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

”An invitation to the Eastern Empire of Izanagi, you say?”

Nolan, who had been sipping his tea, was surprised. He set the cup down on the table and looked at Elina seriously.

”Umm…” Elina nodded slightly as she leaned back in her chair. ”You probably already know that at the empire’s anniversary party, Prime Minister Mikazura and I formed a cooperative relationship. Well, calling it cooperation isn’t really accurate, since there was no exchange of commodities or anything like that. In essence, Prime Minister Mikazura and I became partners. And…”

She blinked several times before continuing, ”Incidentally, he gave me a special letter that allows me to enter the Eastern Empire of Izanagi freely, without needing to ask for permission or anything like that. Just now, I received news that Prime Minister Mikazura has invited me to come in person. You can read the letter.”

She took out a letter and gently shook it.

Nolan stood up and walked closer. He took the letter, opened it, and read it carefully.

A few minutes later, he folded the letter back up, understanding its contents.

”An invitation to cooperate, huh? What a strange agenda. The battle for the throne isn’t over yet, but he’s already inviting you to cooperate. It doesn’t make sense, does it?” Nolan voiced his doubts.

”I don’t really understand it either.” Elina smiled faintly. ”But you’re right. Judging from his actions, Prime Minister Mikazura seems interested in me.”

Nolan’s face darkened when he heard that.

Noticing his reaction, Elina panicked and quickly clarified, ”Don’t get me wrong, brother. By interested, I mean politically. He wants to get closer to me for political reasons, not romantic ones.”

Nolan relaxed and let out a soft chuckle. He reached out and rubbed her head affectionately.

”I’m just kidding. Actually, I don’t mind if you want to start a romantic relationship with a man. I’m only reminding you that it’s better to hold off until you achieve your goals. Otherwise, the relationship could become a burden—and a weakness, you know?”

Elina was eighteen years old, and this year she would turn nineteen.

By the standards of this world, she was already considered an adult and ready for marriage.

However, because she was participating in the battle for the throne, she was exempt from the political marriages arranged by the palace.

This was also one of the reasons Nolan wanted his sister to replace him in the battle for the throne.

He didn’t want his beloved sister to be dragged into such practices. Only by joining the battle for the throne could she be truly free.

Elina’s face reddened at his words.

Nolan was taken aback, then smiled playfully.

”Don’t tell me you already have someone you like.”

Elina blushed even harder and quickly shook her head.

”What are you talking about, brother? How could that be?” Her voice sounded panicked and flustered.

Yet her reaction only made Nolan more suspicious. Sitting on the desk, he lifted his sister’s chin and said teasingly, ”Come on, tell your brother. Who do you like? I want to know who’s brave enough to steal my sister’s heart.”

Elina pursed her lips before replying, ”I don’t like anyone, brother. I just haven’t found a man who meets my criteria yet.”

”Oh?” Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly. ”Then what are the criteria for the man you want?”

Elina gradually calmed down before answering, ”He has to be handsome, tall, attentive, and smart. Of course, I want him to be slightly cunning and cruel—but only to his enemies.”

Nolan considered her words and was immediately stunned.

”Wait, doesn’t that describe me?” he asked in surprise, pointing at himself.

He wasn’t trying to boast, but those criteria fit him perfectly.

”Yes, that’s you.” Elina nodded faintly, a soft smile on her lips. ”I want my future husband to be someone like you, brother. That way, I can feel confident and live safely.”

It might have sounded excessive, but those were the standards she truly valued for her future husband.

Her brother was the perfect example. Although he was sometimes lazy and annoying, it was merely a facade to conceal his extraordinary capabilities.

She understood this well, having lived with him since childhood.

”You…” Nolan let out a helpless sigh.

If Elina was looking for a man with qualities like his, then it was almost impossible.

There was only one person like that—and it was himself. It sounded arrogant, but it was simply the truth.

Who else in this world held the title of Singularity of Chaos besides him?

The answer was simple: no one.

Because of that, he genuinely felt sorry for her future husband. That man would always live in his shadow.

”I’m not sure such a person even exists,” Nolan chuckled softly as he gently pinched her right cheek. ”And if he doesn’t, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life. After all, you’re my responsibility until you get married.”

A younger sister being her older brother’s responsibility—that was a principle from his previous world.

Without a doubt, he would look after Elina until she was ready to stand on her own.

Warmth spread through Elina as she whispered, ”Thank you, brother.”

For years, her brother had protected her. That was why she loved him so deeply and wanted her future husband to be like him.

Nolan smiled and gave a slight nod before returning to the previous topic.

”So, what about the letter from Prime Minister Mikazura? What’s your decision?”

Elina put on a serious expression as she replied, ”I want to ask you to go there in my place. Is that… possible?”

Nolan froze. ”Me? How is that possible? Can you explain your reason?”

As if anticipating his reaction, Elina immediately explained, ”The reconstruction of the factory will be finished soon, and until then, I still need to supervise it. Even after everything is settled, I have to stay here to watch for any potential problems. That’s why I can’t go to the Eastern Empire of Izanagi.”

She sighed softly before continuing, ”So you’re the only one I can rely on, brother. Will you help me?”

Her eyes sparkled, filled with hope and quiet pleading.

Faced with that gaze, how could Nolan possibly refuse?

He fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

”Alright. I understand. I’ll go there in your place.”

Elina’s face lit up with joy. She smiled sweetly and said softly, ”Thank you, brother. I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Nolan waved his hand. ”It’s fine. Supporting and helping you is my duty as your brother.”

Besides, he did need a change of scenery to clear his mind.

”Are you going out again, Nolan?” a surprised voice came from behind him.

Nolan turned and saw Rafine approaching with a tray holding three cups of coffee and a plate of biscuits.

A faint frown creased her beautiful face, revealing her annoyance.

Nolan grinned and gave a slight nod. ”Yes, I’m leaving again. And this time, it’s quite far—the Eastern Empire of Izanagi.”