The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 666 Intensive Interrogation (1)

"Nolan, why are you spacing out?"

Seira's concerned voice yanked Nolan from his daze. He glanced at her puzzled look, then gave his head a faint shake.

"It's okay," he answered softly while rising gradually to his feet. "We'll be leaving in fifteen minutes. If you want to wash up, do it now. I brought a change of clothes for both of us in my magic storage, so you can relax."

With those words spoken, he pivoted and strode off.

Seira observed Nolan's solitary retreating figure, then slipped into profound reflection.

Fifteen minutes passed, and Seira appeared before Nolan in a refreshed appearance.

She had completed her wash-up and donned the attire Nolan had readied beforehand.

The ensemble featured a long-sleeved white blouse, a skirt reaching the knees, and black stockings.

Additionally, the white shoes she wore felt remarkably cozy for some reason.

"Nolan, these clothes… where did you get them?"

Nolan grinned and responded offhandedly, "They're special outfits I picked up while shopping at a store from the Blue Moon Trading House. What do you think?"

Naturally, this was a fib. The garb on Seira echoed the fashion of modern women from his former world.

To advance this fresh style, Nolan had proposed the concept, which Shion and Claire had embraced warmly.

Still, proper marketing would require time. Quality control was essential too.

Thus, Seira's current outfit was merely a prototype he had stored in his storage ring.

Who could have imagined it fitting her so perfectly?

Truth be told, his sister appeared stunningly gorgeous in this relaxed clothing. The black stockings especially added a seductive allure while preserving her royal poise.

In a modern setting, Seira in this getup might be mistaken for cosplaying a popular figure.

"The outfit is really nice," Seira murmured appreciatively. "It's so different from the gowns I usually wear. They feel heavy and make it hard to move. But wearing this makes me feel so much freer."

She twisted side to side, extending her arms wide.

Nolan relished her response. He retrieved a black cloak from his storage ring, approached, and placed it around her shoulders.

"Use this to keep the cold at bay during the journey," he murmured tenderly.

Next, he grasped her right hand and guided her to the waiting black horse nearby.

Seira couldn't suppress a smile. She yearned for such instants to endure forever.

…

In his office, Ragan remained composed as he sifted through the papers he held.

Every document outlined the turmoil in the northern area. Though the Holy Empire of Valtanir hadn't acted yet, indicators showed troops assembling just ten kilometers from the border.

This circumstance caused Ragan considerable distress. He desired no clash between the empires.

Yet, with Dariel resolved to ignite war, Ragan felt no fear whatsoever.

Concentrating on his tasks, footsteps echoed from beyond the door.

Shortly after, a knock resounded, succeeded by Orion's voice.

"Your Majesty, it's me, Orion. Can I come in?"

Ragan felt a mild jolt. He lifted his gaze and stated, "Sure. Come in."

The door swung open, and Orion stepped inside wearing a grave look.

"What's wrong?" Ragan inquired at once.

Orion halted before the desk and inclined his head in a bow.

"I bring bad news, Your Majesty," he declared in a somber tone.

"Bad news?" Ragan's eyes sharpened. "Is this related to the trouble in the north?"

"No." Orion rose straight and denied with a headshake. "This is a much bigger problem."

Ragan was stunned. After a brief hesitation, he commanded, "Speak."

"I've just received a report that tens of thousands of troops have been moved from the eastern region to the southern continent."

Ragan's features hardened, his frame going rigid.

"What did you say!?" He leaped up and pounded his right palm on the desk. "What's going on!? Who gave that order!?"

Witnessing his fury, Orion trembled. Ages had passed since he'd seen Ragan this enraged.

Composing himself, he clarified, "I don't know either. This matter was previously a closely guarded secret. I wouldn't have known about it if not for a report from our intelligence network. And the one behind all of this is Duke Alvaron Austin. He's the one responsible for moving such a massive force to the southern region."

Hearing this revelation, Ragan's brows knitted tightly. On reflection, shifting tens of thousands of troops demanded supreme authority.

Therefore, Alvaron bore the blame and must answer for it.

Curbing his irritation, Ragan settled back into his seat and commanded, "Reach Alvaron via your magic crystal. Immediately!"

Orion held back from asking more. He quickly drew out a white crystal ball, set it on Ragan's desk, and started reciting a spell.

Moments later, the crystal ball gave off a soft white light.

…

Within his study, Alvaron remained immersed in contemplation.

"Father, does dispatching troops trouble you?" Rafine's gentle voice sounded from his side.

Alvaron pulled himself from his musings and gradually shook his head.

"No, that's not my concern. I fear only that Princess Elina might erupt in fury and butcher innocents," he confessed openly.

Rafine paused briefly, then broke into laughter.

"Father, such fears are baseless. How could Elina ever act that way?" she laughed. "Don't fret, I believe in her. Elina would never slay innocent folk."

She understood Elina intimately. Outwardly cold, Elina harbored the purest heart.

Her endurance with Nolan's vexing antics stood as prime evidence.

Alvaron mulled over her words, deeming them sound. He'd picked Elina over the other princes for her unmatched emotional poise and relentless dedication to her duties.

Ultimately, his anxieties proved empty.

"You're correct," he murmured, sighing deeply.

Satisfied by her father's reply, Rafine nodded, then questioned, "By the way… is Nolan's crisis real, Dad?"

Her face grew solemn. "Is he truly in peril?"

Alvaron's expression chilled as he nodded faintly.

"Yes, it's real. Actually, his letter arrived days ago. Read this."

He slid open his desk drawer and passed her the letter.

Rafine accepted it and scanned the contents. Minutes passed, and her face drained of color.

"This…" Her eyes bulged wide. "Killing the crown prince of the Ancient Kingdom of Eron!? Has Nolan lost his senses!?"

Her voice sharpened, shaking fiercely.

Nolan's letter declared his intent to slay Aldrian and begged her father for a vast army to save him and Seira.

No surprise her father approved Elina's plea for troops. Nolan had schemed it all flawlessly.

"I'm unsure myself." Alvaron shook his head lightly. His strained features relaxed as he went on, "But this much is clear—Prince Nolan pulled us from hardship. Repaying that aid is only fair. Your view?"

Rafine stayed quiet for seconds, then nodded decisively.

"You're right."