The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 665 An Impossible Coincidence

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

Badump!

Seira's heart thumped fiercely. As she peered into Nolan's resolute eyes, a profound emotion surged deep within her.

Such a look didn't belong on a five-year-old kid. It resembled the intense stare of a mature grown-up.

Without paying attention to Seira's stunned face, Nolan rushed ahead. He lifted his sword overhead, launching into the next clash with the rabbit.

After fifteen minutes, Nolan emerged victorious from the fight at last.

"Hah… Hah… Hah…" Nolan panted heavily, his complexion ashen and drained.

'As expected… my physique remains far too frail,' he thought inwardly, gazing at his shaking hands.

Had he been several years older, weakness wouldn't plague him like this. Indeed, one's age greatly influenced their power.

Suddenly, his frame slackened. Eyes bulging, his sight shifted rearward.

Right before collapsing, a firm hand steadied him.

Nolan glanced back to find Seira there.

"Are you okay?" she inquired softly.

With a nod, Nolan steadied himself using her support.

"I'm fine. Thank you, Sister."

"You're welcome. By the way… you were incredible. You truly vanquished that beast," Seira praised, her voice brimming with awe.

Nolan gave an embarrassed grin. "It's nothing. I succeeded only because the monster was rather feeble. If not, I'd be the one sprawled out now."

He shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned by that possibility.

Though the beast was undoubtedly feeble, its agility and maneuvers could still surprise him.

Without utmost caution, he could have been utterly overpowered.

Seira simply beamed while dusting off the grime from his robe.

"I get it. Yet you're truly remarkable," she murmured. "Oh, right… I need to verify one thing."

Her hands rested on his shoulders as she stared intently into his eyes.

"What you mentioned before… it's genuine, right?"

Nolan cocked his head. "What do you mean?"

A light blush colored Seira's cheeks as she stressed, "Back then, when you vowed to protect me… that wasn't a fib, was it?"

Nolan grasped her intent right away and offered a subtle smile.

"Naturally. Whatever peril comes your way, rely on me!" His right thumb jabbed toward his chest. "We're family, after all, right?"

Seira fell silent briefly, then her lips bloomed into a radiant smile like a flower in full display.

His final remark hardly registered with her. Rather, that vow pierced the shadows cloaking her soul like a brilliant ray.

"I understand. Then…" She enveloped Nolan in a firm embrace. "Honor that vow, alright? Today… and always…"

…

"Sister, we're going to rest for a bit. Do you mind?"

Nolan's words jolted Seira from her reverie. She released her hold around his waist and answered tenderly, "I don't mind. It's up to you."

Nolan acknowledged with a nod, easing the horse's speed and steering it to a nearby stream.

Moments later, both he and Seira dismounted. Nolan guided the horse to drink.

"Drink up plenty. The journey ahead is still lengthy," Nolan urged, stroking its head softly.

The horse appeared to comprehend, issuing a gentle neigh and nuzzling its head against Nolan's torso.

Nolan exhaled deeply, raising his eyes toward the starry night above.

"This night promises tension," he murmured.

Even with the speed-enhancing spell on the horse, as a living being, it couldn't gallop endlessly without pause.

Overexerting it might cause its death en route, putting both him and his sister at greater risk.

Thus, Nolan meticulously mapped their path, halting at water-rich spots.

Should all proceed well, they'd arrive at the harbor in two days and set sail for the Great Velmora Empire.

"Nolan, try this water. It's so cold and refreshing!"

Seira's thrilled call echoed nearby. Nolan looked over to see her beckoning him.

Smiling, he approached.

"The water's incredibly pure. Seems to flow from the adjacent peaks. Give it a try," Seira encouraged while splashing her face.

Nolan bent down, gathering stream water in his palms.

Washing his face sent an immediate chill through him—exactly as Seira described.

"It truly refreshes," he whispered.

He rinsed his face several more times and took a few sips too.

Though not overly parched, staying hydrated couldn't hurt.

"By the way, Nolan… I'm curious about something." Seira faced him. "Did you cast a spell on that horse?"

Nolan's hand halted abruptly. Turning gradually, he met his sister's steady gaze.

A few seconds of silence hung in the air before Nolan continued washing his face and hair.

Rather than avoiding the question, he countered, "When did you find out?"

Seira hesitated briefly, then replied steadily, "Ever since you saved me."

"Ever since I saved you?" Nolan's eyebrows arched faintly.

Seira nodded. "That time, Aldrian's stab had left me on the brink of death. Yet I somehow lived and awoke without a mark. That's when I began suspecting you could wield magic."

After a short pause, she continued, "It defies logic to overcome those assassins without some form of power."

Nolan stood dumbfounded. He had sorely underestimated his sister's keen perception.

"You're correct. I can wield magic," Nolan confessed frankly. "I apologize for keeping it from you."

"Pfft!" Seira chuckled softly and pinched his cheek fondly. "What do you have to apologize for?"

Nolan let out a resigned sigh. "It's no small matter, but I hid it from you anyway. I'm obviously at fault, and I own up to it."

Being part of the imperial family required embracing the duty to shield the nation and its citizens.

In exchange, princes and princesses reveled in privileges and splendors unattainable by ordinary folk.

Still, Nolan's concealment of his powers and gifts counted as a grave violation.

Should his father discover it, punishment under imperial palace regulations would surely follow.

Perceiving his unease, Seira flashed a soothing smile. "Relax. I won't breathe a word to anyone—not even Father."

Nolan jolted in shock, staring at her with wide eyes.

"Are you certain? Won't that break the imperial code?"

Seira rolled her eyes. She plunged her hand into the stream and swirled gentle circles over the water's face.

"Why fear it? For you, I'd brave any penalty—even if it costs me my princess standing," she stated resolutely, without the slightest waver.

Nolan drew in a sharp breath. A vivid memory abruptly flashed through his mind.

"No matter how far you are… no matter where you are… no matter how difficult the obstacles, for your sake, I will overcome them… Nolan."

Nolan's lips parted, then clamped shut once more. After an extended silence, a faint whisper slipped out.

"That can't be a coincidence… can it?"