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

Ragan was taken aback. He looked deeply into Nolan’s eyes and asked, ”What do you mean?”

Nolan took a deep breath before answering, ”Conquest isn’t always the best approach. It’s troublesome, requires a lot of resources, and most importantly, it will actually backfire on us. The Ancient Kingdom of Eron is vast and lies far from our territory. The best way to get there is by sea. However, no one can guarantee our ships will survive the vast ocean, especially with so many monsters lurking within it.”

He paused for a moment, about to take a sip of tea, but then remembered that no one had served him any.

Ragan naturally noticed this and gave Cassiopeia a signal with his eyes.

Cassiopeia understood and immediately left the parlor to prepare drinks for the three of them.

”If we take the land route, we’ll be separated by mountains and dense forests that are just as dangerous. So neither route is truly viable; both would only harm the empire,” Nolan continued.

Ragan pondered Nolan’s words and found them reasonable. Even so, he still considered the path of conquest well worth a try.

”Then what if other kingdoms and empires attack the Ancient Kingdom of Eron? Wouldn’t that actually put us at a disadvantage?” Ragan asked.

Ragan had long wanted to expand the empire’s influence to the southern continent. But that had never materialized, because the southern continent was tightly guarded by the Holy Empire of Valtanir.

Moreover, many kingdoms were hostile to the Great Empire of Velmora.

They would certainly act if he tried to launch an invasion of that continent.

”That’s actually your golden opportunity.” Nolan smiled.

Just then, Cassiopeia arrived carrying a tray with three cups of tea.

After placing it on the table, Nolan picked up his cup and took a sip.

The bitter, slightly sweet, and refreshing flavors blended together, and he smiled contentedly.

”Father, domination and control don’t have to be achieved through bloodshed. There’s something called diplomacy—or as I call it, soft power. You can send an envoy to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron and offer them assistance. Promise them various forms of mutually beneficial cooperation. Without even sending troops, I’m certain the Ancient Kingdom of Eron will fall into our hands. What’s more, there’s a power vacuum there right now, so they need a reliable ally.”

His expression turned serious as he added, ”And the Holy Empire of Valtanir will surely abandon their alliance with the Ancient Kingdom of Eron. I’m sure you know their nature better than I do.”

After saying that, Nolan paused, letting Ragan think it over and make a decision.

Ragan contemplated Nolan’s explanation deeply. He had to admit, the boy’s analysis was truly remarkable.

He was impressed. Nolan’s claim that ”conquest doesn’t always have to be achieved by force” also made sense.

Exerting influence and creating dependency was a method of conquest rarely chosen by the kingdoms and empires of this world.

In their minds, the only way was to use military force.

But then Ragan remembered something and fixed his gaze on Nolan.

”I want to know one thing. How did you know that turmoil had erupted in the Ancient Kingdom of Eron?” Ragan asked suspiciously.

His intelligence network had only just sent word of it. This made no sense at all—unless Nolan had an intelligence network stronger than the Imperial Palace’s.

Seira and Cassiopeia seemed curious as well. They stared intently at Nolan, as if they also wanted to hear his answer.

”Regarding that…” Nolan smiled awkwardly, scratching his head.

”Don’t lie to me. Or do you want me to throw you in jail?” Ragan threatened.

Nolan: ”…”

A sigh escaped his lips. He shook his head before admitting, ”I found out right after Karakh betrayed me.”

”What!?” Ragan, Seira, and Cassiopeia were stunned. ”What do you mean?”

Nolan took another sip of his tea, then began explaining his cooperation with Karakh.

He detailed everything, except for one thing—the fact that he was the one who killed Karakh and Gulvar.

He wasn’t afraid his identity would be exposed. After all, the ministers of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron were not fools. It was impossible for them to uncover it—unless they actively wanted to die.

After fifteen minutes of explanation, the three of them finally understood. Their expressions showed a mix of shock, disbelief, and… fear.

”So Aldrian’s death was caused by your and Karakh Lyren’s interference?” Ragan repeated.

”Something like that,” Nolan said with a nod. ”But he betrayed me—and the powerful man we had brought into our plan. That’s why he and his father ended up dying at that man’s hands.”

He gave a faint smile, then shifted all the blame onto the ”powerful man,” whose name he hadn’t even mentioned.

”Hm…” Ragan fell silent, unsure of what to say.

He hadn’t expected this lazy boy to possess such remarkable abilities.

Although he knew Nolan had been hiding his talents all this time, the fact that he had once worked with Karakh Lyren still took him by surprise.

”Hah…” Ragan let out a long sigh, then shot Nolan an annoyed glance. ”If only you’d joined the battle for the throne, kid, I’m sure even Cedric and Aldric would be wary of you.”

He wasn’t just spouting nonsense. Cedric and Aldric were indeed very clever, and each had their own strengths.

However, neither of them had any real-world experience. Nolan was different. This kid was truly strange. In public, he appeared foolish and useless.

But behind the scenes, he was cunning and resourceful in ways no one could have anticipated.

In fact, a few months ago, Nolan had secured a partnership with the Kingdom of Kaldarion on the northern continent, which had brought their empire extraordinary profits.

Ragan was confident that neither Cedric nor Aldric would be capable of such a feat.

”Wait, Father!” Nolan hurriedly raised his right hand. ”Don’t say that, okay? It makes me sick!”

He had been trying his hardest to escape the responsibilities of being the heir to the throne, so his father’s words sounded like a warning signal.

Ragan rolled his eyes, but he didn’t press the issue, knowing it was pointless.

”Your plan is excellent. I’ll go along with it,” he declared without hesitation.

Cassiopeia looked at Nolan in admiration. On the journey to the Kingdom of Kaldarion, she had seen for herself just how amazing this so-called trashy prince really was.

So she wasn’t surprised that even His Majesty the Emperor was willing to follow his plan.

Nevertheless, it still felt incredible.

”Nolan, you’re so awesome!” Seira praised enthusiastically.

Nolan merely smiled and remained calm, as if unaffected by the praise.

”Oh, right, Father, I forgot something,” Nolan said. ”In the mission to rescue me and Sister Seira, Elina made an extraordinary contribution. Although she broke the rules by bringing so many troops, there’s no denying that her service far outweighs her transgression. Ahem! I hope you understand what I mean.”

He gave an innocent, adorable wink, which made Ragan feel nauseous, as if he might vomit.

Still, he didn’t object and simply nodded. ”Don’t worry, I’ll give her a reward and recognition. Her actions were, after all, extraordinary.”

Nolan smiled contentedly. His ultimate goal of securing prestige for Elina had been achieved.

The rest was up to Elina—to face Aldric, Cedric, and Adalen in the battle for the throne, which seemed poised to reach its climax.