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

In his room, Nolan was packing the clothes he would take to the northern continent.

The journey was expected to take about fifteen days, perhaps even longer.

He didn’t know how long he would stay in the Kingdom of Kaldorian—maybe a month or two.

All in all, it wasn’t impossible that he would be gone for four to five months.

It would definitely be a long and tiring journey.

Although he could buy clothes and supplies there, the ones from the palace were still the best. The materials used to make his clothes, as well as those of the other princes, were carefully selected.

As such, he decided to bring plenty of clothes from here instead of buying them later.

Just as he was busy choosing which ones to take, the door to his room opened, and Rafine and Elina appeared behind it.

Nolan turned to them and smiled casually.

”Do you need something from me?”

Elina had a complicated expression but soon regained her composure.

”Nothing in particular, actually. I just wanted to see you one last time.”

Her words took Nolan by surprise for a moment.

”Are you leaving now?” he asked curiously.

”Yes,” Elina replied as she stepped closer, followed by Rafine. ”I’ve already said goodbye to Father and Mother. My carriage is ready, so I have to leave now. I’m sorry for not being able to see you off, Brother.”

She bowed her head with a guilt-ridden expression.

She had actually planned to leave at the same time as her brother, but just now, their father ordered her to depart immediately for the territory that would soon be hers.

There was a problem there that required her attention, so she had no choice but to leave first.

”It’s okay.” Nolan gently patted Elina’s head. ”I’m not angry at all. What matters most is that you arrive safely. That’s all.”

”Thank you, Brother.” Elina smiled sweetly, enjoying his gentle touch.

Nolan’s gaze then shifted to Rafine, and a playful smile curved his lips.

”Are you leaving with Elina as well?”

Rafine nodded slowly with a calm expression, though a faint sadness lingered behind her eyes.

”Yes, I am. After we arrive, I’ll return to my family mansion for a few days before accompanying Elina again.”

In truth, she had no intention of taking a break. Her real purpose in staying by Nolan’s side was to make him fall in love with her.

However, since Nolan would soon be leaving for the northern continent, it was impossible for her to follow.

So, she had no choice but to return to the eastern region with Elina and visit her parents’ home.

After that, she would return to Elina’s side and assist her in the battle for the throne against the princes.

”I see.” Nolan nodded lightly. He reached into his pocket and took out a small black bell. ”This is a gift for you. If you’re ever in danger, ring this bell. I can guarantee someone will come to your aid.”

It was Rovert’s bell—the one Nolan had taken after sending him to the underworld.

Of course, he had already refined the bell and turned it into a self-defense tool. Since Elina already had Malverna to protect her, the bell was more suitable for Rafine.

Rafine accepted it and examined the bell curiously.

”Is this something that summons a strong person?” she asked jokingly.

”Something like that,” Nolan replied with a faint smile. ”There was a powerful man who owed me a favor after I helped him once. In return, he gave me this bell. But since I don’t need it, I’m giving it to you.”

Upon hearing that, Rafine was stunned. She couldn’t imagine how Nolan had managed to make someone that powerful owe him a favor.

Wasn’t he just an ordinary prince before?

Still, she decided not to think about it too much. What mattered most to her now was Nolan’s thoughtfulness—his willingness to give her something so precious.

”Thank you, Nolan,” she whispered, gripping the bell tightly as if unwilling to let it go.

Despite Nolan’s sometimes irritating attitude, he could be surprisingly considerate when it mattered most. And somehow, that made Rafine like him even more.

Elina rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. Naturally, she realized that Rafine had feelings for her brother.

As his sister, she didn’t mind—but at the same time, jealousy still stirred within her.

She wasn’t ready to let another woman take her brother’s attention. She wanted him to see her triumph in the battle for the throne first.

Only then could she prove herself worthy of becoming an empress.

”You’re welcome,” Nolan replied lightly. He turned back to his sister and reminded her, ”In my absence, you’ll have to fend for yourself. I trust your abilities, but there’s nothing wrong with staying cautious. Zarak’s death earlier is a sign that the princes are no longer afraid of the Singularity of Chaos supporting you.”

”Well, they probably won’t target you directly, but they might use others to harm you—or worse, try to kill you.”

This would be the first time Nolan and Elina were separated for such a long period.

He even suspected that their father had deliberately sent him away to create distance between them. Although it was just a guess, his gut strongly told him so.

”I understand, Brother. Leave it to me!” Elina clenched her fists firmly.

Her brother’s warning was not without reason. Aldric had already revealed his intentions—that much had been clear from the meeting in the throne room a few days ago.

She had to be ready for whatever might come next.

Nolan smiled faintly and gave a nod. After that, he offered a few more words of advice—especially regarding the Empire’s grand anniversary celebration that was soon to be held.

The event would serve as an opportunity for the candidates for the throne to gain support from outside the Empire.

Building connections with them could become an important bridge to winning the battle for the throne in the future.

Nolan also sent his regards to Duke Austin through Rafine—and, of course, to Masha and Anastasia as well.

Once everything was settled, the two of them left his room.

”Malverna, Arnold,” he called casually.

Whoosh!

Malverna and Arnold appeared before him. Arnold immediately knelt on one knee and asked, ”What are your orders, my lord?”

Meanwhile, Malverna stood quietly beside him, observing Nolan with curious eyes.

”Arnold, any important news from your surveillance on Roswell?” Nolan asked.

”There is, my lord.” Arnold rose to his feet and began his report. ”Prime Minister Roswell...”

Nolan listened attentively. Five minutes later, Arnold finished, and Nolan finally grasped what Roswell had been up to over the past few days.

”Keeping an eye on the Malvain family, the White Lotus Trading House, and even Melinda, huh? He’s certainly cautious,” Nolan muttered with a small chuckle. ”Alright, thanks for the report. Keep watching him, and let me know if he makes any major moves.”

”I understand, my lord!”

Nolan then turned to Malverna and said, ”While I’m away, take care of Elina and Rafine for me. I trust you.”

That last sentence made Malverna pause for a moment before a faint smile appeared on her face.

”I understand. Leave it to me.”