Read Novel Full Chapter 707: Cliff of Hope
Chapter 707: Cliff of Hope
About a hundred kilometers west of Virella Town, there was a famous high cliff.
The cliff was called the Cliff of Hope. Legend said that anyone who stood at its edge and made a wish would have their wish granted.
At that moment, two people were walking toward the cliff.
"So, is this the place you were talking about?" Rafine asked curiously.
She stared at the cliff with a mix of wariness and fear. Rafine did have a fear of heights, and just imagining herself falling from there was enough to make her stomach churn.
"Are you disappointed?" Nolan asked, glancing at her with a playful look.
Rafine shook her head. "No. It’s just that I’m a little afraid of heights."
A blush spread across her face.
Nolan chuckled and took her hand.
"Don’t worry. I’m here. There’s no way you’ll get hurt, fall, or die. Just relax."
Those reassuring words made Rafine feel relieved. The two of them walked closer and closer until they finally reached the edge of the cliff.
The cliff was large and wide, with an edge big enough to accommodate three or four people.
Nolan sat on the edge, his legs dangling over the drop.
A strong wind blew from the front, ruffling his slightly long black hair.
"Come on, make your wish. Maybe it will come true," Nolan said jokingly.
To be honest, Nolan didn’t believe in such superstitions at all.
However, the Cliff of Hope carried a rather interesting legend.
According to folklore, long ago, a goddess descended from the sky. She was incredibly beautiful—so beautiful it was difficult to describe in words.
The reason for her appearance remained unknown, but some believed the goddess had come on a mission to guide humanity onto the right path.
Well, Nolan himself didn’t really buy into that explanation.
A goddess had important duties and responsibilities—at least, that was what Nolan believed.
So it seemed unlikely that a goddess would descend to the mortal world just to do something as mundane as guiding humans onto the right path.
Even so, Nolan didn’t deny that the goddess’s appearance might very well be true.
After all, he had once met the God of Sun in the worship hall of the Eastern Empire of Izanagi, so he had no reason to doubt the existence of gods.
Rafine took a deep breath and carefully stood up. She stared at the gorge in front of her with trepidation.
If she were to slip, she would surely die.
But when she glanced at Nolan beside her, she calmed down again and closed her eyes, pressing her palms together.
One of the requirements for praying at the Cliff of Hope was that it had to be done silently, within one’s heart.
"I hope..." Rafine closed her eyes and began to pray silently.
"I hope the Austin family can remain prosperous for a thousand years to come. I hope my family lives long, especially my father and mother. I hope that in this battle for the throne, Elina wins and leads the Great Velmora Empire into a new era unlike any that has ever existed. I hope..."
She paused, opening her eyes slightly and glancing at Nolan, who was staring straight ahead with a calm expression. However, the sadness and longing hidden in his eyes were hard to miss.
She closed her eyes again and continued, "Nolan has found a happiness that might have been lost without my knowing. And even if he hasn’t, I hope I can be that new happiness for him."
Nolan didn’t realize what Rafine was praying for, but he guessed it was related to the Austin family, Rafine herself, and the ongoing battle for the throne.
After a few minutes, Rafine opened her eyes and turned to Nolan with a smile.
"I’m done."
Nolan smiled back. He patted the spot to his right and said, "Sit down."
Rafine nodded and sat down beside him. She let her legs dangle over the edge and gently swung them.
"Rafine, I remember your birthday was last seventh month," Nolan said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box.
Then he opened it, revealing a ring. It looked absolutely stunning. The band was black, while the crystal was purple.
At just a glance, anyone would be captivated by its appearance.
"This..." Rafine’s heart raced. Her mouth opened and closed, as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t.
"This is a lucky ring. Well, it’s just a name, but it contains a magical mechanism that can help you survive three assassination attempts," Nolan explained softly.
Rafine still looked dazed for a moment before slowly regaining her composure.
She extended the ring finger of her left hand and gazed at him hopefully.
Nolan understood what she meant. He took the ring and slipped it onto her finger.
Rafine raised her hand. In the sunlight, the ring shimmered beautifully.
"The ring is so beautiful. Thank you," she whispered, a smile spreading across her pretty face.
Rafine had many luxurious rings in her bedroom, but she wasn’t the type to wear jewelry, so she kept them all stored away in a drawer.
However, after receiving the ring from Nolan, she would definitely wear it all the time and never take it off.
"You’re welcome. Just remember to always wear it, okay? If you’re in danger, that ring can protect you," Nolan warned.
"Don’t worry. Even without you reminding me, I’ll wear it for the rest of my life."
She clutched the ring as if it were the most precious thing she owned.
Nolan nodded in satisfaction. Then he stood up and stretched his body.
"Let’s go. I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant in Oakridge, about twenty kilometers from here."
Oakridge was one of the most advanced and wealthy cities in the eastern region. Since he had made a promise to Rafine, he had booked a VVIP room at one of the city’s most luxurious restaurants.
Of course, securing a reservation the day before would normally be difficult unless it was arranged by someone important.
Coincidentally, the restaurant was one of the White Lotus business branches, so it was easy for him to arrange.
"Okay!" Rafine nodded and smiled sweetly.
Nolan wrapped his arm around her slender waist. In that very moment, the two of them vanished from sight.
...
Elina sat on the sofa, helping Eira with her studies.
"How do you write this letter, Big Sister Elina?" Eira asked.
"Like this."
Elina picked up a pen and wrote the letter on the paper.
"Oh!" Eira’s round eyes sparkled. "I get it!"
She immediately copied it down. Although messy, it was clear that the girl possessed extraordinary intelligence.
’Just as expected of a member of the dragon race—they’re so smart!’ Elina praised silently.
While Elina was busy teaching Eira, the sound of footsteps came from behind.
"Your Highness, there is important news for you. It comes from the Lionheart family."
Elina turned toward the servant and stood up.
After receiving the letter, she opened it and read it.
"A contest between the Lionheart family and the Asbourne family?" Her eyes narrowed sharply.