Chapter 986 The Plan to Become a Hero

"A rebellion? What's going on? Why did this happen so suddenly?"

Aldric was stunned by his mother's words.

Vanessa shook her head.

"I don't know either. It happened so suddenly. Your uncle said it's most likely because many people disagree with Seira becoming the temporary empress."

Aldric fell silent. He hadn't expected things to turn out this way.

"So, what's Uncle Jason going to do? Send troops to attack the rebels?"

Vanessa looked uncertain.

"To be honest, your uncle hasn't made a decision yet. He said he's still waiting for orders from the imperial palace."

"Hmm…"

Aldric rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Suddenly, an idea came to him.

"Mother, what if I led the troops to put down the rebellion?"

Vanessa was stunned. The next moment, her face lit up with joy.

"You're so smart! How did I not think of that?"

The rebellion was a serious problem that could easily turn into a major crisis.

In times like these, people needed someone they could look up to—or, as they might say… a hero.

If Aldric could become that person, his standing among the public and nobility would surely rise.

Aldric smiled shyly at the praise. It was rare for his mother to praise him like that.

"In that case, I'll tell your uncle first. I'm sure he'll be very happy," Vanessa said.

Aldric simply nodded without saying a word.

Imagining himself soon becoming the center of attention and a hero in the eyes of the public, Aldric felt a surge of joy.

'Elina, oh, Elina. Did you really think I'd just give up without making a move? Just wait and see. My name will become famous and be remembered for generations!' he laughed to himself.

Of course, he wasn't referring only to Elina but also to Cedric and Adalen.

He was certain that none of them had expected him to take such action.

…

"Reporting, Your Majesty. News has arrived from the southern region."

Orion appeared beside Seira, who was reading a document.

"Tell me what happened."

Orion bowed his head and said, "Duke Malvain has requested permission to personally resolve the rebellion. He intends to send Prince Aldric as the general in charge of the campaign."

"Oh?" Seira raised her eyebrows slightly. "So suddenly?"

She chuckled softly.

"Amazing… I didn't expect Aldric to seize such an opportunity in the middle of a crisis. He's actually smarter than I thought. No…"

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Maybe it wasn't his idea at all, but Queen Vanessa's—or perhaps… Jason Malvain's? Hmm… I'm curious to know who really came up with it."

Orion didn't dare answer. The more he interacted with Seira, the more he realized how intimidating the First Princess truly was.

On the surface, she appeared relaxed, calm, gentle, and majestic. Many people saw her that way, including Orion himself.

However, the reality was quite different. Seira was far more intelligent, had a strong personality, and possessed a piercing gaze.

Her mind was just as formidable, deep as the ocean.

Orion had only ever seen someone like her in Ragan himself. Seira was almost like a female version of Ragan—only far more ruthless and terrifying.

'No wonder His Majesty didn't force Princess Seira to join the battle for the throne. I understand now,' he muttered, chuckling inwardly.

Neither Elina, Aldric, Adalen, nor Cedric would stand a chance of winning the throne if Seira entered the competition.

"Since Duke Malvain requested it, I couldn't possibly refuse, could I?"

Seira laughed softly.

"What do you think, Orion?"

Orion smiled and nodded.

"You're right, Your Majesty. It wouldn't be wise to refuse."

The two exchanged glances, their smiles widening.

"In that case, carry out my orders. I will grant Duke Malvain the authority. Hopefully, he can resolve this."

Orion bowed his head respectfully.

"As you command, Your Majesty."

…

Time passed quickly. News of the rebellion in the southern region spread at an incredible speed.

"Have you heard about it?"

"The rebellion in the southern region?"

"That's right! Tsk! This is a huge and frightening problem. What if it spreads to the other four regions? Wouldn't we be doomed too?"

"Your fear is a little exaggerated, isn't it? Still, I can understand your concern. Don't worry. Her Majesty Seira will handle it."

"You're right."

Although fear had begun to spread in various places, the people remained relatively calm. The Great Velmora Empire had stood for a thousand years.

Rebellions had broken out several times in the past, and the imperial court had successfully quelled them all.

Moreover, this latest rebellion had occurred far along the southern border, so it caused little disruption for those living in the north, west, and east.

…

"Ugh… My head is spinning. The tax system in Virella is a complete mess."

Elina rubbed her throbbing temples.

Nolan, who was sitting across from her, smiled.

"Let me take a look."

Elina hesitated for a moment but handed him the document anyway.

Nolan casually read through it. A moment later, he laughed and said, "This is really easy."

"Easy, you say?" Elina scoffed. "If it were that easy, I wouldn't be having such a hard time."

Nolan shook his head, picked up a pen and a piece of paper, and wrote something down.

Curious about what he was writing, Elina stood up and moved closer without realizing it.

But before she could see anything, Nolan finished and handed her the paper.

"I wrote down the formula for you. Read it and try to understand it."

Elina took it skeptically and began to read.

"This…"

Her dismissive expression quickly turned to shock.

"Y-You…"

She looked up at Nolan in disbelief.

"How did you do that?"

The formula Nolan had written was a tax system.

However, unlike anything she had learned from books or her tutors at the palace, this system was far more advanced and visionary.

"You don't need to know. What matters is that you use this system to collect taxes from the people more efficiently without provoking their opposition."

Elina clutched the paper tightly.

"Thank you…"

Nolan's abilities had been proven, and she could no longer underestimate him as she had before.

"By the way, who are you going to take down next?" Nolan asked.

"Take down? What do you mean?"

Nolan looked deeply into her eyes.

"Your siblings, of course."

The atmosphere instantly fell eerily silent.

Before Elina could say anything, Nolan continued.

"Didn't I tell you before? You have to make a decision sooner or later. Otherwise, they'll be the ones coming after you."

Elina remained silent, seemingly unsure how to respond.

"In that case, how am I supposed to decide?"

Elina gasped.

"Who?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Nolan twirled the pen between his fingers and smiled cynically.

"Aldric, the First Prince…"