CHAPTER 193: RAFINE’S COMPLEX FEELINGS

On the ship, Nolan leaned against the railing, gazing at the vast sea stretching out before him.

Ever since his reincarnation into this world, he had never boarded a ship—not because he couldn’t, but because he was too lazy and saw no reason to.

For him, relaxing, lazing around, and sleeping in his room were far more important. There was no need to waste energy or thought—just enjoy his solitude in peace.

After all, twenty-eight years in his previous world had been enough for him to achieve what he wanted. Despite being born a prince, he had no interest in chasing power or wealth.

With his true identity, he could have anything he desired, but he never felt the need.

Once the battle for the throne was over, he planned to leave the Great Velmora Empire and spend his time traveling the world. If fate brought him a wife along the way, he wouldn’t refuse.

Despite his aloof nature, he was still a man who liked women—the only difference was that he had no intention of pursuing them.

He believed fate had already chosen that person for him, though he had yet to meet her.

"Seira," he muttered, eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

Those usually cold and indifferent eyes now carried a trace of emotion—sadness, longing, and guilt.

The Seira he spoke of was not his older sister but his fiancée from his previous life.

Like the protagonist of a comic or novel, he and Seira had been childhood friends. Their families were both giants in their country and possessed great wealth.

Although Seira’s family was slightly below his, their social standing was still equal.

They grew up together, attended the same schools, and even went to the same university.

It could be said they were destined to be together forever—or at least, that was what he believed until he died in an accident.

Even after living in this world for eighteen years, he still hadn’t forgotten her. Other than his parents, Seira had been the closest person to him.

As such, he felt a deep guilt for leaving her behind, though it had never been his decision.

If there were a chance to meet her again, he would do everything possible to make it happen. He would apologize and ask her to forget about him forever.

Unfortunately, he knew that was impossible. This world and Earth were separated by an unfathomable distance.

It could be tens, hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even tens of millions of light-years.

And even with his power as the Singularity of Chaos, he could never reach Earth.

The universe was vast, and someone who seemed powerful like him was still just dust in the cosmic sea.

Unless he reached a level equal to the gods, it would remain impossible.

"What’s wrong with you, Your Highness? Why do you look troubled? It’s rare to see you like this."

A playful voice suddenly came from behind him. Nolan snapped out of his reverie but didn’t turn around—he already knew the owner of that voice without needing to look.

"Does Young Lady Rafine have nothing better to do than talk to me?" He mocked, his tone cold.

The smile on Rafine’s lips froze. The corners of her mouth twitched slightly as she shot Nolan a disgruntled look.

"You really have a sharp tongue," she said irritably, walking over to his side and leaning her arms on the ship’s railing. "Keep that attitude up, and no woman will ever want you. You’ll end up single for life."

She turned toward him with a mocking smile. Surprisingly, Nolan remained completely unfazed.

With a calm smile, he looked up at the sky and said casually, "I have no intention of finding a life partner. My heart has already belonged to someone else for a long time."

His words made Rafine’s smile falter. Her expression soured for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Your heart belongs to someone else? Does that mean you have a partner?" she teased.

"Yes, you’re right," Nolan admitted with a small nod. "I do have a partner."

Upon hearing that, Rafine’s heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible hand. Her breathing grew heavy, and her body weakened.

What’s happening to me? Why am I feeling like this? She silently wondered in confusion.

The feeling was strange, yet oddly familiar. She tried to push it away, but it clung to her. Her chest ached, as if pierced by a knife.

Then, the memory of her mother’s question at the Emperor’s birthday banquet resurfaced.

Do you love Prince Nolan?

Her eyes widened, and her body went rigid.

Do I love Nolan? The thought jolted her, but she instantly denied it. That’s impossible! How could I fall for this lazy, infuriating man? He’s always making me angry! Impossible. Yes... it’s impossible...

But just as relief began to settle in, doubt crept back into her heart.

Is it really like that?

Her confidence crumbled in an instant, plunging her into a deep dilemma.

The more she denied it, the clearer her feelings for Nolan became.

If she didn’t like him, why did her chest ache so much when she heard he had someone to love?

If she didn’t care, why did she always want to tease him and make him fall for her?

One question after another crowded her mind, making her head pound and her thoughts swirl.

"What’s wrong with you? Are you seasick?"

Nolan’s concerned voice came from in front of her, accompanied by the gentle warmth of his palm on her head.

Rafine snapped out of her reverie and quickly took a step back. Her face flushed, and her breathing grew uneven with embarrassment.

"What are you doing? Why did you touch me?" she demanded irritably, trying to hide her fluster.

Nolan raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest.

"I’m sorry, but I saw your face turn red earlier. I was worried you might be seasick," he explained briefly. "Anyway, if you throw up, I’ll be the one dealing with it. So don’t misunderstand, alright?"

Rafine regained her composure, though the embarrassment still lingered.

"It’s fine. It was my fault for being too impulsive," she said softly. "And for scolding you as well. I hope you’ll forgive me."

Nolan was slightly taken aback. His eyes narrowed as he gave her a slow once-over.

Seeing this, confusion flashed across Rafine’s face.

"What’s with that look?" she asked hesitantly.

Nolan snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. With a faint smile, he teased, "I’m just surprised you actually apologized. That’s rare. I regret not recording it—if I had, I could’ve kept it and used it as blackmail...hehehe..."

His eyes gleamed mischievously, sending a shiver down her spine.

"You..." she growled in annoyance, clenching her right hand into a fist.

But before she could say another word, an explosion erupted from below.

Boom!