Chapter 871 The Carrot and the Stick
Nolan picked up a few books and slipped them into a black bag.
He also grabbed a mug and a packet of coffee before putting them into the bag.
After that, he changed into a long gray robe that reached his ankles.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Nolan nodded in satisfaction.
"So handsome. No wonder women are crazy about me," he said, praising himself.
Hidden within his shadow, Malverna couldn't help twitching at the corner of her mouth.
Nolan was undeniably handsome, but seeing him act so narcissistic somehow made him seem insufferable.
Nolan was oblivious to Malverna's thoughts. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. Confidence was the key to success.
"Malverna," he called.
Malverna stepped out of the shadows behind him.
"What is it?"
"I need your help. I'm going to the imperial palace to meet my father. Please look after Elina and Rafine while I'm gone."
"All right. But isn't Obsidia here?" Malverna asked.
"I'll take her with me." Nolan shook his head.
"I understand."
Malverna said nothing else. Nolan was her master, and his orders were absolute.
Nolan smiled, gave her a light pat on the head, and walked past her.
***
"Hah..."
In the living room, Novaria held a duster as she cleaned the corners of the table.
She looked both helpless and slightly irritated.
"I'm the second princess of this empire. Why do I have to do a maid's work?" she grumbled.
She had never imagined she would end up in a situation like this.
But then, she remembered her fate. If she returned, she would regain her status. In exchange, she would have to marry Prince Ethan of the Great Kingdom of Horland.
On the other hand, if she stayed in this mansion, she would be safe, even if it meant living as a maid.
After weighing both options, Novaria felt the second choice was far better. At least she wouldn't have to marry a man she didn't love.
Being a maid wasn't exactly difficult, so why should she complain?
With that thought, her mood improved, and she went back to work.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind her.
"Tsk! Who would've thought the second princess would end up cleaning a living room? I wonder how people would react if they saw this. It'd be pretty amusing, wouldn't it?"
Novaria's body immediately stiffened. She turned around and saw Nolan leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You..."
Novaria gritted her teeth in anger. She had just managed to come to terms with her fate as a maid.
Yet this damn little brother of hers just had to mock her, leaving her feeling both embarrassed and annoyed.
Nolan chuckled at her reaction.
"Just kidding. Don't take it seriously."
He walked over and gave her shoulder a light pat.
"Go eat first. I've already set the table. Elina and Rafine are waiting."
Novaria blinked in surprise. Her brows furrowed as she looked at Nolan.
"You cooked?"
"That's right." Nolan nodded. "Why? Don't you think my cooking is good?"
Realizing he had seen right through her, Novaria quickly looked away.
"N-No. It's just... a little strange."
"Strange? Just because I'm a guy?" Nolan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Novaria didn't answer, but her silence was answer enough.
"You're too old-fashioned," Nolan said with a chuckle. "Whether you're a man or a woman, knowing how to cook is completely normal. There's nothing strange about it. So what if I'm a prince? The only real difference between me and everyone else is my status. Is it really that surprising that I know how to cook?"
Novaria fell silent.
"The only real difference between me and everyone else is my status."
His words lingered in her mind.
Because of her status, she'd always looked down on ordinary people. But now, she was nothing more than a servant in this mansion, no different from the people she had once looked down on.
Shame slowly crept into her heart. Compared to Nolan's way of thinking, her own narrow-minded views suddenly felt childish.
"All right, go on. Elina and Rafine are waiting for you," Nolan said, waving her off.
Novaria wanted to say something, but in the end, she held back and quietly headed to the dining room.
"Why did you tell her to eat with them? I thought you'd torment her a little longer."
Malverna appeared behind him, curiosity written across her face.
Nolan smiled faintly.
"To make her obedient."
"Make her obedient?" Malverna blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Nolan walked outside, and Malverna followed behind him.
"When you keep putting pressure on someone, it usually backfires," Nolan said casually. "Sometimes, you have to show a little kindness so they don't feel cornered. Got it?"
Malverna thought for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"I do. The carrot-and-stick approach, right?"
Nolan smiled.
"That's right. The carrot-and-stick approach. How did you know?"
Malverna let out a proud snort.
"I am the Demon Queen. How could I not know such a basic concept?"
Nolan simply rolled his eyes and didn't bother teasing her.
"Well then, I'm off. Keep an eye on Elina, Rafine, and the mansion."
With that, he disappeared.
…
Three days later…
"Your Majesty, here's the report. Those kingdoms have decided not to pursue the matter any further."
Roswell handed the document to Ragan.
Ragan took it, skimmed through it, and let out a derisive chuckle.
"They're truly pathetic. But their defeat is a good thing. At least they know their place. If they'd remained stubborn, I wouldn't have minded sending thousands of troops to crush their kingdoms."
He was referring to the kingdoms that had lost their princes and princesses at Cassian's hands during last year's imperial anniversary.
They had demanded billions of Sharn in compensation, and Ragan had agreed to pay.
However, they had gone too far by demanding several imperial territories, something Ragan could never accept.
At the previous conference, he had already threatened them and was prepared to declare war. Fortunately, they were smart enough not to push his empire any further.
Roswell let out a soft chuckle.
"You're right, Your Majesty. But..."
A cold glint flashed across his eyes.
"Are we really going to let them off the hook?"
Ragan immediately understood what he meant and smiled knowingly.
"You mean... attack them?"
Roswell said nothing, but the smile on his face was answer enough.
"Tsk! That's not a bad idea." Ragan leaned back in his chair. "But we can't do it. Invading them would only benefit the Holy Empire of Valtanir. What do you think?"
Roswell clasped his hands and replied respectfully, "You are wise, Your Majesty."