The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 627 Firmness and Courage

"Greetings to you both. I trust the journey was not too tiresome?" Gulvar inquired, offering a faint, polite smile.

Nolan and Seira halted their approach, coming to a standstill three meters from the throne.

Seira inclined her head with a graceful smile before answering, "It was certainly taxing, yet quite pleasant. I had the privilege of observing the cities throughout the Ancient Kingdom of Eron, and they were truly magnificent."

Offering praise for a leader's dominion was a standard protocol for diplomatic meetings—a basic courtesy Seira had mastered in her youth.

As she had anticipated, a subtle smile tugged at the corners of Gulvar’s mouth.

"I am grateful. It is an honor to receive such high praise from you, Princess Seira."

After exchanging a few more cordial pleasantries, Gulvar shifted the conversation toward the primary objective.

"By the by, Aldrian has briefed me on your rejection of this betrothal. Perhaps you would care to explain your reasoning?"

Gulvar’s tone shifted into a chilling coldness. Simultaneously, a palpable pressure radiated from his frame, intended to weigh down upon both Seira and Nolan.

Nolan merely offered a faint smirk and allowed his own aura to surge forward. The oppressive force was shattered instantly, catching Gulvar completely off guard.

The King focused an intense, guarded gaze upon him.

'This prince has been concealing his true cultivation,' he pondered silently.

Beyond his royal duties, Gulvar was a formidable swordsman. When measured against mage standards, his combat power was equivalent to that of a Celestial Mage.

Though the swordsman path lacked the rigid ranking systems inherent to mages, they often benchmarked themselves against such criteria to assess their relative strength.

Yet, the potent aura he had unleashed to subdue Seira had been neutralized with effortless ease.

This development forced Gulvar onto the defensive, especially since he had dismissed Nolan as a powerless, inconsequential prince.

Seira, oblivious to the internal turmoil of the King, spoke without a hint of hesitation. "I did indeed decline the engagement, Your Majesty, for my own purposes. Primarily, I have no affection for Prince Aldrian."

Her icy stare struck Aldrian like a physical blade. He felt a sudden, suffocating pressure against his chest, making his breathing labored.

"And my second point of contention is the backing you have provided to my younger sibling, Adalen," Seira stated firmly. "I have no desire to serve as a mere bargaining chip between your faction and my mother. As the first princess of the Great Velmora Empire, my standing is supreme—even my own father holds me in high regard. Yet, you dare to treat me as a instrument for your own political ends? Do you take me for a fool?"

Her sharp gaze swept across the room, encompassing Gulvar, Melody, Aldrian, and the other royal siblings.

Gulvar bristled, surprised by such brazen defiance. Anyone else would have met their end immediately for speaking so insolently.

However, Seira was royalty of the Great Velmora Empire. To strike her down would be an open declaration of war.

Burying his annoyance, he adopted a conciliatory tone. "You have clearly miscalculated my intentions, Your Highness. Neither I nor anyone in this hall views you as a pawn to be used against your mother. On the contrary, this arrangement is motivated by my son's genuine affection. Isn't that correct, Aldrian?"

Aldrian nodded frantically. "That is the truth, Seira! Please, do not let there be any misunderstandings. My love for you is deep, and this request is strictly driven by my own feelings."

Had he possessed a tail, he would have been wagging it in a desperate bid for her approval.

The brother beside him scowled, clearly repulsed by Aldrian's servile demeanor.

Nolan observed the flicker of disgust in the brother's posture. A scheme began to take shape in his mind, though he knew he needed time to perfect every detail.

Seira cast a dismissive glance at Aldrian. His words might hold some truth, but what of Gulvar’s motivations?

It was all a farce. The King was simply using his son’s infatuation to serve his private agendas.

She perceived the truth perfectly and saw no reason to entertain such deceit.

Still, she knew better than to sever all connections with Aldrian immediately.

There remained strategic advantages to be harvested, and she intended to exploit them fully.

"I do not place any stock in your claims," Seira declared coldly. "Nevertheless, I might entertain this betrothal if you agree to certain conditions."

"Conditions? What is it you demand?" Gulvar asked, his brow furrowed.

Seira raised a single finger, speaking with icy composure. "You must terminate your support for Adalen in the struggle for the throne. Fail to do so, and you may consider this engagement completely void."

Her proclamation landed like a thunderbolt. The throne room descended into a suffocating, heavy silence.

A few moments later, Gulvar regained his composure. "Are you absolutely certain, Princess? Prince Adalen is your own flesh and blood—surely you should be standing by him."

He hoped to manipulate her sense of familial duty, yet such tactics were ineffective against Seira.

With a look of utter indifference, she retorted, "My apologies, but as I stated, there are deep issues between us. I refuse to be exploited for his personal ambitions. Provide your answer now, or I shall depart for the empire and treat this engagement as annulled."

She spoke with absolute confidence, knowing Gulvar lacked the resolve to take forceful action against her status.

"Father..." Aldrian turned toward the King, his expression marred by panic.

He could not permit this union to crumble. The thought of losing her was enough to unhinge his mind.

Melody leaned over to whisper, "Your Majesty, tread carefully. This decision could dictate the path of our entire kingdom."

She was deeply unsettled by Seira; the princess’s arrogant, blunt manner made her sour on the prospect of an in-law.

Still, their options were limited.

The betrothal was woven into a complex web involving the Clarise alliance and the psychological stability of the Prince.

Gulvar understood her warning. He steadied his nerves and replied, "This is a delicate matter, Your Highness. Would you be willing to grant us a brief period of consideration? I shall provide a definitive response within one week. Does that seem acceptable?"

Seira was initially unmoved and ready to object, but a memory of her brother’s advice stalled her.

She exhaled a long breath and gave a curt nod.

"Very well. I shall wait."

Gulvar felt a wave of relief, and his frustration toward the princess began to dissipate slightly.

"In that case, please focus on your comfort for now. I have commanded the staff to prepare chambers for you both."

He motioned to his daughter, Alina, and said, "Escort them to their quarters."

Alina bowed, then offered a slight smile toward Seira and Nolan.

"If you would follow me."

Without further word, she steered them out of the throne room, leaving the royals behind.