Emperor Star, House Fuller Is Nothing Special

For the Lu pirate clan's fortune, the Empress and Prince Rowan would risk offending even the Emperor himself. That treasure is enough to tempt any ruler.

Years ago, Westlyn's royal family massacred Lu Island, using the Lu pirate clan's treasure to build their current power.

Rumor has it the Westlyn royals only seized one third of the Lu pirate clan's wealth; the bulk was hidden in secret caches known only to Lu blood descendants.

Madame Skyvault Irene Lu, consort of the Palace Master, could casually spend two hundred thousand taels of gold. That alone shows how immense the fortune must be.

Princess Vivian of Southlyn now holds that fortune. With it, she could seize Eastlyn's throne—or even conquer the world.

"Keep eyes on Princess Vivian. I want the location of that fortune," Prince Nolan said, making no attempt to hide his bandit nature.

The Lu fortune could fall into anyone's hands—except Prince Rowan's. Nolan was certain Emma Lu would never have wanted Rowan to gain it.

Once the two major matters were settled, Nolan issued orders for the rest. The subordinates only needed to follow his commands.

After giving brief instructions, a servant came to report: "Miss Feng has awakened."

Nolan nodded, dismissed the shadow guards, and had just stepped out when the steward rushed up: "Your Highness, an imperial edict has arrived. Please receive the decree."

"An imperial edict? I'm unwell. You may receive it on my behalf," Nolan said, not bothering to ask about its contents as he walked toward Serena Feng's courtyard.

While the steward set up the incense table to receive the edict, Nolan dined with Serena. After dinner, the steward came to report the contents of the decree.

"Your Highness, the Emperor has sent some fine medicinal herbs. The decree says you are to rest at home and need not hurry to court." The Emperor's 'concern' was a way to confirm Nolan's supposed illness and keep him away from politics.

"Send the herbs to Sutton Manor. Display the edict as usual." Nolan showed no concern for being sidelined by the Emperor.

Even when he attended court, Nolan rarely involved himself in state affairs.

"Understood." Seeing Nolan so relaxed, the steward realized he had everything under control and felt reassured.

"Aren't you worried the Emperor is trying to take your power?" Serena asked, unfazed by the move—she had long expected it.

"Worried? Why should I worry? My authority was never granted by the Emperor. What can he actually take from me?" Nolan replied arrogantly. To outsiders, he almost sounded like the Emperor himself.

"Looks like I worried for nothing. Since you're fine, I'll head home." Serena had slept all afternoon and felt refreshed.

Her return to Feng Manor wasn't out of sentimentality—after so many days away, she had plenty to handle, and she was the only one making decisions there.

"Alright, I'll escort you home," Nolan said, knowing full well how busy the head of a household could be.

"Rest and heal after you return. Don't push yourself." Nolan took Serena's hand and walked her out slowly. The staff had already prepared everything; she could leave at any time.

Just as they reached the outer courtyard, a shadow guard emerged: "Your Highness, Lord Felix Fuller is waiting in the study." The guard spoke quietly, just loud enough for them to hear.

Serena immediately understood Felix was visiting in secret—otherwise, a regular servant would have delivered the message.

"Go handle your business. I'll head back by myself," Serena said, perfectly playing the role of a capable inner helper who never let Nolan's affairs be delayed by her needs.

"Stay one more night. Go home tomorrow. Listen to me," Nolan said, his tone suddenly serious as he pressed Serena's hand.

"Is something wrong?"

Nolan nodded. "I'll explain later. Wait for me."

Nolan's expression was genuine. Serena nodded, signaling her cooperation, and only then did Nolan leave with peace of mind.

Inside the study, Felix Fuller sat quietly below the main seat. When Nolan entered, Felix immediately rose. "Greetings, Ninth Royal Uncle."

"Lord Felix, no need to stand on ceremony. Please, sit." Nolan gestured slightly and took the main seat himself, getting straight to the point: "To what do I owe your late-night visit?"

"Ninth Royal Uncle, let's speak plainly. I've come tonight to propose cooperation," Felix replied, direct and decisive about his intent.

"Cooperation? I thought we'd been cooperating all along." Nolan's gaze was sharp, making Felix feel exposed. Realizing his mistake, Felix dropped to his knees. "I misspoke. Please punish me, Ninth Royal Uncle. On behalf of House Fuller, I pledge our allegiance to you."

Cooperation and allegiance are worlds apart—cooperation means equal partners, while allegiance means master and vassal. Nolan's eyes flashed with satisfaction, but he kept it hidden and replied coldly, "Why should I trust you?"

"This is the House Fuller clan command token. Whoever holds it can command all Fuller descendants." Felix respectfully presented a palm-sized token, his words earnest and his demeanor humble.

Anyone burdened with the mission of reviving a clan has no right to be proud.

Nolan took the token and toyed with it, leaning back in his chair with an air of relaxed ease.

"I want to know what made you choose this path," Nolan said. He was willing to use Felix, but remained wary—after all, the old feud between House Fuller and the Lan clan/Phoenix bloodlines couldn't be resolved in a few words.

"A wise bird chooses the right tree; a wise minister chooses the right lord. House Fuller wishes to serve a wise ruler," Felix declared solemnly. Nolan just smiled, unconcerned: "A wise ruler? If you ask me, you saw the Emperor Star manifest and decided to bet everything on me."

Nolan spoke casually, but his eyes stayed fixed on Felix. Seeing Felix's expression shift, Nolan knew he'd guessed right—and was now sure Felix was serious. When Felix didn't answer, Nolan pressed, "Well? Am I wrong?"

"No, Your Highness, you're absolutely right. It was seeing the Emperor Star manifest that made me decide." Felix kept his face calm, but inside he was in turmoil—he couldn't believe anyone else in the world could see the Emperor Star.

After a long hesitation, Felix finally asked, "Your Highness, may I ask—who else saw the Emperor Star appear?"

"What, Lord Felix? You don't think House Fuller are the only star-readers in the world, do you? The world is vast and full of wonders—House Fuller isn't as unique as you imagine." Nolan's words intentionally belittled House Fuller, keeping Felix from getting arrogant.

In the past, Felix would never have accepted such words. But Nolan mentioning the Emperor Star left Felix unable to boast.

If Nolan already had a star-reading expert at his side, then House Fuller wasn't as essential as Felix had hoped. But...

He had already made his choice—there was no turning back. In chaotic times, to seek power and fortune, he had to prove his true worth. Felix cupped his hands and said, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I will show you that House Fuller deserves your trust."

"I'll be watching." Nolan was curious to see what Felix would do to prove his ability.