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

There was a famous and powerful academy that spanned the continent, known as Fallen Star.

It had stood for over a thousand years—longer than the Great Velmora Empire itself. Nobles from all over the land sent their children there to study.

In reputation and quality, Fallen Star Academy was unrivaled—second only to the Tower of Silence, which had stood even longer.

Of course, gaining admission was far from easy.

Talent, background, and power were all crucial for acceptance and enrollment.

Background mattered in part because the cost of admission was staggering.

It was said that registering alone could cost two hundred thousand Sharn, and the annual tuition could reach one million Sharn—an amount ordinary people could never hope to earn in a lifetime.

Even so, a scholarship program existed for those who were exceptionally talented but came from underprivileged circumstances.

”Hey, have you heard?”

”Heard what?”

”There’s a lot of talk among the students that Senior Sharon is close to—or may have even reached—the Archmage level!”

”What!? How is that possible? Where did this come from?”

”I’m not sure. People have been talking about it a lot, especially among the professors.”

”Damn! This is unbelievable! How old is she? Twenty-two, maybe twenty-three? If the rumor is true, she’s just broken the historical record!”

The two students discussed it excitedly. And they weren’t the only ones—students throughout the academy were buzzing with the same news.

Her talent amazed and intimidated everyone at the same time. Reaching the Archmage level before twenty-five was nearly impossible unless someone was truly gifted.

But Sharon had done it, and that alone cast a subtle pressure over every student.

”M-mmm…”

A woman in her twenties hummed softly. She was tall for her age.

Her hair was purple, slightly wavy, and falling gracefully to her shoulders.

A headband shaped like a delicate butterfly rested in the middle of her hair.

In her academy uniform, her well-proportioned figure looked stunning.

She walked over to the woman seated cross-legged on the ground.

This woman was no less stunning—perhaps even a step above. She had a slim frame, yet her chest and hips were well-endowed.

Her hazel hair was tied in a loose, elegant braid that suited her perfectly.

A moon-shaped gold necklace rested against her neck.

Any man who saw her would find it hard to resist her beauty.

The purple-haired woman stopped in front of her and smiled.

”Sharon, am I disturbing you?”

Sharon slowly opened her eyes. Her red eyes, like drops of blood, were intensely intimidating.

She looked at the woman before her and exhaled deeply.

”What is it, Ayakami?”

Ayakami giggled, crouching slightly. ”Did you know people are talking about you? They say you’ve reached the Archmage level. Is it true?”

Sharon neither denied nor confirmed it—she just smiled casually.

”What do you think? Have I reached that level or not?”

”Hmm…” Ayakami rubbed her chin, thinking for a moment. ”I’d say you definitely have.”

”Oh? And what makes you so sure?”

”Hehehe, I know you better than anyone else. You’re insanely talented—you could even rival Jisha from the Tower of Silence. And you never slack off during practice. I’m sure you’ve broken through to the Archmage level. Am I right?”

This time, Sharon no longer hesitated. Smiling, she admitted, ”Yes. I broke through to the Archmage level two days ago.”

Ayakami’s eyes widened in surprise. Though she had suspected it, hearing it directly was entirely different.

Her admiration grew instantly. Reaching the Archmage level at just twenty-three was extraordinary.

Keep in mind, the average person who reaches that level is in their forties or fifties. Most of them find breaking through to higher levels—Sage or Celestial—nearly impossible.

The human body typically reaches its peak in the thirties, so even geniuses usually attain Archmage status only in that decade.

Yet Sharon had surpassed all expectations, achieving it before twenty-five. Her potential was so remarkable that even reaching the Celestial level in the future seemed entirely possible.

”You’re incredible, Sharon,” Ayakami said with a long sigh. ”I’m so jealous of you.”

If only she had a talent like Sharon’s, she would have far more influence in her family. She might even avoid a political marriage altogether.

Sharon smiled and patted her shoulder. ”You’re talented too. Reaching the High Mage level at twenty-one is no small feat. Very few people manage that at such a young age.”

Her words brought comfort to Ayakami.

”By the way, I have some important news for you,” Ayakami said, her expression turning serious as she slowly sat down beside Sharon.

”Important news? What is it?”

Ayakami glanced left and right, as if to make sure no one was listening, then leaned close to Sharon’s ear.

”Did you know that the prince from Princess Yuki’s bloodline returned half a month ago?”

Sharon’s eyes widened. She knew a little about the Eastern Izanagi Imperial family’s affairs through Ayakami.

After all, Ayakami came from one of the three first-class clans—the Ashikaga.

”What happened? Why did the prince return so suddenly?” Sharon asked, curious.

The problems of the Izanagi Imperial family were indeed unusual.

Unlike the Great Velmora Empire, known for its constant throne struggles and intrigue, the Eastern Izanagi Empire was dealing with a problem involving one of its twin princesses, Yuki.

It was said that Yuki Taira had married a man of unknown identity and renounced her status as both a princess and an heir to the throne.

To Sharon, that decision seemed incredibly foolish and illogical.

Gaining power as the new emperor of the Eastern Izanagi Empire was far more valuable than marrying a man of unknown origin.

What was even stranger was that the imperial family hadn’t forced the princess to return—they had simply let her go.

That’s why Sharon found the affairs of the Eastern Izanagi Empire so fascinating—it was completely unlike any other royal or imperial family.

”I don’t get it either,” Ayakami said, shaking her head. ”My info’s limited since I’m stuck at the academy. But one thing’s certain: I have a picture of the prince, despite his face being completely hidden.”

She reached into her pocket, pulled out a photo, and handed it to Sharon.

Sharon took it and stared. Instantly, she was stunned. Her mouth opened and closed, as if she were seeing the most shocking thing in her life.

”N-Nolan!?”