Rafine was startled and stared at Nolan with wide eyes.
"Nolan—I mean, Your Highness, are you serious?" she asked uncertainly. "If you’re doing this out of pity, I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary. After all, I made a promise to you, and I intend to keep it."
Her expression grew serious, as if trying to convince Nolan she wasn’t someone who easily changed her mind once she’d decided.
And that was completely true. Since childhood, her father had taught her to always honor her promises and principles—even with enemies or those she disliked.
Only by doing so could she earn others’ trust and be worthy of becoming a ruler one day.
Her father’s lessons had taken deep root in her mind and soul.
Although she was cornered, she would never break her promise to Nolan. She intended to ask Theo to revise the terms—even if it meant accepting conditions tougher and more demanding than those he had previously proposed.
Seeing her resolute expression, Nolan was briefly surprised. His gaze softened as he looked at Rafine.
She’s truly remarkable, he said with genuine admiration.
Rafine’s demeanor surprised and impressed him again. Not only was she brave and confident, but she was also steadfast in her word.
It made him like her even more, and he felt that bringing Theo here had been worth it.
Nolan shook his head, took a sip of his tea, then spoke softly, "Don’t get me wrong. I’m not doing this out of pity for you. On the contrary, I admire you. Just consider it a favor from me. In return, you owe me two promises. What do you say?
Hearing that, Rafine was stunned. Her mouth opened and closed as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
After a moment, she let out a long breath and looked at Nolan with deep gratitude.
"All right, I accept. I promise to repay you with something better," she said solemnly, bowing her head toward him.
For the first time, she showed Nolan this attitude. Up until now, she had always viewed him as an enemy to be defeated, but now she didn’t want to think of him that way anymore.
Nolan had just done her an invaluable favor, and the least she could do was show her gratitude.
"Relax," Nolan replied, waving his right hand.
Beneath his calm exterior, Nolan actually wanted to laugh. After all, the real reason he requested a thousand acres of land near Mount Vulkrund was for the Blue Moon Trading House.
Previously, Shion had informed him that a gold mine was discovered on the mountain and that they wanted to take control of the area.
Unfortunately, this was impossible because the Red Obsidian Trading House blocked them at all costs, making any progress difficult.
This was mainly due to the eastern region being the headquarters of the Red Obsidian Trading House.
Theo’s conditions for securing the rights to operate Mount Vulkrund were based precisely on this situation. In the letter he sent to Arnold, he explained the circumstances that led to the current state of affairs.
In fact, from Nolan’s request to Rafine for a thousand hectares near Mount Vulkrund to introducing Theo to Rafine to the compensation terms the Blue Moon Trading House proposed for the loan—all of it was part of a carefully planned strategy.
If Rafine knew what Nolan was thinking, she would have withdrawn her words of gratitude and angrily beaten him up while shouting, "Damn you, Nolan! How dare you deceive me!"
But since she didn’t know, Nolan was safe from her wrath.
"Very well, Branch Chief Theo," Rafine said with a smile. "I agree to your terms."
"Good!" Theo nodded, satisfied.
However, his gaze occasionally flickered toward Nolan with doubt and confusion.
Afterward, the two began drafting and signing the contract. To Rafine’s surprise, Theo pulled a detailed, complete file from his bag.
She was naturally stunned. Normally, documents like these took hours or even days to prepare. But now, everything was ready as if Theo already knew the loan negotiations would succeed.
"Please read it first, Young Lady Rafine," Theo said, handing her the document.
Rafine nodded slightly and took it, reading carefully. A common mistake when applying for loans was not reading the entire agreement.
She was then surprised to find two clauses at the bottom stating that the Blue Moon Trading House would provide Magmoral and Lucite for the sea monster assault planned for the next day.
"Branch Chief Theo, are these clauses real?" Rafine asked, confused. "Are you really going to provide Magmoral and Lucite for us tomorrow?"
Theo didn’t even glance at the clauses she pointed out. He simply nodded while sipping his tea.
"Yes, Young Lady Rafine. I understand you’re short on those materials, so we’ll provide them," he explained calmly, smiling before adding, "Don’t worry—the cost won’t be billed immediately but will be added to the Austin family’s principal debt. You can rest assured."
Rafine was surprised by his words. She hadn’t expected Theo to anticipate her worries so accurately.
The Austin family was indeed short on funds. Buying Magmoral and Lucite was very difficult since the Imperial Palace’s trade regulations required purchases in large quantities, not small amounts.
Reassured, Rafine signed the document steadily and handed it to Theo.
"Thank you for your help, Branch Leader Theo," Rafine said softly as she stood and extended her hand.
Theo rose and shook her hand with a measured grip.
"You’re welcome, Young Lady Rafine," he replied politely. "It’s been a pleasure working with you."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Theo bid farewell to Nolan, Elina, and Luvistar before turning to leave.
Watching his back slowly disappear, Rafine looked momentarily dazed.
Nolan glanced at her with a faint smile. "What’s with that expression? Don’t tell me you’re in love with Theo."
His words snapped Rafine out of her reverie. Blue veins appeared on her forehead as she turned her head with an annoyed glare.
"You..." She wanted to scold him but remembered the favor Nolan had just done for her, so she held back.
With a sullen expression, she looked away and whispered, "I’m not in love with him. I just didn’t expect things to go so smoothly."
Then she bowed her head and added softly, "Thank you for your help, Your Highness. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it through this crisis."
Nolan simply smiled and shook his head. "You’re welcome..."