The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 688 Merciless Extortion

"You are the Singularity of Chaos incarnate. Why would you even mention my name just to threaten him?"

This was the thought Malverna suppressed, only managing to cast a displeased glance at Nolan instead.

Nolan, however, decided to simply overlook her significant look.

His playful smile remained as he casually stated, "Therefore, I hope you'll mind your attitude, Tower Master. Jisha mentioned that you hold the Singularity of Chaos in high regard. Surely you wouldn't wish for his displeasure, would you?"

'A threat... that was undeniably a threat!'

Sylvia gritted her teeth, pushing down the fury welling up within her. As the Tower Master, she commanded respect across the entire continent.

Furthermore, her recent breakthrough to the Beyond the World realm had elevated her status, cementing her position among the continent's most formidable individuals.

Yet, here she was, being threatened by a mere prince. It was nothing short of a direct insult.

After a moment's pause, she managed to regain her composure.

As exasperating as Nolan was, his words held a kernel of truth.

Elina indeed had the backing of the Singularity of Chaos, and the woman beside Nolan appeared exceptionally powerful—perhaps even surpassing Sylvia herself.

If she acted rashly, she wouldn't just antagonize the Singularity of Chaos, whom she deeply admired, but would also face public humiliation.

The outcome would be losing both her beloved and her reputation simultaneously.

Sylvia was not so foolish as to place herself in such a precarious situation.

Meanwhile, Alex felt a shiver trace its way down his spine upon hearing Nolan's veiled threat.

He had nearly overlooked that critical detail. Elina's name was already widely recognized in the neighboring kingdoms and empires of the Great Velmora Empire, including the ancient Kingdom of Eron.

Rumor had it that she had secured the favor of the Singularity of Chaos, granting her a significant advantage over her siblings in the succession struggle.

"I understand," Sylvia finally exhaled, a long sigh escaping her lips. "Nevertheless, you must return with me. Your transgression is severe, and His Majesty Gulvar has commanded my retrieval of you."

Nolan, however, merely shook his head, refusing.

"I will not. That would be akin to walking willingly into a predator's lair. Even with assurances of our safety, I still refuse to go."

Sylvia's mouth moved as if to protest, but ultimately, her fear of incurring the wrath of the Singularity of Chaos—and the potential public disgrace—outweighed her obligation to the ancient Kingdom of Eron.

She turned her gaze to Alex and slowly shook her head.

Alex felt an invisible force constricting his heart. His breaths grew shallow, and an unpleasant grinding sound emanated from his clenched teeth.

"I... understand."

Those words seemed to sap the very strength from his body. He recognized the futility of attempting to force Nolan and Seira back to the royal capital.

His mission, entrusted to him by His Majesty, had thus ended in total failure.

"Very well, let's not dwell on the drama. Even if you cannot bring my sister and me back, you can at least take your thousands of soldiers with you," Nolan's nonchalant voice pulled Alex from his stupor.

Alex drew a deep breath and managed a weak, "Tha...nk you."

"Oops!" Nolan raised his right hand slightly, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Don't thank me just yet. As the old saying goes, 'nothing in this world comes free.' I won't simply hand them over without expecting something in return."

He then rubbed his thumb and index finger together, mirroring a landlord preparing to collect rent from his tenants.

Alex: "..."

Sylvia: "..."

This was the first time either of them had encountered such blatant shamelessness.

Yet, Nolan's demand was, in a peculiar way, logical. The troops led by Erkan were effectively hostages. For their return, an equitable exchange—at least from both parties' perspectives—was necessary.

Alex steeled himself, forcing his breathing to steady, and inquired in a grave tone, "Tell me—what is it that you desire?"

Nolan nodded, clearly pleased. Truthfully, he had no need for money from Alex.

With ownership of both the Blue Moon Trading House and the White Lotus, these two enterprises alone were sufficient to establish him as one of the wealthiest individuals on the continent.

However, Nolan was a pragmatist. If an opportunity for effortless profit presented itself, why would he refuse?

"Ahem!" Nolan cleared his throat and took a step forward.

Observing this, Malverna could only emit a long, sympathetic sigh, whispering, 'The ancient Kingdom of Eron is about to face a significant financial blow. What a shame...'

"Considering the number—ten thousand individuals—the price will undoubtedly be substantial," Nolan declared, affecting a helpless expression that was anything but genuine.

Alex tensed. A sense of foreboding tightened its grip in his chest, and his breathing became noticeably irregular.

"And since your general is also present, I hardly imagine five hundred million Rune coins will pose much of an issue, will it?"

Those words hit like a shockwave, leaving not just Alex, but Sylvia, Elina, Seira, and even the soldiers of both factions in stunned silence.

"F-Five hundred million Rune coins!? Nolan Lorian, are you attempting to extort the royal palace?" Alex bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury, seemingly itching to tear Nolan limb from limb on the spot.

"Indeed, Nolan Lorian. Your demand is beyond unreasonable," Sylvia interjected, a frown creasing her brow. "You should reconsider your terms carefully."

Behind Nolan, Elina could only sigh, a soft whisper escaping her lips, 'Brother, you are truly ruthless!'

The sum of five hundred million Rune coins was equivalent to three hundred million Sharn—an astronomical figure, even for someone of Elina's standing.

With such an amount, one could easily acquire numerous grand estates.

Yet, she harbored no intention of dissuading her brother. Having known him intimately, she was fully aware that every action he took was driven by a specific purpose.

"Is that a significant sum?" Nolan inquired with a gentle chuckle. "I do not believe it is. Consider this: ten thousand individuals attempted to hunt me down, and yet, I showed restraint and refrained from taking their lives. Does my magnanimity not carry a cost? What is your assessment, Tower Master?"

Sylvia found herself at a loss for words. Nolan's unexpected question had cornered her.

To deny it would be to implicitly label herself as miserly.

However, to concede would be to sanction Nolan's acquisition of an exorbitant profit.

It had to be acknowledged—this young man possessed an abundance of shrewd tactics.

Noticing her silence, Nolan remained unfazed. He turned his gaze towards Alex and declared, "What are your thoughts? Whether you accept or not is entirely your prerogative."

He harbored no fear of refusal from Alex. After all, from the very beginning, Alex had been placed in an unfavorable position.

Regardless of his personal feelings, Alex had no alternative but to agree.

Failing to do so would result in the loss of ten thousand soldiers and a seasoned general—a devastating blow, far more severe than the expenditure of five hundred million Rune coins.

Alex fell into a contemplative silence, unsure of how to proceed. After a prolonged period of looking downwards, he took a deep, resolute breath and stated in a grave tone, "I must report this matter to His Majesty before making any decision."

Nolan offered no objection. "Naturally. Proceed."

Alex then moved towards the rear of the assembly and activated the portable magical communication artifact he carried.

Seira drew nearer to Nolan and inquired in a hushed tone, "Do you believe the royal palace will consent to this arrangement?"

Nolan simply offered a knowing smile. "And what do you surmise?"

Seira mirrored his smile. "Then the answer is already quite evident."