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

”Nolan, are you really going to let her go just like that? That doesn’t seem like you.”

Malverna continued walking, occasionally glancing at Nolan beside her.

In her eyes, Nolan wasn’t someone who gave up easily. Letting Melina go just like that wasn’t his style.

Nolan gave a faint smile and crossed his arms over his chest.

”You’re overthinking it. Although Melina does show the traits of the Goddess of Life’s incarnation, I still have my doubts about her,” he said frankly. ”For starters, why did she gain her powers at the age of fourteen? And why did she appear right after I started searching for the Goddess of Life’s incarnation? It’s all connected. My gut tells me someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes.”

Malverna was startled by his reasoning.

”So, are you saying Melina isn’t necessarily the incarnation of the Goddess of Life? Is it possible she’s just a decoy?”

Nolan nodded, taking a deep breath before letting it out.

”That’s right. She’s just a decoy, while the true incarnation of the Goddess of Life is hiding somewhere.”

Nolan didn’t deny that Melina’s powers were indeed related to those of the Goddess of Life. After all, healing abilities were one branch of the power of life.

Seria had told him that before.

However, her stiff, shy, and timid demeanor didn’t match Nolan’s image of the Goddess of Life’s incarnation.

In his view, the incarnation of the Goddess of Life had to be strong, confident, and brave.

Even if she had been born in a remote village like this, those qualities should still be part of who she was.

His doubts about Melina being the incarnation of the Goddess of Life only grew stronger after observing her personality.

She seemed more like a decoy meant to mislead him.

Malverna thought about his words and found them reasonable. Other than her remarkable healing abilities, she didn’t sense anything special about Melina.

”What’s your next plan?” Malverna asked.

Nolan glanced back at the house before replying calmly, ”We’ll keep an eye on Melina for a few days. Whether she’s just a decoy or not, we’ll find out soon enough.”

Malverna nodded and said nothing more.

…

”Thank you for your hard work, Elina. You’ve done a great job,” Ragan said with a satisfied smile.

Elina sat across from him and smiled back.

”You’re welcome, Father.”

”So.” Ragan took a sip of his tea before asking, ”What was the outcome? Did you manage to get Saint Helena Avail’s cooperation?”

Elina’s expression turned serious as she replied, ”First of all, Father, Saint Helena Avail has passed away.”

”Passed away?” Ragan’s eyes widened in shock.

”That’s right.” Elina nodded. ”And her successor is her direct student, Saint Lumiel.”

Ragan was at a loss for words. He remembered that ten years ago, he had still been on good terms with Saint Helena Avail.

Although tensions between the Holy Empire of Valtanir and the Great Empire of Velmora already existed, they weren’t as severe back then as they were now.

Saint Helena was a kind and dignified woman. Even though they were the same age and he held a higher status as emperor, Ragan had never dared to be disrespectful toward her.

She had given him plenty of advice, particularly on important matters. Sometimes, Ragan would even write to her when he didn’t know what to do.

It could be said that they had been very close.

And now, after hearing that news, he couldn’t help but feel shocked... and saddened.

Even though Saint Helena had lived in the Holy Empire of Valtanir—enemy territory—Ragan had never considered her an enemy.

It took him a long time to regain his composure.

Once he had calmed down, he asked, ”What other information did you get? Especially about Saint Lumiel.”

”As I said earlier, Saint Lumiel is Saint Helena’s direct student. She now leads the Church of the Goddess of Light, and...”

Elina explained everything in detail without leaving anything out.

Ragan’s expression changed several times as he listened.

Eventually, Elina finished her explanation.

”That’s about it, Father. The situation is a bit complicated. The Church of the Goddess of Light has been suppressed to the point that it can’t help us. But...”

Elina’s expression turned confident again.

”Saint Lumiel said she won’t interfere in the coming war. Without public support, that war will naturally put the Holy Empire of Valtanir at a disadvantage.”

Ragan took a deep breath, then leaned back in his chair.

What Elina said was entirely true. War required a justifiable reason and the moral support of the people.

Even Ragan wouldn’t dare declare war on any kingdom without a compelling reason.

The Great Velmora Empire had hundreds of millions—no, perhaps even billions—of inhabitants.

If they all united and overthrew the imperial palace, not even Ragan could stop them. He would have no choice but to flee with his family.

However, the Holy Empire of Valtanir was different.

The foundation of its imperial family was not Dariel, but the Singularity of Light.

As long as that damned old man was still alive, supreme power would remain in the hands of the imperial family. Ordinary people would never be able to shake their rule.

That was why Ragan knew war was inevitable.

Noticing her father’s concern, Elina quickly reassured him.

”Don’t worry too much, Father. I know the Singularity of Light is a major threat, but it won’t interfere. Singularities are forbidden from getting involved in conflicts between the world’s powers. The other Singularities will surely step in if that happens. And...”

A confident smile appeared on her face.

”I have the Singularity of Chaos backing me. I can ask for his help if the Singularity of Light ever shows up.”

Hearing her words, Ragan regained his composure.

”You’re right. Why should I worry? If Dariel wants to take everything from me, then I’ll fight him!” he said with burning determination.

”Elina, write a letter to your older sister, Freya. Tell her to gather all the soldiers at the northern border and ask Duke Ashvale to lend us his troops. Also, announce that we’re recruiting mercenaries with pay. I want all of this done within five days.”

Elina stood up and lowered her head.

”As you command, Your Majesty.”

She turned to leave, but something suddenly crossed her mind.

Ragan noticed the change in her expression and asked, ”Is there anything else you want to say?”

Elina pushed the thought aside and shook her head.

”It’s nothing. I was just thinking about something.”

She had actually wanted to report Adalen’s appearance in Halveran but quickly changed her mind.

The battle for the throne had reached its peak. The only contenders left were her, Aldric, Cedric, and Adalen.

So far, not a single candidate had managed to land a decisive blow against the others.

If she attacked Adalen now and eliminated him from the battle for the throne, Aldric and Cedric would surely turn their attention to her.

As long as Adalen remained in the picture, they wouldn’t dare act recklessly. For the time being, he would serve as her shield.

Without another word, she left to carry out Ragan’s orders.