novelbin Chapter 799 A Big Win
Chapter 799 A Big Win
Hearing that, the frustration of those supporting Nathan gradually subsided. What Nolan said did make sense.
Even though they had lost in the first category, there were still the second and third categories.
Shortly afterward, several people entered the arena. They consisted of three men and three women.
They were a special team assigned to examine the injuries on Evalyn and Nathan's bodies.
A magical barrier appeared, enveloping both of them. The spectators could not see what was happening inside.
That was understandable, considering the examination required both participants to remove all their clothing.
Only then could the results be determined fairly.
Several minutes passed, yet the tension in the stands did not ease at all.
The other two categories were the number of attacks Evalyn had taken and the number of injuries sustained by both sides.
Many had bet that Evalyn would lose, making the second category impossible for them to win.
They had all witnessed Evalyn effortlessly parry Nathan's attacks, not a single one landing.
"Wait a minute..." A young nobleman's eyes widened. "Evalyn didn't take a single hit, did she? Then what do you expect from the other two categories?"
His words reached the other nobles, and panic and regret once again filled their hearts.
"So we've lost everything then," murmured a noblewoman.
"Isn't it obvious?" the young nobleman shook his head helplessly. "We really backed the wrong person. There's no way we can win now."
Everyone fell silent, then let out a collective sigh.
Ten minutes later, the magical barrier vanished.
Evalyn, standing calmly, and Nathan, still unconscious, reappeared before everyone.
Two representatives from the examination team approached the judge and quietly reported their findings.
After hearing the report, the judge's eyes widened in shock.
Without thinking, he glanced at Nolan, who was seated in the front row, a look of horror flashing across his face.
He quickly regained his composure before announcing, "For the second category, the result is negative. Young Lady Evalyn Lionheart was not struck by Young Master Nathan Asbourne even once."
Everyone had expected those words, so no one was surprised.
At the same time, however, they turned to look at Nolan, who sat casually without the slightest hint of surprise.
"The third category..." the judge continued, taking a deep breath. "No injuries were found on Young Lady Evalyn Lionheart's body. Meanwhile, Young Master Nathan Asbourne suffered numerous injuries. The count reached twenty wounds spread across his body, especially his face."
"Hiss!" Everyone sucked in a sharp breath.
They looked at Nolan again. His expression remained calm, as if the result were exactly what he had expected all along.
"Damn... This guy is truly amazing!"
Allen couldn't help but laugh. The more he thought about it, the more impressed he was with Nolan.
The guy wasn't just cunning and smart—his judgment was frighteningly accurate.
Allen didn't know whether the twenty wounds on Nathan's body had been intentionally inflicted by Evalyn or not. But one thing was certain: Nolan had completely changed everyone's perception of him.
From now on, no one would dare underestimate him again. After all, even Cedric had been thoroughly suppressed by him.
"Hahaha! Your Highness, congratulations! You've hit the jackpot this time!" Luke laughed heartily. He then patted Nolan on the shoulder and said warmly, "And thank you... Thank you for your trust and help all this time."
He didn't know what else to say. By now, he no longer doubted that Evalyn's victory was closely connected to Nolan.
Not only had she won the battle, but the outcome of that victory had also allowed him and the other nobles to reap enormous profits.
It felt as though they had taken a leisurely stroll and stumbled upon two chunks of gold along the way.
The heads of the other noble families also praised Nolan. Not a single one regretted following his advice.
After all, the amount they had invested was enormous. Even the smallest investment had reached two million Sharn. One could only imagine how delighted they were now.
Nolan waved his hand.
"You're welcome, Uncle. All of this is thanks to Evalyn. I only gave her a little push from behind," he replied humbly.
Luke chuckled softly. He wasn't the least bit swayed by Nolan's humility. But he was too lazy to argue, so he simply nodded.
"By the way, the Lionheart family is hosting a grand banquet tonight. You all have to come," Luke invited, patting his chest proudly.
The heads of the noble families naturally didn't refuse. Building a relationship with the Lionheart family, a household on par with a duke's family, was a rare opportunity that might never come again.
After chatting for a bit longer, they got up and headed off to claim their winnings.
Just thinking about the huge amount of money they were about to receive was enough to make them tremble with excitement.
...
"Damn it!"
Bam!
Cedric slammed his hand onto the table. His face flushed red, and his breathing became heavy.
Today's defeat would be a stain on his reputation that could never be erased—not even after he became emperor.
Margaretta walked to his side and tried to calm him. "Don't be angry, Your Highness. Winning and losing are part of life. Didn't Prime Minister Roswell tell you that a month ago? Have you already forgotten?"
Hearing that, Cedric slowly calmed down. Even so, it was impossible for his anger to disappear so easily.
One hundred twenty million Sharn had vanished just like that. Although he was a prince, that amount was still astronomical to him.
What's more, most of that money was part of the capital he had accumulated for the ongoing battle for the throne. Losing it was like losing one of his legs.
"This can't be left unchecked," Cedric muttered through gritted teeth. He turned to Margaretta and asked, "Can you ask your father to cover all of my losses?"
Margaretta was taken aback. She didn't answer right away and remained silent for a moment.
"That's difficult."
Her expression turned somber.
"You know full well that my father is a very pragmatic man. Spending that much money would undoubtedly hurt the Ashvale family. The high-ranking members of the family would never sit back and allow it. Besides, he still has to pay the fifty million Sharn he promised you."
She shook her head and let out a long sigh.
Cedric's expression darkened. He wanted to say something, but ultimately held back.
What Margaretta said was true. The support of a duke's family was entirely different from that of a marquis family or any noble house below it.
Every decision had to benefit both sides. Even if Duke Ashvale supported him, there was no way he would be willing to bear such a massive loss without receiving something in return.
Unless Cedric could offer him something valuable enough to benefit the Ashvale family.
Cedric took a deep breath and looked at Margaretta with a calm expression.
"I'll accept the Duke's offer."
Margaretta froze.
"You mean—"
Before she could finish, Cedric spoke firmly.
"Let's get engaged."