The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 698 A Tainted Pure Heart

"Gulvar Lyren must be brought down! Make him pay!"

"Overthrow Gulvar Lyren!"

The capital was descending into utter chaos, the unrest spiraling beyond anyone's control. The citizens relentlessly battered the palace walls, as if intending to dismantle them brick by brick.

Perched atop a building, Nolan stood with his arms crossed, his expression a mask of perfect neutrality.

"I wonder how the royal palace intends to resolve this predicament. Karakh orchestrated it far too flawlessly," he murmured to himself.

Despite his personal animosity towards Karakh, Nolan had to concede the man's brilliant Machiavellian schemes, making him a fitting candidate for the throne.

Karakh was a virtuoso in covert operations, masterful at manipulating public opinion through propaganda, and employing a myriad of other devious tactics to sway the populace.

In Nolan's previous existence, such strategies were frequently employed by political dissidents to topple established governments.

Within his current homeland, similar upheavals had already occurred on two separate occasions, events that had nearly engulfed the Frey family in turmoil and severely tested their resilience.

By a stroke of fortune, their financial and political foundation proved robust enough not only to weather the storms but to emerge even more prosperous.

"Don't you think your actions are somewhat ruthless, Nolan?"

Malverna materialized beside him, her gaze fixed on him with evident curiosity.

"Ruthless? In what regard?" Nolan inquired, raising an eyebrow. A faint smile touched his lips as Alina's image flickered in his mind.

"Ah… are you referring to my treatment of Alina?"

Malverna confirmed with a nod. "Precisely. Just now, I felt her spirit fracture. It was utterly agonizing to witness."

Malverna was not typically one to concern herself with the affairs of strangers.

She held no prior knowledge of Alina, nor, frankly, did she harbor any particular interest in her. Yet, she possessed an innate capacity to perceive the innermost workings of a person's soul.

Alina's heart, Malverna perceived, was one of exceptional purity, innocent as a blank canvas awaiting its first strokes of ink.

Moments prior, Malverna had witnessed this pristine heart becoming gradually stained by resentment, anger, and a host of other darkening emotions.

It was a profound tragedy to observe such inherent purity succumb to corruption and distortion.

"Fear not," Nolan reassured her gently. "This world is undeniably harsh. The law of the jungle dictates survival, favoring only the strong. I am certain you comprehend this principle better than most."

Kindness and innocence, he mused, were qualities ill-suited for existence. Even if they persisted, benevolence ought invariably be tempered with prudence and a degree of shrewdness.

Otherwise, such virtues could inadvertently pose a significant threat to one's own well-being.

On the surface, Nolan's conduct towards Alina might indeed appear callous. However, in truth, his sole objective was to empower her, to foster her ascent into a figure of formidable strength.

This, he believed, would enable Alina to seize dominion over her own fate and ensure her security through her own capabilities.

Malverna lapsed into silence, offering no further comment. She seemed to grasp, albeit vaguely, the underlying rationale behind Nolan's methods concerning Alina.

"Very well…" Nolan announced, stretching his momentarily stiffened limbs. "Let us depart. However, prior to our leaving, I wish to offer Alina a measure of assistance."

He raised his left hand, and instantaneously, a colossal magic circle, spanning the breadth of the royal capital, unfurled in the heavens above.

Every individual caught in the ongoing protest froze, their minds consumed by shock and apprehension.

"W-What is that!? Could it be an enemy incursion!?"

"I cannot say for certain! However, that is a distinct possibility!"

"Every man for himself! Run!"

Before they could fully process the unfolding events, Nolan lowered his hand.

A cascade of dark energy descended from the magic circle, impacting everyone below, including those secluded within their homes.

There was no detonation, no cries of terror, nothing of the sort. Within mere moments, an overwhelming sense of lethargy enveloped them, and before they could register their own decline, they succumbed to an involuntary slumber.

Malverna could only gaze upon the scene, her expression utterly vacant.

