CHAPTER 235: RAGAN’S SUSPICIONS AND ELINA’S REBUTTAL

"The conflict between the Valmire family and the Castellan family?" Elina was stunned.

She was well aware of those two families. They were the two Marquis houses in the eastern region, both with great reputations.

Coincidentally, the Valmire family was her supporter in the succession to the throne. Of course, it wasn’t her who attracted them, but her brother. She had no idea how he managed it, nor did she ever press him for answers.

After all, she trusted him deeply. Besides, the head of the Valmire family, Aston Valmire, had always been polite to her and even vowed to support her until the very end.

Because of that, she never worried—not even about the possibility of the Valmire family betraying her.

But now, why were the Valmire and Castellan families suddenly in conflict?

Sensing her confusion, Ragan spoke up. "It’s all because of business competition. The Valmire family is among the wealthiest in the eastern region. Their fortune comes from selling weapons—swords, shields, and even armor. For hundreds of years, they’ve dominated the markets of the East and even some beyond."

"However..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "The Castellan family grew envious, and they began..."

Ragan then explained everything to Elina in detail. With the Empire’s intelligence network, gathering such information was easy, and he already had a full grasp of the matter.

Elina listened carefully. Yet, the deeper his explanation went, the more surprised she became.

"So, you’re saying all of this is because of the conflict of interest between the two trading houses?" she asked cautiously.

"Yes, something like that." Ragan gave a small nod. "The Red Obsidian Trading House used the Castellan family as a puppet to control the weapon market in the eastern region and beyond. But the Valmire family refused and turned to the Blue Moon Trading House for help to withstand their onslaught. What’s happening now is the ripple effect of that conflict."

Elina fell silent. To be honest, this was the first she had heard of it. If not for her father’s mention, she would never have known.

At the same time, a faint resentment stirred in her heart toward her brother for keeping such a major matter from her. After all, the Valmire family was her backer, yet she was left in the dark.

Still, she was certain her brother had his reasons.

"So, why did you call me?" Her gaze grew serious.

"The Castellans are the Marquis family supporting Zarak. At this point, you see what I mean, don’t you?"

Elina narrowed her eyes. "Please be direct, Father."

"There’s a suspicion that this conflict was triggered by your brother," Ragan said bluntly, tapping the desk with his index finger. "The Valmire family and the Blue Moon Trading House never had common interests, let alone a close relationship. As far as I know, securing a loan from the Blue Moon Trading House is notoriously difficult and complicated. Yet, for some reason, they granted the Valmire family loans and favors with unusual speed."

Ragan leaned forward slightly. "In addition, I’ve received word that your brother was the one who mediated the relationship. What I want to ask is..." He took a deep breath before continuing calmly, "Elina, do you know about your brother’s connection with the Blue Moon Trading House?"

If the suspicion was true—that Nolan did have ties with the Blue Moon Trading House—then this was a very serious matter.

After all, Nolan was known as a lazy prince who could do nothing. Yet suddenly, he managed to establish contact with the Blue Moon Trading House without anyone knowing. That was practically deception.

The Blue Moon Trading House was the largest trading company in the Empire, and its influence involved the interests of many noble families across the four major regions.

If they chose to interfere, the battle for the throne would plunge into chaos, and the other princes would have no chance of competing fairly.

Elina understood her father’s intentions and concerns, yet her face remained calm and composed, as if none of it troubled her in the slightest.

"As for Brother Nolan’s relationship with the Blue Moon Trading House, I do know about it, Father," she replied evenly.

"Oh?" Ragan was taken aback. "Tell me."

His posture shifted, becoming stern and serious, showing how important this matter was to him.

Elina drew in a deep breath before explaining. "Brother Nolan once mentioned that he knew one of the higher-ups in the Blue Moon Trading House. I don’t know the details, but it seems to be a debt of gratitude. Brother helped him once, and that person now feels obliged to repay him."

"By the way, Brother already used that debt to help the Austin family through their crisis. So after that, there should be no further ties of interest between them."

"As for the Valmire family’s relationship with the Blue Moon Trading House..." Elina blinked her lovely eyes before continuing confidently, "It was indeed my brother’s doing. As I said, he has a slight connection with one of the higher-ups in the Blue Moon Trading House. He must have used that connection to assist the Valmire family, without any intention of getting involved in the current conflict."

Of course, her explanation wasn’t based on fact but rather on a quick analysis she had come up with just seconds ago.

Her brother had indeed mentioned having some connection with the higher-ups of the Blue Moon Trading House, but how deep that connection went, she had no idea.

What mattered most now was suppressing her father’s suspicions. Otherwise, a massive investigation would surely follow, and she couldn’t predict what kind of trouble her brother might face.

Ragan, upon hearing her explanation, was clearly surprised and even a little stunned.

"Why didn’t I know that damn kid had such a lucky break?"

Elina rolled her eyes and reminded him, "Father, he is your son. Calling him a damn kid is the same as insulting yourself."

Her words jolted Ragan back to his senses. Embarrassment rose within him, but he managed to keep his composure.

"You were right; I was wrong. By the way, you said Nolan had already used that debt of gratitude to help the Austin family through their crisis," he said suspiciously. "Does that mean..."

He didn’t finish, but Elina immediately understood.

"Yes, it’s exactly as you think," Elina admitted calmly.

There was no need to hide the Austin family’s support for her—sooner or later, people would find out.

"You..." Ragan opened his mouth, then closed it again, as if unsure what to say.

In the end, he swallowed his questions and simply nodded slowly.

"I understand. Thank you for explaining everything. You may go back now."

Elina gave a small nod. She rose, bowed her head slightly toward Ragan, and turned to leave.

As her back disappeared behind the door, Ragan leaned against his chair.

"Orion, do you think Elina lied to me?" he asked casually.

"No, Your Majesty. I sense no trace of deceit in her words," Orion’s voice echoed in his mind.

Ragan let out a small chuckle and nodded. "I don’t feel it either. Still, the investigation continues—but on a smaller, more controlled scale. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Your Majesty."

"Good!" Ragan nodded in satisfaction.

He turned his chair around and gazed up at the blue sky beyond the large window before him.

"Gaining the Austin family’s support, huh? That damn boy... cunning and deceitful, yet impressive."