CHAPTER 313: THE BANKRUPTCY OF THE RED OBSIDIAN TRADING HOUSE

"In that case, take good care of this girl, Shion. Otherwise, you’ll be in danger," Nolan said with a small chuckle.

Shion nodded slowly. "Don’t worry, Master. I will."

After learning about Luna’s true status, Shion no longer dared to treat her as a maid. Instead, she decided to treat her like a younger sister and care for her attentively.

Who knows, with this approach, Luna might completely fall for her. Shion could take advantage of that opportunity to build connections with the elf race and expand the Blue Moon Trading House’s influence into their territory.

Unaware of how far Shion’s thoughts had gone, Nolan gave a few more instructions before his figure vanished into the wind.

Watching him disappear, Luna grew curious and turned to Shion beside her.

"Who exactly is that man, Shion? Why do you seem so respectful to him?"

She had been staying in this building for several days, so she knew how high Shion’s status was. But seeing Shion act so respectfully toward that man only deepened her curiosity.

Shion smiled as she rubbed her cheek. "He’s Nolan Lorian, the sixth prince of the Great Empire of Velmora. By the way, he’s also the owner of this trading house, and I’m his subordinate."

Upon hearing this, Luna’s eyes widened in disbelief.

A prince... and the owner of this trading house? She gasped.

It was hard to believe that the young man who seemed so ordinary actually held such a terrifying identity.

But... she whispered softly. For some reason, I could feel his hidden aura earlier... it was terrifying. It’s similar to my grandmother’s—no, maybe even stronger. Could he have another identity?

As that thought crossed her mind, her curiosity about Nolan grew, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.

...

The postponement of Belfor’s trial angered and disappointed the public. Many saw it as nothing more than a ploy by the Emperor.

Worse, when they learned that Belfor had vanished from Thal’ren Prison—something that should have been impossible—a wave of protests erupted. Some people even began to openly criticize Ragan.

Even so, there were still those who believed the culprit wasn’t Ragan but someone else. However, no one knew who that person could be.

The one most suspected at the time was the Third Consort, Melinda Horven. Two days before the trial, she had been seen visiting Belfor in Thal’ren Prison. Coincidentally, Belfor disappeared the very next day.

As a result, Melinda became the second target of public outrage. Still, since the Emperor had already issued an order to investigate, the people decided to wait and see how the case would unfold.

They could only hope that things wouldn’t turn out as badly as they feared and that the Emperor would truly uphold justice.

Just then, a shocking announcement echoed through the city.

"The Red Obsidian Trading House has declared bankruptcy."

As soon as the words reached their ears, everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"The Red Obsidian Trading House is bankrupt? How is that possible? Is this news true?" A man in the tavern exclaimed in disbelief.

The Red Obsidian Trading House was the second strongest after Blue Moon. Although they had suffered blow after blow over the past few days, many people believed they would still stand strong.

But now, the news of their bankruptcy spread like sparks setting a vast forest ablaze in an instant.

"I can guarantee the news is true!" the man next to him said with a small nod. "It came directly from their executives an hour ago. Honestly, I didn’t expect it either. I thought they could survive for at least another three months to a year."

The conversation about this news wasn’t just heard in the tavern—it quickly spread throughout the capital, even reaching other cities.

The bankruptcy of Red Obsidian was no trivial matter. It would lead to massive layoffs, which meant unemployment would rise sharply. This issue could easily turn into a national problem.

Amidst the chaos, some people rejoiced while others were gripped by fear. Those who celebrated were the owners of small trading houses who had long been oppressed by Blue Moon and Red Obsidian.

The two trading houses had dominated key sectors in the Empire, making it nearly impossible for smaller businesses to grow. But now, with Red Obsidian’s fall, their chances of rising were finally wide open.

Meanwhile, the ones gripped by fear were none other than Zarak and Melinda.

"How is this possible?" Melinda murmured, her heart pounding. "Why did Nolan do this? Does he really intend to destroy Zarak and me?"

After learning that Claire had been taken by Nolan, Melinda began to suspect that he already knew about her father’s plan and had seized full control of the Red Obsidian Trading House.

At first, she had hoped that wouldn’t happen. But after the bankruptcy announcement, she realized it was too late—ownership of Red Obsidian had clearly fallen into Nolan’s hands.

"I can’t let this happen. I have to find Nolan and make him stop," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Melinda had once dismissed Nolan as a useless prince. Who could have imagined that the man she had underestimated would now threaten her and her son?

Her father had been right—Nolan was extremely dangerous.

Without hesitation, she stepped out of her residence toward the compound where Isabella was. Maya and Miya, the guards in charge of the gate, immediately blocked her path.

"What do you need, Concubine Melinda?" Miya asked politely.

Although Melinda was a concubine like their master, Maya and Miya felt no need to show her excessive respect. The only people they truly respected were Isabella and the Emperor.

Melinda bristled at being stopped, but she knew she couldn’t act recklessly. Offending Isabella would be the same as challenging Nolan himself.

"I’ve come to see Isabella. May I enter?"

Maya and Miya exchanged glances and then nodded.

"In that case, I will ask Lady Isabella for permission first. Once she approves, you may enter," Miya said.

Melinda didn’t respond. She stood in place, anxiety tightening around her chest. Each second stretched painfully long.

Finally, Miya returned with a small nod.

"Lady Isabella asks you to come in."

Melinda exhaled softly and hurried into Isabella’s residence.

She had never set foot in this place before, and she had to admit—the grounds were breathtaking.

Rows of flower gardens stretched neatly on either side, creating a calm and refreshing view. A grand building stood at the far end of the grounds, while a small pavilion rested to the right.

Seated there was a woman of extraordinary beauty. Her black hair was simply tied up, yet it only enhanced her charm.

Her purple eyes sparkled like perfectly cut sapphires. Her body was slender, but her curves were striking—enough to make Melinda, who had always prided herself on her appearance, feel a pang of intimidation.

"Isabella..."