CHAPTER 223: THE STUBBORN RAFINE

"So, why are you still coming with us?"

While riding his horse, Nolan glanced at Rafine beside him with a puzzled expression.

The Austin family had already declared support for Elina. Rafine had no reason to tag along on their return journey to the palace.

And yet, here she was, riding with them, leaving Nolan even more astonished.

Rafine grinned slightly. "Austin’s family affairs and mine are different. You saved me during that incident, and I still don’t know how to repay you. So..."

She licked her lips, a teasing light in her eyes. "I’ll come with you and take care of all your needs. Just think of it as payment for your kindness. Are you happy now?"

Nolan: "..."

Elina: "..."

The corner of Nolan’s mouth twitched. He wanted to spout some sharp remark but held it back.

Honestly, he never thought she meant it. He figured Rafine was just bluffing and would never actually come to the palace.

But he was wrong. The girl was really coming along, and her reason was to take care of him!

He was a forty-six-year-old man, for heaven’s sake! How could he possibly need to be taken care of by a little girl like her?

Massaging his temples, Nolan let out a soft sigh and asked again, "Rafine, I wish you wouldn’t take such a foolish step. We’re not far from your family mansion. How about I escort you back?"

"No!" Rafine shook her head firmly. "I’m not going back after what I’ve decided. My father always taught me to keep the words I’ve spoken, so I’ll stick with my choice."

Her stubborn reply left Nolan at a loss for words.

"However, you are the heiress of the Austin family. Your safety could be at risk if you come with us to the palace," he said solemnly.

After what had happened, he was certain that Cedric, Adalan, Aldric, Cassian, and Zarak would soon make their move.

The battle for the throne, which had been stagnant for several months, had clearly tested their patience.

When that time came, silent assassinations, conspiracies, and all kinds of intrigues were bound to surface one after another. Of course, with his presence, Elina would not suffer any harm.

But with Rafine, it was different. He had no intention of adding more weight to his shoulders just to protect her. It was simply too much trouble.

Yet in the face of his warning, Rafine did not flinch. She smiled proudly and said, "You have nothing to worry about, Your Highness Nolan. Isn’t Princess Elina protected by the Singularity of Chaos? As one of her supporters, I’ll certainly receive protection as well, right?"

Then she turned to Elina, who was riding beside her, and asked softly, "Is that true, Princess Elina?"

Elina: "..."

She didn’t know how to respond. In truth, even she herself didn’t understand who the Singularity of Chaos really was or what his true purpose might be.

Elina wanted to say she didn’t know, but she swallowed her words when she saw the hopeful expression on Rafine’s face.

"You’re right, Young Lady Rafine. The Singularity of Chaos will definitely protect you as well," Elina said softly, her tone resigned.

Rafine looked back at Nolan with a triumphant gaze.

This time, Nolan fell silent. He could see just how stubborn the girl was once she had made up her mind.

If pushed too far, she might even do something reckless.

"Alright, it’s up to you. I won’t interfere." Nolan waved his hand. "But I want to make sure of one thing first."

His expression grew serious. "What role are you going to take? Just take care of me, or is there something else?"

Since childhood, he had never actually had someone look after him.

Of course, it wasn’t because the palace couldn’t afford to assign him a personal servant.

On the contrary, he simply never needed one. He disliked anyone freely coming in and out of his chambers, even if it was a servant tasked with serving him.

"My job is to take care of you and prepare all your needs," Rafine replied with a faint smile.

"That’s the work of a servant. How could you possibly do that?" Nolan was astonished. "You’re the heiress of the Austin family. If your father found out, he’d beat me half to death."

Rafine’s status among the young nobles was exceptionally high. If they learned she had chosen to become his servant, he would face harsh criticism from every corner.

In truth, he didn’t care about himself. He had long lived under the shadow of a bad reputation, one he had deliberately created.

But he didn’t want Rafine to be dragged into it. She was still just a young girl, and Nolan couldn’t bear the thought of her becoming the target of harsh gossip.

"You underestimate me too much, Nolan." Rafine shook her head. "Do you think I was only taught how to be a leader? Of course not. My mother also trained me to cook, make tea, and handle the duties of a wife. So you don’t have to worry about me causing trouble. As for gossip or rumors, I don’t care. The Austin family has already declared their support for Princess Elina, so it’s only natural for me to help you two, right?"

Her words left Nolan silent once more. Despite all his doubts, what Rafine said was true, and he had no real reason to forbid her.

"Well..." Nolan rubbed his temples. "It’s your decision, but I hope you don’t become a burden to me."

Rafine only smiled in response. Over the past few days, she had been thinking of ways to repay Nolan’s kindness.

At first, she hadn’t known how. Eventually, she asked her mother for advice, and her mother told her to follow Nolan and Elina to the palace.

At first, Rafine thought her mother was joking. But after listening to her explanation, she realized her mother was right.

Not only had she yet to find a way to repay Nolan’s favor, but she also hadn’t forgotten her true goal—making Nolan fall in love with her.

As it happened, being constantly by his side clearly increased her chances of success.

As for her pride, she no longer cared. She had learned that excessive self-esteem only brought disaster, just as it had on the ship earlier.

If not for her own carelessness, that incident would never have occurred.

Elina, who had been silently watching, let out a small sigh and shook her head.

Apparently, the palace is going to be even more chaotic with Rafine around...

...

"Has the Flame Order healed?"

Seated on a magnificent throne, a man in a black robe and mysterious mask lounged lazily, his gaze fixed on the figure bowing on one knee beneath the stairs.

The man below was well-built, his face hidden behind a golden mask. He wore a gold-colored robe, and faint sparks of electricity danced around him.

"The Flame Order has healed, my lord. However, the powerful attack from the Singularity of Chaos left marks on his body that are difficult to fully heal," the man replied casually.

"I see..." The man on the throne nodded slightly, as if unsurprised. "That’s fine. I’ll handle the rest. Now, return to your duties, Light Order."

"Yes, my lord!"

The man rose and left the room without another word.

Watching his departure, the man on the throne let out a faint grin.

He fixed his gaze on the ceiling, adorned with mysterious ancient paintings.

"Seven Singularities? Hehehe... how amusing. Your era will soon crumble, replaced by us—the Seven Orders..."