The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 3: The Princes and Princesses Gather

At that precise moment, a middle-aged man sat rigidly upon the seat of power within the palace throne room.

His features, while undeniably handsome, were etched with the weariness of the passing years, marked by subtle lines near his eyes.

Yet, the profound intensity and severe gaze he possessed remained completely undiminished.

In fact, his stare seemed to grow more piercing by the day, compelling anyone who encountered it to bow their head in sudden, instinctive reverence.

Draped in a cloak of deep black, his broad, athletic frame strained against the fabric. His well-defined musculature spoke of untamed vitality, radiating an aura of absolute majesty and inherent power.

His irises burned with a hue as dark as blood, a distinct contrast to the short, snowy white hair visible beneath the ornate golden crown resting upon his brow.

The crown glittered with seven unique crystals—red, blue, purple, black, green, yellow, and gold—each casting a gentle, vibrant glow that shimmered in the daylight streaming through the expansive windows flanking the throne.

This man was Ragan Lorian, the 99th Emperor of the Great Empire of Velmora, globally known as the Lion of the East.

Having expanded his dominion to grasp the entire central expanse of the continent, he had cemented his status as the most formidable and successful sovereign in the history of his thousand-year-old empire.

Drawing in a long, weary breath, Ragan swiveled his gaze toward the tall figure stationed at his right.

"Roswell, have my instructions for the princes and princesses to report to the throne room immediately been carried out?" he inquired in an aloof tone.

Roswell was an elongated, slender man possessing hooded eyes and a faint, perpetual smile that never quite reached his eyes.

To the average observer, he appeared a perfectly polite individual, but those well-acquainted with his nature recognized the calculating mind hidden beneath that pleasant exterior.

He pressed his right palm against his heart and offered a shallow bow toward the Emperor.

"Have no concern, Your Majesty. I have delivered your commands to all the princes and princesses. They should arrive at any moment."

Only a short time later, a booming voice echoed from the sentry stationed at the threshold.

"First Prince, Aldric Lorian, entering the throne room!"

A prince displaying a sturdy, robust build strode inside with a regal and measured gait.

His face, while not classically beautiful, possessed the unmistakable characteristics of iron-willed resolve and warrior-like courage.

Standing fully two meters in height, his hulking physique was barely contained by the golden robe he was dressed in.

His short blond hair and piercing red eyes formed a striking, unconventional contrast that left a lingering impression on all who saw him.

With every footfall, he projected a potent aura, as if the very atmosphere itself bent to accommodate his presence.

Aldric halted a short distance from the dais and lifted his head to fix his gaze upon his father.

"My sincerest apologies for the delay, Father," Aldric greeted with formal respect, shielding his hands and bowing slightly.

Ragan inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Do not worry. You are not late. Your siblings have yet to manifest; you are the first."

The Emperor’s voice remained frosty, though those tuned into his subtler cues could detect the underlying irritation.

Raising an eyebrow, Aldric scanned the room, noticing that aside from himself, the hall remained desolate.

"Then, we shall await the arrival of my siblings, Father," he stated deferentially.

"Indeed," Ragan replied with a curt nod.

Left with no recourse, they waited in silence for the others to appear.

Moments later, the voice of the guard reverberated through the hall once again.

"Second Prince, Cedric Lorian, entering the throne room!"

Through the massive gates walked a tall, lean man, moving with calculated, rhythmic purpose.

He possessed a refined, handsome face, partially obscured by the frames of his spectacles. His emerald-green hair was grown to his ears, and his blue eyes, noted for their elongated, fox-like tails, lent him a sly, enigmatic air.

Donning a green robe embroidered with patterns of white, cloud-like wisps, his attire was a perfect reflection of his character.

Stopping near Aldric, he turned toward his brother and offered a subtle, knowing grin.

"I must confess, I did not expect to find you here first, elder brother."

Aldric let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"Well, Cedric, it appears you have lost to me this time," he retorted, his voice tinged with lighthearted mockery.

Cedric maintained his composure, offering no further rebuttal.

He then shifted his attention toward the throne, cupping his hands in a gesture of profound respect.

"Pardon my tardiness, Father. I trust my delay has caused no severe offense?" he inquired smoothly.

Ragan waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Think nothing of it. Aldric only just arrived, and the rest of your siblings are still absent."

A small frown touched the corner of Cedric’s mouth, yet he remained characteristically quiet.

Slowly, one after another, the royal heirs filled the expansive hall.

The third prince, Adalen Lorian, arrived next; he was exceptionally handsome, casting an aura of sophisticated calm and natural authority.

His demeanor was peaceful, yet he possessed a charisma so potent that any woman meeting his eyes would undoubtedly be infatuated in an instant.

Following Adalen, the eldest princess made her grand entrance.

Her beauty was truly breathtaking, characterized by refined features and a cascade of pink hair that flowed down to her waist.

The elegant lines of her figure, emphasized by her graceful form, were enough to bewitch any man in her presence.

When she caught sight of Ragan, a sweet, radiant smile blossomed on Seira’s lips. She gathered the fabric of her gown slightly and offered a graceful bow.

"I humbly apologize for my late arrival, Father," she murmured, her voice sounding soft as silk and sweet as nectar.

Ragan’s cold, aloof mask softened perceptibly as his eyes rested upon his daughter.

"You are excused, Seira. Your siblings have just gathered, so you are not late," he replied in a more relaxed tone.

Seira stood upright and offered a small, appreciative nod.

Before long, the fourth, fifth, and seventh princes, joined by the second and third princesses as well as the remaining royals, began to populate the throne room.

As the final member arrived, Ragan nodded, seemingly content with the turnout.

However, his expression darkened, and his brows knit together when he noted two significant absences.

"Hold a moment. Where are Nolan and Elina? Have they not yet made their appearance?" he asked, his voice growing heavy with impatience.

The assembled royals exchanged glances, realizing at once that Nolan and Elina were missing.

"Father, would it be wise for me to seek them out?" Seira asked softly.

Ragan was on the verge of responding when the voice of the throne room guard echoed through the chamber once more.

"Sixth Prince, Nolan Lorian, and Sixth Princess, Elina Lorian, entering the throne room!"