NOVEL NEXT Chapter 261: Masha's Disappearance (1)
"Well, Duke Alvaron, you must be tired from the journey. You should rest first," Nolan suggested softly. "This mansion has many rooms. You may choose any you like."
Alvaron didn't refuse and gave a small nod. "Very well, Your Highness. Then I'll take my leave."
Turning to Aston, he asked in jest, "Do you have time to accompany me in choosing a room, Marquis Valmire?"
Aston smiled. "Of course, Duke Alvaron. It would be my honor."
The two exchanged a laugh before rising to their feet and walking out of the living room toward the hallway on the right.
Watching them depart, Nolan didn't return to his room. Instead, he leaned back on the sofa, crossing one leg over the other.
"Here's your tea, Your Highness," a servant's voice came from beside him.
Nolan gave a small nod and let the servant place the teacup on the table.
Once the servant left, Nolan picked it up and took a sip.
A fragrant aroma and a slightly bitter taste filled his mouth, followed by a lingering sweetness.
An involuntary smile spread across his face as his mood lightened.
"An envoy from the palace, huh?" He muttered softly, gently swirling the cup.
The tea spun slowly, creating a peculiar sight.
"I can't believe everything happened so suddenly. Someone must be pulling the strings."
Earlier, the palace had declared that the trial was to be left entirely to the Austin family.
But now, they had gone back on their word—something completely out of character.
After all, he understood his father well. Once the old man made up his mind, he was as unyielding as stone.
So there was only one reason he would change it: someone's incitement.
And in that regard, two names surfaced in Nolan's mind—Prime Minister Roswell and Queen Vanessa.
Between the two, however, he leaned more toward Roswell.
It was no secret that the one closest to his father wasn't Vanessa or the other concubines, but Roswell himself.
That man held tremendous power throughout the Empire, and as Nolan recalled, even figures within the Imperial Palace—such as the five chief judges—stood close to him.
"That man has finally started to move," Nolan chuckled, taking a sip of tea. "Does this mean he already senses the threat from Elina? If so, the battle for the throne is about to turn fierce."
His gaze shifted toward the large window to his right, where a clear blue sky stretched endlessly.
"My dear sister, your real struggle is about to begin. I won't interfere anymore. I only hope you can endure it…"
...
"Achoo!" Elina, who had been chatting with Rafine, suddenly let out a loud sneeze.
Startled, Rafine asked with concern, "Are you alright, Princess?"
Elina shook her head. "I'm fine. Anyway, where were we?"
"About the fall of the Castellan family, Princess," Rafine replied softly. "Is it true what you said—that their downfall was caused by Nolan?"
Just moments ago, Elina had told her that the conflict between the Valmire and Castellan families, and the eventual fall of the Castellans, had all been due to Nolan's interference.
Of course, Rafine was skeptical. How could a mere prince accomplish something so great?
It wasn't that she underestimated Nolan, but it was hard to imagine he could pull it off.
"It may be hard to believe, but that's how it is. You may not know, but the Valmire family supports me in this succession. My brother's departure to 'take care of something' happened to coincide with the great conflict between the Valmire and Castellan families," Elina explained firmly. "That's why I'm convinced this matter is at least ninety percent connected to him."
What she didn't reveal to Rafine was that her brother had once told her he wanted revenge on Zarak for sending two assassins.
And as it happened, the Castellans stood on Zarak's side in this battle for the throne. So she couldn't believe it was all just a coincidence.
Rafine was left speechless at Elina's confidence. Still, she knew Elina wasn't someone who spoke nonsense.
Maybe this really is connected to him, she whispered, letting out a long breath.
Knock!
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Sorry to disturb you, Your Highness, and Young Lady Rafine. A letter has arrived from the Austin family."
Both were caught off guard. Rafine quickly rose and went to the door, opening it.
"Here is the letter, Young Lady Rafine," the servant said respectfully.
Rafine gave a small nod as she accepted it. "Thank you."
The servant smiled, bowed, and quietly left.
Closing the door, Rafine returned to her seat.
"Is that a letter from your father?" Elina asked.
"I don't know." Rafine shook her head as she broke the seal. "We'll find out soon enough."
Without hesitation, she unfolded the letter and began to read.
Her calm expression instantly drained, turning deathly pale.
Seeing her reaction, Elina grew worried. She stood and moved closer, gently rubbing Rafine's shoulder.
"Why are you silent? Is it bad news?"
Snapping out of her shock, Rafine looked at Elina in a panic.
"Princess… this letter is from my mother. She says Masha has disappeared!"
...
Four days passed quickly, and during this time the situation remained relatively calm.
Even so, many parties—especially the noble families in the eastern region—were still trying to uncover what the Austin family and the palace were hiding.
Their efforts, however, yielded nothing. Still, rumors began to spread that the order in the eastern region would soon change.
Of course, most people and noble families dismissed such talk.
Yet the sheer scale of the rumors made some who had been skeptical start to believe them.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Aston greeted respectfully. "The trial is about to begin. Are you ready?"
Nolan gave a small nod. "Don't worry, all preparations are complete."
He knew that representatives from the Red Obsidian Trading House would also attend. Whoever they sent, it would make no difference.
This trial wasn't just about preserving the Castellan family's status as a marquis household—it was also meant to crush the Red Obsidian Trading House in one strike.
It was, in short, like throwing one stone and bringing down two birds.
"By the way, where is Duke Austin? Why hasn't he come out yet?" Nolan asked curiously.
Aston was just as puzzled, but before he could answer, the sound of hurried footsteps came from behind.
Alvaron appeared, his face pale with panic.
"Your Highness, this is terrible! My daughter, Masha, has disappeared!"