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

Inside the tent…

”W-Wait a moment… You… You’re a human from Earth? How is that possible?”

Rei pointed at Nolan, his mouth hanging open in shock.

Nolan leaned back in his chair and replied calmly, ”Yes, I’m from Earth. And I come from the same era as you.”

”The same era as me?” Rei’s breathing grew heavy. ”N-No… That doesn’t make sense. I mean… even if we’re from the same era, our existence in this world is separated by a vast span of time.”

Nolan had appeared a thousand years later, yet they were still from the same era.

Rei couldn’t process it at all.

”It might be due to differences in the flow of time,” Nolan explained. ”One year on Earth might be equivalent to hundreds of years in this world—or even more. What’s certain is that time dilation exists between the two worlds. That’s not too surprising, considering the distance between Earth and this world could be hundreds, millions, or even billions of light-years. After all, time is relative.”

Rei thought over Nolan’s explanation. Although he was still confused, he began to understand a little.

He steadied himself, then looked deeply into Nolan’s eyes.

”In that case… why did you tell me your identity?” he asked hesitantly.

If he were in Nolan’s position, he wouldn’t reveal that he was a transmigrant.

After all, being a transmigrant was a sensitive matter—especially since Nolan hadn’t been summoned but reborn.

”It’s because I want to gain your trust,” Nolan replied calmly. ”If you didn’t know I was also a transmigrant from Earth, you’d definitely be wary and wouldn’t want to answer my questions.”

Rei considered his words and found them reasonable.

”You don’t need to worry. I don’t mean you any harm,” Nolan continued. ”There’s one thing I’d like to ask—how were you summoned to this world?”

According to historical records, heroes were summoned through a special ritual performed by powerful mages on this continent.

However, Nolan was doubtful. Magic that could connect two worlds felt impossible to perform.

Even if it were possible, the ritual would surely require an enormous amount of resources. Nolan had tried it himself.

He had studied many spells related to space and time, then attempted to connect them to Earth.

Unfortunately, everything failed, which left him frustrated and upset at the time.

”I was summoned through a ritual performed by powerful mages from all over the world. As for what kind of magic they used, I honestly have no idea. Besides, I can’t use magic,” Rei replied, shaking his head.

Nolan looked disappointed. Still, when he thought about it, it made sense that Rei wouldn’t know the details.

After all, Rei had once been an ordinary person. Matters of magic were clearly still new to him.

”I understand.” Nolan nodded, then changed the subject. ”But do you remember what the mages who summoned you looked like? Or where they were?”

If Rei didn’t know, then Nolan would have to find those mages himself.

”I know!” Rei answered without hesitation. ”Most of them are from the Tower of Silence, while the others are from the Falling Star Magic Academy.”

Upon hearing those two names, Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly. He had already suspected the mages were connected to those two ancient institutions.

Still, hearing it directly from Rei surprised him.

”I see. Can you list the mages’ names? If you don’t remember, then at least describe their distinguishing features,” Nolan said.

Rei didn’t refuse. He took a piece of paper and a pen from the nightstand beside him, then began writing down the names and characteristics of the mages he remembered.

Although they all covered their faces with masks, Rei still remembered the colors of their masks and their distinct body shapes.

Additionally, they each had names—more like nicknames—and asked Rei to call them by those names.

When he was done, he handed the paper to Nolan.

”That’s all I remember. Sorry if it’s not much help.”

Nolan took it and smiled.

”It’s okay. Thanks for your help.”

He then stood up, which surprised Rei.

”Are you leaving already?” he asked cautiously.

”Yes.” Nolan nodded and explained, ”I have to take care of some business. By the way, please look after Evalyn for me. If she looks for me, just tell her I’m handling something important. And…”

Nolan’s expression turned serious. ”I also forgot to tell you why we came to the past. Actually, it has to do with both you and Evalyn. She’s having trouble with her training—she can’t inherit your fighting style. Meanwhile, the heir of the Asbourne family—the family of the Hero of Darkness—has successfully mastered his ancestor’s legacy. And…”

Nolan quickly pieced together the crux of Evalyn’s problem.

Rei listened carefully and eventually understood.

”The ten-year tournament, huh?” Rei narrowed his eyes. ”Did that tournament happen because of the conflict between Lucas and me in the future?”

Nolan didn’t deny it. ”That’s right. In the future, you and the Hero of Darkness clashed over Princess Roseline. Although you ended up winning, the rivalry didn’t disappear. Instead, it grew stronger with each generation, eventually escalating into a major conflict. Fortunately, the imperial family intervened, and the conflict was transformed into a tournament held every ten years.”

Rei’s expression turned complicated. He hadn’t expected something like that to happen in the future.

Occasionally, he and Lucas clashed, but it was always over war strategy, never over a woman.

Who would have thought their future conflict would revolve around a woman?

”I’m warning you,” Nolan said coldly. ”Don’t even try to alter the course of history. I’m sure you’ve already noticed Princess Roseline’s interest in you. That woman loves you deeply, and she will still choose you, no matter what changes Evalyn and I bring about. Don’t deny your own feelings, and don’t hand Princess Roseline over to the Hero of Darkness. That would be the same as hurting her.”

He knew Rei was the kind of good-hearted man who would easily give in for others’ sake. That was why Nolan had to warn him not to do anything foolish.

Although Nolan was certain the existing history wouldn’t change, he still wanted the Lionheart family to exist in any timeline.

After all, he already considered Evalyn his sister, and he didn’t want to lose her—even if it happened in a different timeline.

Rei smiled bitterly. ”I… understand.”

If Nolan hadn’t warned him, he really might have done something that stupid.

Besides, would what he considered ”the best choice” really be what Roseline wanted?

The answer, of course, was no.

”Glad to hear it.” Nolan smiled, satisfied, and patted Rei on the shoulder. ”You’re a hero, just like the main character in a fantasy novel. Don’t give up the woman you love just because you feel sorry for the Hero of Darkness.”

Rei’s face brightened at those words.

”You’re right!” Rei nodded and looked at Nolan with gratitude. ”Thanks for the reminder, Nolan Lorian!”