Read Novel Full Chapter 792: A Challenge and a Big Bet (1)
Chapter 792: A Challenge and a Big Bet (1)
"F-Fifty million Sharn!?"
The staff member’s voice was low, but still loud enough for those nearby to hear.
Luke and the other noble family heads were stunned. They stared at Nolan in disbelief.
"F-Fifty million Sharn!?" Luke stammered. "Your Highness, you—"
Before he could finish, Nolan raised a hand to stop him.
"I understand what you mean, but don’t worry about it. I have plenty of money."
Nolan waved his hand dismissively.
Luke: "..."
The noble family heads: "..."
Nolan’s arrogant demeanor surprised them, but none of them seemed to resent it.
Instead, they were in awe. Betting fifty million Sharn was a risk none of them would dare take.
"Hahaha! Since Your Highness is betting that much, how could I possibly stay out of it?"
A man among the noble family heads burst out laughing.
He took a form, filled it out, and handed it back to the staff member.
"I’ll bet two million Sharn!" he said enthusiastically.
The others were once again surprised. The man was Viscount Valderick, head of the Valderick family from the eastern region. His courage was truly commendable.
At the same time, many others were tempted to join and quickly grabbed forms as well. Even Luke and Tessia joined in.
"Everyone," Nolan interrupted, raising his right hand.
Luke and the surrounding nobles turned their attention back to him.
"I know you want to show your support for Evalyn. I appreciate your intentions," Nolan said with a faint smile. "But I don’t want you to suffer any losses. So how about this."
He looked at them one by one before continuing.
"I’ll help you make a lot of money from this bet."
Everyone was surprised and exchanged glances.
"How will you do that, Your Highness?" one of the Counts asked.
"Simple." Nolan raised his index finger. "Don’t fill out the forms yet. Later, I’ll give you a signal, and you’ll fill them out exactly as I say. Understand?"
They exchanged confused looks. They didn’t fully understand his meaning, but they still nodded and set the forms aside.
Nolan simply smiled and said nothing more.
Then he glanced at the staff member and ordered, "Don’t leave yet. Stay here until I give the order. Understood?"
The staff member didn’t dare object and nodded stiffly.
"I-I understand."
Nolan smiled in satisfaction and closed his eyes.
In the distance, Cedric watched everything with suspicion.
"What is he planning?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Ever since Nolan had completed numerous missions for their father, he no longer dared to underestimate him. Nolan was far more capable than he had initially believed.
And yet, he still couldn’t see through him. It felt as though a solid wall was blocking his vision.
A few minutes passed, and the nobles and commoners submitted their forms to the nearby staff members.
The man standing in the center of the arena smiled and called out, "Alright, let’s welcome our two contestants!"
Shortly after, two figures stepped out from opposite sides of the arena. The one on the right was Nathan.
He wore a jet-black battle robe. The Dark Sword of Eclipse on his back exuded a menacing aura.
On the left stood Evalyn. She wore a white battle dress, her skirt falling just below her knees. Black stockings wrapped around her long legs, highlighting her graceful movement.
Her silver hair was tied into a ponytail to keep it out of the way.
The Divine Sword Luminus was gripped firmly in her right hand, gleaming beneath the bright sunlight.
They stopped ten meters apart.
The man smiled and reminded them, "Remember—this is just a friendly sparring match. Do not use killing intent. Understood?"
"Understood!" they both replied.
But only the two of them knew how deep their animosity ran—and how strongly they wished to destroy each other.
"Evalyn, you’re going to lose today," Nathan said coldly.
Evalyn simply smiled. If Nathan knew she had traveled back in time and met his Asbourne family ancestor, she was certain he would be forced to admit defeat on the spot.
"Is there anything either of you would like to ask?" the man asked.
Both of them shook their heads.
"In that case..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a voice suddenly came from the direction of the main bench.
"Wait a minute!"
Everyone, including Evalyn and Nathan, was startled. They turned toward the source of the voice and saw Nolan slowly standing up, his right hand slipping casually into his pocket.
His lazy demeanor looked irritating. Yet strangely, it only made him appear more attractive—especially in the eyes of the women.
"What the hell is this guy planning?" Cedric muttered irritably.
His instincts told him Nolan was up to no good.
The man in the center of the arena was startled as well, but he didn’t dare show anger. Instead, he asked politely, "Is there anything I can assist you with, Your Highness?"
Nolan smiled faintly. His gaze occasionally drifted toward Evalyn.
Evalyn flinched, then immediately felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
"It’s fine," Nolan replied casually. He then glanced at Cedric and said, "I recall Prince Cedric supports Nathan Asbourne, correct?"
Cedric furrowed his brows but remained silent. He wanted to see what Nolan was planning.
"On the other hand, I’m here as my sister’s representative. She couldn’t attend due to other matters. Therefore, I hold the same authority here as you do, Cedric."
"State your purpose directly—don’t beat around the bush," Cedric cut in coldly.
Nolan fell silent for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle.
"Alright, sorry. I was talking nonsense."
He crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Cedric, I’m challenging you to a bet. Are you in?"
The atmosphere instantly fell silent. Everyone exchanged shocked glances, not expecting Nolan to issue such a challenge.
"A bet?" Cedric repeated, taken aback.
"Exactly." Nolan nodded and continued, "You’re here as Nathan Asbourne’s supporter, right? Well, I’m here as Evalyn Lionheart’s supporter. Since we’re already on opposing sides, why not go ahead and make a bet?"
Faced with the challenge, Cedric didn’t dare act rashly. He finally understood the source of his unease.
Nolan had been planning something all along.
Cedric wasn’t a fool. He wouldn’t be easily provoked.
Seeing Cedric remain silent, Nolan let out a loud laugh and taunted him.
"What’s the matter? Why so quiet? Don’t tell me you—"
He smiled thinly.
"Are you scared?"
Cedric remained calm, but his fists tightened.
"Scared? Are you kidding?" Cedric snorted coldly. "I’m just being cautious. Who knows if you’re setting a trap with this bet?"
Nolan shook his head slightly, wearing an innocent expression.
"What do you mean? Me cheating? You’re being too paranoid."
He pointed toward the people below and declared, "All of you here are witnesses—I, Nolan Lorian, swear that I will not cheat in this wager! If I do, I’ll forfeit my status as a prince!"
His words shocked everyone present—Luke, the noble family heads, Evalyn, Nathan, and even Cedric himself.
"Nolan, are you crazy!?" Cedric snapped.
"Crazy?" Nolan gave a faint smirk. "I’m not crazy. I make that oath because I’m confident I won’t deceive you. What do you think?"