The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 648 Allied with Karakh

"Your proposal, you say?" Karakh's gaze sharpened intensely. "Prince Nolan Lorian, enough with the nonsense. This isn't amusing at all."

He fought to keep his composure, yet his heart thundered chaotically. Nolan's words left him unsure if they were pure bluster or genuine intent.

Yet suppose it held truth?

"I'm dead serious. You can sense that much," Nolan replied offhandedly. "The decision rests with you. Take it or leave it?"

Karakh held back from instant refusal this time. He bowed his head, face clouded with uncertainty and skepticism.

"Ponder it thoroughly. Chances like this don't knock twice," Nolan teased with a sly grin. "Believe me, no empty words here. I possess that power for real. Your reaction decides everything."

A profound conflict gripped Karakh. Truth be told, Nolan's claim rang false to him.

Still, he recognized his throne path was blocked—Aldrian already claimed it.

Moments later, he inhaled deeply and locked eyes with Nolan in icy resolve.

"Fine. I'll agree. But with a single stipulation—I must witness your method."

Nolan raised no protest. Sipping his chilled chocolate, he stated evenly, "Straightforward enough. Aldrian's demise."

The stark declaration sent Karakh's pulse surging. Before a reply formed, Nolan pressed on, "Karakh, your thoughts on the incident two days back? What drove the attacker to unleash that mayhem?"

Frowning deeply, Karakh ventured uncertainly, "Was it Aldrian?"

A smug smile lit Nolan's face, signaling silent approval of Karakh's insight.

"Correct, Aldrian orchestrated it. Rest assured, you weren't behind it, nor was I," Nolan affirmed. "The assailants moved with precision. Their aim? Trap the royals and slay Aldrian. Regrettably…"

He let out a heavy sigh. "The scheme collapsed. Now, that mastermind must be seething in hiding, too scared to face your family."

The breakdown rang true in Karakh's ears. Amid that turmoil, Aldrian stood out as the prime mark.

All doubts about Nolan evaporated. Karakh grew certain a sibling plotted Aldrian's end to claim the crown.

"So what's your angle on eliminating Aldrian?" he probed warily. "Intending to mimic that schemer's play?"

Nolan rolled his eyes with a scoff. "Don't pretend you give a damn about Aldrian, Karakh. Does brotherly ties outweigh your throne obsession? If yes, you've let me down badly."

The jab was deliberate, baiting Karakh. Nolan knew the throne trumped any sibling loyalty for him.

An old adage warned: "Power corrupts utterly if you let it near."

It could devour even the purest soul, underscoring power's sheer dread and peril.

"Rubbish! Why would I care for Aldrian?" Karakh snapped, teeth clenched. "I despise him, plain and simple."

Aldrian struck Karakh as utterly unworthy of kingship. Father had crowned him on the Void Reaver Disc's nod alone, bypassing any family say.

Karakh viewed it as a grave affront. He'd prefer Meliodas on the throne.

Though no fan of Meliodas, Karakh conceded his competence and merit.

"Then why fear I'd target Aldrian?" Nolan arched a brow.

"I simply dread extra deaths. No wish to plunge the royals deeper into scandal," Karakh stated flatly.

Nolan eyed him briefly before chuckling lightly.

"You stand out as unusual." A subtle smile played on his lips. "Partnering with you feels like the smart move. Relax—I'm no monster, nor do I wield such means." He shrugged casually.

"Good to know." Relief washed over Karakh as he inquired, "How exactly will you take down Aldrian? Notice he's never unguarded. Two protectors: the Grandmaster and Void Reaver Disc. The former's manageable, but the latter spells doom."

Gravity deepened on his face while adding, "A perilous relic from antiquity, brimming with immense might. With it embedded, Aldrian's near invincible."

How Aldrian's fortune baffled him, when he—and another prince—far better suited the role.

He even deemed the artifact deluded, dormant too long, then picking poorly upon revival.

"Appreciate the heads-up," Nolan responded breezily. "No need to fret. I've got it handled."

Karakh scrutinized him intently, probing the source of such assurance.

Nothing surfaced, though. Resigned, he nodded at last.

"I get it."

***

Nolan exited the chamber blankly and made for his quarters.

No sooner had he entered than a voice sounded from the shadows.

"Lying to someone is fun, isn't it?"

He halted abruptly, spinning to face a long-absent silhouette.

"Malverna?" His brows lifted faintly. "How long have you been lurking?"

Smiling, Malverna approached.

"Shortly after you entered," she answered. "Caught you fooling that prince. Almost pitied the fool—like sealing a pact with darkness."

Nolan rolled his eyes at her words.

"You exaggerate. Merely aiding his kingship dream. Nothing more."

"Pfft! Silver-tongued as ever," Malverna laughed.

Nolan laughed along. Post-Demon Emperor Zerathos's fall, Malverna loosened up, shedding her aloof shell around him.

Full trust likely bloomed now, letting her drop the lofty pretense.

"What brings you here?" Nolan questioned.

"Nothing major. Just missed you. Buy that?" Malverna teased with a wink.

Nolan snorted. "I'd believe in dual suns first."

Malverna's lip quirked, yet anger stayed absent. Finally, truth emerged.

"Fine. Here to say your sister pines for you. One month, you vowed—yet over twenty days post-return. Honor that word."

Reality hit Nolan hard. Elina's promise had slipped his mind entirely.

"Spot on." He smacked his brow. "Thanks for the nudge. Soon, Seira and I head back. And with you here, one favor."

Crossing to the desk, he snatched paper and pen, scribbling swiftly.

Done, he passed it over. "Deliver this to Elina. Urge haste."

Malverna accepted with a nod.

"Count on me."