The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 699 Arriving in the Imperial Capital

The news concerning Prince Nolan's apprehension was, as expected, deliberately concealed by both the royal palace and the Austin family.

However, a well-known adage states that 'even the most carefully hidden corpse will eventually emit a foul odor.'

The same principle applied to the clandestine arrest of Nolan by Reigar and his assembled forces.

Despite the efforts to suppress the information, certain influential factions, including the families of Marquis Caltheron, Duke Malvain, Duke Ashvale, and Marquis Valmire, managed to obtain intelligence regarding the event.

"What sort of impossibility is this?"

Within the confines of his private office, Orlan voiced his astonishment, his gaze fixed upon a dispatch clutched tightly in his hand, utterly unable to process the information.

Syra, who had been in the process of preparing tea for him, paused mid-motion, her attention immediately drawn to his distress. She hurried towards him, her expression laced with worry.

"Is something amiss?"

Orlan remained silent for a beat, absorbing the gravity of the report before exhaling a heavy sigh. "I have just received confirmation that Prince Nolan has been apprehended by a special detachment of troops dispatched directly from the royal palace."

"Heavens above!?"

This revelation struck Syra with equal force, causing her to gasp. Her complexion turned ashen as she questioned him with rising panic, "B-But how can this be? What possible reason could the palace have for such an action?"

Nolan, after all, was a prince, the very son of the Emperor. The notion of his arrest defied all logic.

Orlan sank back into his chair, a somber expression on his face as he shook his head.

"I confess, I have no grasp of the 'why' either. This intelligence only reached me mere hours ago. Rest assured, I will dedicate myself to uncovering the full truth," he responded, his voice laden with concern. "Do not falter, Syra. I will investigate this matter with utmost urgency and inform you the moment I possess concrete details."

He understood the profound implications of this development. Nolan was not only Princess Elina's brother but also the direct heir whom he actively supported.

Moreover, it was through Nolan that Orlan had formally pledged his allegiance to Elina. The potential implication of Nolan's predicament meant that Orlan would be compelled to act swiftly in his defense.

A wave of relief washed over Syra, and she offered a weak, assenting nod.

"Very well. I shall await your findings."

Orlan offered a subtle, tight-lipped smile before lapsing back into silence.

…

"Prince Nolan has been arrested? What transpired?"

Cedric's voice was filled with surprise as he directed a bewildered gaze at Margaretta.

Margaretta responded with a shake of her head. "The reports remain fragmented and contradictory. No definitive explanation for his arrest has been provided as yet. However, prevailing rumors suggest that Prince Nolan stands accused of a grave transgression. He is reportedly being escorted to the imperial capital for adjudication."

Cedric fell into a contemplative silence, his brow furrowed as his mind desperately sought a rational explanation for the unfolding events.

Regrettably, no plausible theory presented itself, leaving him with no recourse but to temporarily set the matter aside.

"I comprehend. On a related note, what is the current state of affairs at the border near the Eldrath Mountains? Have the forces of the Holy Empire of Valtanir commenced any movements?"

Margaretta shook her head once more. "Not yet. However, intelligence indicates a significant troop concentration approximately one hundred kilometers distant from the mountain range."

Cedric allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Understood. Maintain vigilant surveillance of the situation and provide me with immediate updates on any new developments."

Margaretta acknowledged his directive with a nod. Then, after a brief pause, as if recalling a crucial piece of information, she added, "I nearly overlooked this. There is significant news originating from the imperial palace: Prince Aldric is slated to journey to the northern region in the near future, purportedly to lend his support to Princess Freya."

The smile on Cedric's face vanished instantaneously. His expression hardened, and a low growl escaped his lips as he uttered the name, "Aldric?"

It had been an considerable duration since he had received any notable communication or action from his elder brother.

To his surprise, after such a prolonged period of quietude, the information that finally surfaced concerned precisely this.

* * *

"I trust you will not find yourself unprepared," Margaretta cautioned, closing her eyes and knitting her brows in concentration. "The tapestry of the future grows increasingly indistinct, its threads eluding my ability to perceive them clearly."

