The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne

”What did you say? How did that happen?” Ragan was stunned.

”I don’t know either, Your Majesty,” Lyra replied with a troubled expression. ”Just now, our intelligence reported that Belfor Hover was arrested by the eastern region authorities. The reason is that he faces multiple accusations.”

”Accusations?” Ragan frowned. ”What kind of accusations?”

”Fraud, embezzlement, false investments, and several others,” Lyra explained carefully.

Ragan’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected the accusations to be this severe and numerous.

Fraud alone was a grave crime—let alone when combined with embezzlement, false investments, and more. If the evidence were solid, then Belfor would be finished.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed down his unease and asked again, ”Who filed these accusations?”

Lyra fell silent for a moment before answering, ”The Blue Moon Trading House.”

”The Blue Moon Trading House?” Ragan’s eyes widened. ”Wait... don’t tell me this is about business competition?”

The two trading houses had long been locked in a silent rivalry. And in every clash, the Blue Moon Trading House always came out on top.

Truthfully, he was impressed by them. They were still relatively young—barely eight or nine years old—yet they had repeatedly managed to suppress the Red Obsidian Trading House.

In the end, the once-powerful trading house lost its influence and was forced to survive only in the eastern region.

”I don’t know, Your Majesty. Orion said the same thing. Most likely their conflict has already peaked. The Blue Moon Trading House’s attack must have been the fatal blow that brought down the Red Obsidian Trading House,” Lyra said seriously.

Ragan fell silent, his expression pensive. If the battle between the two had escalated this far, then the palace would have to intervene.

But one question troubled him: who should he support?

Belfor was his father-in-law through his fourth wife. By reason alone, he should support him.

Yet doing so was no different from suicide. The Blue Moon Trading House was already deeply entrenched in the Empire’s economic system.

It was said that 85% of the empire’s economy lay in their hands. Household goods, food, staples, even loans—everything was under their control.

In truth, they had only been around for nine years, yet their influence had grown at an unnatural pace.

If he sided with the Red Obsidian Trading House, it could very well spark a clash with the Imperial Palace. And if that happened, the consequences would be catastrophic.

”Haa...” Ragan let out a long breath. He had expected this day to come sooner or later, but facing it still left him overwhelmed.

”So, what should we do, Your Majesty? Should we intervene?” Lyra’s hesitant voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

Ragan looked up and said, ”For now, we’ll stay neutral and watch. Let things play out and see where they lead. If there’s a chance to save Belfor, we’ll take it. However...”

His eyes turned cold. ”If he’s guilty of greater crimes, let him go.”

To outsiders, the words might sound cruel. But to those who knew him, the decision was natural.

He had not become emperor by inheritance, but by carving a bloody path. Many of his brothers had fallen by his hand in the battle for the throne.

If sacrificing Belfor meant preserving the Empire’s stability, he would not hesitate.

Sensing his indifference, Lyra held her tongue. She knew Ragan too well to be surprised.

”Still, what if Concubine Melinda insists you handle this matter?” she asked cautiously.

Ragan shot her a cold glance. ”That’s none of your concern, Lyra. Watch your tongue.”

Startled, Lyra quickly lowered her head. ”Forgive my foolishness, Your Majesty. Please don’t be angry.”

Ragan’s expression eased as he waved his hand dismissively.

”Don’t repeat it. Now, go.”

Lyra said nothing more. Her figure dissolved into particles of light and vanished into the sky.

Ragan let out another sigh as he sank back against the chair.

His gaze drifted to the ceiling as he asked himself, Who exactly founded the Blue Moon Trading House? Is that person plotting against the Empire or simply running a business?

According to the reports, the leader of the Blue Moon Trading House was a woman named Shion. But Ragan was certain she wasn’t the true founder.

He had met Shion before. She was capable, intelligent, and impressive—but the trading house’s vision and mission were far too advanced, too modern, and beyond what should be possible in this era.

That was why Ragan suspected another figure lurked in the shadows—the real mastermind pulling the strings, treating everyone else like mere puppets.

Rubbing his temples, Ragan muttered bitterly, Belfor, you fool. How could you pick a fight with such a powerful figure? If it were me, even with a hundred lives, I wouldn’t dare.

...

”Achoo!” Nolan suddenly sneezed and rubbed his nose. He glanced left and right warily. ”Is someone talking about me?”

Several names crossed his mind, filling him with mild irritation, but he quickly brushed it aside. He was far too handsome—naturally, there would always be those who disliked him.

”Did something happen, Your Highness?” Anna’s worried voice came from in front of him.

Nolan looked at her and shook his head. ”It’s nothing. By the way, did you finish the task I gave you?”

Anna stepped closer, a smile on her lips. Her beauty shone, enhanced by the mature and alluring aura she carried.

If not for Rovert, she would still be a spirited young woman full of dreams.

”I already did,” she replied eagerly, handing him several documents. ”As you taught me, I organized the table first to make the details clearer. After that...”

Anna explained with such enthusiasm that she unconsciously leaned closer until her ample chest pressed against Nolan’s arm.

Of course, Nolan noticed, but he kept quiet so she wouldn’t feel embarrassed.

Fifteen minutes later, Anna finally finished her explanation. She gasped when she realized her mistake.

”Ah! I’m sorry, Your Highness!” She exclaimed in a panic, quickly stepping back several paces.

Her face turned as red as an apple. She quickly bowed her head, feeling stupid and careless for unknowingly doing something so inappropriate.

Nolan, however, only smiled and waved his left hand. ”It’s fine. Forget about it. By the way, your work is very good—no defects, just a few small flaws.”

He then pointed out the flaws and told her to correct them next time.

”I understand! Thank you, Your Highness!” Anna replied with a sweet smile.

Nolan gave a small nod, then glanced at the clock. ”Oh, right. I almost forgot to tell you—tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be returning to the imperial palace.”