CHAPTER 130: SEIRA’S GUILT AND BEING CAUGHT IN A TRAP

Nolan made his way back to the hall to find his sister.

But when he arrived, the room was quiet and nearly empty—only a few maids and soldiers were left, cleaning up after the party.

"Nolan, are you looking for Elina?"

A soft voice called out from behind, making him flinch. He turned around and saw his older sister, Seira.

"Sister Seira? Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be in your room?" he asked, puzzled.

Seira simply smiled and walked over, slipping her arm through his before resting her cheek against his. "I was waiting for you. I knew you’d come back to the hall and wonder where Elina went."

Her words caught Nolan off guard, but a warm feeling soon filled his chest.

Despite her sometimes annoying behavior, Seira truly was a caring and affectionate sister.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"Hmm?" Seira raised her eyebrows with a playful smile. "What was that? I didn’t quite hear you. Want to say it again?"

Nolan: "..."

For some reason, the memory of being tricked by Seira a few days ago resurfaced. He quickly clamped his mouth shut, unwilling to fall for her antics again.

Seeing his reaction, Seira pouted. She pinched his cheek and urged, "Come on, say it again. I’ve been waiting, you know?"

But Nolan stubbornly kept his mouth shut and turned his face away, pretending not to see her.

Realizing her efforts were futile, Seira let out a long sigh and finally gave up.

"By the way, you’re looking for Elina, aren’t you? There’s no need—Father called her to his workspace," Seira said casually.

"Hmm?" Nolan blinked in surprise. "Does it have something to do with what happened earlier?"

The "earlier" incident he referred to, of course, was the sudden attack by the Singularity of Light—an attack that had nearly claimed both his and Elina’s lives.

Seira’s expression darkened as she slowly nodded.

"Yes, it’s related. Father also summoned Adalen and my mother to hold them accountable. They’re likely to face severe punishment," she said, her voice low and edged with anger.

Nolan said nothing. But before he could respond, Seira suddenly tightened her grip on his arm.

Then, in a soft, trembling voice, she murmured, "Nolan... I’m sorry for what happened. I just... I hope you don’t hate me."

Startled, Nolan turned to her, only to find tears welling up in her eyes.

His breath caught. Without thinking, he gently reached out and wiped them away.

"Sister... What’s wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked, bewildered.

Seira leaned into his touch, her voice soft and hesitant. "I’m just scared you’ll resent me... or see me as your enemy because of what happened. It was all clearly Adalen’s doing—he must have provoked Grandfather into attacking you and Elina. And since I’m part of their family... I feel responsible. I’m sorry. You... you don’t hate me, do you?"

Her hands trembled, and tears continued to fall. It was painfully clear—she was terrified that Nolan might turn his back on her.

Upon hearing that, Nolan fell silent. He hadn’t expected Seira to be that scared.

Regardless of what had happened earlier, he knew it wasn’t her fault—not in the slightest.

Besides, he was someone who could tell the difference between an enemy and someone who wasn’t.

There was no way he’d ever hurt or blame an innocent person—right?

With a gentle smile, Nolan pulled Seira into his arms and softly rubbed her smooth, pale back.

"Don’t cry, Sister. I’m not angry at you. I know this was all Adalen’s doing—and the Singularity of Light—not yours," he said reassuringly. "So can you stop crying now? If someone sees this and reports it to the old man, I’ll be the one getting beaten up."

After all, Seira and Elina were two of their father’s most beloved children.

And anyone who made them cry... shouldn’t expect to live peacefully in this palace.

To be honest, Nolan was genuinely afraid of Seira’s tears. If she kept crying, there was a good chance all the blame would land squarely on him.

It wasn’t even impossible... that his monthly allowance might get cut!

"Pfft!" Seira suddenly laughed, burying her face in Nolan’s broad chest. "You’re really something, Nolan. But you do have a point."

Slowly, she pulled away and gave him a mischievous look. "So... if I told Father about this, what kind of punishment do you think you’d get?"

Nolan: "..."

Damn it! I knew it would end like this. She tricked me again!

He cursed inwardly, then quickly composed himself.

"Ahem! Sister, why are you suddenly asking something like that? Anyway, let’s just forget it. I was, uh... just about to head back to my room and get some rest. So, goodbye!"

Just as he turned to flee, Seira suddenly wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"Running away? You really think I’d let you off that easily?" She murmured, pressing her cheek against his back. "You still owe me an explanation—how did you get close to that girl from the Austin family? And don’t think I’ve forgotten... Why are you suddenly so popular with all those young women? If you dare hide anything, I’ll report it to Father. You wouldn’t want that, would you?"

A faint, mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she spoke.

Nolan: Damn it! I knew this would happen! Me, five minutes ago... you absolute idiot!

***

"Damn it! How could this happen?! Do the gods truly hate me?!"

Inside his room, Zarak slammed his fist against the table. His face twisted with fury as he stared at his reddened hand.

The pain was intense, but he didn’t care.

His mind was consumed by one thing: hatred—for Nolan and Elina. And now, that hatred had reached its peak.

Just moments ago, his wish to see them dead had nearly come true.

But fate had other ideas. Instead of perishing in the Singularity of Light’s surprise attack, they had survived—thanks to the sudden appearance of a subordinate of the Singularity of Chaos.

What was meant to be a disaster had become a blessing.

Many noble families who had once hesitated to take sides now rallied behind Elina.

Even some who had been leaning toward supporting him had turned away, openly declaring their allegiance to her in the battle for the throne.

None of this had been part of his plan—and that fact seared through him like fire.

Just as his rage reached its peak, a soft knock came at the door.

Knock!

"Your Highness, there’s a letter from your grandfather," came the gentle voice of a maid from behind the door.

Zarak flinched. Quickly, he walked over and opened it. A beautiful young maid stood there, holding a red envelope.

"Here you go, Prince Zarak," she said with a sweet smile.

Zarak smiled and took the letter. "Thank you, Linda."

The young woman before him was no ordinary maid—she had been personally assigned by his grandfather. In a way, she was a representative of the Red Obsidian Trading House—someone he could trust completely.

"You’re welcome, Prince!" Linda replied cheerfully, clenching her small fists in excitement.

After a brief exchange, Zarak returned to his room and opened the letter.

As he read, the remnants of anger on his face gradually faded, replaced by a look of growing delight—until, finally, his expression burst into one of uncontainable joy.

"Hahaha! I knew you wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing!" he shouted with a triumphant laugh.

"Soon, the eastern region will fall completely under the control of the Red Obsidian Trading House. And after that, hehehe... even the Duke of Austin won’t have a choice—he’ll have to support me."