Chapter 1027: Syra’s Restless Heart

"Honey, why did you call me?"

Syra stepped into Orlan’s office and looked at him curiously.

Orlan, who was reading a document, nodded and motioned for her to sit down.

"Have a seat."

Syra said nothing and sat down across from him.

"Did something happen?"

Orlan took a sip of his coffee before answering, "I just received word. The troops led by Her Highness Elina have arrived in the southern region. They’re now heading toward the border."

Hearing this, Syra was taken aback.

"That fast? Why didn’t I know about this?"

Orlan shook his head, a complicated expression crossing his face.

"I don’t understand it either. Duke Malvain didn’t tell me about it. He should have informed all the marquis families about Princess Elina and her troops’ arrival."

The southern region was in turmoil. As the leader of the region, Duke Malvain should have taken action to quell the rebellion.

But that wasn’t the case. The Malvain family hadn’t taken any action at all. Not even an appeal or warning had been sent to the nobles.

And now, the imperial court had sent Elina, Freya, Evalyn, and thirty thousand troops to help resolve the problems at the border. Yet Duke Malvain had not informed them of their arrival.

The situation was terrible and chaotic. It almost felt as though Duke Malvain had done this on purpose.

"Honey, could it be that Duke Malvain—"

Before Syra could finish her sentence, Orlan cut her off.

"Do you think Duke Malvain is the mastermind behind all of this?"

Syra fell silent, but her expression made it clear that she was thinking exactly the same thing.

"It’s not just you. I think so too. No, maybe the other nobles think so as well."

Orlan sipped his coffee, narrowing his eyes.

"But we can’t say it out loud. We have no evidence to support it. Not to mention, there might be a servant in this mansion who was sent by the Malvain family to spy on us. So, let’s keep this between you and me. Understand?"

Syra nodded heavily.

"I understand. I’m sorry."

"It’s okay. I understand your concerns."

Orlan waved his hand.

"Back to the main topic. Princess Elina’s forces have already set out for the southern border. My original plan was to meet up with her and send supplies and reinforcements. But that’s not possible anymore. I want you to take Alicia to your parents’ house as soon as possible."

Syra was shocked by his words. She quickly stood up and cried out in a trembling voice, "W-What do you mean, honey!?"

Orlan remained calm as he looked up and met her beautiful blue eyes.

"I’m telling you to take Alicia to the Balfron family. Don’t refuse. This is my order."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Syra was left speechless.

In the end, she could only lower her head and reply weakly, "I understand..."

***

"Hahaha! Brother Nolan, you’re so smart! Why didn’t I think of that?"

"I just guessed. If you pay attention to this area, you’ll find the clue."

"Oh! So that’s it—I get it! Thank you, Brother Nolan!"

Syra, who had been walking with a dazed expression, was startled when she saw Nolan teaching Alicia in the living room.

The two of them looked very happy, especially Alicia, whose smile never left her face.

Seeing this, Syra smiled. It felt as though the sadness in her heart had simply disappeared.

"What are you two doing?"

Nolan and Alicia were startled.

"Mommy!"

Alicia’s eyes lit up when she saw her. She immediately jumped to her feet and ran toward her before leaping into her arms.

Syra caught her and hugged her tightly.

"I’m playing with Brother Nolan!" Alicia said excitedly.

"What are you playing?"

"A guessing game!"

"Oh?"

Syra was a little surprised, then smiled.

"Can I join you?"

"Of course!" Alicia replied enthusiastically.

Syra put Alicia down and sat beside Nolan.

"You don’t mind, right, Nolan?"

Nolan laughed and shook his head.

"Of course not, Lady Syra. It’ll be even more fun with you."

Syra giggled at his response, and the three of them started playing the guessing game together.

Before they knew it, half an hour had passed. Alicia, who had been the most excited at first, suddenly yawned.

"Mommy, I’m sleepy."

Her head began to droop, but she quickly shook herself awake.

"Sorry, Nolan. I’m going to take Alicia to her room first."

"Then I’ll be going now."

Nolan was about to stand up, but Syra stopped him.

"Can you wait a moment? There’s something I want to ask you."

Nolan was surprised. His gaze met Syra’s anxious eyes.

He didn’t say anything and simply gave a slight nod.

Syra then took Alicia to her room. A few minutes later, she returned carrying a plate of cupcakes and placed it on the table.

"I made these earlier. Have some."

Nolan didn’t hesitate and picked one up.

Syra sat across from him and let out a long sigh.

"I’m sorry for keeping you here."

Nolan waved his hand while chewing on his cupcake.

"It’s okay, Lady Syra. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d be happy to."

Syra felt a little relieved when she heard that. She interlaced her fingers and spoke softly.

"It’s about a request from my husband."

Nolan’s expression turned curious, but he remained silent and listened.

"He asked Alicia and me to go to my father’s house. He’s really stubborn," she said, sounding distressed. "I know he’s worried about us, but can’t he think about himself too? At the very least, I want us to stay here with him instead of just leaving him like that."

She looked at Nolan with pleading eyes.

"Hey, Nolan. Can you help me?"

Syra bit her lower lip, looking both distressed and sad.

"I want you to talk to Orlan for me. Please ask him to change his mind."

She even tried to lower her head, but Nolan stopped her with his magic.

No matter how hard Syra tried, she couldn’t lower her head.

"I’m sorry, Lady Syra, but I can’t get involved in this."

Syra was shocked.

"Why? Are you afraid he’ll get angry? Don’t worry. I’ll stand up for you later!"

"It’s not like that."

Nolan shook his head as he took another bite of the cake.

After swallowing, he continued, "Marquis Orlan doesn’t want you or Alicia to get hurt. He’s just doing what a husband and father should do. But he’s also the leader of two major cities. He can’t simply choose one responsibility over the other, so he has to make a difficult decision."

Syra looked dazed as she listened to him.

What Nolan said was true. Her husband was both a father and a leader.

If she forced him to choose one over the other, it would only make things harder for him.

"Besides," Nolan continued with a small chuckle, "your fears are somewhat unfounded. Elina—I mean, Princess Elina, along with Princess Freya and Young Lady Evalyn, has already left for the battlefield. They’ll arrive in a few days. Once they arrive, the rebellion along the southern border should soon come to an end. So, you don’t need to worry."

Hearing this, Syra stayed silent for a while before letting out a long sigh and giving a weak nod.

"You’re right. Thank you, and I’m sorry for troubling you."

Nolan simply smiled and nodded.