"Then, I’ll go first."
Seira stretched her stiff body and shot Nolan a teasing glance.
Nolan rolled his eyes but said nothing.
He’d rather his sister leave quickly and stop bothering him.
After all, she was a troublesome woman.
"Why do you look so indifferent, Nolan? Are you happy I’m leaving?" She raised an eyebrow, her expression turning slightly annoyed.
"Ahem." Nolan cleared his throat, trying to stay composed. "What are you talking about, Sister? How could I be glad you’re leaving?"
"Heh..." Seira gave him a suspicious look. "So, you’re happy that I’m staying here longer?"
"No!" Nolan blurted, instantly regretting his words.
He glanced at his sister and saw her puffing out her cheeks in a pout.
"Humph! I knew you were lying!" She snorted, crossing her arms over her ample chest.
Nolan fell silent, speechless. He’d been caught in her tricks for years and knew the routine well—so why did he always end up playing along with her game?
What kind of magic did this woman have that always made him so careless around her?
Maybe I should visit Lyra and ask if this woman put a spell on me, Nolan muttered in frustration.
"Alright, I’m leaving now," Seira said as she reached for the doorknob.
But just as she was about to walk out, she stopped and turned back to Nolan.
"Oh, by the way, dear brother. There’s something I need to tell you." Her expression suddenly turned serious.
"What is it?" Nolan inquired, curiosity sparking within him.
"Come here for a second. It’s really important." Seira motioned him over with a wave of her hand.
Without much thought, Nolan stepped forward. Seira leaned in and whispered close to his ear.
Just as Nolan expected to hear something important, the unexpected happened.
"Muah~"
Seira gave him a quick peck on the cheek, then spun around and ran off.
Nolan froze, eyes wide in shock. It took a few seconds before he snapped back to reality, his face flushing with anger.
"That woman..." he muttered, clenching his fists in frustration.
Watching him, Elina rubbed her forehead, unsure whether to laugh or feel sorry.
"You really are too careless, Brother," she sighed helplessly.
She stepped closer and added, "By the way, Mother called us. She wants to see us after we finish eating."
Nolan looked mildly surprised but gave a small nod.
"Alright, let’s go see Mother now. Since the old man announced the succession, we haven’t had a chance to talk to her."
They should have informed her right after the announcement, but Nolan got distracted and forgot.
He could only hope their mother wouldn’t get angry—because if she did, it would cause a lot of trouble.
Elina smiled softly, hooked her arm through Nolan’s, and pulled him out of the room.
...
The Imperial Palace was vast, sprawling over thirty-five acres. The complex was divided into three main sections: the Main Palace, the Palace of Light, and the Palace of Darkness.
The Main Palace was the largest, serving as the center where ministers carried out their duties. Its courtyard was also used for military training by the soldiers.
This palace was home to princes and princesses like Nolan, Elina, Seira, and others.
The Palace of Light was the second largest section and housed the Queen and the Empire’s concubines.
Since they were Ragan’s wives, each concubine was given her own private courtyard to prevent any possible conflicts.
The Palace of Darkness was reserved for servants, soldiers, ministers, and other Imperial officials. Of course, strict divisions separated the higher-ranking officials from the soldiers and servants, reflecting their different statuses.
At this moment, on the south side of the Palace of Light, Nolan and Elina walked side by side toward a small gate.
The gate was painted white, with delicate floral patterns intricately carved into its surface.
This was the residence of the sixth concubine and their mother—Isabella.
"Good afternoon, Prince Nolan, Princess Elina," greeted the two maids stationed at the gate, bowing respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Maya, Miya," Nolan replied warmly.
The twin sisters served as their mother’s personal guards and maids. Like Nolan and Elina, they were twins.