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

”Monopoly?” Shion was shocked.

Nolan nodded. ”The Blue Moon Trading House has established several restaurants across the empire. Each one is well-known and always crowded with visitors. In my father’s eyes, that means we’ve officially grown rapidly in this field.”

”If you shut down other businesses through takeovers or investments, it’s not impossible that the palace would see it as an attempt to create a monopoly. If that happens, Blue Moon could be in serious trouble.”

A saying from his previous world flashed through his mind: ”The poor should not challenge businessmen, and businessmen should never challenge officials.”

It was a reminder of how powerful the government was in any country or kingdom.

Even his own Frey family had never dared to defy the government.

Moreover, his grandparents had placed his uncle and aunt in government positions to ensure the Frey family could grow safely.

It might sound distasteful—using power to protect a family business—but in reality, it was common, practiced by many other influential families.

Although this world was different from his previous one, the system was the same: the emperor and the palace were extremely powerful, far above anyone else, including the trading houses operating under their rule.

Shion considered his words carefully and found them reasonable.

”You’re right. I didn’t think of that,” she admitted softly, lowering her head.

Nolan waved his right hand casually and smiled. ”It’s alright. Don’t worry—I’m here. My father won’t touch the Blue Moon Trading House or White Lotus.”

He had his reasons for persuading his father to award the Kingdom of Kaldarion project to Blue Moon and White Lotus—as a guarantee of their safety.

Until now, the Blue Moon Trading House had operated independently, without any direct ties to the empire.

They had collaborated with families of Marquises and even Dukes through the Silver Dragon Bank, but it still wasn’t enough.

Direct cooperation with the imperial palace was the most important and decisive step.

Nolan hadn’t yet found the right reason to connect the two—until, by chance, the Kingdom of Kaldarion project presented the perfect opportunity.

The results were clear: the empire and Blue Moon were now bound by mutual cooperation and shared interests.

With that, he was confident his father would think twice—maybe even a hundred times—before harboring any ill intentions toward the Blue Moon Trading House.

Moreover, the trading house employed millions of workers, both directly and indirectly.

As long as his father was smart, he would surely realize that interfering with Blue Moon would be like destroying the empire’s economy overnight.

After all, Blue Moon’s products had become a part of everyday life—from cheap shampoo and soap to agricultural and livestock technology.

Shion felt a wave of relief at his explanation. A soft smile lingered on her face as she said quietly, ”Thank you.”

An hour later…

The two stepped out of the restaurant. Shion gazed up at the dark sky and let out a long sigh.

”It’s already night. Looks like our date is about to end,” she muttered sadly.

Today had been the first time she had truly enjoyed herself—and it was also her first date, especially with the man she loved so deeply.

”What did you say? Over? Who said that?” Nolan’s playful voice came from beside her.

”Huh? Not over yet?” Shion exclaimed, covering her mouth with her right hand in surprise.

Nolan smiled. ”Remember the surprise I mentioned? I haven’t even shown it to you yet. Come on, let’s go.”

He took her left hand and led her across the restaurant. Outside, a horse-drawn carriage waited, the coachman standing at attention.

”Good evening, Your Highness. Everything is ready.”

Nolan gave a thumbs up and gestured for Shion to get in. Confused but silent, she climbed aboard.

He followed her in, and the carriage immediately began moving toward the city gate.

***

About three kilometers from the capital’s walls lay a small forest. Dense and untouched by humans, it had a quiet, natural beauty.

The horse-drawn carriage carrying Nolan and Shion moved through the dark woods. Shion, curious, peered out from behind the window into the shadows.

”What does Master want to show me?” she wondered.

She had wanted to ask aloud but quickly held back. She knew it would be pointless—Nolan wouldn’t answer.

Five minutes later, the carriage came to a stop. The coachman’s voice rang out from the front.

”We’re here, Your Highness.”

”Good. Let’s get out,” Nolan said.

Shion nodded and stepped down slowly.

Once on the ground, she took in the darkness around them. Crickets chirped, and night birds flitted through the trees.

Nolan took her right hand and led her along a narrow path, just wide enough for the two of them side by side.

Shion glanced at their joined hands, and a smile slowly spread across her face.

After two minutes, Nolan stopped and pointed ahead.

”Look—this is the surprise I mentioned.”

Shion followed his gesture and gasped.

”It’s so beautiful...”

Before them stretched a lake. Not wide enough to obscure the view, yet stunning in the moonlight, it seemed almost magical.

The water was a clear, crystal blue, with lotus leaves drifting gently across the surface. At the center, pink-white lotuses bloomed in quiet perfection.

The moon shone brightly above, its light shimmering across the lake and turning the entire scene breathtaking.

Nolan pulled Shion closer and stopped at the water’s edge.

”This lake is a secret place I discovered with Evalyn and Elina long ago. Do you like it?”

Shion nodded eagerly. ”I love it. Just looking at it makes all my fatigue disappear.”

Nolan gazed into her sincere eyes and couldn’t help but smile.

Most women liked expensive things—jewelry, rings, and the like. But that was only for ordinary women.

For a woman like Shion, such luxuries held little importance. With her status, any extravagance could be obtained with a single command.

That was why Nolan hadn’t bought her jewelry or lavish gifts. Instead, he had brought her the view of this serene lake—and, as he expected, she loved it.

”That’s not all. Let’s get on that wooden boat.”

He pointed to a small wooden boat just five meters away.

”Eh? Get on that?” Shion hesitated. ”Is it safe?”

Nolan smiled and reassured her. ”Relax. I prepared it. Come on.”

Shion didn’t argue and followed him immediately. Nolan stepped in first, then extended his hand to help her aboard.

She held his hand tightly and stepped carefully onto the wooden boat.

Once they sat across from each other, Nolan took the oars in hand and began rowing. The boat drifted slowly toward the center of the lake.

Shion dipped her fingers into the water, enjoying its refreshingly cool touch.

”How deep is this lake?” she asked.

”I’m not exactly sure… maybe ten meters,” Nolan replied.

Shion: ”...”