CHAPTER 127: ELINA’S HOPE

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... Big brother, it looks like Rafine Austin is really in love with you."

Elina’s mocking voice rang out from behind. The corners of Nolan’s lips twitched slightly when he heard her.

He rubbed his temples and looked at Elina with a resigned expression.

"You misunderstand. There’s no way she’s in love with me. She’s just upset and angry because I kept ignoring her. Once she calms down, she’ll forget about me and go on with her life like usual."

Admittedly, he was handsome and charming—but he knew his place. He wasn’t someone worthy of Rafine.

For now, his status might be higher, but once the Duke of Austin retired, Rafine would inherit her father’s position and rise far above him.

Besides, Rafine always drew attention wherever she went, while he remained a quiet figure who preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

That alone made it clear—they belonged to different worlds.

Listening to her brother’s humble words, Elina felt unsatisfied. To her, he was the best. No one else could ever compare.

Still, she didn’t argue. Deep down, she disliked any woman who tried to take her brother’s attention away from her.

She didn’t want their world to be disturbed by a third person—someone who might ruin the bond they shared.

So in a way, Elina was secretly relieved that nothing had happened between Nolan and Rafine.

"Nolan, Elina, we’re heading home first."

A soft voice called from behind. Instinctively, the two turned around and saw Evalyn standing beside her father, Luke Lionheart.

Nolan smiled at Evalyn, then turned to Luke with a respectful nod.

"Uncle Luke, thank you for coming to our father’s party," he said politely.

Anyone who knew Nolan as an arrogant and wild man would have been surprised by his current demeanor.

But to those close to him, this side of Nolan was nothing unusual. His respectful attitude toward Luke came naturally.

Luke was Evalyn’s father, and Nolan had always been close to him.

More importantly, Luke had always treated him kindly. Even when Nolan acted impulsively or unreasonably, Luke never got angry or took offense.

Instead, he was patient—seeing Nolan’s behavior as part of a young man’s search for identity.

Over time, their relationship deepened, and they came to resemble a true uncle and nephew.

"Hahaha!" Luke laughed heartily as he gently patted Nolan’s shoulder. "You’re welcome, Your Highness. But if I didn’t come, I’m sure His Majesty would’ve scolded me."

Nolan chuckled and nodded. "You’re right—he’s always been like that."

While the two men chatted, Elina and Evalyn were having a warm conversation of their own.

"Sister Evalyn, thank you for coming to our father’s party. And... I’m also truly grateful for the Lionheart family’s support."

She smiled sincerely. "I heard from my brother that the Lionheart family’s decision to back me was because of your influence. I really don’t know how to repay such a favor."

The Lionheart family’s support was no small matter—on the contrary, it was a significant move that gave Elina an edge over her siblings.

Evalyn returned her smile and gently grasped Elina’s hand.

"Why are you thanking me, Elina? Aren’t we sisters? Or... do you not think of me that way?" she asked, feigning annoyance.

Elina panicked and quickly shook her head. "Of course I consider you my sister, Sister Evalyn! How could I not?"

"Pfft! I’m just teasing, Elina. Don’t take it so seriously." Evalyn chuckled.

Elina took no offense and laughed along with her. The two chatted a while longer before finally wrapping up their conversation.

"Then Father and I will take our leave, Nolan, Elina," Evalyn said with a gentle smile.

Nolan gave a small nod. "Yes. Take care on the road."

Evalyn looked at him in silence for a moment, as if words were on the tip of her tongue—but in the end, she chose to hold them back.

"Thank you," she whispered softly.

Without another word, Evalyn and Luke turned and walked out of the hall.

Watching her leave, Elina furrowed her brow slightly, noticing the odd expression on Evalyn’s face.

What was that look just now? Don’t tell me...

Her eyes widened for a moment before she quickly composed herself.

Based on everything she had seen since childhood, one thing seemed clear—Evalyn likely had feelings for her brother.

"Huh..." Elina sighed softly, massaging her temples. It seems more and more women are starting to set their sights on Brother. Is our world really going to start falling apart because of them?

It wasn’t that she was against her brother having a partner. She simply wished it could be postponed a little longer—at least until she secured the throne and succeeded her father as Empress.

After Evalyn and Luke left, the heads of the noble families who had previously expressed their support began taking their leave as well.

At the start of the party, only two families—one led by a Count, the other by a Viscount—had openly declared their support for Elina.

Yet by the end of the evening, Elina had managed to sway even more nobles to her side. It was a testament to her remarkable ability to communicate and read the room.

Of course, the roles of Rudy and Orlan, who had stood beside her throughout the event, couldn’t be overlooked. Their presence carried significant weight and greatly influenced the perception of the noble families.

On top of that, the unexpected actions of the Singularity of Light had served as a powerful catalyst—prompting many hesitant nobles to finally pledge their support.

While Elina skillfully handled the noble heads, Nolan found himself surrounded by a group of enthusiastic young ladies.

"Prince Nolan, goodbye! I hope we meet again soon!"

"Your Highness, I didn’t want to leave, but my father insisted! Wuuu! Are you going to miss me?"

"Prince..."

"..."

Their excited voices and dramatic goodbyes came at him all at once, leaving Nolan utterly overwhelmed.

Several of them even reached out, trying to touch his chest, his stomach, and—more boldly—lower.

"Ahem!" Nolan coughed and quickly stepped back, trying to calm them down. "Ladies, please. I know you’re sad, but there’s no need for this. There’s still tomorrow, the day after, and many more days to come. Parting doesn’t mean we’ll be separated forever, you know?"

The prince’s poetic words touched the hearts of the young ladies—some were even moved to tears.

"Prince, you’re right! There’s still tomorrow and the days after that!" one of them exclaimed, clutching his right hand tightly and gazing at him with tender affection. "Then... can we meet tomorrow? What do you think?"

Seeing that, the others refused to back down. Another heated argument erupted among them.

Nolan: "..."

Somehow, he managed to calm them all down and arranged separate appointments with each of them.

In the end, the young ladies left the hall with bright smiles and hearts full of anticipation.

Nolan let out a deep sigh of relief. But just as he was about to enjoy a moment of peace, a soldier approached and said, "Your Highness, someone is looking for you."