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

”Don’t dream that he’ll save you...”

Upon hearing those words, Belfor’s expression froze. His heart pounded as fear crept in.

He wanted to deny Nolan’s words, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized they were true.

He had lived in the era before Ragan ascended the throne and witnessed firsthand how brutal the succession was.

The princes fought fiercely. Many noble families fell, though some managed to rise. Those who survived were the ones who chose Ragan in the struggle for the throne.

Of course, there were also those who chose neither side and managed to live on. However, everyone knew that those who remained neutral rarely had a chance to climb to the higher ranks of nobility.

Back then, Ragan was far less prominent than his brothers. Yet somehow, he rose up and eliminated all of his rivals.

Even those who were considered superior, with a nearly certain chance of victory, were utterly defeated by him. Most terrifying of all, he showed them no mercy.

He killed them all without leaving a trace, leaving the Imperial family entirely under his control, with only his wives and children by his side.

Naturally, Ragan also had older sisters from other mothers, but most had married nobles or kings from distant kingdoms.

Since they posed no threat, he left them alone and even maintained a bond of kinship with them.

Still, Belfor quickly regained his composure and looked coldly at Nolan.

”Your attempts to scare me are useless, Prince. I’m sure that Melinda won’t let me die!” he declared firmly.

Nolan only smiled and shook his head.

”Do you know who put you in prison?”

The question jolted Belfor, but a second later, anger flared inside him.

”The Blue Moon Trading House...” he growled through clenched teeth.

”Yes, you’re right,” Nolan admitted bluntly. ”They’re the ones who did it. And how do I know? Well, I have my own channels.”

Belfor’s anger grew sharper, but before he could speak, Nolan continued in a playful tone.

”Try to imagine it this way. In this empire, the Blue Moon Trading House controls about sixty to seventy percent of the economy. Simply put, they dominate every sector—even down to the smallest things like food and daily necessities.”

He let out a soft sigh, then looked at Belfor with mockery. ”I’m sure my father knows that. He must realize they’re working behind the scenes. And he’s not foolish enough to fight them either. If he does, then he has to be prepared for the economic collapse of the Empire. Tell me, do you think that’s worth it?”

The Blue Moon Trading House was Nolan’s property. Of course, he would never be so cruel as to destroy his own homeland. Yet he deliberately used this excuse to intimidate Belfor and bind him with fear.

Only then could he control him and force his obedience... hehehe...

This time, Belfor was utterly speechless. His breathing grew heavy as he realized how reasonable Nolan’s words were.

The Red Obsidian Trading House was large, but its reach and capital were still far beneath that of the Blue Moon.

Worse still, the economies of the three major regions were firmly in their grip, making them the wealthiest trading house of all.

Most shocking of all, their influence stretched not only through the Great Velmora Empire but also into the Holy Valtanir Empire and numerous other kingdoms.

He suddenly remembered—the capital of the Holy Empire of Valtanir had once been destroyed by the Singularity of Chaos, and its reconstruction now depended on loans from the Blue Moon Trading House.

In truth, they were the real giants. Looking back, hadn’t he been a fool to challenge them?

All his years of effort now felt meaningless, like ashes scattered by the wind.

Seeing him fall silent, Nolan glanced at Alvaron and said, ”Duke Austin, can you give me some time to speak with him?”

Alvaron was slightly surprised but did not refuse.

”Very well, Your Highness.”

Without another word, he turned and left, leaving Nolan alone with Belfor.

Since Belfor was held in a special detention cell, there were no warders or other prisoners nearby. It was impossible for anyone else to overhear their conversation.

Nolan walked to the back, grabbed a chair, and placed it in front of the cell.

He sat down, crossing his legs casually.

”Alright, Belfor Horven. I know you must feel desperate, but I have a proposal for you.”

Belfor froze for a moment, then lifted his head to look at him.

”What do you mean?” he asked weakly.

Nolan looked at him sharply and said, ”I can guarantee your safety and even spare you from punishment. But naturally, there are conditions. You must admit your guilt at the trial, and afterwards, you’ll have to leave when I give you the chance to escape. What do you say?”

”Admit my guilt at the trial and then leave?” Belfor swallowed hard, frowning before snapping back firmly, ”That’s impossible. I’m not guilty at all! Every accusation against me is false!”

Nolan rolled his eyes lazily. ”Stop pretending. Do you think I’m stupid? The charges against you aren’t baseless—they’re backed by evidence. So no matter how much you deny it, the court already has proof. It’s only a matter of time before you’re sentenced. Understand?”

His gaze carried both mockery and amusement, which made Belfor even more uneasy.

”You...” He tried to scold Nolan, but the words refused to come out.

What Nolan said was true. The accusations were real—yet Belfor had still thought he could deceive him.

Unexpectedly, this young man knew everything. In that instant, Belfor’s perception of Nolan changed completely. He no longer saw him as a foolish prince but as someone who demanded serious consideration.

”So... what about my offer?”

Nolan’s indifferent voice pulled him from his thoughts. Belfor opened his mouth to speak, but Nolan cut him off once more.

”Think carefully before deciding. I’m only offering this once—there won’t be a second chance. You need to understand one thing clearly: you will not survive the trial—and I guarantee it. As I said, my father will not intervene on your behalf. Even if your daughter, Concubine Melinda, begs him, it will be in vain.”

”My father is a man of practicality. He is unmoved by love, affection, or sentiment. To him, there is only one concern: interest—nothing else. So, I suggest you act sensibly, Belfor Horven.”

His gaze turned icy, accompanied by an oppressive aura that made Belfor shiver.

Who exactly is this Nolan Lorian? Why does he radiate such authority?