The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 633 Elsa Brodwin

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

Nolan ceased his meal and pivoted, noticing a striking woman strolling in his direction. She held a tall, graceful stature with a curvaceous frame, draped in a tasteful gray gown. Her chestnut hair hung in loose braids that cascaded over her right shoulder. Deep, emerald-colored eyes regarded him with a curious blend of surprise and intrigue.

Nolan arched an eyebrow faintly, though he made no move to rebuff her presence, inquiring simply, "Is there something you require?"

Recovering instantly, the woman halted before him, a lingering smile gracing her features. "Nothing in particular. I confess to being merely curious. How does such a handsome man find himself here completely solitary? Does the prospect of mingling with the others not pique your interest?" she teased.

Nolan took a measured sip of his wine, observing her with a tranquil gaze. "I hold no interest. They simply do not operate on my level," he replied curtly.

For a brief second, the woman appeared startled, then she shielded her mouth, releasing a melodic, soft giggle. "You possess a truly intriguing nature. My fascination with you is only deepening."

Extending her right hand, she offered an introduction. "I am Elsa Brodwin. A pleasure to meet you."

Upon hearing the surname Brodwin, a flicker of astonishment crossed Nolan’s face. Brodwin belonged to one of the most formidable noble houses, second only to the throne—the House of Duke Brodwin. He could not be certain if this woman held direct kinship to that illustrious family, but given that the banquet had summoned all the kingdom’s young elite, the probability was quite high.

Nolan reached out and accepted her hand. "I am Nolan Lorian, the Seventh Prince of the Great Velmora Empire."

Elsa stiffened, her eyes distending in sheer disbelief. "You... you are the notorious Nolan Lorian from the Great Velmora Empire!?" she exclaimed, stunned.

"Oh? It surprises me that you recognize me," Nolan remarked, his tone feigning mild astonishment.

"How could you possibly think otherwise? Your reputation is incredibly widespread. Are you aware that a significant number of young nobles here in the Ancient Kingdom of Eron have been desperate for an audience with you?"

"Hmm?" Nolan knitted his brows. "What is the meaning of this?"

With a surge of enthusiasm, Elsa continued, "Many have caught wind of your feats—most notably the monster-conquering mission in the eastern territories of the Great Velmora Empire. They speak of how you braved certain peril to rescue the daughter of the Duke Austin family. That is nothing short of heroic!"

Elsa’s eyes shimmered with the brilliance of twinkling stars.

Nolan dropped his gaze, his expression a chaotic mix of confusion and bafflement. Initially, he had presumed Elsa was alluding to his infamous reputation, yet she spoke only of achievements that felt utterly foreign to him.

"By the way, might I trouble you for your autograph?" Elsa questioned.

"My signature?" Nolan was genuinely caught off guard.

"Yes!" Elsa produced a slip of paper and a writing utensil, presenting them to him. "Please, sign this for me!"

Overwhelmed by her insistence, Nolan found himself unable to decline and complied with her request. Once she secured his signature, Elsa showed no sign of departing, instead engaging him in spirited conversation. As it happened, Nolan found himself suffering from a bout of boredom, so he opted not to dismiss her.

While the two were fully absorbed in their discourse, a booming voice echoed from the hall’s entrance.

"His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Aldrian, Princess Seira, Prince Karakh, and Prince Meliodas have arrived at the banquet hall!"

Instantly, the entire assembly turned toward the announcement. They observed Gulvar, Melody, Aldrian, Seira, Karakh, and Meliodas entering with composed demeanors. The crowd quickly lowered their heads in respect, chanting, "Long live His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen."

Gulvar offered a gentle smile and a subtle nod. "My gratitude, everyone. Your presence here will undoubtedly remain a memory that Alina and the royalty treasure dearly."

The young nobles felt honored, offering smiles in return. Following the pleasantries, Gulvar directed his focus toward Seira, announcing, "Furthermore, I would like to present the First Prince’s fiancée. She is Seira Lorian, the First Princess of the Great Velmora Empire."

The revelation shocked the hall. Though the First Princess of the Great Velmora Empire held less public notoriety than the princes, her inherent status alone confirmed her elevated stature. They stared at Seira with intense curiosity, feeling overcome by a sense of awe. Her beauty was truly transcendent—dwarfing every other woman present at the gala. Meanwhile, the men present felt a pang of deep envy toward Aldrian’s fortune. Beyond his station, his partner was remarkably beautiful and gifted. Sensing the jealous gazes upon him, Aldrian wore a look of triumphant vanity, broadcasting to all, "Behold—she is my fiancée!"

Yet, abruptly, Seira moved forward, stating coldly, "I am not his fiancée, but his prospective fiancée." She turned toward Gulvar, a faint, sharp smile playing on her lips. "I trust Your Majesty has not developed a lapse in memory."

Gulvar, Melody, and Aldrian faltered, momentarily paralyzed by shock. Gulvar stifled a flare of rage, maintaining a rigid, forced smile. "I... I understand. My sincerest apologies."

The assembly was left stunned by the confrontation. They failed to grasp why Seira would openly negate her status as Aldrian’s "fiancée." Even more baffling was the fact that Gulvar appeared incapable of countering her correction. Realizing the air had turned decidedly chilly, Melody coughed, attempting to alleviate the tension.

"Very well, everyone. Please return to your festivities. We shall not obstruct you young souls any longer." With that, she steered Gulvar away from the center of focus. She was deeply offended and incensed by Seira’s audacity. That woman had repeatedly humiliated her and her husband. If not for her unique political leverage, Melody would have swiftly meted out a harsh penalty.

The young nobles dared not pry, yet they sensed, however vaguely, that the Lyren royal house was harboring a significant secret.

"Pfft! This is truly unexpected. Your Highness, your sister carries herself with quite a bold spirit," Elsa giggled.

From their brief exchange, she had deduced that Nolan accompanied his older sibling specifically for her meeting with the Lyren clan, the purpose being the negotiation of an engagement.

Nolan merely offered a smile to her comment. He had fully anticipated his sister’s defiance, leaving him altogether unsurprised.

"And yet, I am truly impressed, Nolan. Is it lost on you how terrifying the royal family can be? Any soul who dares to defy them is essentially courting death. Do you not realize that your sister—or potentially you yourself—could become their target?" Elsa cast a meaningful, probing glance at him.

Nolan stood his ground, unfazed and entirely devoid of fear.

"They would not dare. And if they were to try, they would be forced to contend with the military might of the Great Velmora Empire. I assure you, should that come to pass, they would live to regret it."

His tone remained devoid of aggression, yet carried a clear, chilling threat. The Ancient Kingdom of Eron held undeniable strength on the southern continent. However, that was the extent of it. Compared to the sheer might of the Great Velmora Empire, it remained substantially inferior. The only reason his father opted against provoking the Eron kingdom was the geopolitical risk of triggering a conflict with the Holy Empire of Valtanir. Consequently, maintaining peace was preferable for the moment. Of course, should the Ancient Kingdom of Eron actively seek hostilities, he was positive his father’s martial spirit would be rekindled.

"You are a truly unique individual, Nolan," Elsa murmured, her tone filled with genuine admiration.

She was convinced that Nolan was not engaging in mere hyperbole. The Great Velmora Empire was a powerhouse, and his assessment held absolute truth.

Just then, a voice rang out from the front of the hall.

"The dance shall commence momentarily. Those of you with partners, please make your way to the center of the hall and allow us all to bear witness to your love!"