The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 649 The Last Piece

"Huh… I'm really tired and thirsty," Elina whispered, heaving a deep sigh.

Rising to her feet, she approached the table. She poured herself a cup of chilled water and sipped it, her gaze drifting to the stunning night sky visible through the window.

Her mind began to drift. Abruptly, memories of her brother surfaced. Just days earlier, her mother had told her about his trip to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron.

He aimed to assist Seira in ending her betrothal to First Prince Aldrian Lyren.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Elina's face. Her brother vowed to come back in a month, yet the long trek to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron would surely delay him.

"Such a headstrong fellow," she sighed.

Yet inwardly, a spark of joy stirred. Her brother possessed real talent, though he usually seemed apathetic and incompetent.

Because of that, their siblings dismissed him as useless. But by aiding Seira, he proved his true worth.

With her thirst satisfied, Elina went back to her desk and picked up her tasks again.

Troubles at the western border had prompted her father to summon her soon. She had to wrap up everything within the month to enjoy some calm later.

Out of nowhere, a letter materialized. Elina startled and snatched it up.

"A letter?" she murmured, shocked.

She glanced around left and right, searching for the sender. Yet no one was there—just her alone.

After a brief hesitation, Elina tore open the letter and scanned its words.

Moments passed, and she went rigid. Her eyes bulged wide, her breaths coming fast.

"Brother Nolan is in… danger!?"

…

Three days afterward…

"It's so irritating. That fool sticks like a plaster on a dog," Seira grumbled, frustration clear.

Nolan, positioned before her, let out a light chuckle. "That only shows his love for you lingers. Why not embrace it?"

Seira's gaze sharpened. She twisted his side and snapped, "What's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to push your sister into someone else's embrace? I must've spoiled you too much, Nolan."

Nolan flinched from the pinch and retreated swiftly.

"I was only kidding—don't take it to heart, alright?" he replied with an awkward laugh, lifting both hands up.

"Hmph! Speak nonsense again, and I'll stitch your mouth closed," she warned with a fierce stare.

Nolan gulped nervously. Though he knew it was mere bluster, the idea of sewn lips chilled him.

"Anyway, when do we head home? You promised five days ago," Seira pressed, irritation bubbling.

Daily, Aldrian appeared before her, pulling annoying stunts—begging for dates, urging dinners, and worse.

The guy's face was shameless, as if he'd erased that night's betrayal from memory.

Seira insisted she didn't care about his deeds—since she'd have done the same—yet Aldrian's antics screamed their engagement's demise.

Nolan stepped forward and guided his sister to the sofa.

Sliding behind her, he started kneading her shoulders with care.

"Relax, we leave tonight. But sis, could you assist me?"

Surprise flashed in Seira's eyes, though she didn't object.

"What do you want me to do?"

Nolan bent near and breathed into her ear, "Sis, Aldrian will ask you to dinner tonight. When he does… say yes."

Seira's forehead creased. "No way. Haven't I said I'm done dealing with him? Hold on…"

She spun toward him, fury and shock blazing in her eyes. "You can't mean you're fine with me and him. Aren't you here to end the engagement?"

Tears gathered at her eyes' edges. Pressure from her mother or others wouldn't faze her.

But Nolan, her rock, backing this? It crushed Seira completely.

Spotting her tears, Nolan panicked. He brushed them off and drew her into a warm hug.

"You've got it wrong. That's not what I meant. I need your aid just then. Can't explain why yet. Please… no tears, yeah?"

His hand soothed her back softly, full of comfort.

Seira quit sobbing, though anger lingered.

Nestled against Nolan's sturdy chest, she rasped, "Fine, I'll follow your lead. But it's not gratis. You owe me one already, now another. Two promises total. Got it?"

Nolan grinned warmly, caressing her head.

"Naturally. I'm no spineless type to renege."

A sly spark danced in his violet eyes.

'The board is ready. Aldrian… your doom comes tonight… hehehe…'

…

"Hahaha! Seira actually said yes!"

Inside his chamber, Aldrian burst into uncontrollable laughter. He flung open the wardrobe and grabbed a handful of elegant robes.

"Told you she'd cave for you eventually?" an overbearing voice boasted.

Aldrian shot an eye-roll. The voice offered scant advice, but he couldn't ignore its value.

"Hey, which robe suits me most? Give me a hand picking?"

"I'm no creature with eyes. How should I judge?" the voice shot back icily. "Choose alone."

Irked, Aldrian resumed hunting the ideal attire.

Footsteps sounded at the door, and Melody stepped in, curiosity on her face.

"Aldrian, word is you're heading to the city tonight. True?"

Aldrian eyed his mother, then strode over with a radiant grin.

"Yes, Mother. Seira agreed to dine with me. Never dreamed it'd pan out," he bubbled with thrill.

Melody's eyes widened briefly in shock, then she beamed and tousled his hair.

"Good job. Feared you'd lose her affections, but you pulled through. What a load off," she said, delighted.

Gulvar faced dire straits. Noble houses feigned acceptance, but their grudge simmered beneath.

Chaos loomed for the capital—and maybe the realm—any moment.

Thus, Seira's alliance was vital. Tying her to royalty secured the Holy Empire of Valtanir's backing ahead.

"Hehehe… Seira's just a woman after all—bowing to sweet talk and charm," Aldrian crowed smugly.

Melody nodded with a smile.

"Were you choosing outfits before? Need my input?"

Aldrian's face brightened. Fashion-blind as he was, her help arrived perfectly.

"Absolutely!"