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

The next day, the guest envoys from the outer kingdoms finally returned.

Of course, Ragan did not let them leave empty-handed.

He opened the imperial treasury and gifted each of them treasures worth five million Sharn as compensation.

With five to six thousand guests in total, the amount he spent reached tens of billions of Sharn.

Still, it was nothing compared to the losses the guests had suffered.

Many had lost friends, family, or even spouses because of Cassian’s actions at last night’s party.

The noble families were hit the hardest. Three to six of them had even been turned into demons and killed by Lyra.

As a result, their noble status was temporarily revoked, and their territories would be taken over by their respective regional rulers.

The chaos of the previous night spread rapidly through every level of society in the capital.

”Have you heard about it?”

”Do you mean the chaos that occurred during the empire’s anniversary celebration? I’ve heard all about it.”

”Tsk! It was terrifying! My brother was in charge of security at the party. He said many guests from outside the empire, as well as several noble family heads and their relatives, were turned into demons. Truly horrifying!”

”Yes, I heard it from my son, who works as a servant at the palace. He said the empire suffered enormous losses, and the culprit was none other than Prince Cassian! What a cruel prince!”

The discussion took place in a tavern in the middle of the capital.

On any other day, no one would dare speak so freely about the imperial family.

However, last night’s incident was far too big for the palace to cover up.

There were too many victims and witnesses.

Even if the imperial family tried to threaten them into silence, it would only breed further discontent and could undermine the family’s standing in the eyes of the people.

The discussion wasn’t limited to that tavern—it was happening in every corner of the capital.

Everyone was eager to see what steps the emperor and the imperial family would take next.

After all, the deaths of guests from other kingdoms were no small matter.

People feared the situation could escalate into political tension—or even war.

Meanwhile, in his workspace, Ragan sat dazed, staring blankly into the distance.

After a moment, he exhaled deeply and shook his head.

’This is truly a disaster,’ he muttered, his expression dark.

In the history of the Great Velmora Empire, no prince involved in a throne battle had ever colluded with an outside party—let alone with a demon.

Even in defeat, they would never have brought shame to the empire or their own families.

What Cassian had done was unprecedented in the empire’s history.

”I must act quickly to prevent a war,” he whispered coldly.

The Great Velmora Empire was undoubtedly powerful, but if it were attacked by multiple parties at once, it could still be overwhelmed.

And there were plenty of onlookers ready to exploit any chaos that followed.

As he was about to begin his work, there was a knock at the door.

”Your Majesty, it’s me, Claren. May I come in?”

Ragan’s hand, ready to write, froze. He frowned and said, ”Come in.”

The door opened, revealing Claren’s pale and weakened figure.

Beside her stood an elderly man, his face lined with fatigue.

It was Ivian, one of the ministers of his government.

Seeing Ivian, Ragan immediately realized that Claren had come regarding Cassian.

”What is it?” he asked indifferently, leaning back in his chair.

The two stepped inside and bowed. Claren, tears welling in her eyes, spoke hoarsely, ”Your Majesty... Is my son dead?”

Ragan remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly.

”Yes. He died at the hands of the Singularity of Light.”

His words struck Claren like a hammer. Her head spun, and her vision blurred.

Cassian had been her precious child, born of her, and loved dearly.

Even though she knew of his guilt, he was still her son.

And now, hearing that her only child was gone, Claren felt her world collapse.

She instantly lost consciousness and toppled backward. Fortunately, Ivian caught her before she could hit the ground.

He shook her anxiously, but she did not respond.

Worried, Ragan immediately called for the maids to take Claren to the medical room.

The maids quickly arrived and led Claren to the medical room.

Now, only Ivian remained in Ragan’s workspace. The two men stared at each other for a moment before Ivian stepped forward, hands clasped tightly.

”Your Majesty, I must apologize,” he said weakly, bowing his head. ”Cassian is my grandson, and last night’s incident is my fault for not guiding him properly. I beg you... please, don’t punish Claren.”

Tears welled in his eyes as he sobbed quietly.

”She is the only family I have left. I beg for your mercy, Your Majesty.”

Ragan remained silent, his expression complex and troubled.

He shook his head, gently lowering Ivian’s clasped hands, and said, ”Don’t apologize, Minister—no, Father-in-law. If anyone is to blame, it is me. I am his father; it was my duty to guide him. And I have failed—as a father and as a leader.”

He offered a wry smile. ”As for Claren, you need not worry. I am not cruel enough to make my own wife a criminal. Trust my word.”

Ivian exhaled in relief, looking up at Ragan, tears still streaming down his face.

”Thank you, Your Majesty. I will never forget your kindness.”

Ragan gave a slight nod.

Suddenly, Ivian spoke again. ”Your Majesty, I beg your permission to resign as your minister.”

Ragan looked surprised. ”Why? Do you still feel guilty? I told you it’s fine.”

Ivian shook his head. ”It’s not that, Your Majesty. I want to take my daughter away from the Great Velmora Empire. I fear that if she stays here, her grief will linger and harm her health. I beg you... please allow me.”

He bowed once more, his expression heavy with sorrow.

Ragan opened his mouth to respond but finally held back.

With a soft sigh, he nodded. ”Very well. I will allow it. I will also provide a tight escort and sufficient supplies for the two of you. When Claren recovers, bring her back—after all, she is still my concubine.”

”I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you for your kindness,” Ivian replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

Of course, he wasn’t sure he could keep that promise. His daughter had been devastated by the events of last night.

After exchanging a few more words, Ivian left, his back looking lonelier than ever.

Ragan smiled wryly, massaging his temples. ’The gods... you are truly cruel. Could the retribution for my past sins finally be beginning?’