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

News of Nolan’s arrest was naturally kept under wraps by the imperial palace and the Austin family.

However, as the saying goes, ”No matter how well a corpse is hidden, its stench will still be detected.”

The same held true for the news of Nolan’s arrest by Reigar and his forces.

Certain parties, such as the families of Marquis Caltheron, Duke Malvain, Duke Ashvale, and Marquis Valmire, still received the news.

”What? How is that possible?”

In his office, Orlan exclaimed in horror, staring in disbelief at the letter in his hand.

Syra, who was brewing tea for him, was startled. She quickly walked toward him with concern.

”What’s wrong?”

Orlan was silent for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and answering heavily, ”I’ve received word that Prince Nolan has been captured by troops specially dispatched by the royal palace.”

”What!?”

This time, it was Syra’s turn to be shocked. Her face paled as she asked frantically, ”H-How could that be? Why would the palace do that?”

Nolan was a prince—the emperor’s son. How could he possibly have been arrested?

Orlan sat back down and shook his head.

”I don’t know either. This news only reached me a few hours ago. I’ll find out as soon as I can,” he replied heavily. ”But don’t worry, I’ll get to the bottom of this quickly. I’ll let you know as soon as I have the details.”

This was a serious matter. Nolan was Elina’s brother, and Elina herself was the heir to the throne whom he supported.

Furthermore, it was through Nolan that Orlan had pledged his support to Elina. If anything happened to Nolan, Orlan would be the first to come to his aid.

Syra let out a sigh of relief and nodded weakly.

”Good. I’ll wait for the news.”

Orlan smiled faintly and said nothing more.

…

”Nolan has been arrested? What happened?”

Cedric looked shocked and stared at Margaretta in bewilderment.

Margaretta shook her head. ”The news is still conflicting. There is no clear explanation yet regarding the reason for his arrest. But according to some rumors, Prince Nolan has committed a major crime. He is currently being taken to the imperial capital to face further punishment.”

Cedric fell silent. His brows furrowed as his mind tried to find a reasonable explanation for the incident.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t find any plausible answer, so he could only set the matter aside for the time being.

”I see. By the way, what’s the situation at the border of the Eldrath Mountains? Have the forces of the Holy Empire of Valtanir moved yet?”

Margaretta shook her head again. ”Not yet. But there are reports that they are gathering troops in an area about a hundred kilometers from those mountains.”

Cedric gave a faint smile. ”I see. Keep monitoring the situation and report the latest developments to me.”

Margaretta nodded. But a moment later, she seemed to remember something and added, ”I almost forgot. There’s news from the imperial palace. Prince Aldric seems to be coming to the northern region soon to assist Princess Freya.”

Cedric’s smile froze instantly. His expression darkened as he growled softly, ”Aldric?”

It had been a long time since he had heard of any significant movement from his eldest brother.

Unexpectedly, after so much silence, the news that arrived was exactly this.

”I hope you aren’t caught off guard,” Margaretta warned, closing her eyes and knitting her brow. ”The future is becoming blurry, and I can no longer predict it clearly.”

”You can’t predict it anymore?” Cedric tensed. ”What’s happening?”

Margaretta possessed a special ability that no one else in the world had: the ability to see the future.

It sounded strange and implausible, but it was real. Since he had begun working with Margaretta, support from the noble families of the northern and western regions had increased significantly.

It was all thanks to this woman, who possessed unexpected methods—even to him.

”That’s right.” Margaretta opened her eyes, her face showing weakness and exhaustion. ”I’ve been using my power too much. As a result, I’ve become weak and can no longer use it freely.”

Cedric let out a long sigh and admonished her, ”Don’t use your power too often. You’ve been working too hard. Leave the rest to me.”

Margaretta nodded weakly. ”Thank you for your concern.”

…

Four days later…

The horse-drawn carriage carrying Nolan and Seira had arrived in the capital. Their journey felt remarkably fast compared to usual.

That was because a new route from the eastern region to the capital had recently been built and inaugurated just a few days ago.

As a result, merchants and noble families from the eastern region could now reach the capital in just four days—a far cry from the previous journey, which took six days longer.

The appearance of the horse-drawn carriage certainly caught many people’s attention.

However, they were already accustomed to seeing noble carriages, so people merely glanced at them before looking away.

”Why isn’t Elina coming?” Nolan asked curiously, peeking out the window.

”She’s busy,” Seira replied calmly. She cut the apple in her hand with a small knife, then offered a piece to Nolan.

Nolan took it and chewed slowly.

”You’re right. I just remembered that she really is very busy,” Nolan muttered with a small smile.

Due to investments from the Blue Moon Trading House and White Lotus, Elina had to remain in the town of Virella and couldn’t be away for too long.

Moreover, Elina had already been away in the Ancient Kingdom of Eron for over a week, which had clearly disrupted the town’s development plans.

The two continued their conversation until the horse-drawn carriage finally arrived at the royal palace.

The servants quickly lined up to welcome their arrival.

”Welcome, Prince Nolan and Princess Seira,” Lyra greeted them respectfully.

Nolan nodded. ”Thank you. Is Father in his study?”

Lyra nodded. ”The Emperor is in his study. However, he has asked you and Princess Seira to wait in the parlor first.”

Seira frowned, about to say something, but Nolan stopped her first.

”All right,” Nolan said with a smile. ”Thank you.”

Afterward, he led Seira into the palace.

Seira looked dissatisfied and protested, ”Why did you stop me?”

”Don’t be rash. I’m sure the old man has his reasons,” Nolan replied calmly.

Seira closed her mouth tightly and said nothing more. When facing problems, she was usually calm.

But when it came to Nolan’s safety, she sometimes couldn’t remain calm and easily grew anxious.

***

”Your Majesty, Prince Nolan and Princess Seira have arrived,” Orion reported, bowing.

Ragan, who had been working, stopped what he was doing. He looked up and asked, ”Where are they? Are they in the reception hall?”

”Yes, they are both in the reception hall now.”

Ragan nodded, then stood up. He ordered firmly, ”Clear the parlor and place guards around it. No one is to enter—not even Queen Vanessa, Consort Cassandra, or my other wives. Understood?”

Orion replied firmly, ”Understood, Your Majesty!”