The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 1030 Ethan's Visit to the Corvayne Family (2)

~5 minute read · 1,301 words
Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
Leona suffers a violent physical assault from her stepmother, Elena, and later reflects on the mysterious Blue Moon Trading House and its rapid technological advancements. Her father, Viscount Corvayne, introduces her to Ethan, the head of Blue Moon's northern branch, who has agreed to a loan for the family.

"I came specifically to see Young Lady Leona."

Hearing that, Tristan and Elena's expressions changed.

"T-To see Leona?" Tristan repeated in surprise.

"That's right."

Ethan gave a slight nod.

"I came here specifically for Young Lady Leona."

Tristan was at a loss for words. He had thought Ethan's visit was to discuss the Corvayne family's loan from the Silver Dragon Bank.

Unexpectedly, Ethan was actually here to see his daughter.

Suddenly, he realized something, and his expression shifted slightly.

'Don't tell me… Mr. Ethan is interested in Leona?'

His heart raced at the thought.

Ethan was much older than Leona, but that wasn't necessarily an issue.

Marriages with significant age gaps had become quite common.

What's more, Leona was still very young. She had a toned figure, and her beauty would only grow with time.

If Ethan really wanted to marry her, it would be a huge advantage for the Corvayne family.

Just like Ethan, Elena had the same thought. But instead of being happy, her expression turned gloomy.

She hated Leona with a passion. The thought of seeing Leona happy had never crossed her mind—not even if it meant marrying her off in the cruelest way possible.

If Leona slipped through her fingers, she wouldn't be able to use her as a punching bag anymore.

Elena wanted to say something, but Leona beat her to it.

"No, I don't want to!"

Her refusal made Tristan's face darken.

"Leona, watch your manners!" he snapped.

But Leona wasn't afraid of him. What she feared most was marriage. She didn't want to be bound by that tradition, especially if she had to marry Ethan.

It wasn't that she looked down on him, but the age gap between them was huge.

"Leona!" Tristan shouted, this time in a deeper, more threatening voice. "Watch your tone, or you'll regret it later."

Seeing that murderous glare, Leona flinched. Fear, anger, and sadness all mixed together inside her.

Although her soul came from Earth, she had fused with Leona's original body. Naturally, her feelings had merged with Leona's as well.

Being yelled at by him made her feel sad and depressed. After all, the original Leona was a girl who longed for her father's love.

Elena smiled as she watched her husband snap at Leona.

"Feel that," she snorted coldly.

Tristan regained his composure and turned toward Ethan.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ethan. My daughter is a bit stubborn. I hope you weren't offended."

"That's right, Mr. Ethan," Elena chimed in, shooting Leona a mocking glance. "She's a girl born in the slums, so her mother never taught her any manners. I apologize."

Tristan was shocked to hear that. He glanced sharply at his wife.

The Corvayne family's scandal must not be discovered by outsiders. The same went for Leona's status as his illegitimate daughter.

If it became known, he would become a laughingstock among the nobility.

What's more, Ethan was showing interest in Leona. If he changed his mind, all the benefits Tristan had envisioned would come crashing down.

But Elena seemed completely oblivious to his gaze and continued to smile slightly.

Ethan looked at Tristan and Elena one by one before shifting his gaze to Leona, who stood silently with her head bowed.

He understood what Tristan was thinking and chuckled softly.

"Viscount Corvayne, don't get the wrong idea. I didn't come here to propose to Young Lady Leona."

His words startled both of them.

Tristan furrowed his brow and asked hesitantly, "Then, why are you looking for Leona?"

"I can't say. But someone from headquarters wants to meet her."

The word "headquarters" made Tristan and Elena's faces go pale.

The Blue Moon Trading House's headquarters was in the capital. So that was what Ethan meant.

"I-I'm sorry, but I have to ask."

Tristan pressed a hand against his chest as his heart pounded wildly.

"Could you explain this further? Why does the Blue Moon Trading House headquarters want to meet my daughter?"

Ethan shook his head.

"I don't know either. They didn't say anything. They just asked me to bring Young Lady Leona to my place."

Tristan was at a loss for words. He turned toward Leona, wanting to ask her something, but he felt too embarrassed to speak. He and Leona weren't on good terms, after all.

And now, his daughter had caught the attention of the Blue Moon Trading House in the capital.

He didn't know what it meant, but it was certainly an opportunity. The Corvayne family would benefit from it as well.

Tristan took a deep breath before nodding enthusiastically.

"All right! You can take Leona with you."

Elena gritted her teeth in anger, but she couldn't vent her frustration here.

"I hope you don't mind, Young Lady Leona," Ethan said politely.

Leona felt awkward and nervous. She didn't know why the Blue Moon Trading House in the capital was interested in her, a lost girl from the Corvayne family.

But this was an opportunity. She could use it to find out who was behind the trading house and confirm her suspicions.

Pulling herself together, she nodded and said firmly, "I don't mind!"

…

"Woaa! Brother Nolan, you're finally back! No wonder I've been feeling uneasy and having nightmares. It turns out I'd lost my memories of you!"

Chloe sobbed uncontrollably in Nolan's lap while hugging him tightly. Her curvy, fragrant body pressed against him.

Nolan closed his eyes, trying to steady his racing heartbeat.

He patted her right shoulder and reminded her, "Get off my lap. You're an adult now—don't act like a little kid."

But Chloe didn't listen. She shifted her position until they were facing each other. Her legs wrapped around his waist, while her arms remained around his neck.

Two horns appeared on top of her head, while a black tail with a heart-shaped tip swayed from side to side.

"No, I won't let you go! I finally know the cause of all those nightmares! If I let you go, you'll run away again! I don't want that!" she said sadly, burying her face in the nape of his neck.

Nolan felt a chill run down his spine.

'Just as you'd expect from a succubus—her seduction techniques are extraordinary!'

Chloe was giving off pheromones that could make any man lose his mind instantly.

Although Nolan was immune to them, he still didn't dare let his guard down.

Who knew? He might slip up and end up pouncing on Chloe.

"I came to tell you something. Now get away from me."

But Chloe was like glue and refused to let go of him.

"Just tell me. I'll listen."

Nolan shook his head helplessly.

"I want you to deploy a large number of mages to the Izanagi Eastern Empire. If possible, send a Celestial-level mage."

"All right. I'll do it."

Her short reply surprised Nolan.

"Aren't you going to ask why?"

"No need. I trust you."

Nolan was stunned for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

He gently rubbed her head and whispered, "Thank you."

Chloe gave a small smile and buried her face in his neck again.

Suddenly, she remembered something, and her expression turned serious.

"By the way, I have some important news to tell you, brother."

"Hmm? What is it?"

Chloe brought her lips close to his ear and whispered, "There's a traitor among the Seven Constellation Mages of the Great Velmora Empire."

Nolan's eyes widened at those words.

"What… did you say?"