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

”No access to the capital for a whole year?”

Cedric’s eyes widened in shock. His mouth fell open—wide enough to fit a ping-pong ball inside.

If the second and third punishments had already been painful, then the fourth was far worse.

The capital was the seat of government, where most of the imperial court officials were based.

To secure their support, Cedric would occasionally return to the palace.

But now, he had been barred from entering the capital for an entire year, effectively cutting off his chances of gaining the support of the imperial court officials.

”What a cruel punishment,” Duke Austin muttered with a soft chuckle.

He glanced at Duke Ashvale, whose face had turned pale.

Earlier, that man had been overjoyed when Ragan decided to revoke Cedric’s death sentence and exile.

Unfortunately, that joy didn’t last long. Instead, Cedric was handed a series of punishments, each one harsher than the last.

”Cedric is truly finished.”

Aldric smiled faintly as he rested the side of his face against his right palm.

He had been worried that Cedric might find a way to make a comeback. However, it seemed those concerns had been unnecessary.

With all those punishments, Cedric had essentially lost any chance of recovering his position.

”Y-Your Majesty—”

Cedric was about to say something, but Roswell quickly grabbed his right wrist.

The grip was so tight that Cedric groaned in pain.

”Be quiet… Don’t say another word,” Roswell whispered in a cold, piercing tone.

Cedric swallowed the words he was about to say, then lowered his head to hide his anger.

”That is my decision.”

Ragan raised his gavel and struck the bench three times.

It was a sign that his decision was final and irrevocable unless some unforeseen circumstances arose.

”Roswell Kleith, you are hereby stripped of your position as prime minister,” Ragan said calmly. ”Clear out your office within three days. Hand over every bit of authority and influence you’ve accumulated over the years within that time as well. Understood?”

Roswell took a deep breath before slowly exhaling. He clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully.

”As you command, Your Majesty.”

Ragan gave a slight nod before turning to Seira.

”An empire cannot stand without a prime minister. Therefore, I appoint my daughter, Seira Lorian, as interim prime minister.”

As soon as those words left his mouth, the throne room erupted into commotion.

Every gaze turned toward Seira, as if a pack of wolves had just spotted their prey.

Seira flinched, but a moment later, she regained her composure.

She rose to her feet, smoothed the hem of her gown, and bowed her head.

”I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability, Your Majesty. Thank you for placing your trust in me.”

A faint smile appeared on Ragan’s usually cold face, like the first rain falling on land that had been parched for years.

”Seira has been appointed interim prime minister?” Clarisse murmured, her expression dazed.

The daughter she had always looked down on now held a position that outranked her own as a concubine.

However, her surprise quickly gave way to overwhelming joy.

”What incredible luck!”

Being the mother of Seira, she had the most to gain.

She could already imagine Adalen emerging victorious in the battle for the throne. Before she realized it, a broad smile had crept onto her face.

Naturally Vanessa saw the change and her expression immediately darkened.

She had never expected Ragan to appoint Seira as the interim prime minister.

Although the position was only temporary, it was enough to shake the entire empire.

Ragan would retire soon. However, until the heir to the throne was decided, he would remain in power.

The same applied to Seira. She would serve as interim prime minister until the succession battle came to an end.

By Vanessa’s estimate, the succession battle wouldn’t be over for at least another year or two.

That was a long time—more than enough for Seira to build her own power base.

Since Seira was Clarisse’s daughter, the one who stood to benefit the most from her appointment was Adalen.

”I can’t let this happen,” Vanessa muttered. Her eyes flashed with a chilling glint.

Losing Novaria had already given her a headache. On top of that, the alliance with the Great Kingdom of Horland had fallen apart.

And now, another major threat had emerged against her eldest son, Aldric. She had to act as soon as possible.

”Congratulations, Sister.”

Elina stood up, then walked over to Seira and hugged her.

Seira smiled and returned the embrace.

”Thank you.”

”Sister Seira, congratulations!”

Eliza jumped to her feet, then ran over and wrapped her arms around Seira’s waist.

Seira giggled at her adorable antics. She hugged Eliza while gently ruffling her hair.

”Thank you, Eliza.”

Seeing this, Duke Austin and Duke Valcrest stood up as well. They placed their right hands over their left chests, then bowed respectfully to Seira.

”Congratulations, Your Highness Seira! May you fulfill your duties and responsibilities well,” Alvaron said with a broad smile.

The others also congratulated Seira, including Adalen.

”Sis, I’m glad to see you happy,” Adalen said with a meaningful smile. ”Congratulations.”

Seira glanced at him before giving a small nod.

Only Aldric remained seated. His expression was so grim that the lines on his forehead stood out clearly.

Seira’s appointment as interim prime minister was a direct threat to him.

How could he possibly congratulate someone who might one day stand against him?

Cedric and Roswell tried to suppress the turmoil within themselves.

Roswell, in particular, felt humiliated by Ragan.

But what else could he do?

Cause and effect were at play. Because of his nephew’s stupidity, he had lost his position.

The Kleith family had suffered as well. So had his sister, who had lost the right to enter Ragan’s chambers.

”It’s okay... As long as there’s still a chance, everything can return to the way it was.”

Roswell closed his eyes for a few seconds.

When he opened them again, the anger in them had completely faded, replaced by a cold, unwavering calm.

”In that case, Cedric and I will take our leave, Your Majesty.”

After saying that, he straightened up and gestured for Cedric to follow him.

Magus also took his leave and departed with them.

As the three of them disappeared, the courtroom fell silent once more.

Ragan leaned back in his chair before glancing at Berlin, who stood not far from him.

”Call in the final defendant.”

Berlin nodded. Turning to face everyone, he announced, ”Duke Jason Malvain... Please enter the courtroom!”