

However, Ragan hadn’t expected the boy to exceed his expectations by such a margin.

’That damn kid...’

Ragan muttered through clenched teeth.

According to Sharon, Nolan had skillfully manipulated the hearts of Glarvic and Leina, his prime minister.

His plan wasn’t just for a day or two—it was carefully set in motion to unfold over several days, as if he already knew every move the Kingdom of Kaldarion would make.

Such talent and courage clearly surpassed Cedric, whom Ragan had always regarded as his most brilliant son.

"Hah..." Ragan let out a deep sigh, straightened his posture, and spoke softly. "Thank you for your efforts, Sharon. And I’m sorry you had to use your vacation—meant for rest and relaxation—to carry out the mission I gave you. Don’t worry. I’ll give you an additional reward, beyond what I promised you and the others in the throne room."

Sharon didn’t actually mind. She had thoroughly enjoyed the journey, especially because she had been able to see another side of her younger brother, who usually appeared lazy and useless.

Still, since her father had said so, she knew she had to accept it.

"Thank you, Father."

...

The next morning, Nolan decided to go to the capital with Eira.

He hadn’t visited in a long time and wanted to see how things were going.

Besides, he had business with Shion regarding the plan to make Eliza the face of the Blue Moon Trading House brand.

"Wow! Master, this place is so crowded! I love it!"

Resting on Nolan’s head, Eira squirmed happily as she looked at the people passing by.

Nolan smiled and nodded. "You’re right. The capital is very crowded. After all, it’s the center of the empire. Next time, I’ll take you out more often to broaden your horizons. Would you like that?"

Eira’s eyes sparkled. She nodded enthusiastically. "I would! I want to go wherever you take me, Master!"

Nolan chuckled softly. The two of them strolled through the capital at a leisurely pace, without any rush.

Naturally, their presence drew the attention of the people around them.

Nolan was a very handsome young man. Even though he had cast a disguise spell, his charm couldn’t be completely hidden.

On the other hand, Eira’s appearance hadn’t changed at all. To others, she was simply an adorable little dragon.

"Woaa! A baby dragon! This is the first time I’ve ever seen one!"

"That’s right! It’s so cute! I really want to touch it. Do you think that’s allowed?"

"The dragons I’ve seen in storybooks are terrifying, but that one is so adorable!"

Whispers spread through the crowd. Feeling many eyes on her, Eira naturally grew curious.

"Master, what’s going on? Why are they all staring at us?" she asked hesitantly.

Nolan smiled and replied, "Maybe because you’re adorable, Eira."

"Adorable?" Eira’s eyes widened. Her face turned red, and she squirmed shyly. "Master, am I really adorable?"

Nolan lifted her up and held her in his arms.

"Of course."

He gently pinched her little nose, making the little dragon even happier.

"Hehehe... Thank you, Master!"

Hearing that compliment directly from Nolan made her incredibly happy.

The two continued walking at an easy pace. From time to time, they stopped to buy snacks in the city center.

Snow was still falling from the sky, so people wore thick winter coats.

Nolan wore one as well, though only out of courtesy. In truth, the temperatures of the northern continent were far harsher than this.

So, he didn’t feel cold at all.

"By the way, Master, why are there so many decorations on the walls and streetlights?" Eira asked while licking her ice cream.

Nolan looked up and noticed the decorations on the walls, the streetlights, and even the park at the center of the city.

"New Year’s is coming soon, so decorations are naturally put up everywhere," he explained.

Then, he remembered something, and a wide smile unconsciously spread across his face.

’New Year’s... how could I forget? That’s the perfect moment for the Demon Emperor to attack!’