CHAPTER 227: MALVERNA CHANGES

Three days passed quickly. During that time, the eastern region regained the peace it had lost since the appearance of the sea monster.

The economy began to move again, easing the poverty that had previously spread. Seafood, the eastern region’s main commodity, slowly returned to the markets.

The fishermen went back to the sea without worry. In a way, these days felt like the long-awaited peace for those who had been caught up in the war.

It might sound like an exaggeration, but that was truly how everyone in the eastern region felt.

However, beneath the surface of peace, a great disaster was lurking in the darkness. The Valmire family, with financial support from the Blue Moon Trading House, was preparing to go to war against the Castella family, backed by the Red Obsidian Trading House.

By law, a fight between two noble families—especially a Marquis—was strictly forbidden. Such a conflict could bring disaster and unrest not only to their territories but also to the lands of nearby nobles.

Unfortunately, those rules only applied when the battle for the throne had not yet begun. Once it was officially declared, a clash between noble families could take place.

Naturally, there were rules and procedures for such conflicts, understood only by those well-versed in Imperial law.

At this very moment, Aston Valmire stood in the courtyard of his mansion, overseeing hundreds of soldiers as they prepared supplies for the battle ahead.

"Darling," a soft, worried voice called from behind him.

Aston turned around to see Ena, his wife. His stern expression gradually softened.

He walked over and pulled her into his arms.

"Are you worried?" he asked gently.

Ena buried her face against his broad chest. With Aston’s towering, muscular frame, the top of her head didn’t even reach his neck.

Her small body fit perfectly in his arms, making her feel safe and at ease.

"Yes, I’m worried," she murmured softly. "Is it really okay? Aren’t you afraid the Emperor will punish you?"

Though she was only his wife, Ena had been born into a Viscount family. She understood well how severe the restrictions were when it came to conflicts between noble houses—especially at the Marquis level.

"Don’t worry," Aston replied casually. "I wouldn’t act without thinking. Besides, I have Prince Nolan by my side. That alone ensures our safety."

At the mention of Nolan’s name, Ena’s unease gradually faded. In the past, she would have thought Aston insane for trusting him.

After all, Nolan had long been branded the useless, trash prince of the imperial palace. But now, things were different.

His achievements—curing the Caltheron family’s curse and helping resolve the eastern region’s crisis—had spread far and wide.

Even his greatest detractors had to admit that Nolan had changed. And those who had never seen him in person began to suspect the bad rumors about him were nothing but lies.

"Then, I won’t ask any more questions. Just... be careful, okay?" Ena loosened her embrace and looked up at Aston seriously.

"Of course." Aston gave a small nod, rubbing the back of his head.

Meanwhile, a hundred meters away, Nolan calmly observed the scene.

His face stayed expressionless, as if the looming war between the Valmire and Castella families was nothing worth worrying about.

Whoosh!

A streak of light flared beside him, gradually forming into the graceful figure of Malverna.

Nolan didn’t bother turning his head, as if he had already anticipated her arrival.

"Why are you here? Didn’t I order you to guard Elina?" Nolan asked coldly, arms crossed over his chest.

Malverna pouted, clearly displeased by his attitude. "Your sister’s already at the palace and taking a nap. I was bored, so I came here. Is that wrong?"

Noticing her dissatisfaction, Nolan’s cold expression softened slightly. He nodded casually. "Of course not. Who could forbid you?"

The corner of Malverna’s lips twitched. Just moments ago, he had seemed annoyed by her presence—yet now he acted as if nothing had happened. It was infuriating.

Suppressing her irritation, she quickly shifted the topic. "By the way, why did the girl from the Austin family come with your sister? Did you bring her?"

Her cold eyes flickered with teasing intent.

Nolan rolled his eyes. "Do you really need me to answer that? Don’t you already know why she came with my sister?"

Malverna had always been in Elina’s shadow, so she must have seen everything. Yet here she was, asking a question that hardly mattered.

"Well..." Malverna played dumb, shrugging her shoulders. "You can answer if you want. If not, I won’t insist. Isn’t that right, Lord Singularity of Chaos?"

Nolan was at a loss for words. He looked Malverna up and down, as if to confirm whether she was truly the same cold, indifferent woman he knew.

After sensing her magic power, he was certain this really was Malverna.

But... why did her demeanor feel so different from the one he remembered?

As if noticing his confusion, Malverna simply smiled without explaining.

She was only teasing him. Nolan might be cold and distant, but he was also deeply considerate of those he cared about.

That side of him stirred a playful urge in her—something the old Malverna would never have acted on.

Yet, Nolan gave her a different feeling now, one she couldn’t quite explain.

"Alright, enough nonsense," Nolan said, waving his left hand. "Since you’re here, I’d like to ask a favor. Please look after Rafine as well and make sure she’s safe, okay?"

Malverna’s expression instantly darkened. Crossing her arms over her chest, she replied, "Is that really necessary? Why are you so concerned about her? Don’t tell me..."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Do you have feelings for her?"

With Nolan’s cold personality, it should have been impossible for him to harbor such emotions for Rafine. Yet somehow, the question slipped from her lips.

"Feelings for her?" Nolan gave a short chuckle and shook his head. "No way. Don’t be ridiculous."

To him, Rafine was nothing more than a child. There was no possibility he could feel that way about her.

Malverna only smiled without answering, though deep inside, a strange excitement stirred—one she couldn’t quite understand.

"Alright," she said, flicking her hair to the side. "Since you asked, how could I refuse?"

Without another word, she turned and disappeared into thin air.

Nolan didn’t bother with her departure. Instead, he looked up at the sky, mulling over Malverna’s question.

"Feelings for Rafine? Impossible." He gave a mocking smile as he dismissed the thought.

But without realizing it, that very denial would one day come back to embarrass him.