CHAPTER 155: RAFINE’S LONG-AWAITED OPPORTUNITY

Eastern Region, Ostravia City...

"What? How is this possible? Why would His Majesty do such a thing?"

Seated in his office chair, Alvaron Austin stared at the letter in his hand, his expression filled with disbelief.

It was the reply to the request for assistance he had sent to Ragan about seven days ago.

However, instead of the support he had expected, the Emperor sent Princess Elina, Prince Nolan, General Luvistar, and a thousand soldiers as a gesture of goodwill.

Of course, he was pleased that Luvistar had been dispatched—but what was the point of sending Princess Elina and Prince Nolan?

Why were they included in the relief force?

Don’t tell me... Princess Elina came here as part of some mission or challenge?

As that thought crossed his mind, Alvaron’s breathing grew heavy, and a tightness gripped his chest.

Among all the possibilities, that one made the most sense. And how could he be so sure? The answer was simple—he knew Ragan too well.

The battle for the throne had been ongoing for the past two to three months, yet none of the candidates had made any decisive moves.

Everything remained unusually calm and quiet, as if the struggle for the throne didn’t exist at all.

Of course, that didn’t mean there was no unrest—there was, but it was limited to the nobles.

Many had begun pressuring rival noble houses that supported other candidates.

To the common people, it might have seemed chaotic and troubling—but not to Alvaron.

The Austin family had survived for centuries by always choosing the right candidate for the throne.

In the past, he had witnessed firsthand how his father chose Ragan—an undeniably wise decision.

"Huh..." Alvaron let out a long sigh as he placed the letter on the table. He rubbed his temples and leaned back in his chair, muttering, Your Majesty, you really haven’t changed... no, you’re getting more reckless by the day.

Since Ragan had already made the decision, there was nothing Alvaron could do.

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder—why had His Majesty chosen Princess Elina to join the relief group instead of someone more capable, like Aldric or Cedric?

The memory of Halveran’s destruction a month and a half ago still haunted him. Could the princess truly perform another miracle... or was that too much to hope for?

"Let’s hope Princess Elina can lure out the Singularity of Chaos and kill that damn monster," he prayed, cupping his hands together.

The monster’s sudden appearance had brought devastating losses to him and the entire eastern region.

In total, the damage had amounted to two billion Sharn—a staggering sum, even for a region as vast as the eastern territory.

In fact, with that much money, he could have turned it into significant profits—not only for the Austin family but also for the noble houses of the eastern region.

Just then, the door to his study opened quietly, followed by the soft voice of a young woman.

"Father, I brought you some watermelon juice and biscuits."

Rafine entered, dressed in a casual pink gown. Her long hair, which was usually tied in a ponytail or left loose, was now styled into a neat bun, giving her an elegant and graceful appearance.

She walked in holding a black tray in her left hand. When she saw her father sitting with his hands cupped together like a monk in prayer, she paused in surprise.

"Father, what are you doing? Are you... praying? But to whom?" She asked as she walked closer, her brows slightly furrowed in confusion.

Alvaron felt a little embarrassed but did his best to remain composed. He straightened up and replied, "It’s nothing. I was praying—though I don’t even know to whom. But if there really is a god in this world, I just wish that damn monster would die soon."

Rafine was quiet for a moment before letting out a gentle, comforting sigh. "Don’t overwork yourself, Father. I know you’ve been under a lot of pressure this past week. Please take care of your health."

She set the watermelon juice and biscuits on the desk.

A smile returned to Alvaron’s face. "Thank you, Rafine. You truly are my beloved daughter—always dependable."

If those words had been said to most women her age, they likely would have felt uncomfortable—or even embarrassed—hearing them from their fathers.

And that was understandable. As people grow older, many begin to feel uncomfortable being coddled like that by their parents.

However, that wasn’t the case with Rafine. She simply nodded and replied softly, "You’re welcome, Father."

Alvaron took a sip of the watermelon juice, and almost immediately, his body felt more at ease.

"By the way, Father," Rafine said, her gaze falling on the gold-colored letter resting on the desk. "What’s that letter? Is it from His Majesty the Emperor?"

Alvaron gave a slow nod. "Yes. His Majesty wrote that reinforcements have been dispatched to the eastern region. Given the distance from the capital, they should arrive in about two days."

"Thank goodness..." Rafine let out a relieved sigh, a smile spreading across her face.

But Alvaron didn’t share her joy. His expression remained unchanged, making her feel confused and uneasy.

"Father, why don’t you look happy? Isn’t this the news you’ve been waiting for?"

She remembered clearly—her father hadn’t slept well for the past three days, anxiously awaiting a response from the palace.

And now that it had finally arrived... he looked indifferent, perhaps even disappointed.

With a quiet sigh, Alvaron picked up the letter and handed it to her.

"Read it. You’ll understand," he said calmly.

Rafine hesitated for a moment, then took the letter and read it with care.

A few moments later, her expression stiffened and her mouth dropped open.

"His Majesty sent Princess Elina, Prince Nolan, General Luvistar, and just a thousand troops—as a favor? What? How can that be? Has His Majesty lost his mind?" she exclaimed in disbelief.

Yet moments later, she realized what she had just said and quickly pressed her lips shut.

Alvaron let out a soft chuckle, casting a playful glance at his daughter.

"Now you understand, don’t you?"

Rafine was speechless. The contents of the letter swirled in her mind, leaving her uneasy.

That awful man... Nolan... he’s really coming? She thought anxiously. Ugh, how am I supposed to face him?

Her thoughts drifted back to the party. In her anger, she had said things without thinking.

Looking back, it was truly embarrassing—and completely inappropriate.

Still, she couldn’t deny it. Deep down, she had always wanted to win Nolan over and make him fall for her.

Unfortunately, the chance had never come—her days were always packed with responsibilities.

But now, with Nolan’s impending arrival... the opportunity had finally arrived!

Hehehe... A sly chuckle escaped her lips as she rubbed her hands together, a glint of determination in her eyes. Just watch, Nolan Lorian... this time, you won’t escape me.

Alvaron, noticing the strange expression on her face, fell silent.

What’s wrong with this girl? Is she feeling unwell? he wondered to himself.