The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 632 Alina's Birthday Party

Two days passed.

Adorned with exquisite decorations, the royal palace glowed with festive brilliance in honor of Alina's birthday.

Invitations had been sent throughout the realm, summoning every young noble of significance.

With the summons originating from the palace itself, refusal was out of the question; a steady stream of opulent carriages soon arrived at the gates.

A parade of stunningly dressed young men and women emerged from their transport, ready to grace the event.

Meanwhile, Aldrian, sporting a white robe detailed with blue embroidery, arrived at Seira's residence and tapped on her door.

"Seira, it is Aldrian. May I enter?"

He lingered, waiting for a response, yet silence greeted him. Feeling somewhat perplexed, he rapped on the door once more.

"Seira? Are you inside?"

A weary, languid voice drifted from behind the wood.

"Could you practice some patience? I am currently preparing."

Aldrian let out a breath he had been holding, quickly replying, "Apologies, I simply feared you were not within."

Smoothing his chest, he wore a broad grin. Tonight was a pivotal moment, destined to cement the public acknowledgement of their engagement.

He would not allow this opportunity to slip through his fingers.

Moments later, the door swung open to reveal a breathtaking Seira.

She wore a pale pink gown, strapless, which accentuated her upper chest and a subtle hint of cleavage.

Her skirt grazed the floor as she moved. Her hair, cast in blush tones, was pinned in a graceful half-up style, exuding an air of elegance.

A pendant shaped like a sapphire teardrop rested upon her collarbone, sparkling brilliantly under the corridor chandeliers.

With her long, curled lashes and delicate makeup, her natural allure was undeniable.

Aldrian felt his breath hitch as his heart hammered erratically.

"S-Seira?" he murmured, his voice trembling. "You… your beauty is unmatched!"

Despite the many lovely women he had encountered throughout the kingdom, not one possessed a fraction of her grace.

Seira appeared as an ethereal goddess incarnate.

She remained detached, seemingly unmoved by the adoration, but she offered a polite response. "I appreciate the sentiment. Shall we depart?"

Aldrian nodded eagerly, reaching out his arm, but Seira had already swept past him without a glance.

His hand hovered, suspended in the air. A surge of irritation flared within him, yet he force-fed his frustration, swallowing it whole.

Only a short time after they vanished from view, Nolan's door clicked open.

He stepped into the hall, looking remarkably dashing. He wore a black robe cinched with a crimson sash at the throat.

His dark hair, usually disheveled, was styled neatly backward, lending him an aura of refinement.

A sunburst brooch featuring a brilliant white crystal was pinned to his chest.

If his usual appearance warranted a 99, he was currently the picture of perfection.

Nolan watched the path his sister and Aldrian had taken, a ghost of a smile touching his lips.

"This performance is about to get interesting. How will you navigate this, Aldrian Lyren?"

***

"Haha! It is wonderful to see you, Lucas. How have you been?"

"I am well, thank you. And you, old friend? I heard your household established a new industrial zone."

"Yes, indeed. As it happens, the merchants were seeking fresh territory, and we..."

The great hall hummed with the laughter and chatter of the young nobility.

Absent the bitter rivalries of a throne dispute, the nobles maintained an air of cordiality.

They understood that their mutual interests were best served through cooperation and alliance.

Regardless, they remained distinct from the lords of distant empires, as their lands were ultimately subjects of the Lyren royal house.

They lacked the absolute autonomy held by the noble houses outside their borders.

Just then, the illumination in the ballroom dimmed, leaving only a soft, ambient glow.

The attendees sensed the festivities were transitioning to the main event.

Spotlight beams converged on the stage, revealing a middle-aged man who beamed at the crowd.

"Distinguished guests, we are honored by your presence at the princess's birthday gala. I welcome you on behalf of the royal household."

An enthusiastic swell of applause followed.

"And now, let us welcome the guest of honor!"

The light pivoted to the right, highlighting a young woman standing with poise.

Her gown was an ocean blue, strapless, revealing the curve of her neck and fair skin.

Her hair was coiled into a regal crown, crowned with a shimmering white tiara.

Her smile radiated warmth, immediately captivating the young noblemen.

Alina looked radiant, especially when her dimples surfaced during her smile.

She stepped forward to address the assembly with elegant, courteous words.

Shortly after, the room brightened, and a melody began to drift from the edge of the hall.

As the social dancing commenced, the noble crowd drifted toward Alina to pay their respects.

"Your Highness, you look radiant tonight! Did His Majesty personally commission such a gown?"

"Princess Alina, the tiara is truly exquisite. I am hopelessly envious."

"Your Highness..."

Flattered by their interest, Alina greeted them with practiced, patient grace.

Meanwhile, Nolan stood to the side, casually sampling the buffet.

He had lived up to his word and attended, but he never intended to socialize.

Aside from his elevated standing, he shared no common ground with these people.

Finding no reason to build connections, he prioritized his appetite.

"Hm? I must admit, this mooncake is quite exceptional," he mused.

He savored it intently, polishing it off within seconds.

Still feeling peckish, Nolan scanned the table for further delicacies.

The palace cooks had curated an array of dishes, and he was eager to sample the lot.

Given these were authentic recipes from the Ancient Kingdom of Eron, such flavors would be impossible to replicate elsewhere.

However, as he reached for another bite, a playful voice rippled behind him.

"Handsome, are you standing here all by yourself?"