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

”Agreed?”

Everyone froze at Ragan’s unexpected response.

They had all assumed he would reject Roswell’s request, even after the prime minister willingly gave up his position.

Instead, Ragan accepted it.

While many were still trying to process what had just happened, Duke Ashvale burst into laughter.

”Hahaha! I knew it! There was no way His Majesty would hand Prince Cedric such a harsh punishment!”

Duke Austin and Duke Valcrest simply watched him in silence. Their faces were filled with frustration and disappointment, especially Duke Austin’s.

From the very beginning, he had hoped Cedric would receive a severe punishment—execution or, at the very least, exile.

Unfortunately, that wish now seemed nothing more than a pipe dream.

A moment later, he regained his composure. Deep down, this outcome wasn’t all that surprising.

After all, Cedric was Ragan’s son. More than anything, the battle for the throne was far from over.

Compared to the power struggle during Ragan’s own era, everything that had happened so far was nothing.

More importantly, Ragan had finally gotten what he had wanted all along—Roswell’s resignation as prime minister.

Like Orlan Caltheron, he also knew that Ragan had always been wary of Roswell.

That was why he understood Ragan’s decision.

”Father, you’re unfair!”

Suddenly Aldric stood up and spoke out.

Everyone turned their attention to him.

Ragan wasn’t angered by the outburst. He gave a slight nod, silently signaling for Aldric to continue.

Understanding his intent, Aldric swept the golden shoulder cape draped over his right shoulder aside before speaking firmly.

”I know Cedric is your son, but I think your decision is completely wrong. Do you remember the promise you made earlier? You said you would treat everyone fairly, including the princes and princesses. If the people find out you’ve gone back on your word, what will they think of you and the imperial court?”

The nobles from the southern region exchanged glances, then immediately threw their support behind Aldric.

”That’s right, Your Majesty! Uphold justice!”

”Prince Cedric is a criminal! He must be punished!”

”Your Majesty...”

Seeing the southern nobles rally behind Aldric, the nobles from the northern region refused to be outdone and declared their support for Ragan’s decision.

The courtroom instantly descended into chaos as the nobles shouted over one another.

The soldiers quickly stepped in to restore order, but instead of calming down, even more nobles joined the argument, overwhelming them.

Ragan watched the commotion in silence. Beneath his calm expression, however, his anger continued to grow.

That anger wasn’t directed at the nobles...

It was directed at Nolan.

Because of that damn kid, he had to take that oath and make that promise. As a result, he was now bound by it, and any unfair decision would only make people question his integrity as both emperor and judge.

”That damn kid...” he growled, clenching his fists. ”Just wait until Lyra brings you to the imperial palace. I’ll beat you senseless.”

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he slammed his fist onto the judge’s bench.

Bang!

The impact echoed through the courtroom, instantly silencing the heated argument between the nobles from the southern and northern regions.

Everyone fell silent and turned toward Ragan. His expression remained calm, but his gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s.

”I understand your concerns, especially yours, Aldric.”

Ragan’s eyes shifted to Aldric.

”And who said I wouldn’t punish Cedric? I still intend to punish him.”

Aldric frowned and was about to speak, but quickly held his tongue.

He had already disrupted the proceedings, and his behavior had been disrespectful enough.

In the end, he sat back down and closed his eyes.

Ragan was pleased with Aldric’s answer and looked at Roswell before turning his eyes to Cedric.

”Cedric Lorian, I hereby sentence you for the crimes you have committed.”

His voice echoed through the courtroom, chilling everyone present.

Cedric took a deep breath and hung his head.

”You will not be sentenced to death, exiled, or deprived of your status as a prince and one of the heirs to the throne.”

Ragan’s words stunned the entire courtroom.

The nobles from the northern region were overjoyed. Triumphant smiles spread across their faces, as if to say, ”We still have a chance to fight back.”

However, their smiles quickly faded as Ragan continued.

”In return, your uncle, Roswell Kleith, will step down as prime minister. He must hand over all of his power and authority to me. I’m giving him three days.”

Roswell clenched his right fist, but his expression remained calm as he bowed respectfully to Ragan.

”The Kleith family will be demoted to the rank of viscount, and half of their lands will be confiscated by the imperial court.”

Cedric’s expression changed drastically. He hadn’t expected the Kleith family to be dragged into this as well.

But before he could process it, Ragan spoke again.

”Your mother, Cassandra Kleith, will lose the privilege of entering my chambers for the next two years.”

If the Kleith family’s demotion was already a heavy blow to Cedric, then the third punishment was far more devastating.

Cedric’s expression froze, and his breathing grew ragged.

”My mother... is losing the right to enter Father’s chambers?”

His voice trembled. His body, still bowed before Ragan, swayed slightly.

That punishment was no different from a death sentence for his mother.

After all, the only way a concubine could truly find happiness was by sharing the emperor’s bed.

And now, Cassandra—his mother—would be forbidden from entering the emperor’s chambers for two years. The thought alone made Cedric’s chest tighten, and his eyes gradually turned red.

Everyone, including Vanessa, Clarisse, Melinda, and Isabella, was stunned by the third punishment.

Clarisse, in particular, hadn’t expected Ragan to punish Cassandra as well. A moment later, however, a surge of joy welled up inside her.

”Hahaha! That woman is definitely going to cry when she hears that punishment,” she said with a laugh, raising her hand fan to cover half her face.

Vanessa narrowed her eyes at Ragan. She wanted to object, but in the end, she held her tongue.

”Hah...” Isabella let out a long sigh.

She couldn’t help but feel sorry for Cassandra. No one had expected her to receive such a punishment.

Still, she believed Ragan had carefully considered his decision before handing down the sentence.

”And the final punishment,” Ragan continued, his voice growing slightly louder. ”Without my explicit permission...”

A cold glint flashed across his eyes.

”...you are forbidden from entering the capital for one year.”