Chapter 873 Two Confusing Requests (2)
A freeze was a measure taken by the imperial palace to halt all government operations.
In other words, the government would be put on hold and come to a standstill for a set period of time.
A freeze was typically implemented during critical situations, such as the death of an emperor without an appointed heir, a rebellion, or other major crises.
Even so, it had only happened three times in the empire's thousand-year history.
And now, Nolan had suddenly asked him to freeze the government, which naturally made Ragan angry.
"Nolan, this really isn't funny, kid!" he growled. "Implementing a freeze will cause panic across the empire. The impact will be enormous! Did you even think this through before making such a request? And what exactly are you trying to do? Has something major happened that I don't know about?"
Although Ragan often treated Nolan like an annoying child, he knew that was only on the surface. The boy had been hiding his true abilities all this time.
Otherwise, how could he have resolved the sea monster crisis in the eastern region and the Netherium issue in the Kingdom of Kaldarion?
His connection with a high-ranking executive at the Blue Moon Trading House was further proof that Nolan was both capable and trustworthy.
There had to be a reason behind his request to freeze the government.
Nolan wasn't surprised by Ragan's reaction. In fact, he had expected it.
Freezing the government would inevitably create political tension. Ministers and nobles would assume the empire was facing a major crisis.
But that was exactly what Nolan needed for the next step of his plan.
"I'm sorry, Father, but I can't tell you," Nolan said.
Ragan let out a cold snort.
"Then forget it. I won't do it. Just ask for something else."
He waved his hand dismissively.
Nolan didn't get angry. He simply crossed his legs and smiled.
"Then how about this? In return, I promise the imperial palace one favor from the Singularity of Chaos in the future."
Ragan's expression froze. His eyes widened, and his heartbeat quickened.
"A favor from the Singularity of Chaos? What do you mean?"
"A favor is a favor. Isn't that obvious?" Nolan said, rolling his eyes.
Bang!
"Damn it, kid! I know what a favor is! What I want to know is how! And why are you so sure someone that powerful would help us?" Ragan snapped.
Nolan chuckled.
"All right, I was just teasing you."
He casually waved his hand.
"I can't tell you how, but I swear I can make it happen."
He raised two fingers toward the sky.
"You can trust me."
Ragan frowned, his face filled with doubt.
Since Nolan refused to explain why he was so confident he could make the Singularity of Chaos owe the empire a favor, Ragan couldn't help but be skeptical.
Even so, he knew Nolan well enough. If the kid made a promise, he wouldn't go back on his word.
Besides, he had made that promise to him—the Emperor.
After thinking it over for a moment, Ragan finally made his decision.
He would accept the offer.
He didn't know how Nolan planned to convince the Singularity of Chaos, but there was no harm in taking the chance.
As things stood, the presence of the Singularity of Light in the Holy Empire of Valtanir meant he always had to be cautious. He couldn't afford to take direct action against that empire.
But if he had the support of the Singularity of Chaos, he would no longer have to fear that old man.
"All right." Ragan nodded slowly. "I agree. But remember this."
His expression turned serious.
"I can't freeze the government for too long. Two days at most. Not a day longer. What do you think?"
Nolan smiled calmly.
"That's fine. One day would actually be enough, but two days is even better. Thank you, Father."
Ragan rolled his eyes without saying a word. Maybe it was just his imagination, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the boy had tricked him.
"By the way, when do you want the government frozen?"
Nolan rubbed his chin for a moment before answering. "Within the next two days."
Ragan gave a slight nod.
"That's all. My business here is done. Thank you, Father."
Without another word, Nolan stood up, turned around, and left Ragan's office.
Watching Nolan walk away so casually, Ragan gritted his teeth in frustration.
"That insolent brat..."
In the end, however, his frustration faded into a resigned sigh.
He didn't know what he had done to end up with a son like that.
If he could, he would've loved to teach him a harsh lesson.
Unfortunately, he couldn't.
Nolan was the son of the woman he loved most. If he punished him, Isabella would surely hate him, and Ragan didn't want that.
"Hah..." Ragan rubbed his temples and called out, "Orion."
Whoosh
Orion appeared almost instantly.
"What is it, Your Majesty?" he asked.
Ragan leaned back in his chair.
"I want you to send Lyra, Cassiopeia, or someone else to keep an eye on Nolan. Report everything he does directly to me. Understood?"
Orion gave a slight nod.
"Understood."
"Second." Ragan looked him straight in the eyes. "Make an announcement that I will treat everyone fairly—including my sons and daughters. No matter who they are, if they make a mistake, they will be punished."
Orion frowned. He didn't understand what Ragan was getting at, but he didn't ask any questions.
"It will be done."
"And finally..." Ragan took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "In two days, announce that the palace will enter a state of freeze. All government affairs will be suspended until the freeze is lifted."
"A state of freeze?" Orion's eyes widened.
The color drained from his face.
"Y-Your Majesty, what do you mean? A freeze? What's happening? Why have you made this decision?"
Orion's heart raced, and his breathing grew heavier. If the freeze really happened, he could already imagine the chaos it would bring.
People would panic, and before long, rumors would spread—war, internal conflict, and all sorts of other theories.
The effects would ripple through every part of the empire, from the economy and politics to everyday life.
On top of that, the battle for the throne was already underway, and this would only push it to a whole new level.
Ragan simply waved his hand.
"Just do it. I have my reasons."
Orion wasn't satisfied with that answer. Still, he let out a long sigh before replying weakly,
"I understand. I'll make the announcement later."
Ragan smiled, satisfied.
What no one realized was that this single decision would throw the empire into chaos, despite the peace it had seemed to enjoy.
The battle for the throne would also escalate to an unprecedented level.
And the one behind it all...
...was his damned son, Nolan.
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Note: I use "boy," "kid," and "child" even though Nolan is an adult because those words reflect Ragan's point of view. As Nolan's father, Ragan still sees him as his child, no matter how old he gets.