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

On the west side of the city’s outskirts stood the Bull Horn Tavern.

The western district was home to the capital’s poor. Land was cheap, but crime was rampant.

Of course, organized crime could never truly thrive in Solvaria. Guards patrolled every street, and only those eager for a quick death dared challenge the authority of the imperial palace.

The Bull Horn Tavern itself was famous for its signature drink. Unlike ordinary beer, anyone who drank it was said to feel as if they were floating in the sky.

”So, are we really going to meet the Phantom Chain?” Seira asked hesitantly.

Walking beside her, Nolan nodded. ”Yes, we’ll meet them. Do you know anything about the Phantom Chain?”

”No, I don’t,” Seira shook her head. ”I only heard Father mention them once. I tried to learn more, but I couldn’t find anything.”

The Phantom Chain was indeed shrouded in mystery. Even her father admitted he didn’t fully understand their power.

That was because they operated in the shadows, the most secretive unit within the empire’s intelligence network.

Furthermore, the Phantom Chain acted independently, without direct orders from the emperor. Their sole purpose was to protect the empire from hidden threats.

Of course, the emperor still held ultimate authority, and they would obey his commands. But her father had never called upon them, so Seira truly had no understanding of their existence.

Nolan wasn’t surprised by her answer. The Phantom Chain was a hidden unit, unknown even to the princes and most imperial officials.

They could disguise themselves as ordinary men, children, or even housewives. Their disguises were flawless, rivaling those of the Underworld Gate members he had slain with the blood curse technique.

At last, the two of them arrived at a tavern that was neat and well-kept. It wasn’t large or luxurious—just an ordinary, respectable place.

Inside, the interior was simple. The tavern could hold about fifty people, though it wasn’t crowded; it was still daytime, and most customers were at work.

Nolan pulled Seira’s hand and led her to the bar. The table wasn’t big—just five stools, enough for only five people.

”What would you like to order, sir?” a bartender asked politely.

He was a man in his thirties, with a handsome face framed by a thin brown mustache and beard. His friendly expression immediately put Nolan and Seira at ease.

”Two Goldenleafs with Sunpire syrup, please,” Nolan ordered, holding up two fingers.

The bartender smiled and began preparing their drinks.

Seira shot her brother a questioning glance. ”Are we really drinking? I thought meeting the Phantom Chain was the priority.”

Nolan leaned back against the stool’s short backrest.

”Meeting them isn’t easy,” he said simply. ”There’s a way to do it, and this is my way.”

Seira was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. Nolan looked so confident that she decided not to ask any more questions and simply observe.

Five minutes later, their order arrived—two glasses of Goldenleaf and two small glasses of Sunpire syrup.

Seira studied the drinks in surprise. The Goldenleaf lived up to its name: golden in color, with delicate leaf-shaped patterns on the surface.

She had never seen a drink shaped like this before. Her gaze then shifted to the Sunpire syrup beside her glass.

The syrup came in a tiny five-centimeter glass, deep red in color and slightly thick, giving off an aroma she couldn’t quite describe.

Seira watched Nolan pour the syrup into his Goldenleaf and take a sip. She copied him, and the moment the drink touched her tongue, sweet, bitter, and sour flavors blended together.

Her face scrunched at the sudden mix, but the lingering aftertaste made her smile almost immediately.

’This is really good,’ she murmured, amazed.

The first sip was sharp, but after two or three more, the flavor settled into something rich and balanced. She took five sips before setting her glass down.

Glancing at Nolan, she noticed her little brother seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it.

Suddenly, Nolan put down his glass and turned to the bartender.

”How do you make Goldenleaf? Can you tell me?”

Seira froze. She wanted to stop him, but the bartender had already replied.

”Sorry, sir. That’s our trade secret. I can’t tell you,” he said simply.

But Nolan wasn’t angry. He took another sip of his drink and said calmly, ”There’s a blueberry flavor from the southern region. I also taste mint leaves, golden apples, roughly five percent alcohol, and a hint of red root grass. Am I right?”

The bartender froze. His hand, which was wiping the glass, stopped mid-motion.

”How did you know that?”

If it weren’t for Nolan’s calm demeanor, he might have suspected a spy sent by a rival business.

”I have a keen sense of taste,” Nolan said casually, a faint smile on his lips. ”I can tell the ingredients just by sipping it.”

”Then why ask me?”

”Just a test.”

”A test? What do you mean?” The bartender frowned.

Nolan’s eyes never left him as he pulled a black token from his pocket and handed it over.

The token bore the engraving of a black dragon and radiated an intimidating aura.

”You recognize this, don’t you?”

His face flickered with surprise for just a moment. He inspected the token closely before asking, ”Where did you get it?”

Nolan rolled his eyes. ”Stop pretending. I know you’ve already figured out my identity… and my sister’s. My father probably told you about my purpose, right? So let’s cut to the chase. I don’t have time to play games.”

The man in front of him was Jorgan—the leader of the Phantom Chain.

His existence was crucial to the empire, for he possessed thousands—if not more—of vital pieces of information about the powers across this continent.

But who would have thought that someone so important would end up as a bartender at a tavern on the outskirts of the city?

Nolan hadn’t realized it himself until his father mentioned it earlier.

Clearly, Jorgan knew him—and the reason for his visit.

Jorgan sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in his voice. ”You’re too blunt, Your Highness. But you’re right—His Majesty did tell me you were coming. You’re here to find someone, aren’t you?”

Nolan smiled as he took a sip of his drink. ”Yes. I’ve prepared a description of the person. Can we begin the search?”

Jorgan nodded. ”Of course. Follow me.”