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

The Southern Continent…

The Southern Continent was an incredibly fertile land where many powerful kingdoms and empires had risen.

One of them was the Ancient Kingdom of Eron. Its territory spanned five hundred thousand square kilometers, and most of it was highly fertile.

This was why the Ancient Kingdom of Eron became one of the largest agricultural producers on the Southern Continent. Many parties purchased their produce—one of them being the Great Empire of Velmora.

Although the quantity was not particularly large, this arrangement could be considered a form of diplomacy.

At this very moment, Nolan and Seira were aboard a ship bound for the Southern Continent.

Unlike the distant Eastern Continent, the Southern Continent lay very close to the Central Continent.

The journey took about a week. Naturally, sea travel was slower than the land route.

But that hardly mattered. The sea route was far safer than the land route, which was teeming with monsters and bandits ready to prey on anyone passing through.

”Hoaam…”

Leaning lazily against the ship’s railing, Nolan yawned as he stared at the endless ocean stretching before him.

He had only recently returned from the Eastern Continent, and now he had to head to the Southern Continent again. Frankly, he was sick and tired of long journeys.

They didn’t suit his lazy nature or his dislike of being away from the imperial palace for too long.

”Hah… What can I do? This concerns my sister’s future. I can’t let that damn man do as he pleases,” he muttered irritably.

In truth, if Seira loved Aldrian and was willing to become his wife, Nolan wouldn’t be doing this. He respected Seira’s decisions, especially those regarding engagement and marriage.

But since his sister firmly refused while that man continued to force his will, Nolan decided to take action—just as he was doing now.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered his eyes, followed by a sweet voice from behind him.

”Guess who I am?”

Without turning around, Nolan already knew—it was Seira.

”Do you need something from me?” he asked lazily.

Seira felt annoyed. She removed her hands and stepped to his side.

Pinching his cheek, she protested, ”What’s wrong with you? Are you upset that I asked you out? Didn’t you suggest this yourself?”

She could sense his exhaustion, so she knew what was on his mind.

”It’s not like that.” Nolan shook his head and placed his hand over the one pinching his cheek. ”I’ve just been thinking about a lot of things. Before we left, I spoke with Father about your situation. He didn’t seem to oppose the engagement.”

His words made Seira freeze. Her beautiful face slowly darkened, and her left hand clenched tightly into a fist.

”So Father approved of the engagement?”

Nolan felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Whether it was his imagination or not, he could sense a strong murderous intent coming from Seira.

”Ahem!” He cleared his throat and gently stroked her cheek. ”Although his actions suggest agreement, I’m sure he doesn’t fully approve of Aldrian either.”

Those ambiguous words left Seira confused. But before she could respond, Nolan continued, ”I say that because Father didn’t forbid me from going. You know how sharp he is, don’t you? He should realize that my presence on your journey to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron would cause trouble for your engagement. Yet he pretended not to notice. From that alone, I can conclude that he approves of whatever I’m about to do.”

A chuckle escaped his lips as he leaned back against the ship’s railing.

If there was anyone who understood that old man best, Nolan could confidently say it was him.

As an emperor, what hadn’t Ragan witnessed?

His father had lived for more than half a century; his experience was immense.

There was no way he hadn’t seen through Nolan’s intention to join the journey to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

Yet he acted as if he knew nothing, which clearly indicated his approval of Nolan’s future actions.

Seira considered his words and found them reasonable. Her father was highly perceptive, so it would be strange if he hadn’t realized Nolan’s intentions.

Her anger faded, replaced by a sense of relief. She regained her smile and whispered, ”Thank you.”

Nolan smiled back and gave a slight nod.

***

Five days later…

The ship carrying Nolan and Seira finally arrived at the port of Trosov, located on the eastern coast of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

Given the kingdom’s vast size, Trosov was the nearest port.

Nolan and Seira stepped off the ship, followed by the guards and servants who had accompanied them from the imperial palace.

Just then, two men approached and stopped in front of them.

Both bowed their heads. One of them then said respectfully, ”Your Highness the Princess, Your Highness the Prince, I have contacted the officials of the city of Erandel to arrange temporary accommodations until the royal family arrives to escort you. Please follow me.”

Seira and Nolan exchanged a slight nod and immediately followed the two men.

They were officials sent by the palace to establish relations with the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

When news of Seira and Nolan’s arrival reached them, they quickly arranged everything, including their accommodations.

Shortly afterward, the two boarded a prepared horse-drawn carriage and set off for the city of Erandel, located not far from the port.

…

”Has Seira arrived yet?”

Aldrian, who had been reviewing documents, raised his head to look at the elderly man before him.

The man was the Grand Master of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron and also his mentor.

Stroking his beard, he answered calmly, ”Not yet, Your Highness. Rest assured—she will arrive as promised.”

His slightly closed eyes slowly opened, revealing light blue pupils that radiated a mysterious aura.

Aldrian let out a small sigh and nodded.

”I understand.”

”Good. In that case, finish your work as soon as possible. That way, when news of Her Highness Seira’s arrival comes, you won’t have anything left to do.”

His words rekindled Aldrian’s enthusiasm. He nodded and immediately returned to his work.

The old man simply smiled at his eagerness.

’The chosen one, huh? I never expected this boy to be recognized by the Void Reaver Disc as its new successor. It’s truly a miracle,’ he muttered.

The Void Reaver Disc was a living artifact with its own consciousness. Only those truly chosen could become its bearer.

For thousands of years, no king of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron had earned its recognition. Yet now, Aldrian had emerged as its new master.

This meant the glory of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron—lost after the Demon Emperor’s destruction—might finally be restored.

Lost in thought, he was startled by a knock on the door, followed by a respectful voice from outside.

”Forgive me for the interruption, Your Highness. There is news from the mayor of Erandel — Princess Seira has arrived.”