Rafine and Elina turned their heads as a tall, handsome man approached.
Rafine’s expression immediately went cold. She stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Elina, and glared at the man with hostility.
"What do you want, Victor?" she asked sharply.
"Pfft! Don’t be so fierce, Rafine. Don’t you want to see an old friend?" Victor chuckled lightly and stopped a meter away.
"Old friend?" Rafine sneered. "Don’t get cocky. I don’t have friends like you."
The man before her was Victor Valcrest, son of the Valcrest family. In terms of status, he was on par with her and Allen.
But Victor was different from Allen. His skills were impressive, and he exuded a calm, composed demeanor—without the cockiness or arrogance that Allen displayed.
What stood out most was his cunning. He had once swindled a young nobleman from the Viscount family, nearly driving them into bankruptcy.
If it weren’t for pressure from other noble houses, that family might have truly lost their noble title.
Rafine didn’t know the full details of Victor’s schemes, but rumors claimed he had embezzled two hundred million Sharn.
For a marquis or duke family, such a sum might not matter.
But the Viscount family was different. Their financial standing wasn’t nearly as strong.
Victor clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, yet his face remained calm.
He turned his gaze to Elina, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"You are truly beautiful, Your Highness. How about becoming my wife? Don’t worry—I’ll ask my father to propose and make you the main wife. As for the battle for the throne, you can relax. The Valcrest family will fully support you. How does that sound?"
He folded his arms across his chest and gave a slight smile.
What he said wasn’t empty flattery. Elina was indeed stunning and captivating.
In the entire empire, only Rafine could rival her in beauty.
Unfortunately, Victor had no interest in Rafine. Though she seemed gentle, her tongue was as sharp as a razor. If she became his wife, wouldn’t his ears burn every day?
"You..." Rafine opened her mouth to scold him, but Elina quickly calmed her.
"So, you’re Young Master Victor Valcrest, huh? Although this is our first meeting, it’s a pleasure." Elina greeted him politely, bowing her head slightly.
Then, with a smile both sweet and cold, she continued, "Unfortunately, I cannot accept your offer. I promised my brother I wouldn’t marry anyone, and the Singularity of Chaos expects me to win this battle for the throne. So, I’m sorry, but I must refuse."
When she mentioned the "Singularity of Chaos," she deliberately emphasized it, making sure Victor heard every word.
As expected, Victor’s expression instantly darkened.
In the past, the western region was nearly destroyed by a catastrophe-level monster.
He had almost fallen victim to it, but fortunately, he had survived.
The one who had saved him was, of course, the Singularity of Chaos.
Victor still remembered just how terrifying and powerful that figure had been.
The monster had been destroyed in just three strikes.
Now that he thought about it, Elina had received help from that same formidable figure.
And just moments ago, he had tried to tease her—essentially provoking the Singularity of Chaos herself.
"Ahem!" Fear crept over him as he hurriedly tried to clarify. "Don’t get me wrong, Your Highness. I was only joking."
He scratched his head, forcing a dry smile. "Please, don’t take it seriously."
If Elina reported his words to the Singularity of Chaos, his death wouldn’t be impossible.
Even as heir to the Valcrest family, the Singularity of Chaos wouldn’t care.
After all, that figure didn’t fear the Emperor—let alone the son of a mere Duke.
"It’s fine. Just watch your words next time," Elina said softly, her tone carrying a subtle edge of mockery.
Victor felt a sting of irritation, but he couldn’t argue.
"Understood, Your Highness. I’ll keep your advice in mind," he replied, forcing a smile.
With that, he turned and quickly walked away from Elina and Rafine.
"Pfft!" Rafine couldn’t hold back her laughter. "Elina, you’re incredible. I’ve never seen Victor so scared before."
Because of his status, Victor often acted as he pleased.
Moreover, he was the only son of the Valcrest family, constantly pampered by Duke Valcrest and his wife.
Elina simply smiled and waved her hand dismissively.
"He’s overly confident and looks down on others. But he forgets there are many people of higher status than him."
In truth, to her, Victor was no different from the children of other noble families.
What set him apart was his intelligence and skill, which exceeded that of other young nobles.
Facing him, even a single threat was enough—as she had demonstrated earlier.
"You’re right, Elina. I learned something important from what happened earlier," Rafine said, nodding in admiration.
Just then, footsteps approached from ahead.
"Sorry to interrupt you two."
They both looked up, surprised, as an elderly man—well over eighty—appeared before them.
Elina didn’t recognize him, but Rafine did: Marquis Montclair, Gustav Montclair.
"Grandfather Gustav?" Rafine exclaimed.
Gustav smiled and nodded slightly. "It’s good to see you, young Lady Rafine. As I recall, you were very young back then."
A hint of nostalgia showed in his expression, bringing a small smile to Rafine’s face.
"You are as healthy as ever, Grandfather Gustav. May you live long and stay well in the years to come," Rafine said respectfully.
Although Gustav’s rank was only that of a marquis, his former position as prime minister earned him immense respect—even from the four dukes.
"Hahaha! Thank you for your kind words," Gustav chuckled softly. His gaze then swept over Elina before he said, "You are truly beautiful, Your Highness—much like your mother. No wonder His Majesty the Emperor pursued Concubine Isabella so relentlessly in the past."
"Your compliment embarrasses me, Marquis Gustav," Elina replied with a gentle smile.
They exchanged a few polite words before Gustav finally explained the purpose of his visit.
"I came because I heard that Elina was being cared for by Concubine Isabella. On behalf of the Montclair family and myself, I want to thank you and your mother," he said sincerely, bowing slightly.
Elina was surprised and quickly moved to help him up.
"Please, Marquis Gustav. You don’t need to do that," she said.
If anyone saw Gustav bowing to her, it could easily spark unpleasant rumors.
Gustav simply smiled. "You are truly humble, Your Highness."
Elina felt a faint blush at his words.
"Oh, right. I didn’t come just to thank you—I also have something for you," he added, reaching into his pocket.
The next moment, an old gold token appeared in Gustav’s hand, and he offered it to Elina.
"The Montclair family pledges its support for you in the battle for the throne."
At once, Rafine and Elina’s eyes widened in surprise.
The backing of a marquisate was significant—but the Montclairs were especially powerful, being the family of the former imperial prime minister.
Elina swallowed hard, her gaze lingering on the token. Then, with resolve, she accepted it.
"Thank you, Marquis Gustav. I will gratefully accept your support," she said firmly.