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

”Handsome, are you here all by yourself?”

Nolan stopped eating and turned around, seeing a beautiful woman walking toward him.

She was tall with a curvaceous figure, dressed in a gray dress. Her brown hair was loosely braided and draped over her right shoulder.

Her deep green eyes looked at him with a mix of surprise and interest.

Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly, but he didn’t reject her approach and asked, ”What’s the matter?”

The woman quickly snapped out of it and stopped in front of him, a smile still on her lips.

”It’s nothing. I’m just curious. Why is a man as handsome as you here all alone? Aren’t you interested in joining the others?” she asked playfully.

Nolan sipped the wine in his glass and glanced at her calmly.

”Not interested. They and I aren’t on the same level,” he replied briefly.

The woman was startled for a moment before covering her mouth and letting out a soft laugh.

”You’re truly intriguing. I’m becoming even more interested in you.”

She extended her right hand and introduced herself. ”My name is Elsa Brodwin. Nice to meet you.”

When Nolan heard the name Brodwin, a hint of surprise flashed across his face.

Brodwin was the name of one of the most powerful noble families after the royal family—the House of Duke Brodwin.

He didn’t know whether the woman in front of him was related to that family, but since this party had invited all the young nobles of the kingdom, the chances were high.

Nolan extended his hand and took Elsa’s.

”My name is Nolan Lorian, the Seventh Prince of the Great Velmora Empire.”

Elsa froze, her eyes widening in shock.

”You… are you the famous Nolan Lorian of the Great Velmora Empire!?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

”Oh? I’m surprised you know me,” Nolan pretended to be surprised.

”How could I not know you? Your name is very famous, you know. Did you know that many young nobles in the Ancient Kingdom of Eron are eager to meet you?”

”Hmm?” Nolan furrowed his brow. ”What do you mean?”

With an enthusiastic expression, Elsa continued, ”Many have heard of your achievements—one of them being the monster-conquering mission in the eastern region of the Great Velmora Empire. It’s said you saved the daughter of the Duke Austin family by risking your own life. That’s truly amazing!”

Elsa’s eyes sparkled like twinkling stars.

Nolan lowered his head, his expression a mix of confusion and astonishment.

At first, he thought Elsa was referring to his bad reputation. Instead, she brought up his achievements, which made no sense to him.

”By the way, can I ask for your signature?” Elsa asked.

”My signature?” Nolan was taken aback.

”Mm!” Elsa pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, then handed them to him. ”Please sign this for me!”

Faced with her enthusiasm, Nolan couldn’t refuse and agreed.

Once she had his signature, Elsa had no intention of leaving and continued chatting with him enthusiastically.

As it happened, Nolan was also a bit bored, so he didn’t shoo her away.

Just as the two were engrossed in conversation, a voice suddenly rang out from ahead.

”His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Aldrian, Princess Seira, Prince Karakh, and Prince Meliodas are entering the banquet hall!”

At once, everyone turned toward the source of the voice. They saw Gulvar, Melody, Aldrian, Seira, Karakh, and Meliodas walking in calmly.

Everyone hurriedly bowed their heads and greeted them, ”Long live His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.”

Gulvar smiled and gave a slight nod. ”Thank you, everyone. Your presence will surely become a memory that Alina and the royal family will always cherish.”

The young nobles felt flattered and exchanged smiles.

After the pleasantries, Gulvar turned his gaze to Seira and announced, ”By the way, I’d like to introduce the First Prince’s fiancée. She is Seira Lorian, the First Princess of the Great Velmora Empire.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished. The First Princess of the Great Velmora Empire was indeed less well-known than the empire’s princes, but her status alone proved just how special she was.

They stared at Seira intently and couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.

Her appearance was truly extraordinary—even surpassing the women present at the party.

At the same time, the men felt deeply envious of Aldrian’s fortune.

Apart from his high status, his partner was also incredibly beautiful and exceptional.

Feeling the envious stares from everyone, Aldrian flashed a proud smile, as if to say, ”Look—she’s my fiancée!”

But suddenly, Seira stepped forward and said coldly, ”I’m not his fiancée, but his prospective fiancée.”

She turned to Gulvar and gave a faint smile. ”I hope Your Majesty hasn’t forgotten.”

Gulvar, Melody, and Aldrian froze for a moment. Gulvar suppressed his anger and didn’t let it show; he merely smiled stiffly.

”I… understand. I’m sorry.”

Everyone was surprised by the scene. They didn’t understand why Seira was denying her status as Aldrian’s ”fiancée.”

What was even more surprising was that Gulvar seemed unable to refute it.

Realizing the atmosphere had grown awkward, Melody cleared her throat and tried to lighten the mood.

”Alright, everyone. Go back to what you were doing. We won’t disturb you young people.”

After saying that, she pulled Gulvar away from the center of attention.

She was truly offended and angry at Seira. That woman had humiliated her and her husband time and again. If not for her special status, Melody would have already imposed a severe punishment on her.

The young nobles didn’t dare to probe further. However, they vaguely sensed that something significant was being hidden by the Lyren royal family.

”Pfft! This is truly surprising. Your Highness, your sister is quite bold,” Elsa giggled.

From her brief conversation with Nolan, she learned that he had come to accompany his older sister, Seira, to meet the Lyren family.

As for the purpose, it was obvious—it was for the engagement.

Nolan merely smiled at her words. He had expected his sister to do that, so he wasn’t surprised at all.

”But I’m really impressed, Nolan. Do you know how terrifying the royal family is? Anyone who dares to defy them is essentially committing suicide. Don’t you realize that your sister—or even you—could become their target?”

Elsa glanced at him meaningfully.

Nolan remained calm, showing no fear at all.

”They wouldn’t dare. Even if they did, they’d have to face the armies of the Great Velmora Empire. When that happens, I’m sure they’ll regret it.”

His tone was calm, but it carried a clear threat. The Ancient Kingdom of Eron was indeed strong and powerful on the southern continent.

But that was all. Compared to the Great Velmora Empire, it was still far inferior.

The reason his father didn’t want to provoke the Ancient Kingdom of Eron was that it would most likely lead to war with the Holy Empire of Valtanir.

So, for the time being, it was better not to make enemies. Of course, if the Ancient Kingdom of Eron came looking for trouble, he was certain his father’s war spirit would rise again.

”You really are unique,” Elsa murmured in admiration.

She was certain Nolan wasn’t joking. The Great Velmora Empire was incredibly powerful, and his words made perfect sense.

Just then, an announcement rang out from the front.

”The dance will begin shortly. Those of you with partners, please come to the center of the hall and let everyone witness your love!”