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

Chapter 552: The Sad Eira

”Ugh... that little dragon keeps popping into my mind. I hope she’s not sulking over there.”

Lying on the bed, Nolan tapped his forehead, as if he had just remembered something.

He had deliberately left Eira by Elina’s side—either to protect her or simply to keep her from getting bored.

Eira was an active little dragon, and having her around would surely help lift Elina’s mood after her exhausting work.

But considering how Eira always stuck to him like glue, Nolan couldn’t help but worry that the little dragon might cry.

”She won’t... right?”

...

”Woaaa! Master, you’re so mean! You left Eira! Woaa!”

In Elina’s workspace, Eira was crying her eyes out, her small, adorable face soaked with tears.

Elina, who was working, felt the corners of her mouth twitch.

Since her brother left, the little dragon had done nothing but cry. Elina understood her sadness, but the constant sobbing slowly started to wear on her.

Letting out a long sigh, Elina slowly stood up and walked over to her.

”Alright, Eira. Stop crying, okay? My brother will definitely come back later. When he does, you can scold him as much as you want. Understand?”

Eira’s crying eased a little when she heard that. Still hiccuping, she asked weakly, ”He’ll really come back, right? He’s not leaving Eira forever, right?”

That tearful expression, paired with her adorable face, felt like an arrow piercing Elina’s chest.

Her breathing quickened as the urge to hug the little creature welled up inside her.

But she quickly calmed herself and softly cleared her throat.

”Of course. I’m your master’s twin sister. I know what’s on my brother’s mind—much better than you do. So just relax, okay?”

She gently and lovingly stroked Eira’s head.

Feeling that unfamiliar yet familiar touch, Eira’s tense body slowly relaxed. She wiped her tears with her right paw and nodded weakly.

”Okay~”

Elina smiled in satisfaction at her reaction, then picked her up.

”Then let’s go to town and do some shopping. I remember a merchant from the capital came here a few days ago and sold all kinds of delicious chocolates. I’m sure you’ll love them.”

The moment she heard the word ”chocolate,” Eira’s eyes lit up, sparkling like stars.

”I want chocolate! Please take me there!”

Since learning about chocolate, she had grown less interested in meat and other foods.

Chocolate was the best!

”Alright. Let’s go.”

With that, she took Eira to town to buy plenty of snacks.

...

”So, when is the meeting? Tomorrow, or a few days from now?”

In his office, Ragan stared at Orion with an indifferent gaze.

”Reporting, Your Majesty. The kings have requested that the meeting be held within the next three days. The location is the city of Holivar.”

Hearing the name Holivar, Ragan was slightly surprised. It was a neutral city located in unclaimed territory, close to both the Holy Valtanir Empire and the Great Velmora Empire.

”I suppose they chose that place to prevent me from pressuring them. What do you think, Orion?”

Ragan smiled faintly, a meaningful glint flickering in his eyes.

Orion straightened up and replied respectfully, ”You are correct, Your Majesty. I also suspect that the Holy Emperor Dariel will interfere in this meeting. He may attend as a mediator—or even as an observer. That way, you would be unable to use threats against them.”

The kings who were still protesting the issue of that night party came from small and medium-sized kingdoms.

Although their combined military strength could pose some trouble for the Great Velmora Empire, it would not be enough to destroy it.

After all, the empire had four dukes and many other minor nobles, all loyal to the emperor.

That was the advantage the Great Velmora Empire held over most kingdoms on this continent.

The nobles answered to a single emperor, whereas in many other kingdoms or empires, they secretly formed factions to suppress their own royal families.

Of course, the Great Velmora Empire’s advantage stemmed from the way the throne was obtained through succession battles—a method that came with both significant benefits and drawbacks.

”Your words make sense,” Ragan said with a small nod. ”But it’s fine. Dariel won’t be able to do anything. This is a matter between me and those kingdoms. If he wants to cause trouble, I’ll hit him hard.”

He clenched his right fist and showed it to Orion, a smile spreading across his face.

The corner of Orion’s mouth twitched slightly. Dariel was His Majesty’s brother-in-law, yet Ragan spoke as if he wouldn’t hesitate to strike him.

Wasn’t that the same as declaring war on the Holy Valtanir Empire?

Even so, Orion didn’t dare say anything and simply lowered his head.

”All right, Orion. In the next three days, I want you and Cassiopeia to accompany me there. Understood?”

Orion was the person Ragan trusted most—more than the other six Celestial Mages.

That was because Orion had been the first to pledge his loyalty during the battle for the throne.

”I understand, Your Majesty. Leave it to me,” Orion replied, placing a hand on his chest.

”Good. You may go.”

Orion nodded, then vanished from where he stood.

Ragan let out a soft sigh as he stared at the ceiling. His calm expression hardened as he whispered, ’Dariel... just because you’re my brother-in-law doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you. If you’re looking for trouble with me, I’m not afraid to declare war.’

His voice was cold, filled with murderous intent.

...

”Did you hear? Rumor has it that the chocolate shop everyone in the capital is talking about has expanded its market! They’re offering many new, delicious flavors!”

”Huh? Really? Then how about we check it out later? I really like the lava chocolate that melts in your mouth.”

”I like it too! Let’s go later.”

On the grounds where Isabella lived, the maids whispered excitedly among themselves.

Isabella, who was sipping her afternoon tea in the pavilion, looked slightly surprised when she heard that.

”Chocolate, huh? Is the food they’re talking about really that delicious?” she asked, turning to Eliza beside her.

”Mm! It’s very delicious, Mother!” Eliza nodded, her eyes sparkling. ”Sister Claire gave me a whole box of chocolate when she visited Sister Shion’s office. It tasted really good!”

Hearing this, Isabella’s interest was piqued. The chocolate she had eaten before was a little bitter, so she had never quite understood why this food was so popular.

”If you want, I can bring some for you! I’ll ask Sister Claire!”

Eliza patted her small chest with enthusiasm.

”Oh? Wouldn’t that trouble you, dear?” Isabella asked, sounding hesitant.

”Hehehe! For you, it’s not a bother. Just think of it as a gift for teaching me.”

Eliza smiled shyly, covering half her face with the book in her hand.

”You...” Isabella was taken aback, then a warm smile spread across her lips. ”Thank you, my dear.”