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

”We’re finally here,” Aldrian said excitedly as he stepped down from his horse-drawn carriage.

He gazed at the mansion before him with great enthusiasm. He was eager to meet Seira, and in a moment, his wish would come true.

”Come on, Grand Master! Follow me inside!” Aldrian urged eagerly.

The Grand Master, who had just stepped down from the carriage, shook his head in exasperation.

Aldrian was a smart and capable prince, but whenever it came to Seira, he became a bit of a fool.

The guards were surprised by Aldrian’s sudden arrival and hurriedly bowed their heads in respect.

”Welcome, Your Highness,” they greeted.

Aldrian gave a slight nod and asked, ”Is Seira inside?”

The guards straightened immediately and replied, ”Yes, Your Highness. Would you like to come inside?”

In truth, allowing someone inside without the owner’s permission—in this case, Seira’s—was a bold and insolent act.

But since it was Aldrian, they didn’t dare stop or question him. Otherwise, they would be the ones in trouble later.

”Good. Take me inside at once,” Aldrian ordered arrogantly.

The guards dared not refuse and quickly led the way inside.

Aldrian followed behind, his excitement still evident on his face.

When they reached the courtyard, the servants at work were startled by his arrival and hurriedly bowed their heads.

Aldrian graciously returned their greetings with a smile.

Suddenly, he was startled to see a man stepping out of the mansion.

The man was tall and extraordinarily handsome, with beautiful jet-black hair. His expression carried a hint of laziness, yet it only added to a unique charm capable of captivating any woman.

However, in Aldrian’s eyes, the man’s presence stirred a sense of crisis that made his heart race.

Just as the guards were about to greet Nolan, Aldrian stepped forward first, rolling up his sleeves.

”Who are you!? Why are you at my fiancée’s mansion!?” he demanded angrily.

The guards were stunned. They wanted to stop him but lacked the courage. All they could do was bow their heads in fear and embarrassment.

Nolan was taken aback by the question. He looked Aldrian up and down and immediately guessed his identity—Aldrian Lyren, the First Prince of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

He hadn’t expected this man to arrive so quickly just to meet his sister.

’Could it be that he truly loved her that much?’

Pushing the thought aside, Nolan stepped forward and stopped right in front of Aldrian.

Nolan was quite tall—1.95 meters. Standing before him, Aldrian’s head barely reached his chin.

As a result, Aldrian’s aura of confidence crumbled instantly at the mere sight of him.

”Who are you?” Aldrian asked coldly.

At the same time, he scrutinized Nolan from head to toe with a wary gaze.

Based on appearance alone, Nolan already outshone him. Aldrian feared this man might become his rival for Seira’s heart.

”Me?” Nolan chuckled softly. ”My name is Nolan Lorian. Doesn’t Your Highness recognize me?”

Upon hearing the name, Aldrian froze for a moment before finally coming to his senses.

”Nolan Lorian!? Wait… You’re Seira’s younger brother!?” he exclaimed in shock.

Nolan simply nodded. Crossing his arms over his chest, he said, ”What’s wrong? Does Your Highness see me as a rival?”

Aldrian flushed with embarrassment and stammered, ”How could that be? I just didn’t expect you to be here with Seira. Please forgive my misunderstanding.”

At the same time, he desperately wanted to punch his informants. They were so foolish and careless for failing to report something this important.

As a result, he had made a fool of himself in front of Nolan, causing his authority to crumble in the man’s eyes.

Nolan chuckled softly without replying. He had to admit, this prince was a bit of a fool.

He couldn’t understand how Aldrian had failed to recognize him.

After all, ever since Nolan revealed his true appearance on stage during the throne succession announcement, his name and face should have become familiar to most people.

”Ahem!” Aldrian cleared his throat awkwardly and forced a friendly smile, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor. ”My apologies. I didn’t realize you were here, Nolan Lorian. I hope I didn’t offend you with my behavior.”

If Nolan told Seira about this, Aldrian would be finished. He could only try to appease him with a humble attitude.

Nolan felt even more disgusted by Aldrian. His attitude resembled that of a bootlicker who would do anything for the person he loved.

At first glance, it might seem loyal and admirable. But in Nolan’s view, showing such deference to anyone other than the emperor was inappropriate.

Aldrian was a prince—and more importantly, the heir to the throne of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

He should have maintained a calm and dignified demeanor.

Nolan had initially intended to help him grow closer to his sister. After all, Aldrian’s status as heir apparent to the Lyren family made him a suitable match.

Unfortunately, he ended up disappointing him. Nolan had no choice but to take a firm stance and call off the engagement by any means necessary.

No matter what, this man was not worthy of his sister.

However, to ensure his plan proceeded smoothly, Nolan chose not to confront him immediately and instead offered a casual smile.

”It’s all right, Your Highness. By the way, my sister is waiting inside. Why don’t we go in?”

Aldrian’s eyes lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically.

”Of course!”

Nolan said nothing more. He turned and walked back toward the mansion.

Aldrian followed behind with barely contained excitement.

Only the Grand Master wore a complicated expression. Whether it was merely a hunch or not, he felt that Nolan Lorian seemed to be hiding something.

But what kind of plan… he had no idea.

***

In her room, Seira was quietly reading a book. In her spare time, she often immersed herself in reading.

Once, Nolan had told her that books were windows to the world. Since then, she had made it a habit to read widely and broaden her horizons, becoming the person she is today.

”The prince who lost his throne, huh? Edward Layard’s book is truly remarkable. It feels as though I’ve stepped into the story and experienced life as that prince myself,” she murmured.

Her favorite author was Edward Layard. His extraordinary works made her heart race every time she read them.

His use of perspective, formal yet engaging prose, and many other elements blended together flawlessly.

It almost felt impossible that such magnificent books could have been written by a human.

Just as she was completely absorbed in her reading, Nolan suddenly appeared at the doorway.

Seira closed her book and looked at him gently.

”What’s wrong?”

Nolan leaned against the door and smiled faintly.

”Your fiancé has arrived. Do you want to meet him?”