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

Ragan was speechless after hearing the explanation. As reluctant as he was, he had to admit that everything his son said was true.

His perspective was indeed different from that of the trading house leaders. After all, he stood as the ruler of hundreds of millions of people, while they only cared about making a profit.

What surprised him, however, was how his son could know such things. Considering Nolan’s lazy attitude over the years, it seemed impossible for him to understand such a system.

”How did you know?”

Nolan smiled casually and replied, ”Didn’t you ask me earlier about my connection to the Blue Moon Trading House? Well, I found out from the person I saved.”

Ragan fell silent again. The answer was flawless, leaving him unable to find a single fault in it.

Taking a deep breath, he massaged his temples and said, ”All right, I understand. To be honest, what I said earlier was nonsense. No one suspects you, let alone accuses you of killing Zarak. It was just my own suspicion. Fortunately, you really didn’t do it, and I’m relieved.”

Yes, it was all a test—meant to gauge his son’s demeanor and his connection to the Blue Moon Trading House. Nolan’s answers had sounded honest and free of suspicion, putting his mind at ease.

Nolan already knew that, but he still had to play along in front of his father.

”What? Just nonsense?” Nolan straightened up, his expression shocked. ”So you accused me for no reason? Father, you really are a useless emperor! I knew you were suspicious, but this method is unethical, isn’t it?”

He frowned and looked at him with clear dissatisfaction. Ragan froze, completely unprepared for such a reaction.

Before he could say a word, Nolan extended his right hand with a playful smile.

”Since you’ve been playing games with me, I deserve some compensation. Not much—just five million Sharn.”

Ragan: ”...”

***

Nolan walked out with a satisfied grin. In his right hand, he held a check worth 5,000,000 Sharn.

”Tsk! That old man is really generous. If only this happened every day, life would be perfect,” he chuckled, slipping the check into his pocket.

Though he already had plenty of money, that didn’t mean he disliked unexpected fortune. Besides, the amount was enough for him to relax and enjoy good food in the capital for quite a while.

”Still...” Nolan smiled faintly. ”That old man really is sharp. No wonder he became a great emperor.”

He had to admit—his father was remarkable. Even when Nolan tried to conceal his involvement, Ragan had nearly seen through it. Fortunately, Nolan had anticipated that the question was likely a trap.

That let him remain calm and rely on his acting skills to deceive him.

Even so, it served as a reminder to stay more cautious—because one day, his identity as the Singularity of Chaos could be exposed.

Just as he was heading to his room, someone suddenly hugged him from behind.

The soft sensation against his back and the faint, refreshing fragrance made him freeze instantly.

There was no sound, as if the person wanted him to guess who it was.

”Sister Seira?” Nolan asked hesitantly.

”Oh? You think I’m Seira? Have our years apart made you forget your other sister?”

The voice was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time, leaving Nolan stunned.

He quickly turned around—and standing before him was an extraordinarily beautiful woman.

She had hazel hair that fell long and wavy down her back. A flower ribbon adorned the left side of her head, and a gold necklace engraved with a moon symbol circled her neck.

A beautiful, stylish brown dress only added to her charm and elegance.

Her eyes were red—sparkling like pomegranates. Nolan instantly recognized her—his third sister, Sharon Lorian.

”Sister... Sharon?” Nolan murmured, stunned.

Sharon Lorian was the third princess of the Great Velmora Empire. However, she was not his father’s biological child but the daughter of his aunt.

As Nolan once said, after his father ascended the throne and became emperor, he killed all his brothers but spared his sisters.

His father had two sisters, both of whom had married nobles from other empires or kingdoms.

Both had died, and, as was customary in many kingdoms, their husbands would surely remarry.

As a result, the children of his two aunts were left without guardians. Feeling pity for them, his father eventually brought them back to the empire and adopted them as his own daughters.

The emperor thus had three adopted daughters—Sharon, Freya, and Selena.

Everyone knew this, including Nolan and his siblings, yet no one dared to oppose or question the emperor’s decision.

Moreover, the three of them were no ordinary people. Sharon was a talented mage—it wasn’t an exaggeration to say she was on par with Jisha, the girl who had once helped care for Alicia.

His fourth sister, Freya, was a young general guarding the border against the barbarians. Her achievements even surpassed Aldric’s in the military field.

As for Selena, she was still attending the Imperial Academy in the western region. She had above-average intelligence—no less than Cedric, who was known as the most talented student in the academy’s history.

”What’s wrong? Surprised to see me?” Sharon asked playfully, rubbing Nolan’s cheeks with her palms.

At her intimate gesture, Nolan could only stay silent. He suddenly remembered that his third sister’s personality was somewhat like his eldest sister’s.

Outwardly, she appeared cold and stern, but with him, Sharon was clingy, as if she never wanted to let go.

It wasn’t just Seira and Sharon—Freya and Selena were the same. They all loved him dearly, as if he were their pet.

As far as he could remember, he had never done anything to deserve this when he was a child. Could he have forgotten something important?

”By the way, dear brother, I just got back, and my body is quite sore. Can you give me a massage?” Sharon winked mischievously.

Nolan wanted to refuse, but the hopeful look on her face melted his resolve. Reluctantly, he nodded and sighed softly.

”Okay. Let’s go to my room.”

”Yay!” Sharon cheered, raising her right hand in the air.

Without hesitation, she grabbed Nolan’s arm tightly and led him toward the room.

...

”So, you believe Nolan isn’t lying?” Ragan asked, his tone indifferent.

”Yes, Your Majesty,” Orion replied with a small nod. He glanced at the crystal orb in his hand and added, ”There are no fluctuations in the orb, so he is indeed being truthful.”

Ragan remained silent for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. ”All right, I understand. Any news?”

”The Third Concubine has requested an audience, Your Majesty.”

Ragan’s eyes narrowed. ”Melinda? That’s unusual—doesn’t she normally come to me without asking?”

Orion offered a dry smile. ”I’m not sure. Perhaps the Third Concubine is still grieving Prince Zarak’s death.”

”Reasonable,” Ragan nodded. ”Anything else?”

”Yes, Your Majesty. There is an important message from the Northern Kingdom of Kaldarion,” Orion said, producing a dark blue letter. ”They are facing difficulties and are requesting assistance from the Great Velmora Empire.”