CHAPTER 346: ELIZA’S TALENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2)

"By the way, Father, there’s something important I need to confirm," Nolan said seriously. "I want you to make sure Eliza’s custody is truly in my mother’s hands. Otherwise, this plan cannot proceed. Do you understand what I mean?"

Ragan gave a short nod. "Don’t worry, this is easy for me. I’ll take care of it and hand it over to your mother later."

Of course, he knew exactly what his son meant. Cassandra was very strict and conservative when it came to new things. What Eliza planned to do later was clearly unusual.

However, since it was all for the sake of fostering a good relationship with the Blue Moon Trading House, he didn’t mind helping his annoying son.

"Great!" Nolan nodded contentedly as he stood. "Then Eliza and I will head to the capital first. Incidentally, I already have an appointment with that person."

He lifted Eliza into his arms.

"All right. Be careful, and make sure you keep your promise. Do you understand?" Ragan gave him a sharp, stern look.

"Relax," Nolan replied, waving his left hand. "Leave it to me."

Ragan just nodded, saying nothing more.

"See you, Father!" Eliza waved her little hand with a sweet smile.

"See you, my dear." Ragan waved back, returning her smile.

Nolan and Eliza then walked away, quickly disappearing from view.

A few seconds later, Cassiopeia appeared beside Ragan, chuckling softly.

"Prince Nolan has changed from before, Your Majesty. I’m sure you’ve noticed it," she said softly.

Ragan leaned back in his chair and nodded slightly.

"You’re right. He has changed drastically from his usual self," he replied calmly. "Do you think..."

He glanced at her meaningfully. "Has he been pretending all this time?"

His sudden question left Cassiopeia momentarily stunned, and then she smiled dryly.

"I don’t know, Your Majesty. You know the answer better than I do."

She didn’t dare say that Nolan was pretending. Not only would it be unreasonable, but it would also be disrespectful.

If Nolan was indeed pretending, it meant the entire imperial family—including Ragan himself—had been deceived.

And what were the consequences of deceiving an emperor?

It would be a grave sin. Inevitable punishment would surely follow—even for a prince.

Ragan simply smiled, remaining silent. He straightened and shifted the topic.

"Let’s return to the main issue that was interrupted earlier. In your opinion, is the dragon monster that’s troubling the Kingdom of Kaldorian at the level of a city, a country, or... a catastrophe?"

Cassiopeia opened her right palm. A document appeared in the air, which she immediately grabbed as she replied, "According to reports, the dragon monster can release plasma balls, lower the temperature within a two-kilometer radius, and possesses various other abilities."

"You want my opinion, right? Honestly, I’m not sure. But the monster’s level should be equivalent to a city-level threat or, at most, a country-level threat. Catastrophe level seems impossible, Your Majesty."

"Oh?" Ragan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "And why do you say that?"

"Catastrophe-level monsters are extremely rare—they make up less than 0.000001 percent of all known monsters. So the chances of that dragon reaching catastrophe level are very slim," she replied casually.

"The important point is that historical records in the Kingdom of Kaldorian mention this monster. It is said to have appeared around three hundred years ago and nearly destroyed the kingdom."

"However, a Celestial-level mage intervened and sealed it in a remote cave protected by hundreds of powerful spells. Based on that legend, it’s clear that the dragon monster is at a level that Draco and I can handle."

Catastrophe-level monsters, such as those that appeared in the western region of the Great Velmora Empire and the capital, were extremely rare.

It was impossible for such a monster to appear twice, because fundamentally, creatures of that level would hide themselves.

After all, this continent was watched over by the Seven Singularities, each extraordinarily powerful.

Ragan fell into thought. After a moment, he gave a firm nod and commanded, "Make preparations within the next six days. Horse-drawn carriages, troops, and ships for the Kingdom of Kaldorian—prepare everything within that timeframe. Do you understand?"

Cassiopeia bowed her head and replied respectfully, "I understand, Your Majesty!"

...

The afternoon sun illuminated the capital’s sky. Yet, instead of being quiet, many people were out of their homes.

Some were simply strolling, looking for dinner, going on dates, or spending time with family at restaurants and food stalls.

The sight was beautiful—a testament to the Great Velmora Empire’s era of prosperity.

Of course, that was only on the surface. In truth, turmoil was brewing beneath, fueled by a battle for the throne among the princes.

Fortunately, the climax had not yet begun, so everyone could still enjoy those peaceful days.

"Brother, are we going to your friend’s place?"

In Nolan’s arms, Eliza looked up at him curiously. She had overheard the earlier conversation between her father and brother, so she had already guessed their destination.

"Yes, we’re going there." Nolan gently rubbed her head. "Don’t worry, you’ll be very happy later."

Eliza naturally believed him and tightened her arms around his neck.

Nolan continued walking until they arrived at a large building—the largest in the capital—the headquarters of the Blue Moon Trading House.

As he was about to step inside, two guards quickly stopped him.

"Wait a moment, sir. Do you have an entry permit?" The guard on the left asked politely.

Nolan smiled faintly, reached into his pocket, and took out the Sixth Prince’s badge.

Both guards froze in surprise.

"The Sixth Prince?" They exchanged shocked glances.

"Oops! I’m sorry." Nolan laughed as he wiped his face and Eliza’s.

In an instant, their true forms were revealed, and the guards immediately bowed their heads.

"Forgive our foolish actions, Your Highness Nolan!" they said in unison, their voices trembling with fear.

For some reason, there was a long-standing rule among the old staff of the Blue Moon Trading House headquarters: the Sixth Prince was allowed to enter freely at any time.

Naturally, this rule confused the newer employees, but no one dared to question it—let alone challenge the leader of the trading house about it.

Nolan slipped his badge back into his pocket, patted each guard’s shoulder, and walked inside.

As he walked away, the two guards let out deep sighs.

"The Sixth Prince is really terrifying! Just standing near him makes it hard to breathe. Could the rumors about him have been false all this time?" The guard on the left muttered softly.

"It seems so," his companion replied. "We must never underestimate those born into the imperial family. They carry the blood of rulers—there’s no way they’re ordinary people..."