Chapter 870 The Smiling Devil
"By the way, I need your help with something," Nolan said.
"Just give the order, my lord."
Arnold bowed his head.
"I need you to find evidence of Jakes' crimes. He's a wealthy businessman from the western region. He owns several inns, mines, and..."
Arnold listened in silence as Nolan went over the details.
Five minutes later, Nolan finally finished, and Arnold understood what he wanted.
"I understand. Leave it to me."
"Good." Nolan smiled. "If you can, look into any connections between Jakes and Cedric too. Jakes is one of Cedric's biggest supporters, especially financially."
Ever since Cedric lost a fortune after losing his bet with Nolan on the match between the Asbourne and Lionheart families, things had only gotten worse for him.
In the end, he agreed to an engagement with Margaretta of House Ashvale, tying himself even more closely to the family.
Having the backing of a duke's family certainly had its advantages. But it could just as easily become a weakness for Cedric.
Many noble families had hoped to marry their daughters to him.
Although the chances had always been slim, that possibility was enough to influence where their loyalties lay.
Unfortunately, Cedric's engagement to Margaretta ruined those expectations. Several noble families that had been considering supporting him immediately backed away.
To prepare for the worst, Cedric asked Roswell to put him in touch with Jakes, one of the richest businessmen in the northern region.
The two had grown very close, giving Nolan the perfect opportunity to strike at Cedric.
Just imagining Cedric's horrified expression made Nolan smile.
"My dear brother... I'll make sure to prepare a very special gift for you. Hehehe..."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Nolan's lips, like a devil who had just lured Adam and Eve out of paradise.
Seeing that smile, Arnold quietly lowered his head.
"My lord is truly terrifying when he's plotting something evil," he muttered helplessly.
...
Northern Region, East Mansion...
Cedric sat alone on a sofa, playing a game of chess by himself.
He moved a pawn and fell silent.
His mind quickly ran through every possible response his opponent might have.
Then, without warning, a chill ran down his spine.
His body tensed, and all his senses went on high alert.
"Who's talking about me?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
His instincts warned him that something bad was coming—and that he was the target.
A cold sweat ran down his back.
Cedric took a deep breath and slowly let it out, trying to calm himself.
After a moment, he leaned back against the sofa and rubbed his temples.
"It's all because of that damn Nolan..."
He clenched his teeth in frustration.
The bet on the match between Nathan and Evalyn had completely ruined him.
Not only had he lost his entire savings, but he now had to rely almost entirely on the Ashvale family.
Although the Ashvale family would never betray him, Cedric hated having his fate depend on someone else—even if that person was his trusted uncle.
And it had all started because of that bet with Nolan.
He also needed the financial support of several wealthy merchants from the northern region. Jakes was one of them.
Cedric couldn't deny that getting close to Jakes and the other merchants had its benefits.
Even so, he hated owing anyone.
All he had wanted was their support and a little financial help, not to end up relying on them as much as he did now.
"It's okay... I can still turn this around," he muttered.
Even after losing the bet to Nolan, he was still one of the strongest contenders for the throne.
Around seventy percent of the noble families in the northern region were still on his side. The rest supported Elina, Aldric, or Adalen, while a few had yet to choose a side.
Cedric wasn't worried. Sooner or later, he was sure he could win them over.
Just then, he heard footsteps behind him.
Before he could turn around, two slender arms gently wrapped around his neck.
"You're still awake?"
A calm, gentle voice whispered into his ear, carrying the faint scent of lavender.
Cedric turned his head and met Margaretta's warm gaze.
The tension in his body melted away almost instantly.
"I still have some work to do," he replied calmly.
Margaretta didn't answer. Instead, she rested her cheek against his and whispered,
"You know... I've been waiting for this day for a long time. Becoming your fiancée and someone you can lean on has always been my dream."
Cedric's expression softened before turning conflicted.
He couldn't deny that being loved by someone as beautiful as Margaretta made him happy.
But no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't return her feelings.
After a moment, Cedric gently patted her head.
"I'm happy too."
Margaretta smiled softly as she looked into his eyes.
"You're lying."
She slowly rested her forehead against his.
"There's no love or sincerity in your eyes. I can see it."
Cedric fell silent. Margaretta had always been exceptionally perceptive.
"…But that's okay."
She gently caressed his cheek, as though it were the most precious thing in the world.
"I'm sure that one day, you'll love me. I truly believe that."
Cedric let out a slow breath.
"I hope so."
Margaretta smiled faintly and released her embrace.
She walked over and sat beside him before handing him a brown envelope.
"This is an invitation from Jakes. He said there's something important he wants to discuss with you."
Cedric took the envelope and looked it over. It was surprisingly thin, and the surface felt smooth, almost like silk.
He opened it, pulled out a sheet of gold-colored paper, and started reading.
A faint change crossed his face.
Noticing his reaction, Margaretta looked at him curiously.
"What's wrong?"
Cedric stayed silent for a moment before letting out a slow breath.
"Jakes wants to give me a hundred million Sharn."
Margaretta raised an eyebrow.
"Why all of a sudden?"
"I don't know. But he said his business has run into some trouble and that he needs my signature—as a prince."
Margaretta fell silent for a long moment before asking,
"Are you going to accept it?"
"I don't know." Cedric rested his cheek against his palm and lazily crossed his legs. "There's no such thing as a free lunch. I'm certain the business he's talking about has broken the law. Otherwise, he wouldn't need my help."
"So you're going to turn him down?"
Cedric smiled faintly. Reaching out with his left hand, he gently lifted Margaretta's chin.
"Of course not. I'll meet with him in four days and find out what kind of business he's talking about. If it's something serious that could threaten my position, I won't get involved. But..."
A faint chuckle escaped his lips.
"If it's only a minor legal issue, I might help him. After all, a hundred million Sharn is a lot of money."