Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
News of Prince Nolan's arrest spreads to certain noble families, causing shock and concern. Meanwhile, Cedric receives intel about troop movements and the unexpected arrival of Prince Aldric in the northern region, while Margaretta's future sight falters. Four days later, Nolan and Seira arrive in the capital, only to be instructed to wait in the parlor by the Emperor, who has ordered the room cleared and guarded.
In the parlor, Nolan and Seira endured the quiet tension. The absence of servants to offer refreshments amplified the stillness between them.
"Father appears to be orchestrating this," Seira commented, a trace of annoyance coloring her tone.
Nolan responded with a simple smile. "Isn't that understandable? This is a significant matter. It’s best if no one else overhears our discussion. So, don't begrudge the old man. If you do, he’ll likely take it out on me."
Nolan let out a sigh of resignation. The old man held a deep affection for Seira.
He knew that if Seira genuinely came to resent him, he would be the first to bear the consequences.
Seira grew silent, though the displeasure still evident on her features.
Ignoring it, Nolan waited patiently. Moments later, approaching footsteps could be heard.
Both looked up, observing Ragan as he walked towards them with a stern expression.
They swiftly rose to their feet, joined their hands, and offered a slight bow.
"Welcome, Father," they greeted in unison.
Even Nolan, who habitually referred to him as 'old man,' used 'Father' this time, signaling a departure from his usual jesting demeanor.
Ragan gave a subtle nod and instructed, "Sit."
They resumed their seats. Ragan settled on the sofa opposite them, fixing Nolan with an intense gaze.
"Do you have no explanation for this?"
Nolan chuckled and shook his head.
"There's nothing for me to explain. I’m confident you've grasped the main points from the report," he answered nonchalantly.
"You…" Ragan felt an urge to strike the defiant young man. However, he ultimately released a lengthy sigh and massaged his temples. "Boy, do you comprehend the predicament you've created—for me and the entire empire? We are already locked in a precarious standoff with the Holy Empire of Valtanir, and due to your actions, we have now added the Ancient Kingdom of Eron to our list of adversaries. You… Ugh…"
Ragan let his words trail off, finding himself speechless. He no longer possessed the words to reprimand Nolan.
He did not fear the Ancient Kingdom of Eron. Nevertheless, if it were possible, he wished to avert any conflict between two major powers.
The Holy Empire of Valtanir alone was already a considerable challenge. He did not wish to divert his focus further.
Furthermore, the Ancient Kingdom of Eron was far from weak. Although their power had waned significantly after their defeat by the Demon Emperor, this did not render them incapable of posing a threat.
In truth, Eron's military might was demonstrably on the rise again, evidenced by their successful annexation of neighboring territories.
This was precisely why Ragan could not afford to dismiss them—much less provoke them into becoming enemies of the empire.
"Father," Nolan called out calmly.
"You needn't worry at all."
Ragan's body stiffened. His eyes narrowed as he inquired coldly, "What do you imply?"
Nolan reclined against the sofa, stating casually, "Have you not yet received the news? The Ancient Kingdom of Eron is in turmoil. The Second Prince, Karakh Lyren, deposed Gulvar Lyren last night. However, in a peculiar turn of events, Karakh was slain by an unknown assailant—alongside his father, Gulvar."
Not only Ragan but even Seira were taken aback by this revelation.
"Do not utter such foolishness!" Ragan straightened in his seat and forcefully struck the table. "How could such a thing possibly occur?"
He was well-acquainted with Gulvar's character. Gulvar was known for his caution, shrewdness, and brutality.
It was difficult to fathom someone like him being overthrown, unless the palace officials had already fallen under Karakh's sway.
But was that even conceivable?
That seemed even less probable. Similar to most emperors and kings across the four continents, Gulvar's ministers and officials owed their allegiance directly to him.
Their sole command was to obey the ruler.
This was why Nolan's statement struck him as utterly preposterous.
"Nolan… is what you are saying true?" Seira inquired, a note of uncertainty in her voice.
Unlike Ragan, she did not immediately dismiss the claim. After all, Seira had personally witnessed the instability within the palace following Aldrian's demise.
The likelihood of such an event transpiring was not insignificant.
"Of course," Nolan affirmed with unquestionable confidence. "Just wait. Within a few hours, an announcement regarding the deaths of Gulvar and Karakh will be made—should they decide to disclose it. It is also possible they will opt to conceal the information."
He shrugged, as though the final decision rested entirely within the purview of Eron's royal court.
Ragan's eyes narrowed. This time, he refrained from immediate denial.
He was aware that the boy often misled him. However, there were also numerous instances where Nolan spoke the truth, and his self-assured demeanor made it challenging to disregard his words.
Ragan drew a deep breath, preparing to respond, when the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from outside.
Cassiopeia burst in, her expression marked by uncharacteristic panic.
"Your Majesty, urgent news!"
Ragan frowned, having already commanded Orion to secure the parlor and disallow any visitors. Cassiopeia's unannounced entrance clearly irked him.
Yet, recognizing the gravity of her arrival, he stifled his annoyance and offered a slight nod. "What is it?"
Cassiopeia halted beside him, dipping her head in a shallow bow, and reported with a voice that quivered, "Your Majesty, momentous news has arrived from the southern continent!"
A knot tightened in Ragan's chest, a premonition dawning. His gaze drifted to Nolan, who remained placid, an impassive observer.
Struggling to maintain his composure, Ragan inquired with a weighty tone, "What news do you speak of?"
"It is reported that a significant political upheaval has swept through the Ancient Kingdom of Eron! King Gulvar Lyren has been declared deceased! And not only him—his surviving son, Karakh Lyren, perished simultaneously!" Cassiopeia stammered, her breathing unsteady.
Ragan's eyes widened in astonishment, his knuckles white as he unconsciously gripped the sofa's armrest.
His sharp gaze met Nolan's, who returned the look with an air that seemed to say, 'Did I not foretell this? You were the one who refused to heed my warning.'
Ragan's mouth opened, then closed, as if words failed him.
However, as emperor, his poise swiftly reasserted itself, and he asked, his voice heavy, "Is this intelligence verified?"
"Verified, Your Majesty!" Cassiopeia affirmed. "The palace has issued its official announcement. By this hour, all kingdoms and empires should be apprèdent. Pray tell, Your Majesty, what are your subsequent commands?"
This presented a golden opportunity. The Ancient Kingdom of Eron posed a significant challenge to the Great Velmora Empire.
Certainly, 'challenge' did not equate to an existential threat, but rather a power requiring constant vigilance.
After all, the Holy Empire of Valtanir and the Ancient Kingdom of Eron stood as allies.
If action were taken now, the likelihood of Eron's resurgence could be diminished.
Ragan fell into silence, understanding Cassiopeia's unspoken suggestion, a thought that had indeed crossed his own mind.
But then—
"Father, I believe it would be far wiser if you relinquished thoughts of conquest and instead pursued a path of cooperation," Nolan stated calmly.
