Chapter 529: Chapter 529: Nolan’s Big Request (2)

"The key to the success of this cooperation?" Ragan frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Simple—they can process Netherium, especially Blue Moon," Nolan replied casually. "Father, you know we can’t process Netherium ourselves because the technology isn’t ours. Only the Blue Moon Trading House has it. Even if we bought it at a high price, the required resources would still be enormous—training, basic implementation, and so on. Not to mention, it would take a great deal of time, and we don’t have that luxury."

He sighed softly and shook his head. "The kingdoms and empires out there don’t even know about the Netherium in the southeast of the Kingdom of Kaldarion. If we delay, they could launch a full-scale attack to seize it. Even though we are strong, the mine isn’t on the central continent—it’s in the north. It would be hard to anticipate attacks or send help in time. Well, with Blue Moon and White Lotus involved, security is guaranteed. They have the funds to monitor the mining area. What do you think?"

What he said wasn’t empty persuasion—it was the truth.

In this world, who wouldn’t be tempted by a Netherium mine?

Netherium was the rarest mineral on the planet, and managing it was incredibly difficult, requiring extensive training and countless failed attempts before a workable method could be found.

The mine’s importance was obvious from how Glarvic had unilaterally handled the negotiations back then.

So, he wanted Blue Moon and White Lotus to manage it. Of course, it couldn’t be denied that it also served his own interests.

At least it was far better than having the palace manage it directly. After all, the palace wasn’t particularly skilled in business.

Cooperating with the Kingdom of Kaldarion was a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation by unscrupulous individuals.

Ragan considered Nolan’s words. Frankly, they made a lot of sense.

In his ambition for the palace to control its own Netherium mine, he had forgotten that managing it required repeated research and trial-and-error before a proper method could be established.

"What Nolan said is completely true, Father. It’s much better to leave it to the two trading houses. Of course, the condition is that forty percent of the Netherium goes to the palace," Seira interjected, turning to Nolan. "What do you think?"

"Forty percent, huh?" Nolan rubbed his chin. "That’s fine. We’ll give twenty percent profit to the Kingdom of Kaldarion. If we give forty percent to Blue Moon and White Lotus to split between them, we’ll still have forty percent left. More than enough."

Seira smiled and looked back at her father.

"That’s a smart choice. The palace spends little and still gets forty percent for free. Isn’t that a good deal, Father?"

Upon hearing this, Ragan finally relented. He exhaled softly and said, "Alright, do as you wish, Nolan. I also grant you full authority. But remember—don’t misuse it, understand? If I hear of any fraud, I will punish it severely."

His eyes flashed with menace.

However, Nolan wasn’t afraid at all. The "severe punishment" the old man threatened was likely nothing more than a minor reprimand.

After all, he knew how much the old man cared for him. Still, he had no intention of acting underhandedly.

"I understand. Leave it to me," Nolan said confidently, patting his chest.

***

Nolan and Seira left the room. Nolan was about to head to his room when Seira suddenly hugged his left arm, pressing her face against him affectionately.

"Do you have something important to do?"

Nolan glanced at her hopeful expression and knew immediately—this woman was definitely trying to get him to play along.

"I don’t," he replied honestly. "Don’t tell me you want to drag me somewhere."

Although he already knew the answer, there was no harm in letting her admit it herself.

"Hehehe... You really do understand me. Yes, I want to take you to that chocolate shop everyone’s talking about," Seira said excitedly. "I don’t have any friends, so come with me!"

Nolan was about to respond, but Seira had already dragged him outside.

Meanwhile, across the empire, a shocking incident was unfolding.

Many people died suddenly, and the cause remained a complete mystery.

Many speculated that it was the work of an evil organization of unknown origin.

Even though these speculations were unfounded, many people still believed them.

The nobles in the affected areas immediately launched large-scale investigations.

The problem was that the victims were not just ordinary people—several noble children had also been killed.

Of course, they were not real noble children but members of the Underworld Gate in disguise.

Still, they had died under those special identities. As a result, many noble families were enraged and did everything they could to find the perpetrators.

...

"Castar! My son! No!"

Elena cried hysterically when she saw her only son lying lifeless.

Her cries were so heart-wrenching that the servants who witnessed the scene could only bow their heads.

Her husband, Tristan Corvayne, wore a grim expression as he approached Castar’s body and examined it.

Strangely, there were no visible wounds, as if Castar had died suddenly.

"Do you know the cause of death?" Tristan asked coldly.

An old doctor withdrew his hand from Castar’s body and nodded slowly.

"His heart was crushed. It feels as though it was crushed by a hand," he said heavily.

Tristan and Elena were stunned. Elena’s face flushed red, tears streaming down her cheeks as she growled angrily, "Find the culprit, no matter what! I want them dead! I want to torture them!"

Her words were horrifying, sending shivers down everyone’s spine.

"Calm down, my dear," Tristan said softly, trying to soothe her.

"No, I can’t calm down! I want them all dead!"

She continued screaming in despair.

Tristan gently rubbed her back while secretly ordering the mages in the mansion to knock Elena unconscious.

Once they succeeded, he carried her out of Castar’s room himself.

At the doorway, he saw his illegitimate daughter and said calmly, "Leona, prepare yourself. You will be the next heir of the Corvayne family. Tomorrow, you will begin noble training. I hope you can meet my expectations."

Without waiting for a reply, Tristan walked away.

Meanwhile, Leona remained standing there, her expression blank.

Moments later, her face changed—from innocent and slightly foolish to indifferent, firm, and sharp.

She looked around, brows furrowed, thinking to herself, ’Where am I? This place feels unfamiliar.’

Her gaze unconsciously shifted toward the room, and her expression tightened.

"Could it be that I... have been reborn?"