"Let us proceed," Nolan stated, before vanishing from their sight without a trace.

Malverna drew a deep, steadying breath and followed suit, disappearing into the ether.

…

The following dawn found Nolan still deeply immersed in slumber upon his bed.

Despite the somewhat unkempt state of his surroundings, the bed itself was undeniably comfortable.

It appeared the prison wardens, perhaps anticipating Nolan's preference for refined comfort, had thoughtfully arranged for this luxurious bedding prior to his confinement.

As Nolan remained lost in a blissful dream, the distinct sound of approaching footsteps carried to him from beyond his cell. A warden materialized before the barred entrance, halting his advance.

"Prince Nolan Lorian, it is time to awaken. This morning, we shall be proceeding to the imperial capital."

Nolan's brow furrowed as he slowly peeled open his heavy eyelids.

"Already? Might it not be possible to delay our departure until noon?" he inquired, a wide yawn escaping him.

"Regrettably, Your Highness, that is not feasible. This is a direct directive from my superiors. The planned departure last night was postponed for your own safety, thus making this morning the appointed time. Your understanding is appreciated," the warden responded with a tone of professional detachment.

Recognizing the futility of further protest, Nolan slowly rose, his movements imbued with a deliberate languor.

"Kindly direct me to the washroom," he requested, his voice tinged with weariness.

The warden inclined his head. "Follow me, if you please."

Approximately twenty minutes later, Nolan reappeared, his appearance notably refreshed.

He was attired in an elegant white robe, and his black hair, styled in a fashionable comma cut, enhanced his already striking handsomeness.

"Let's go," Nolan urged, his voice filled with anticipation.

The warden offered a nod and proceeded toward the exit, Nolan in tow.

A waiting carriage, drawn by horses, was flanked by two additional carriages, all under guard.

Standing near the carriage were three stunning women: Seira, Elina, and Rafine.

"Brother!" Elina exclaimed, rushing towards him and performing a swift, concerned inspection from head to toe.

"Are you injured in any way?" she inquired, her brow furrowed with worry.

Nolan offered a helpless smile. "Didn't we just meet yesterday afternoon? Why the sudden concern?"

Elina shook her head emphatically. "That's hardly comparable. A full day has passed since our last encounter. For all I know, the wardens might have mistreated you."

Nolan found himself temporarily speechless, finding his sister's affection to be perhaps a tad excessive.

"Nolan, let us head to the capital," Seira suggested gently. "I have already dispatched a letter to Father; I am confident he grasps the essence of the situation. Your sentence is likely to be reduced, or perhaps even annulled entirely."

"Understood. Thank you," Nolan responded, a sense of gratitude washing over him.

He then directed his gaze toward Rafine. The woman promptly averted her eyes, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

The memory of the previous night's events surfaced, causing her face to redden like a ripe apple.

Nolan moved closer and murmured, "Thank you."

Rafine stiffened for a moment, but quickly composed herself, her voice flat as she asked, "Thank you for what, precisely?"

"For everything. I suspect you've been working behind the scenes to ensure my comfort during my confinement," Nolan stated frankly.

He wasn't naive; it was implausible that the wardens would spontaneously provide such comfortable accommodations.

Despite his royal status, stringent rules dictated the equal treatment of all prisoners.

Therefore, Nolan was certain that Rafine was the architect of his improved prison conditions.

Rafine bit her lower lip, whispering, "You're welcome. I did it because I wanted to; don't misinterpret my intentions."

Witnessing her typically reserved demeanor betraying her feelings, Nolan felt a strong urge to tease her, but he managed to restrain himself.

Abruptly, however, he embraced her, catching Rafine completely by surprise.

"A simple thank you feels insufficient. Once all matters are resolved, I shall return to the eastern territories and escort you to a destination that will undoubtedly bring you immense joy."

Without awaiting her reply, Nolan released the hug and proceeded towards the waiting carriage.

Rafine remained rooted to the spot, the lingering warmth of Nolan's embrace still radiating through her body.