"For Elina?" Malverna's eyebrows rose slightly. "What do you mean?"
Nolan smiled faintly. He scooped up a handful of sand with his right hand, lifted it, let it fall through his fingers, then blew gently.
The grains scattered into the air, forming a brief, shimmering arc.
"Imagine it like this," he said. "Elina led thousands of troops to rescue me. By law, that's a violation. My father will definitely punish her later. But that's not the point. What Elina did was a rescue operation for me and Seira. In the eyes of the people and the noble families, it becomes a heroic act worth praising. Do you understand so far?"
Malverna froze. Her eyes widened as she looked at Nolan beside her, who was still smiling.
"Don't tell me you planned all of this before leaving for the Ancient Kingdom of Eron?"
Nolan remained silent, which was enough of an answer.
Malverna's heart pounded, her breathing turning heavier.
"You…"
She started to speak, but no words came out.
