The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 664 Unforgettable Memories

Thirty kilometers away from Altheris's capital stretched a thick, wild woodland.

No one dwelled within the forest. Merchants traveling between cities bypassed it entirely, selecting more secure paths.

Although the detour required extra time, it proved much safer than gambling with their lives.

In the forest's shadowy depths, the black steed bearing Nolan and Seira galloped swiftly like a gale.

Seira warily scanned her surroundings. The woods were shrouded in total darkness, echoing with owl hoots and the distant snarls of beasts.

"Nolan, isn't this route too risky?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Nolan softly patted the back of her hand, flashing a comforting smile.

"Don't worry. Nothing will harm us. I promise."

A soothing enchantment in his words dissolved Seira's unease.

"Um… I trust you," she whispered gently.

The safety Nolan provided awakened a sharp memory from long ago, vividly imprinted in her thoughts.

…

Fourteen years earlier…

"It's so annoying. That woman keeps scolding me. I didn't even do anything wrong."

Seira perched on the swing, cheeks puffed out in irritation.

For no clear reason, her mother had abruptly lashed out at her. It made little sense.

She committed no fault, yet punishment fell upon her unjustly.

Recalling the old woman's flushed face deepened Seira's annoyance.

With a quiet sigh, she started swinging gently.

Chilly air filled the space, but the palace gardens shone beautifully under the radiant sun.

To Seira, though, the world seemed dim and cheerless. Luxury surrounded her life—every desire fulfilled instantly. Still, the love she craved remained absent.

Her mother favored her little brother far above her.

It was utterly... maddening.

"Hey, have you heard about the rabbit monster lurking near the palace's rear forest?"

"Oh, I've heard. What's the deal? Isn't it mere rumor? Come on, this is the royal palace. No monster could breach it."

"It sounds absurd, but it's real. The rabbit monster wasn't an intruder; a servant bought a normal rabbit from the market a month back and brought it in. Who knew it would mutate?"

From afar, Seira caught two maids chattering. Their voices were soft, but their words reached her clearly.

"A monster rabbit?" Seira blinked. "I'd heard rumors, but figured it was just to scare the staff. Apparently, it's genuine."

Deep in contemplation, her gaze locked on the forest beyond the palace.

"Maybe I should investigate," she mumbled.

Thus, she hopped off the swing and ventured toward the woods.

***

The woodland behind the palace spanned a considerable size, crafted to maintain fresh air around the grounds.

Yet, seldom visited, it felt eerily abandoned even during daylight hours.

The trees rose to roughly five meters, looming massively over Seira, who stood barely 1.6 meters tall, dwarfing her completely.

"Is the monster truly here?"

Doubt flickered in her thoughts. A creature appearing in this guarded spot seemed implausible, with soldiers patrolling constantly.

Without realizing, Seira had delved far into the woods. Not enormous, but expansive enough to disorient any newcomer.

CRAW! CRAW!

Two crows screeched sharply overhead. Seira startled, then calmed upon spotting the birds.

Suddenly, footsteps rustled behind her. Eyes widening, she whirled around.

Seeing the figure, her alarm shifted to bewilderment.

"Nolan? What are you doing here?"

It was Nolan, her half-brother.

For a five-year-old, he towered unusually high. His raven-black hair, sleek as midnight, brushed past his ears, while purple eyes gleamed under the sun.

In his right grip, he clutched a wooden sword, fresh from practice.

Approaching, he remarked offhandedly, "I want to hunt the rabbit monster. And you, sister? Why are you here?"

Seira jumped in shock. "Hunt the rabbit monster? That's perilous! Return to the palace now!"

Nolan rolled his eyes. "No need to fret over me. I'm set to confront that beast. See—my blade will slice it apart."

He brandished his wooden sword with pride.

Seira: "…"

Could a mere wooden sword fell such a monster?

"Even so, it's hazardous. Let's head back at once!" Seira insisted, seizing his right hand to drag him along.

As Nolan tugged to escape, a deep growl rumbled from behind.

Both halted, pivoting toward the noise. A white-furred rabbit, standing a meter high, loomed there.

At first glance, it appeared unremarkable, yet its eyes shimmered with a crimson glow, and razor-sharp fangs gleamed plainly as it bared its mouth.

"That's the monster!" Seira cried out, her voice constricted by terror. "N-Nolan, let's get out of here!"

Yet Nolan let go of her hand and strode ahead with unwavering confidence.

"Don't worry, sister. Stay behind me. Watch how I kill this monster!"

Saying that, he dashed forward while hoisting his wooden sword.

The monster showed no fear. It vaulted a meter upward, whirled around, and launched a kick straight at Nolan.

"Oh? Not bad, but that won't be enough!"

Nolan came to a halt, pivoted his body, and lashed out with his wooden sword toward the rabbit.

Their strikes collided, and since Nolan lacked the power, he staggered back unsteadily.

"Ouch!"

He winced and let out a groan of agony.

"Nolan!"

Seira rushed to him in a panic. She lifted him up, her tone brimming with anxiety. "Are you okay?"

Nolan grimaced while massaging his throbbing back.

"I'm fine. Don't worry," he replied, striving to sound courageous.

Seira's worry intensified further. "Go back now! I… I'll hold off the enemy!"

Nolan stood stunned. Confusion crossed his round face as he questioned, "Aren't you afraid of being left alone?"

Seira's cheeks turned red, and she murmured softly, "Of course I'm scared. But your safety comes first."

Nolan paused briefly in silence, then heaved a deep sigh and nudged her gently backward.

"Since I said I want to defeat it, that has to be true. And…"

He spun toward her with a grin, flashing a perfect line of white teeth.

"How could I ever sacrifice my older sister and just run away?"