Chapter 507: Chapter 507: A Brilliant Idea

"An idea?" Nolan was surprised by her words.

"Mmm!" Seira nodded slightly and explained, "I heard you’re close to one of the executives at Blue Moon Trading House, right? How about asking for their help? Blue Moon should have a store that handles decorations, shouldn’t they?"

Nolan thought about it for quite a while. As far as he remembered, Blue Moon didn’t have a decoration store.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to expand into it, but the business wasn’t profitable.

Decorations were only needed on certain days, so it wasn’t efficient at all.

"I’m sorry, Sister," Nolan said, shaking his head slowly. "As far as I know, they don’t have that kind of business. So it’s impossible to ask Blue Moon Trading House for help."

Seira’s expression turned sour. She let out a small sigh and whispered, "This is going to be difficult. Like it or not, I have to find another decoration store. But that won’t be easy either, and I’m not sure they can meet our needs."

New Year’s was only a few days away. The western, southern, eastern, and northern regions would surely also need large amounts of decorations to liven up their cities.

That meant the shops in the capital would already be fully booked, just like what had happened with Rafael’s shop.

Nolan rubbed his chin, as if lost in thought.

’New Year, huh? Should I bring an idea from my previous world?’

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, his eyes lit up. New Year in the empire—no, on this continent—was rather boring.

Most people spent their time at home with their families or wandering around the city to shop.

But that was all—there were no significant celebrations. That wasn’t surprising, considering the custom had existed since the empire was founded.

However, what if that calm routine were turned into a grand celebration, complete with fireworks like those in his previous world?

It would certainly be exciting and make the New Year far more festive than usual.

Tapping his right hand against his left palm, Nolan spoke casually, "Sister, I have a brilliant idea."

...

"What? You ordered New Year’s decorations from the shop the palace usually uses—just a few days before they do? Brother, are you crazy?"

Inside her room, Novaria stared at Aldric in disbelief.

Aldric leaned back on the sofa, crossed his legs lazily, and took a sip of wine.

"Yes, I did," he admitted calmly. "So what? Do you think I’m wrong?"

Novaria was momentarily speechless before replying, "No, you’re not wrong. But what was your purpose in doing that? Aren’t you afraid of making Father angry? The New Year is almost here, and the capital hasn’t been fully decorated yet."

She rubbed her temples, completely unable to understand how Aldric’s mind worked.

The shop where the palace purchased its decorations had been working with the palace for more than a dozen years.

Every year, the shop provided the decorations and helped adorn every corner of the capital.

Yet now, Aldric had recklessly placed a massive order there, filling Novaria with deep unease.

If their father found out, it would definitely affect both her and their mother.

Aldric chuckled softly, looking at her with a playful expression.

"You’re too rigid, Novaria. Do you think I did this without preparation or a clear purpose?"

He took another sip of wine and continued, "I did it to make things difficult for Nolan and Seira."

Novaria was startled and asked hesitantly, "What does this have to do with them?"

Aldric casually wiggled his right foot and replied indifferently, "Father assigned both of them to be responsible for the capital’s decorations. I was extremely dissatisfied with Nolan’s success in completing his mission on the northern continent. Because of him, Elina’s standing in Father’s eyes rose by several points, and that seriously threatened my position. So..."

A mocking smile spread across his face. "I deliberately made things hard for him. If he and Seira fail to carry out Father’s orders, do you think they won’t be punished?"

He had calculated everything carefully. All this time, he had regarded Nolan as nothing more than a useless worm.

Even when Nolan helped Elina in the struggle for the throne, Aldric believed it would have no real impact.

However, after Nolan’s success on the northern continent, Aldric realized his assumption was wrong—Nolan truly had the potential to become a threat in the battle for the throne.

He was certain that Cedric and Adalen must have realized this as well.

Novaria was left speechless. She never expected her brother to go this far just to suppress Nolan.

"But how are you going to explain this to Father? If he finds out, won’t it be detrimental to you?" she asked uncertainly.

Aldric smiled broadly. "Don’t worry—I’ve already thought it through. I deliberately used the southern region as a cover. The excuse is that the region lacks decorative materials and has no choice but to order them from the capital. Even if Father wants to punish me, there’s no way he can place the blame on me."

This time, Novaria truly had nothing more to say. Everything Aldric had done was flawless, without a single loophole.

So, reprimanding him again would be pointless.

"Hah..." She let out a light sigh and slowly sat back down. "I won’t say anything else. But if something happens later, don’t involve me."

She didn’t want to become a victim of Aldric’s actions.

"Relax," Aldric reassured her. "Everything will go according to my plan—I guarantee it."

...

Like an arrow released from a bow, time passed quickly.

There were only four days left until New Year’s Eve.

However, the capital still showed no signs of being fully decorated.

Only the central district had decorations, while the rest of the city remained bare.

This clearly surprised the people of the capital. Usually, a week before the New Year, the city would already be decorated.

But now, there was nothing, and it left everyone confused.

"What’s going on? Could the palace have forgotten?"

"That’s impossible. They do it every year. There’s no way they just forgot this time."

"You’re right. Then why are there still no decorations in my area?"

Discussions soon broke out among the people. It wasn’t that they truly cared about the decorations.

They were simply used to seeing them every year, so their absence felt strange.

Not only the people, but also Ragan, sitting in his chair, was very confused about what was happening in the capital.

"What happened? Why haven’t Nolan and Seira carried out the order I gave them?" he wondered, his expression serious.

He trusted both of them greatly, yet this outcome was completely beyond his expectations.

"Orion," he called in a deep voice.

Orion immediately appeared at his side.

"What can I do for you, Your Majesty?"

Ragan straightened up and asked, "What happened? Why haven’t the two of them done what I ordered?"

Orion paused briefly before adopting a solemn expression.

"They are facing serious problems, Your Majesty."

Ragan frowned. "Tell me—what is it?"