The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 651 The Hidden Lie

In the VIP lounge, Seira and Aldrian faced each other while tasting the served wine and sharing brief exchanges.

"What do you think of this place? Do you like it?" Aldrian inquired with eager hope.

"It's nice," Seira answered steadily. "At least, you have good taste."

Her words rang true. The eatery was truly lovely and cozy. A gentle coolness filled the air, relaxing everyone without any chill.

Aldrian's face lit up with a grin at her praise. He acted poised, straightening his posture as he took another sip of wine.

"Thanks for the kind words. My mother suggested this spot, so credit goes partly to her," he responded modestly.

This marked his first date ever. How could he know the best venues?

Luckily, his mother recognized his inexperience and gave helpful guidance, guiding him to this place.

Seira eyed his faintly smug look with indifference but stayed quiet, sipping her drink steadily.

Moments later, the waitstaff brought their dishes. After setting everything perfectly, Seira eyed the spread with interest.

Roasted pork, honey-glazed chicken thighs, tender lamb chops, and other delights appeared before them.

Every dish seemed rich and mouthwateringly tasty.

"Let's eat," Aldrian suggested smoothly, aiming for sophistication.

Yet saliva at his mouth's edge revealed his hunger.

Seira gave an eye roll and dug in. To break the tension, they chatted lightly on random subjects.

Truthfully, it barely qualified as talk. Aldrian initiated every subject, met with Seira's short replies.

In time, topics dried up, plunging the mood into uneasy quiet.

"Um… Seira, there's something I want to ask. Do you—"

Before finishing, Seira placed her utensils down and rose.

"Sorry, my stomach hurts a little. I need to use the restroom first."

She departed, leaving Aldrian stunned, gloom clouding his features.

"Hahaha! See—in the end, you won't win her heart, Aldrian. Give up. Everything you've done so far has been wasted. Value your time," a mocking voice echoed in his mind.

Aldrian balled his fists, teeth grinding in fury.

"No, you're wrong! Seira loves me! I'm sure of it!"

The inner voice hushed. Stubborn as he was, his behavior began repulsing even himself.

"And why doesn't she love me?" he bellowed inwardly, rage and venom surging. "Tonight will be my victory. She'll be mine!"

He pulled out the vial, dumping its contents swiftly into Seira's wine.

A dark thrill surged through him.

Doubts plagued him truly, amplified by the voice's jeers that shook his resolve.

What if the voice spoke truth?

What if it was all delusion?

Though bold in claim, dread of truth drove him to this vile deed.

Abruptly, steps approached from behind. Aldrian rushed to his chair and resumed eating.

Soon, Seira came back and settled in. As she lifted her glass for a drink, she paused abruptly.

Aldrian's heart raced in panic, mind screaming, "She didn't notice, did she?"

His worry proved baseless. Seira sipped calmly, then ate on undisturbed.

Aldrian exhaled deeply, plastering on a broad smile.

"Why are you smiling?" Seira questioned warily.

"Ahem! It's nothing. I'm just happy to see you enjoying your dinner," he answered, feigning serenity.

Seira fixed him with a stare for seconds, then averted her gaze and munched away.

To dodge more doubt, Aldrian fired off questions, receiving Seira's curt responses.

…

"Alina, I need to use the restroom first," Nolan announced, rising gradually.

Alina took a bite of lamb, chewed thoroughly, and gulped it down.

"Alright," she agreed with a nod.

Nolan exited the private room toward the washroom.

He splashed water on his face and tidied his hair, faking a refresh. Finished, he bypassed Alina's table, heading to his sister and Aldrian's spot.

"Your Highness Nolan?" a surprised voice hailed.

Nolan pivoted, spotting the Grandmaster nearing from the left.

"Why are you here? No—well, it's good to see you," the Grandmaster remarked, offering a slight bow.

Nolan grinned. "I was having dinner with Princess Alina. Fancy running into you here."

He flicked a swift look at Aldrian and Seira's room, then ventured, "What are you doing here? Is Prince Aldrian here too?"

The Grandmaster stood tall, brow creasing. Aldrian had forbidden mentioning the dinner with Seira to Nolan.

Though Nolan was Seira's brother, Aldrian shunned his meddling. Lying outright would ring false.

After brief deliberation, he chose truthfulness.

"Yes, Prince Aldrian is in this restaurant. He's having dinner with someone," he answered vaguely.

"Oh?" Nolan's brows arched high. "Could it be with my sister?"

The Grandmaster wavered, pausing as if debating disclosure.

Noting the delay, Nolan smiled evenly. "Don't worry, I understand. Maybe Prince Aldrian doesn't want me to know. Well, it doesn't matter—that's his business, and I have every right to interfere."

He shrugged nonchalantly.

The Grandmaster breathed soft relief, murmuring, "Thank you."

Thankfully, Nolan dropped it. Else, excuses would fail.

Suddenly spotting Nolan's odd look, the Grandmaster blurted, "What's wrong, Your Highness?"

Nolan held back at first. He scanned warily, drew near.

"I don't know if I should say this or not, but…"

He gulped, dipped his head, then breathed into the ear, "I think I saw some mysterious people outside the restaurant. They were wearing black coats and hats. Their behavior seemed very suspicious."

The Grandmaster's face grew grave.

"Why are you telling me this?" he probed, acting unaware.

Nolan looked aside, arms crossing leisurely. "It seems this has something to do with Prince Aldrian. I mean… maybe someone is after him."

The Grandmaster's pulse quickened. He steadied fast, voice weighted, "How certain are you that they're after the prince?"

Nolan stroked his chin, flashing five fingers.

"Fifty percent. But I can't guarantee it. I'm sure you understand the situation better than I do."

He pivoted, pocketed his right hand, waved the left casually.

"That's all. If you don't want to believe it, that's your choice."

Nolan returned to his place, mentally tallying.

'One… two… three… four…'

At five, the Grandmaster's call rang out.

"Wait! Can you come with me to where they are?"

Nolan halted, a subtle smirk forming.

'You're caught, old man…'