Chapter 528: Chapter 528: Nolan’s Big Request (1)

"Is it done?"

Nolan suddenly appeared beside Malverna.

Malverna pulled her gaze from the sky and nodded slightly.

"Everything is done."

Nolan glanced at the lifeless body of the Holy Apostle, then waved his left hand.

Black flames erupted instantly, reducing the body to ashes.

"Let’s go."

His figure vanished. Malverna disappeared as well, leaving the black flames burning for a moment before fading completely.

...

"That’s strange. Why did he die so suddenly?"

Draco stared at the Cardinal of Pride lying lifeless before him, confusion written across his face.

Not only the Cardinal, but even the subordinates he had brought with him had died suddenly. Draco had no idea why.

Orion and Cassiopeia appeared beside him. Orion crouched and carefully examined the body of the Cardinal of Pride.

"There are no fatal wounds," he said, his expression darkening. "But... his heart... it’s crushed, as if pressed by some unseen force."

Draco and Cassiopeia froze in shock.

"Could he have been killed in secret? But how? When Draco and that man were fighting, we were far away watching, weren’t we?" Cassiopeia frowned.

Orion didn’t answer. He studied the lifeless Cardinal intently, deep in thought.

Still, no reasonable explanation came to him.

Finally, he pushed aside his curiosity and stood.

"Forget it. The capital is safe for now. Let’s return."

With that, he transformed into a flash of light and shot toward the capital.

Cassiopeia and Draco exchanged a glance, then followed.

...

The next morning, shocking news swept through the entire capital.

On New Year’s Eve, the enemy had launched a silent attack on the city.

The source of the news was unclear, but everyone in the capital believed it, and it spread like wildfire.

"Have you heard?"

"Are you talking about last night’s attack? Yes, I heard. It’s terrifying. Thankfully, nothing serious happened."

"You’re right. The Palace handled it perfectly. There was no chaos at all."

Conversations about the attack buzzed throughout the city.

Although the attack had caused concern, the palace’s swift response had actually restored the public’s waning trust.

"I don’t know whether to call this a blessing or not," Ragan said, sighing.

He had just learned about the leak regarding the enemy’s attack last night and was surprised to find that public trust had actually increased.

It was clearly good news. Still, he had to uncover the mastermind behind the leak.

If left unchecked, there was no guarantee this person wouldn’t cause trouble in the future.

"Find the culprit—don’t let them get away. Understood?"

Ragan fixed Orion with a serious gaze.

"As you command, Your Majesty." Orion bowed deeply.

Ragan waved his hand, and Orion was gone in an instant.

Knock!

"Father, it’s me and Nolan. Can we come in?"

Seira’s voice came from the direction of his workspace door.

Ragan turned toward the sound and said, "Come in, both of you."

The door opened, revealing Nolan and Seira. They stepped inside and bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Father."

"Good morning, old man."

Ragan smiled at Seira’s greeting, but Nolan’s words made blue veins appear on his forehead.

Still, he held back his anger and said, "Sit down first."

The two nodded and took their seats.

"You both did well," Ragan said, his eyes filled with genuine appreciation. "According to Orion, last night the capital was buzzing with people watching the fireworks you created. Because of your efforts, the people’s trust in the palace has grown again. You’ve truly earned a reward. So tell me—what do you want?"

He was fair. Before them, he was both a father and an emperor.

Rewards were fitting for those who had accomplished something.

"I don’t need anything right now, Father. Can I save my request for later?" Seira asked.

"Of course," Ragan replied, turning to Nolan, waiting for his answer.

Nolan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then, a playful smile spread across his face.

"Father... I want the throne."

Ragan: "..."

"Pfft!" Seira burst out laughing but quickly covered her mouth, hitting Nolan on the head.

"Don’t say silly things. Hurry up, or Father will hit you," she whispered, giggling.

Nolan coughed awkwardly, glanced at his father’s clenched hand, and quickly revised his request.

"Father, I want full authority over the cooperation with the Kingdom of Kaldarion, including all decision-making."

Ragan and Seira were taken aback. Ragan interlaced his fingers, rested his chin on his thumbs, and fixed his gaze on Nolan.

"Why are you asking for that?" he asked.

Nolan leaned back in his chair and explained, "There are three reasons. First, I’m the one who fulfilled the responsibilities you entrusted to me. King Glarvic certainly expects me to oversee the cooperation between the empire and his kingdom. In addition, there are several points of cooperation that benefit the empire directly. If they’re handed to someone else, they could be exploited, which would harm the palace. And second..."

He folded his arms across his chest and continued, "This success is my achievement. I don’t want anyone else taking credit for it. Of course, Sister Sharon contributed as well, but since she’s not here, I’ll take responsibility for her part for now. And third... well, this is actually the most important."

Sitting up straight, he fixed Ragan with a serious gaze. "The Blue Moon Trading House is interested in investing in this joint project. Not only them, but the White Lotus Trading House also wants a large share. If we can leverage their involvement, it will greatly benefit the empire. What do you think?"

He waited calmly for his father’s response. In truth, he didn’t need Ragan’s permission.

Still, to ensure everything went smoothly, he chose to ask and clearly state his intentions.

Seira glanced at Ragan, her curiosity evident. She wanted to see how her father would respond.

After all, Nolan’s request wasn’t a trivial one like money or ordinary rewards.

Ragan furrowed his brow. "Why do you want Blue Moon and White Lotus involved in this project?"

One of his main reasons for working with Kaldarion was Netherium.

Coincidentally, the largest Netherium mine was owned by Blue Moon.

Although the empire received royalties each year, Ragan wanted their own mine, which would bring the palace far greater profits.

Nolan smiled casually. "Because both of them are the keys to making this cooperation a success."