CHAPTER 182: THE PARTY CONTROLLING THE STRINGS FROM BEHIND THE SCENES (2)

With a beaming smile, Rafine stepped out of Nolan’s room, humming happily.

As Rafine’s figure vanished, Elina looked at her brother, a flicker of doubt in her eyes.

"Brother, is what you said true? Since when have you known one of the higher-ups at the Blue Moon Trading House?" she asked skeptically.

The higher-ups of the Blue Moon Trading House were not people anyone could easily meet or get to know.

Although her brother was a prince, it still felt impossible. She had heard rumors that Cedric tried and failed to meet those higher-ups.

As a result, Elina felt confused and started to doubt what her brother said.

Nolan chuckled softly, turned to her, and affectionately rubbed her head.

"Do you believe me?"

The sudden question clearly surprised Elina. But she quickly put on a serious expression and replied, "Of course I trust you, Brother!"

If there was anyone she trusted most in the world, it was her brother. Of course, she also trusted her father and mother—after all, they were her parents.

But her brother held a special place in her heart. They had been together since childhood, and he was her twin.

As twins, their bond was deep and unbreakable—so strong they felt connected at the very soul.

Nolan couldn’t help but smile. He gently ran his fingers through her white hair and said, "I do have a connection with one of the higher-ups at the Blue Moon Trading House. By chance, I saved him once, and he owes me a favor. I’ll use that to help the Austin family and the eastern region through this crisis."

Elina was taken by surprise. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she shook her head softly.

Just as she was about to speak, Nolan pressed his index finger and thumb gently to her lips, silencing her.

"I know what you’re worried about, my sweet sister. But don’t be. I’ve thought it all through. This matter is complicated, and I must stop the Red Obsidian Trading House from taking over the eastern region. If I fail, it will be you in trouble later," he said softly. "So, just relax, okay?"

Elina stayed silent for a moment before slowly nodding. Nolan smiled with satisfaction and withdrew his fingers.

"All right," he said with a lazy yawn. "Go back to your room. I want to rest now."

"Okay," Elina replied, standing slowly. "Good night, brother."

Without waiting for a response, Elina suddenly stepped forward, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and then hurried out of the room.

Nolan froze for a moment before coming to his senses. He wiped the faint trace of saliva from his right cheek and shook his head with a soft chuckle.

That girl is definitely getting bolder, he murmured.

But the next moment, Nolan’s expression turned cold and indifferent, as if he were a different person.

"Arnold," he called calmly, crossing his legs.

Whoosh!

A streak of black light suddenly appeared before him. Moments later, Arnold’s figure materialized, and he immediately knelt on one knee.

"What are your orders, my lord?"

Nolan studied him quietly, then asked casually, "Who holds the Blue Moon Trading House branch in the eastern region?"

The question briefly startled Arnold, but he quickly lowered his head and replied, "The eastern branch is overseen by a man named Theo, my lord. Do you require anything from him?"

"Yes, I need his help," Nolan said without hesitation.

He moved his right index finger, and a sheet of paper lifted off the desk. Then, with a motion as if writing, golden letters appeared on its surface. After a few minutes, he finished and slid his finger aside.

The paper floated toward Arnold, who caught it hastily.

"Deliver this letter to Theo. Tell him it’s an order from headquarters and must be carried out tomorrow," Nolan ordered nonchalantly. "Do you understand?"

Arnold tucked the letter into his pocket and folded his arms firmly.

"I understand, my lord. Leave it to me," he replied decisively.

"Good!" Nolan nodded in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed Arnold. "Go on. I’m going to bed."

Arnold said nothing more and vanished like a gust of wind.

Nolan lifted his cup, slowly turning it as he stared into the swirling coffee.

Red Obsidian Trading House, your scheme is clever—so well hidden that even I missed it, he murmured with a faint, knowing smile. But don’t fool yourself. I’ll crush your plan and make you pay dearly... hehehe...

...

In a spacious room filled with golden furniture, a man lounged lazily on a sofa. He was short, with a potbelly and a thin mustache above his lip.

He wore a monocle and a black hat perched atop his head. This was Belfor Horven, Zarak’s grandfather.

Since his grandson’s sixteen million Sharn extortion scandal, Belfor had grown to despise the foolish man.

Not only had the incident brought the Emperor’s wrath upon him, but it had also slightly damaged the reputation of the Red Obsidian Trading House.

Fortunately, the damage wasn’t severe—still manageable.

Belfor took a sip of his white wine and regarded the tall man standing before him—his most loyal subordinate, Rick.

"So, what’s the status of the plan in the eastern region, Rick? Any obstacles?" Belfor asked calmly.

Rick shook his head respectfully. "None, Chairman Belfor. Everything is progressing smoothly. The heads of the families in the eastern region have welcomed the help and capital we provided—including the Tharvis, the Castellans, and others."

"Good!" Belfor smiled with satisfaction. "And the deal we proposed? They agreed, right?"

"They did, though a few refused. But it’s pointless—they’re bound by the contract they signed," Rick explained with a wide grin.

"Hahaha! You’re sly, but I like that!" Belfor laughed heartily.

The eastern region had been his target for a long time. With the rise of the Blue Moon Trading House, the Red Obsidian Trading House had been pushed into a corner, struggling to make any progress.

They had already lost influence in the other three regions—south, north, and west. Yet, their control over the eastern region remained strong. After all, it was the heart of the Red Obsidian Trading House and served as their main headquarters.

Moreover, Belfor was well acquainted with the key players and weaknesses of every noble family there—including the Austin family.

It was only a matter of time before these families would turn to the Red Obsidian Trading House for support.

When that happened, Zarak’s position in the line of succession would soar. A future where he and the Red Obsidian Trading House monopolized the markets of the Great Velmora Empire was within reach.

At the thought, Belfor smiled and whispered, Blue Moon Trading House, soon you will vanish from this world—and I will be the victor... hehehe...