Read Novel Full Chapter 667: Intensive Interrogation (2)
Chapter 667: Intensive Interrogation (2)
"By the way, Father, there’s something I wanted to—"
Before Rafine could finish, a ball of light suddenly appeared before them.
It drifted slowly toward Alvaron and hovered directly in front of him.
Moments later, the light formed a vortex. Inside, Alvaron could see Ragan sitting in his study, his expression solemn.
"Your Majesty?" Alvaron’s face froze.
He quickly regained his composure, stood, and bowed respectfully.
Rafine, equally startled, mirrored his bow.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," Alvaron said. "What brings you to contact me so abruptly?"
He already had a few guesses but wanted to hear it directly from him.
Ragan interlaced his fingers and rested his chin on his thumbs.
"I’m sure you already know why I contacted you," Ragan said indifferently. "So I won’t beat around the bush. What do you mean by sending thousands of troops to the southern continent? Do you intend to start a war with the Ancient Kingdom of Eron?"
Alvaron’s heart raced. Even from a distance, Ragan’s presence pressed down on him.
Still, he steadied himself, straightened his posture, and placed his right palm over his chest.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I understand my actions violated the rules, and I never intended to provoke a war with the Ancient Kingdom of Eron," he explained carefully. "The reason I sent thousands of troops is simple—it was for a rescue mission."
Ragan’s eyes narrowed. "A rescue mission, you say? Explain."
Alvaron took a deep breath. "Prince Nolan and Princess Seira are in danger."
The moment those words left his mouth, the atmosphere went instantly silent and tense. Even Rafine, who wasn’t part of their conversation, felt her throat dry up.
After a few moments, Ragan’s voice finally cut through the stillness.
"Nolan and Seira are in danger? Don’t tell me you’re making this up," he said.
Though calm on the surface, a faint undercurrent of agitation ran through his tone.
Seira and Nolan had gone to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron to settle the engagement matter.
Ragan had neither approved nor rejected the engagement, leaving the decision entirely to Seira.
Now, Alvaron claimed both were in danger. To Ragan, it made no sense—unless one thing was true: Nolan had caused trouble in that kingdom.
His heartbeat quickened, and cold sweat dampened his back.
Before he could speak, Alvaron stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, Prince Aldrian, the crown prince of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron, has died."
Ragan’s breath caught, and his eyes widened as if they might pop out.
"Aldrian Lyren... dead? Who did it?"
He already suspected the answer, yet he wanted to hear it from Alvaron himself.
Alvaron let out a long sigh. "It was His Highness Nolan."
He then explained the contents of the letter he had received from Nolan a few days earlier.
Ragan listened in silence. His body trembled, and his palms were clenched tightly.
When Alvaron finished, he wore a stern expression. "Since His Highness Nolan once helped the Austin family through a major crisis, I cannot simply stand by while he is in danger, Your Majesty. Please do not restrict my decisions in this matter."
Those words might have sounded bold for a mere Duke.
But Alvaron remained unfazed. He was confident that, in the end, Ragan would approve of his actions.
After all, his decision was to save Nolan and Seira—Ragan’s own children.
Sure enough, Ragan’s anger gradually faded, replaced by a complex expression that was difficult to read.
"I understand. Is Elina leading the force?" Ragan asked, his voice heavy.
"That is correct, Your Majesty. Princess Elina is leading the force herself. By tonight, they should have reached the coastal territory of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron and be ready to rescue Prince Nolan and Princess Seira."
Ragan took a deep breath and gave a small nod.
"I understand. Thank you for your help. The imperial palace will remember it."
After speaking, the vortex vanished, leaving the workspace in silence once more.
Rafine exhaled in relief. Fortunately, Ragan hadn’t displayed the anger she had feared.
"Father..."
Before she could finish, Alvaron sat back in his chair and raised his left hand.
"I know what worries you, but there’s no need. Rest assured, the gamble I’ve taken is entirely justified," he said firmly.
Rafine swallowed the words caught in her throat and nodded weakly.
"I... understand."
...
Ragan sat in his chair, his expression somber, a faint pressure radiating from him.
Even Orion felt the chill and could only lower his head in silence.
After five tense minutes, Ragan withdrew his aura and said coldly, "Keep this a secret. Don’t let anyone know—not Isabella, Cassandra, Vanessa, or Clarisse. Do you understand?"
Orion bowed slightly. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Ragan nodded and waved his hand. In an instant, Orion’s figure vanished.
Alone in the room, Ragan rubbed his aching temples and muttered, "That bastard has gone too far. I’ll have to punish him severely when he returns."
The plan he had devised was ruined because of that damned kid. Now, the Great Velmora Empire would face both the Holy Valtanir Empire and the Ancient Kingdom of Eron at the same time.
This was not just a setback—it was the beginning of a massive crisis.
...
The coastline was eerily quiet. The cries of seabirds carried clearly through the air.
Suddenly, three massive warships came to a halt not far from shore.
A five-meter-wide wooden ramp was lowered, and shortly after, thousands of soldiers poured onto the land.
Leading them was a young woman, beautiful and graceful, clad in silver armor that gleamed in the sunlight.
Her white hair was tied neatly in a ponytail, enhancing her commanding, heroic presence.
Once the eight thousand soldiers formed precise ranks, a tall, muscular man stepped forward and clasped his hands respectfully.
"What are your orders, Your Highness Elina?" he asked.
Elina didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes scanned the horizon, and she whispered, "Can you help me?"
Malverna’s lazy voice echoed in her mind.
"Looking for your brother? He’s fine. No need to worry about him."
Elina’s brow furrowed, her displeasure evident.
Malverna, hidden in the shadows behind Elina, let out a small sigh. In a resigned tone, she said, "Head southeast. It’s a long journey—it could take more than a day before you reach your older brother."
Gradually, the gloom on Elina’s face lifted, replaced by relief and gratitude.
She turned to the burly man.
"All eight thousand troops will follow me southeast. The rest stay here to guard the three warships. Prepare the horses and ensure we have enough supplies," she commanded firmly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "We’re moving to save my brother."