CHAPTER 341: A THREAT AND THE USE OF MORAL PRESSURE (1)

"No, you can’t do it."

Aldric was stunned to hear that. He turned to his father with a look of displeasure.

"Father, what do you mean I can’t do it?" he asked, his tone filled with annoyance.

Ever since his father’s birthday party, he had felt that Ragan favored Elina more, and that often left him unhappy.

The other princes held back their mocking smiles, but they were also curious about why Ragan forbade Aldric from going.

Was there something they didn’t know?

Ragan rested his right cheek on his palm and replied calmly, "I have my reasons. The trip to the Kingdom of Kaldarion can take up to half a month. You’ll have to cross the sea, and everything depends on the weather. If a storm comes, the journey could take much longer."

"Furthermore, the northern continent is very cold and has an extreme climate. If you go there, are you sure you can return safely?"

Those words made Aldric freeze. Only then did he realize that the place he wanted to visit wasn’t in the eastern region of the Great Velmora Empire but on a distant continent altogether.

The weather there was harsh and unforgiving for anyone used to life on the central continent.

If he died along the way, he would automatically be eliminated from the battle for the throne. Even so, a part of him still insisted on going.

The regret of hesitating to visit the eastern region before still haunted him, keeping him awake at night—even now.

If he didn’t take decisive action, it would be impossible for him to catch up with Elina, who was already one step ahead.

Just as Aldric was about to speak, Ragan’s voice echoed from the throne.

"And don’t forget, in ten days, the 1078th Anniversary Celebration of the Great Velmora Empire will be held. Many guests from noble families, as well as from other empires and kingdoms, will attend. If you leave now, you’ll lose the chance to expand your connections with them."

Ragan smiled faintly and continued, "Remember—being an emperor isn’t just about forming ties with noble families within the empire, but also with those beyond. Although involving outsiders in the battle for the throne is forbidden, there’s no harm in building good relations. Who knows—when you win, those connections might become your new foundation for the future. Do you understand?"

After saying that, his gaze swept over Cedric, Cassian, Adalen, and Elina before finally stopping on Aldric. His words weren’t meant only for Aldric but for all his children.

Hearing this, everyone fell silent in thought. The empire’s anniversary was the grandest festival of the year.

Everyone in the capital and the four main regions celebrated it with great joy.

That day was even declared a national holiday—along with the next two days—showing how important the celebration was.

Usually, the palace also granted a three-month tax reduction to the people and noble families across the four main regions.

In addition, there would be grand festivals and celebrations, as well as various competitions with prizes held across both large and small cities.

Of course, all expenses were covered by the imperial palace, so the regional leaders bore no burden.

Unconsciously, the princes lifted their heads and exchanged hostile glances. Elina felt Aldric’s sharp gaze on her, but she remained completely unfazed.

In the past, she might have been intimidated—after all, Aldric was older and carried a strong, oppressive presence.

But now things were different. She had found the momentum to rise above her brothers, and she had every reason to be proud, not fearful like before.

"Well then, Father," Seira spoke up as she stepped forward. "Who will you send as the two delegates to the Kingdom of Kaldoria?"

Her question immediately drew everyone’s attention. The throne room fell silent as all eyes turned to Ragan, waiting to hear who would be chosen for the mission.

"Regarding that, I’ve already decided on the two people who will carry it out," Ragan said with a small chuckle. His gaze suddenly shifted to Nolan, who was yawning lazily.

Feeling that gaze, Nolan froze as a cold chill ran down his spine.

Just as Ragan was about to speak, Nolan quickly raised his right hand.

"Wait a minute!"

Ragan closed his mouth and looked at him with an amused expression.

"What is it? Speak."

Nolan took a deep breath and protested, "Father, I don’t want to take this task. Give it to someone else. I’m tired and want to rest."

He waved his hand dismissively, not caring if others saw him as a disobedient son.

Since returning from the eastern region, he had promised himself not to get too involved in imperial matters.

All he wanted was to relax, lie down, and live freely according to the philosophy he had always followed.

Why should he act foolishly and earn the title of lazy prince if, in the end, he would still get dragged into palace affairs?

Ragan smiled faintly and said, "Do you remember who you are?"

Nolan froze for a moment before replying, "I... am a prince."

"Yes, a prince," Ragan nodded slightly. "So, shouldn’t a prince serve his empire?"

Nolan fell silent. For the first time, he had lost an argument with this old man. Still, he wasn’t someone who gave up easily.

With a stubborn look, he said firmly, "No, I don’t want to. You can send someone else—but not me."

Aldric, Adalen, Cedric, and Cassian were irritated by his insolence but didn’t dare speak up. As long as their father was present, they had no right to intervene.

"Pfft!" Seira couldn’t hold back her laughter. "Nolan is such a rebel. No wonder Father always has a headache with him."

Novaria beside her snorted coldly. "He’s just an ungrateful brat. If I were Father, I would definitely punish him."

As members of the imperial family, they were expected to obey their father’s rules and decisions—especially for the sake of the Empire.

"No, you misunderstand, Novaria," Seira said with a slight smile. "Nolan’s rebellious nature shows that he is someone who stands firm in his principles. Only those who dare to act like that can achieve great things. Those who blindly follow orders without questioning them are nothing more than puppets, with no control over themselves."

Her words struck Novaria like a sword. She froze, then lowered her gaze.

Only those who dare to rebel can achieve great things? she repeated softly, bewildered.

For some reason, those words felt like a slap in the face. Slowly, she lifted her head and looked at Elina, who was smiling at Nolan.

Then her gaze fell on herself—the one who had always stood in the shadow of her brother, Aldric.

Could that be why I’ve never achieved anything great?