"Your foresight is clouded?" Cedric's posture stiffened. "What precisely is occurring?"

Margaretta possessed a unique and unparalleled gift: the prescient ability to glimpse the future, a capability unknown to any other soul in existence.

Though the concept sounded preposterous and lacked empirical validation, its authenticity was undeniable. Since the commencement of their collaboration, support from the influential noble houses within the northern and western territories had experienced a marked surge.

This remarkable progress was largely attributable to this extraordinary woman and her unconventional, almost mystical, methods—methods that continued to surprise even him.

"That is indeed correct," Margaretta confirmed, her eyes fluttering open to reveal a visage etched with fatigue and strain. "I have subjected my powers to excessive use. Consequently, my reserves have been depleted, rendering me incapable of wielding them with my usual fluidity."

Cedric released a protracted sigh, his tone softening as he offered gentle admonishment. "Refrain from overexerting your abilities. You have shouldered burdens that are far too heavy. Allow me to manage the remainder."

Margaretta inclined her head weakly. "Your concern is deeply appreciated."

…

Four days subsequently passed…

The ornate carriage conveying Nolan and Seira finally reached the imperial capital. Their journey, remarkably, had unfolded with an unexpected swiftness, particularly when contrasted with typical travel times.

This accelerated transit was made possible by the recent completion and inauguration of a novel roadway connecting the eastern territories directly to the capital, an event that had transpired only a handful of days prior.

The outcome was that merchants and aristocratic families from the eastern region could now reach the capital in a mere four days, a significant reduction from the previous six extra days required for the journey.

The arrival of the horse-drawn carriage certainly drew the attention of many onlookers.

Nonetheless, people were already accustomed to the sight of carriages belonging to nobles, prompting them to cast only a passing glance before returning their focus elsewhere.

"Why hasn't Elina joined us?" Nolan inquired with curiosity, leaning out the window.

"She is occupied," Seira responded placidly. She sliced the apple she held with a small blade before proffering a piece to Nolan.

Nolan accepted it, consuming it slowly.

"You are correct. I just recalled that she is indeed quite busy," Nolan murmured, a faint smile gracing his lips.

With the backing of investments from both the Blue Moon Trading House and White Lotus, Elina was compelled to remain in the town of Virella, unable to be absent for an extended period.

Furthermore, Elina had already spent more than a week in the Ancient Kingdom of Eron, which had demonstrably disrupted the town's developmental strategies.

Their conversation persisted until the horse-drawn carriage finally reached its destination at the royal palace.

Servants promptly formed a line to acknowledge their arrival.

"Welcome, Prince Nolan and Princess Seira," Lyra offered a respectful greeting.

Nolan inclined his head. "Thank you. Is Father in his study?"

Lyra nodded. "The Emperor is indeed in his study. However, he has requested that you and Princess Seira await him in the parlor for the time being."

Seira's brow furrowed, on the verge of speaking, but Nolan intercepted her first.

"Very well," Nolan affirmed with a smile. "Thank you."

Subsequently, he guided Seira into the palace interior.

Seira's expression conveyed her displeasure as she voiced her protest, "Why did you stop me?"

"Refrain from being hasty. I am certain the old man has his reasons," Nolan replied with composure.

Seira's lips pressed into a firm line, and she uttered no further words. Normally, she maintained a calm demeanor when confronting challenges.

However, when Nolan's safety was concerned, she sometimes found it difficult to remain composed, readily succumbing to anxiety.

***

"Your Majesty, Prince Nolan and Princess Seira have arrived," Orion reported, inclining his head in a bow.

Ragan, who had been engrossed in his work, ceased his activity. He looked up, inquiring, "Where are they? Are they in the reception hall?"

"Yes, they are both presently in the reception hall."

Ragan gave a nod before rising to his feet. He issued a firm command, "Clear the parlor and station guards around its perimeter. No one is to enter—not even Queen Vanessa, Consort Cassandra, or any of my other consorts. Is that understood?"

Orion responded with conviction, "Understood, Your Majesty!"