Chapter 666  Intensive Interrogation (1)

"Nolan, why are you spacing out?"

Seira's worried voice snapped Nolan out of his reverie. He looked at her confused expression, then shook his head slightly.

"It's okay," he replied gently as he slowly stood up. "We'll be leaving in fifteen minutes. If you want to wash up, do it now. I brought a change of clothes for both of us in my magic storage, so you can relax."

After saying that, he turned and walked away.

Seira watched Nolan's lonely back, then fell into deep thought.

Fifteen minutes later, Seira stood before Nolan with a fresh new look.

She had just finished washing up and was wearing the outfit Nolan had prepared earlier.

It consisted of a long-sleeved white blouse, a knee-length skirt, and a pair of black stockings.

Not to mention, she was also wearing white shoes that, for some reason, felt incredibly comfortable.

"Nolan, these clothes… where did you get them?"

Nolan smiled and replied casually, "They're special outfits I picked up while shopping at a store from the Blue Moon Trading House. What do you think?"

Of course, he was lying. The outfit Seira was wearing resembled the style typically worn by modern women in his previous world.

To promote this new fashion style, Nolan had suggested the idea, and it had been well-received by Shion and Claire.

However, it would take time to market it properly. The quality also needed to be ensured.

So, what Seira was wearing now was only a sample version he had kept inside his storage ring.

Who would've thought it would suit her so well?

Admittedly, his sister looked incredibly beautiful in such casual attire. The black stockings, in particular, gave off a sexy vibe without taking away her elegance as a princess.

If Seira wore something like this in the modern world, many people would probably assume she was cosplaying a certain character.

"The outfit is really nice," Seira whispered in admiration. "It's so different from the gowns I usually wear. They feel heavy and make it hard to move. But wearing this makes me feel so much freer."

She swayed from side to side, stretching out both her arms.

Nolan was pleased with her reaction. He took a black cloak from his storage ring, walked over, and draped it over her shoulders.

"Use this to keep the cold at bay during the journey," he said softly.

After that, he took her right hand and led her toward the black horse waiting nearby.

Seira couldn't help but smile. She only wished moments like this could last longer.

…

Inside his office, Ragan sat calmly, sorting through the documents in his hands.

Each one detailed the unrest in the northern region. Although the Holy Empire of Valtanir had not made any moves yet, there were signs they were gathering troops only ten kilometers from the border.

The situation gave Ragan quite a headache. He didn't want conflict between the two empires.

However, since Dariel had already decided to start a war, Ragan wasn't afraid at all.

As he focused on his work, the sound of footsteps came from outside.

A moment later, someone knocked on the door, followed by Orion's voice.

"Your Majesty, it's me, Orion. Can I come in?"

Ragan was slightly startled. He looked up and said, "Sure. Come in."

The door opened, and Orion entered with a somber expression.

"What's wrong?" Ragan asked immediately.

Orion stopped in front of the desk and bowed his head.

"I bring bad news, Your Majesty," he announced in a heavy voice.

"Bad news?" Ragan's eyes narrowed. "Is this related to the trouble in the north?"

"No." Orion straightened and shook his head. "This is a much bigger problem."

Ragan was taken aback. He paused for a moment before saying, "Speak."

"I've just received a report that tens of thousands of troops have been moved from the eastern region to the southern continent."

Ragan's face tensed, and his body stiffened.

"What did you say!?" He stood up and slammed his right palm onto the desk. "What's going on!? Who gave that order!?"

Seeing his rage, Orion shuddered. It had been a long time since he had seen Ragan this furious.

He steadied himself, then explained, "I don't know either. This matter was previously a closely guarded secret. I wouldn't have known about it if not for a report from our intelligence network. And the one behind all of this is Duke Alvaron Austin. He's the one responsible for moving such a massive force to the southern region."

Upon hearing this, Ragan's eyebrows furrowed. Come to think of it, it would be impossible to mobilize tens of thousands of troops without someone being granted absolute authority.

In that case, Alvaron was indeed responsible and had to be held accountable.

Suppressing his frustration, Ragan sat back down and ordered, "Contact Alvaron using your magic crystal. Now!"

Orion didn't dare ask further questions. He immediately pulled out a white crystal ball, placed it on Ragan's desk, and began chanting a spell.

Not long after, the crystal ball emitted a faint white glow.

…

Inside his study, Alvaron sat deep in thought.

"Father, is the issue of dispatching troops worrying you?" Rafine's soft voice came from beside him.

Alvaron snapped out of his thoughts and slowly shook his head.

"No, that's not what worries me. I'm just afraid Princess Elina will fly into a rage and slaughter innocent people," he admitted honestly.

Rafine froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Father, your worries are unfounded. How could Elina possibly do something like that?" she chuckled. "Don't worry, I trust her. It's impossible for Elina to kill innocent people."

She knew Elina well. Although she appeared cold on the outside, Elina was the kindest-hearted person.

Her patience in dealing with Nolan's annoying behavior was one of the best examples.

Alvaron considered her words and found them reasonable. The reason he had chosen Elina over the other princes was because she was far more emotionally stable and always serious about what she did.

In the end, his worries were groundless.

"You're right," he muttered with a long sigh.

Rafine nodded in satisfaction at her father's response, then asked, "By the way… is the trouble Nolan's in actually true, Dad?"

Her expression turned serious. "Is he in grave danger?"

Alvaron's face grew cold as he gave a slight nod.

"It's true. In fact, I received a letter from him a few days ago. Read it."

He opened the drawer of his desk and handed her the letter.

Rafine took it and began reading. A few minutes later, her face turned pale.

"This…" Her eyes widened. "Killing the crown prince of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron!? Has Nolan gone mad!?"

Her voice rose, trembling violently.

The letter contained Nolan's declaration that he would kill Aldrian, along with a request for her father to send a large-scale army to rescue him and Seira.

No wonder her father had agreed to Elina's request to borrow troops. It had all been carefully planned by Nolan.

"I don't know either." Alvaron shook his head slightly. Then his tense expression eased as he continued, "But one thing is certain—Prince Nolan has helped us through our difficulties. So it's only right that we help him in return. What do you think?"

Rafine remained silent for a few seconds before nodding firmly.

"You're right."