CHAPTER 225: CONFLICT OF INTEREST (2)

Nolan looked up and saw Aston with several soldiers from the Valmire family.

They were on horseback, some of them carrying weapons as if prepared for battle.

"Marquis Valmire," Nolan greeted politely with a small nod. "I apologize for my sudden arrival. Are you heading somewhere?"

Aston clasped his hands toward him. "It’s alright, Your Highness. Yes, I’m going to the family factory to settle some important matters."

Even as he tried to appear composed, Nolan noticed the anxiety and anger beneath the surface.

"Is something wrong there? Or..." Nolan smiled faintly. "Did the Castellan family make a move against your factory?"

The words startled Aston, and his gaze at Nolan turned into one of astonishment and admiration.

"How did you figure that out, Your Highness?" he asked absentmindedly.

"Just a hunch," Nolan replied casually with a shrug.

Aston fell silent, unsure whether to believe him or not. Since their last conversation, his view of Nolan had changed drastically.

Once, he believed Nolan to be just a foolish, worthless prince. Yet now, he saw him as a figure deserving of admiration and respect.

Who could have imagined that beneath all the mocking titles Nolan carried lay a different, unforeseen side of him?

Although Aston didn’t know how Nolan had formed a connection with the Blue Moon Trading House, the truth was that the Valmire family had received tremendous help and benefits from them.

If not for that, the Valmire family would already be in serious trouble. After all, the Castellan family had grown incredibly strong with the support of the Red Obsidian Trading House.

"Take me with you. I want to see the condition of your factory as well."

Nolan’s casual voice pulled Aston out of his thoughts. He looked at Nolan doubtfully before asking in a heavy tone, "Are you certain, Your Highness? Reports say the Castellan family’s attack has left many of my employees and soldiers injured. Some have even died. I cannot guarantee they won’t strike again."

Nolan rolled his eyes and waved a hand dismissively. "I appreciate the warning, but it’s fine. I’m a prince—they wouldn’t dare attack me unless they’re ready to face punishment from the imperial family. Besides, I can protect myself. So relax."

Those words eased Aston’s worries somewhat. In hindsight, Nolan’s reasoning did make sense.

With his status as a prince, even the Castellan family wouldn’t act recklessly—unless they were prepared to face dire consequences.

"Very well, Your Highness. Then let us go," Aston said respectfully.

Nolan gave a small nod, and at once they rode their horses toward the southeast, accompanied by dozens of soldiers guarding them.

...

In a luxurious room, a man sat at ease, one leg folded lazily over the other.

He was thin, with a faint mustache on his upper lip and slightly curly blue hair. His eyes were somewhat wide, framed by thin eyebrows that stretched neatly from end to end.

His teeth jutted out slightly, and a large mole marked the right side of his cheek. That man was Rovert Castellan, head of the Marquis Castellan family.

His gaze shifted to a gray-armored soldier standing before him, and he asked casually, "Was the attack successful?"

The soldier bowed respectfully and replied, "Everything went according to plan, my Lord. We destroyed the Valmire family’s weapons factory. Several employees were injured, and three soldiers died fighting us."

Rovert grinned faintly as his eyes lingered on his long, pink-colored fingernails.

"Very good. You’ve done an excellent job," he said softly with a slow nod. "Don’t worry—there will be rewards for all of you."

"Thank you, my Lord!" the soldier exclaimed joyfully, clasping his hands together.

Rovert gave a brief nod and waved his left hand dismissively. "Go back."

Without another word, the soldier quickly left the room.

Rovert yawned lazily and propped his legs on the table.

"Anna, come in," he called casually.

At that moment, a beautiful woman stepped in through the door. She wore a purple dress, and her long brown hair hung straight down her back.

When Anna’s eyes fell on Rovert, a flicker of fear crossed them—but she quickly concealed it.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Lord Rovert?" She asked cautiously.

Rovert smiled and patted the seat at his right side. The woman didn’t dare argue and slowly sat down beside him.

Fear was plain on her face, and cold sweat trickled down her forehead and neck.

"How are you and your... baby?" Rovert leaned close to her neck, inhaling her fragrance.

Anna felt goosebumps rise, but she forced herself to stay calm. "The baby is... fine, my Lord. You have nothing to worry about."

Rovert nodded in satisfaction, his eyes dropping to her slightly swollen belly.

He reached out and gently rubbed it.

"This child will be the future heir of the Castellan family," he said quietly. "So take care of him. Don’t let him suffer even the slightest harm. Otherwise..."

His words trailed off, his eyes narrowing with murderous intent.

"I—I understand, Lord Rovert. Leave it to me!" Anna quickly reassured him.

"Good." Rovert patted her head approvingly. "After you give birth, you can return to your family. I’ll give you the wealth and home I promised."

"Thank you, Lord Rovert! Thank you!" The woman said, bowing her head, her expression a mix of joy and sorrow.

Rovert gave a simple nod and waved his hand. Understanding, the woman rose quickly and left the room.

Silence returned, but Rovert paid it no mind.

His eyes reddened slightly as he bit the tip of his index finger and whispered with passion, I’m burning with desire... I need someone to vent to.

...

Nolan and Aston rode for fifteen minutes before finally arriving at a large factory on a vast estate.

Once grand and sophisticated, the building was now in ruins. The gates lay shattered, soldiers were badly wounded, and some had died with stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

The chaotic scene made Aston’s anger nearly uncontrollable.

The Castellan family... he muttered furiously.

He had never expected them to go this far—mobilizing dozens, no, hundreds of armed soldiers just to destroy his factory. Such an act was utterly intolerable.

Meanwhile, Nolan, who had been watching in silence, was equally stunned. Narrowing his eyes, he whispered, So... a war between the two families is about to begin.