A few meters away, Aldric and Cedric watched the confrontation with indifferent expressions.
They weren't bothered in the slightest—let alone inclined to interfere. In fact, they looked rather pleased.
If their two rivals clashed from the beginning, it would only increase their chances of claiming the throne.
After all, a feud between contenders could only work in their favor.
But when the conflict failed to escalate, the two merely exchanged faint smiles and turned their attention elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Zarak, who had also been watching the tension between Adalen and Nolan, couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Hahaha! Sixth Brother," he chuckled as he strolled over to Nolan and Elina. "It's not wise for you two to start a feud with Third Brother so early. Otherwise… hehehe… you're just asking for death."
Nolan, unfazed by the taunt, gave the annoying fat man a calm smile.
"Even without your warning, I already know, fat pig," Nolan replied coolly. "You don't need to concern yourself with us. Focus on your own fate instead. Will you survive this battle for the throne or become just another forgotten name in history? After all, your grandfather's Trading House can't protect you forever."
Zarak's face flushed as red as a chili pepper at the insult—especially the "fat pig" part.
"Damn you, Nolan! Watch your mouth!" He snapped, jabbing a finger at Nolan. "It's true—my grandfather's Trading House might not be able to save me completely. But don't forget one thing: we are the largest Trading House in the entire empire! From basic necessities to vital goods, the entire supply chain is in our hands."
"In other words, we are the backbone of the people's prosperity. It's you—you and Elina—who should be careful. You have no support from your mother's side. Then again, that's no surprise… After all, she's just a bitch—"
Plak!
Before he could finish, a hard slap struck Zarak's chubby cheek, sending him flying to the side.
"Watch your mouth, fat pig," Nolan said coldly, his purple eyes flashing with a deadly gleam.
Zarak clutched his cheek, wincing in pain.
Fury surged within him, and just as he was about to strike back, his body froze under Nolan's gaze—a gaze sharp enough to tear him apart.
Yet the humiliation burned hotter than fear. Being overpowered by someone he had always looked down on was unbearable.
He might fear his first, second, and third brothers—but there was no way he'd bow to that fool Nolan.
What would become of his pride then?
Besides, countless eyes—from nobles and dukes to commoners—were watching this moment.
If he backed down now, his path to the throne might end here.
Of course, he didn't dare confront Nolan head-on. But he could appeal to their father.
With a pained expression and tears welling up in his eyes, he turned toward Ragan, who had been silently observing everything.
"Father!" Zarak cried, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Did you see that? Nolan slapped me—in front of everyone! How can you just stand there and do nothing? He's humiliated the Imperial family!"
Elina panicked at the sight. She quickly took Nolan's hand and whispered anxiously, "Brother, please… You should apologize to Brother Zarak. If you don't, the consequences could be terrible."
To Elina, the battle for the throne was a dream worth chasing—but not at the cost of losing her brother. If her dream meant sacrificing him, she would rather let it go.
What meaning would the throne or power hold if she lost the one she loved most? To her, only her brother and their mother were truly irreplaceable—more precious than anything in the world.
Nolan gently patted her head and gave a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry," he said softly. "Didn't I promise? As long as I'm here, your path to the throne will be smooth. Leave this petty matter to me."
His words left Elina momentarily stunned. For some reason, they stirred memories of their childhood.
Back then, whenever she cried or faced trouble, Nolan would always say the exact same thing.
Without realizing it, her eyes welled with tears as she clung tightly to her brother's arm.
Meanwhile, under the sharp gazes of Aldric, Cedric, and the rest of the spectators in the square, Ragan remained composed. Yet his eyes were locked firmly on Nolan.
"Nolan," he said coldly, "how do you intend to explain this to me? Do you understand the consequences of striking your brother in front of everyone?"
A powerful pressure blanketed the square, bearing down on Nolan and Elina.
Cold sweat formed on Elina's neck, and her legs trembled slightly.
Yet Nolan merely smiled, calmly rubbing his dear sister's back.
To her surprise, the pressure vanished the moment he touched her, leaving her frozen in place.
She looked at Nolan, stunned and confused, but chose to hold back her questions.
"Father," Nolan said calmly, "what I did was not only natural but justified."
"There's a specific statute in Imperial law. It states that any insult or abusive remark directed at members of the Imperial family—especially the Emperor, Empress, concubines, and princes—is classified as a serious offense."
"By law, the offender may face up to ten years in prison. If the insult is especially severe and witnessed, the sentence can increase to twenty years. In addition, the offender's family is required to pay a fine of one million Sharn to the insulted member of the Imperial Family."
He turned to Zarak with a playful smile.
"So tell me—am I still the one at fault?"
As Nolan's words echoed through the square, silence immediately fell over the crowd.
Everyone present looked surprised and astonished. None had expected such a law to exist.
"Marquis Caltheron, does that rule truly exist? I've never heard of it before," Marquis Valmire asked, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his voice.
"It does," Marquis Caltheron replied calmly. "It was created after an incident where someone publicly insulted the Imperial Family. At the time, there were no strict laws addressing such offenses, which emboldened that individual."
"In response, the court revised the legal code and introduced a new statute—the very one Prince Nolan just cited."
"Hiss…" Marquis Valmire drew in a sharp breath, clearly unsettled. "Unbelievable... Prince Nolan used that law to corner Prince Zarak. I doubt he'll face any punishment now."
Marquis Caltheron said nothing, but the look on his face said it all.
Prince Nolan... he's nothing like the rumors. How intriguing… His gaze lingered on Nolan, filled with newfound interest.