CHAPTER 226: ASTON VALMIRE’S DECISIVE DECISION

Nolan and Aston stepped into the factory with caution.

Shards of glass and fragments of broken weapons littered the ground. One wrong step, and their horses could have been injured.

When they finally arrived, a scene far more chaotic than expected unfolded before them.

Glass lay shattered everywhere, and the craftsmen’s tools for forging weapons were in ruins. Bloodstains covered the floor, making the atmosphere even heavier.

Soldiers rushed about, carrying their wounded comrades as well as employees who were in critical condition.

Aston’s expression darkened, his face flushed red. The fury inside him was so overwhelming that he could barely contain it.

Nolan didn’t offer comfort. The devastation was too great, and empty words would only sound hypocritical.

Both dismounted and walked deeper inside, their sudden presence startling everyone.

"My lord!" the soldiers exclaimed in unison, bowing their heads.

Aston gave a brief nod, then fixed his eyes on a soldier whose armor was stained with blood across the right side of his chest.

"How many casualties?" he asked, his tone calm.

Yet anyone with a sense for it could feel the anger hidden beneath his voice.

The soldier gave a wry smile before reporting. "Fifty casualties among the soldiers and eighty among the employees and craftsmen. In addition, five soldiers have died, and two craftsmen are in critical condition—their survival uncertain."

The attack was brutal. No one had expected the Castellan family to mobilize so many troops for this strike.

Moreover, the attack had taken place during their lunch break, leaving them completely unprepared.

Aston’s mouth opened and closed, as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t. His words stuck in his throat as his anger swelled.

After a moment, he drew a deep breath and patted his right shoulder.

"Go to the temporary medical room," he said softly.

The soldier gave a small nod and headed outside the factory. The others followed until the place was empty, leaving only Aston and Nolan behind.

"Your Highness," Aston said calmly as he turned to him. "Is there an Imperial law that forbids warfare between two noble families?"

As if anticipating the question, Nolan crossed his arms and replied, "Of course there is, Marquis Valmire. Noble families are forbidden from attacking one another. Otherwise, severe punishment will be imposed—twenty years of imprisonment for each family head. In addition, their noble status will be revoked, and they will be reduced to ordinary families."

The Great Velmora Empire was particularly strict about preserving internal peace. Warfare between nobles—especially those of higher ranks such as Viscount, Count, Marquis, and especially Duke—was strictly prohibited.

After all, the downfall of an empire often began with internal strife, spreading like fire across a dry field.

Aston fell silent, his expression growing ever darker. "Is there truly no other way, Your Highness?"

His fists clenched tightly, his large frame trembling slightly. He could not simply stand by and watch this happen.

Revenge had to be exacted—more than ever—so the Castellan family would understand the consequences of provoking the Valmire family.

His hatred for Rovert Castellan had long been festering. That effeminate man, who fancied men, had been his target for a long time. Yet the chance to strike had never come.

But now, the opportunity was here. And there was no way he would let it slip.

Nolan let out a low chuckle, nodding slowly. "Of course, the rules I mentioned earlier only apply in times of peace. But now, with the battle for the throne officially begun, killing... even slaughter... is permitted."

A cold smile curved across his lips, while his eyes glimmered with playful malice.

Aston’s heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed hard.

For some reason, Nolan’s expression resembled that of someone who had killed countless times without the slightest trace of guilt.

Forcing himself to stay composed, Aston set his jaw and said sternly, "Then explain the rules. I want to take revenge on the Castellan family."

His eyes burned with unwavering resolve.

Nolan gave a small nod. "The rules are simple. You must enlist the Austin family to keep this matter hidden from the palace. Well, news will spread sooner or later, but during the battle, no outsiders should interfere—including the palace."

Aston’s eyes narrowed at those words.

"Will the Austin family agree to it?" he asked doubtfully.

The Austin family was the true ruler of the eastern region. There was no way they would want chaos erupting in their territory—especially a war between two Marquis families, which could bring catastrophe to everyone.

What’s more, the eastern region had only just recovered from a sea monster attack. If war were to erupt between the two families, the region could easily collapse once again.

"Don’t worry, Marquis Valmire," Nolan said in a calming tone. "You may not know this, but the Austin family has already pledged their support to Elina. I’ll speak to them myself, so rest easy."

With Rafine at his side, Nolan had no concerns about Alvaron refusing the request. After all, the Austin family owed a massive debt to the Blue Moon Trading House, which was entirely under his control.

In truth, Rafine had been right—the generous loan given to the Austin family was no gift.

In return, they were bound to support Elina in the battle for the throne. Nolan knew Rafine understood this well, since the condition had been written clearly in the agreement’s clause.

Even so, Rafine hadn’t minded. She had signed the agreement without hesitation, signaling her acceptance.

Well, that was only natural. Elina was the only one willing to come to the eastern region to aid the Austin family, while the others hesitated—or even feared to step in.

In addition, Elina had the support of the Singularity of Chaos. To everyone, she was a candidate worthy of backing, on equal footing with Aldric, Cedric, and Adalen.

Aston felt relieved upon hearing that. He clasped his hands together and bowed his head.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The Valmire family will support Princess Elina until the very end!" he declared solemnly.

Nolan didn’t answer, only patting his shoulder lightly. Yet Aston failed to notice the thin, cold smile on Nolan’s lips—as if something far greater was hidden behind his offer of help.

...

Coak! Coak!

The sound of a crow came from the direction of Alvaraon’s study window. He frowned, noticing a crow that had appeared out of nowhere, perched in front of the large, tightly closed window.

"A crow?" His brows knitted together. Then his gaze fell on a gold-colored scroll strapped to its back.

Curious, he opened the window. The crow hopped inside and approached him.

Alvaraon carefully took the scroll and unrolled it.

As he read, his eyes widened in horror.

"A battle between two Marquis families!?"