Chapter 500: Reunited with Claire (1)

"Ugh... I’m so tired."

Inside her office, Shion lazily stretched her beautiful body.

Her slim curves, paired with her ample bosom, were enough to make anyone who saw her drool.

Unfortunately, only Luna was there, so the sight went to waste.

"Sister Shion, would you like some tea?" Luna’s soft voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Shion turned to her and gave a gentle smile.

"Sure. Please make two, okay?"

"Two?" Luna looked surprised. "Who’s the other one for?"

Shion’s eyes flashed with mystery as she replied, "A guest will be arriving soon. You’ll find out later."

Though confused, Luna said nothing and immediately went to prepare two cups of tea.

Shion leaned back in her chair and muttered with a frown, "I wonder if Master will come straight here or stop by Claire’s place first. Knowing him, he’ll probably go to Claire’s place first. Ugh! I’m really jealous."

Her cheeks puffed out in dissatisfaction. She had been Nolan’s first subordinate, yet Claire’s arrival had shaken her position in his eyes.

Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do but accept it, even if it left her unhappy.

"Humph! Still, I’m his most beloved subordinate."

...

"Master, where are we going?" Eira asked curiously.

They had been wandering around for quite a while. She knew Nolan wanted to accompany her on a walk, but she was starting to feel a little bored.

Nolan naturally sensed her mood and replied, "How about we visit my friend’s place?"

"Your friend’s place?" Eira blinked curiously. "Alright, I’ll go along with your suggestion."

Soon, he led Eira to the city center. Tall buildings lined the area, including hotels and the offices of merchants who lived and worked there.

The most eye-catching were two offices standing about a hundred meters apart.

On the left was the Blue Moon Trading House office, while on the other side stood the White Lotus Trading House office.

Nolan originally planned to go to Shion’s place, but after noticing that Claire’s office was closer, he decided to visit her first.

The White Lotus Trading House office was massive and guarded by soldiers in white armor.

They were soldiers of the Great Velmora Empire who were currently on leave.

Because of that, many of them took on side jobs like this while off duty.

Even his father did not forbid it, since they were working during their leave.

When the two guards saw Nolan approaching, one of them quickly stepped forward.

"Do you need anything, sir?" he asked politely.

At the same time, his gaze swept over Nolan, then he froze when he noticed the baby dragon in his arms.

’A baby dragon? This is the first time I’ve ever seen one,’

he muttered softly.

Nolan smiled and replied, "I want to meet the owner of this office—Claire Horven. Can you open the gate?"

The guard and his companion were surprised. They hadn’t expected the man to be here to meet the owner of the trading house.

Of course, they weren’t foolish characters in a novel, so there was no classic and boring slap-in-the-face scene.

"Please wait a moment, sir. I’ll report this to my superiors," one of them said.

Nolan didn’t object. The guard immediately ran back to their post to report Nolan’s arrival.

Meanwhile, his companion remained standing in front of Nolan, silently staring at Eira with curiosity.

’What a cute little dragon,’

he muttered in admiration.

’I didn’t know baby dragons could be this adorable. Why do they look so scary when they grow up?’

Sensing his gaze, Eira blinked innocently, then waved her tiny hand with a sweet smile.

The guard felt as if an arrow had pierced his heart. His fondness for Eira instantly increased.

Seeing his amusing reaction, Nolan couldn’t help but laugh.

Not long after, the guard who had gone to report hurried back to Nolan.

"Forgive me, sir," he said respectfully, his voice trembling slightly. "Please come in. Miss Claire is waiting for you inside."

Nolan smiled and gave a small nod. Then, under the gazes of the two guards, he stepped into the office courtyard and slowly walked inside.

"Why do you seem so respectful? Could he be a very special guest?" the guard beside him asked.

"More than special!" he replied nervously. "He’s a relative of Miss Claire! Fortunately, we didn’t stop him outright. Otherwise, we’d both lose our monthly wages."

His partner shuddered. He hadn’t expected the handsome, innocent-looking young man to hold such a high status.

If they had known Nolan’s true identity as a prince, they would have been so shocked that they might have fainted on the spot.

***

"Woaa! Master, this place is so spacious!" Eira exclaimed in awe.

As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but the splendor of magnificent architecture.

Six pillars stood in rows on the left and right, their surfaces carved with ancient patterns that pleased the eye.

The walls were made of a material resembling gold, giving the place an elegant and beautiful appearance.

The staff worked with discipline and calm, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

"Are you Mr. Smith?" A woman approached and asked politely.

"Smith?" Nolan was momentarily stunned. He didn’t remember ever using that name.

Even so, he went along with the conversation and replied casually, "Yes, I’m Smith. Are you here to take me to Miss Claire’s room?"

The woman smiled softly and said respectfully, "Yes. I’m Miss Claire’s secretary, Kirina. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Smith."

She placed her right hand over her left chest and bowed politely.

"Nice to meet you too, Kirina. In that case, could you take me to see Miss Claire?"

Kirina nodded slightly. "Of course. Please follow me."

She then led Nolan toward Claire’s location. Along the way, Nolan glanced around with curiosity.

To be honest, this was his first time visiting the White Lotus Trading House’s main office.

Since handing over full control to Claire, he no longer managed the trading house himself, so it was natural for the building to feel unfamiliar to him.

They ascended using something similar to an elevator. Instead of electricity, it was powered by magic stones embedded underground.

Nolan had once mentioned the elevator mechanism to Claire himself.

However, he hadn’t expected her to actually build it and install it in the office.

She truly was a genius—perhaps even surpassing her older sister, Melinda.

Ding!

The elevator chimed, signaling that they had arrived on the top floor, where Claire was.

"I can only accompany you this far, Mr. Smith. Miss Claire said she wants to meet you personally," Kirina said respectfully.

"Alright. Thank you for bringing me here."

Kirina nodded with a smile.

Nolan stepped out and looked at the single door before him.

He opened it, and then suddenly—

"Nolan!"