The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 701 Ragan’s Recognition of Nolan

Ragan found himself taken aback. Gazing deeply into Nolan's eyes, he inquired, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Nolan drew a deep breath before responding, stating, "Aggressive conquest isn't always the optimal strategy. Such endeavors are fraught with complexity, demand immense resources, and, most critically, could very well prove detrimental to our own interests. The Ancient Kingdom of Eron is a sprawling realm, situated far beyond our current borders. The most efficient passage to its shores is by sea. However, the perilous nature of the vast ocean, teeming with countless lurking monsters, offers no guarantee of our fleet's survival."

He paused momentarily, reaching for a cup of tea, then recalled that none had been served.

Ragan, noticing this oversight, subtly signaled Cassiopeia with his eyes.

Understanding his intent, Cassiopeia promptly departed the parlor to arrange refreshments for the trio.

"Should we opt for a land-based approach, we would face formidable obstacles in the form of impassable mountains and dense, equally perilous forests. Consequently, neither route presents a truly viable option; both would merely serve to weaken the empire," Nolan elaborated.

Ragan mulled over Nolan's assertions, finding a considerable degree of logic in them. Nevertheless, the prospect of conquest still held a certain allure for him.

"Then, what if other kingdoms and empires decide to target the Ancient Kingdom of Eron? Wouldn't that place us in a disadvantageous position?" Ragan questioned.

It had been Ragan's long-standing ambition to extend the empire's dominion over the southern continent. However, this aspiration had consistently been thwarted by the formidable defenses of the Holy Empire of Valtanir.

Furthermore, a significant number of kingdoms harbored animosity toward the Great Empire of Velmora.

They would undoubtedly seize any opportunity to act if he were to initiate an invasion of that continent.

"That, in fact, presents your most significant opportunity," Nolan replied with a smile.

Precisely at that moment, Cassiopeia returned, a tray laden with three cups of tea in her hands.

After placing the tray on the table, Nolan retrieved his cup and took a deliberate sip.

The complex interplay of bitter, subtly sweet, and refreshing notes delighted him, and a contented smile graced his features.

"Father, subjugation and control need not always be attained through brute force. There exists a method known as diplomacy—or, as I prefer to term it, 'soft power.' You could dispatch an envoy to the Ancient Kingdom of Eron, offering them support. Propose various forms of mutually advantageous cooperation. Without the deployment of a single soldier, I am confident that the Ancient Kingdom of Eron will willingly fall under our influence. Moreover, with the current power vacuum there, they are in dire need of a dependable ally," he explained.

His expression grew more serious as he continued, "And the Holy Empire of Valtanir will inevitably retract their support from the Ancient Kingdom of Eron. I am certain you are more aware of their true nature than I am."

Having spoken, Nolan paused, allowing Ragan the space to deliberate and reach his own conclusion.

Ragan contemplated Nolan's meticulously laid-out proposition with great intensity. He had to concede that the young man's analysis was exceptionally astute.

He was undeniably impressed. Nolan's assertion that "conquest doesn't always require the application of force" resonated deeply with him.

The subtle exertion of influence and the cultivation of dependency represented a strategy of subjugation rarely considered by the established powers of this world.

In their conventional thinking, the sole recourse was the deployment of military might.

However, a sudden thought struck Ragan, prompting him to fix his gaze intently back upon Nolan.

"There is one matter I must understand. How did you become aware of the unrest that has erupted within the Ancient Kingdom of Eron?" Ragan asked, a note of suspicion coloring his tone.

His own intelligence network had only just begun receiving reports. This revelation from Nolan seemed utterly inexplicable, unless, of course, Nolan possessed an intelligence apparatus superior to that of the Imperial Palace itself.

Seira and Cassiopeia, their curiosity piqued, also turned their earnest attention to Nolan, apparently eager to hear his explanation.

"Concerning that specific detail..." Nolan offered an awkward smile, running a hand through his hair.

"Do not attempt to deceive me. Are you perhaps wishing to find yourself confined to the dungeons?" Ragan threatened sternly.

Nolan: "..."

A sigh escaped his lips. Shaking his head, he eventually relented, admitting, "I learned of it immediately after Karakh's act of betrayal against me."

"What!?" Ragan, Seira, and Cassiopeia exclaimed in unison, their faces etched with astonishment. "What do you mean by that?"

Nolan lifted his cup again, taking another sip of tea before commencing his explanation of the arrangements he had made with Karakh.

He provided a comprehensive account of their dealings, deliberately omitting a single, crucial detail—the fact that he himself was the one who had ended the lives of both Karakh and Gulvar.

He harbored no fear of his true identity being revealed. After all, the ministers within the Ancient Kingdom of Eron were hardly oblivious. It would be utterly impossible for them to uncover such a truth, unless they actively sought out their own demise.

Upon the conclusion of his fifteen-minute exposition, the three listeners finally grasped the entirety of the situation. Their expressions were a complex tapestry of shock, profound disbelief, and, indeed, a discernible element of fear.

"So, Aldrian's demise was a direct consequence of your and Karakh Lyren's involvement?" Ragan reiterated, seeking confirmation.

"Something to that effect," Nolan confirmed with a nod. "However, he betrayed my trust—and that of the powerful individual we had enlisted in our scheme. This betrayal sealed his fate, resulting in both him and his father meeting their end at the hands of that formidable figure."

A subtle smile played on his lips as he expertly deflected all blame onto a mysterious "powerful man," whose identity he carefully omitted.

"Hm…" Ragan pondered, at a loss for words.

He hadn't anticipated that this seemingly indolent young man would possess such formidable capabilities.

While aware that Nolan had been concealing his true talents, the revelation of his past association with Karakh Lyren still came as a considerable shock.

"Hah…" Ragan exhaled a long sigh before casting an exasperated look at Nolan. "If only you had participated in the struggle for the throne, kid, I'm certain even Cedric and Aldric would have cause to be wary of you."

His words were not mere conjecture. Cedric and Aldric were undeniably sharp, each possessing their distinct advantages.

However, neither had any practical, real-world experience. Nolan, on the other hand, was an enigma. In public, he projected an image of foolishness and inadequacy.

Yet, behind the scenes, he exhibited a cunning and resourcefulness that defied all expectations.

Indeed, mere months prior, Nolan had successfully brokered a significant partnership with the Kingdom of Kaldarion on the northern continent, a feat that brought unprecedented profits to their empire.

Ragan felt certain that neither Cedric nor Aldric could have managed such a diplomatic coup.

"Wait, Father!" Nolan quickly raised his right hand. "Please don't say things like that, alright? It makes me feel ill!"

Having dedicated considerable effort to avoiding the burden of being heir, his father's words struck him as a clear warning.

Ragan merely rolled his eyes, choosing not to press the matter further, recognizing the futility of it.

"Your strategy is brilliant. I will support it," he declared without hesitation.

Cassiopeia gazed at Nolan with undisguised admiration. During their journey to the Kingdom of Kaldarion, she had personally witnessed the astonishing capabilities of this prince, widely dismissed as trash.

Consequently, she wasn't taken aback that even His Majesty the Emperor was prepared to endorse his plan.

Nevertheless, the sheer magnitude of it still felt almost unbelievable.

"Nolan, you're absolutely amazing!" Seira exclaimed with unbridled enthusiasm.

Nolan responded with a serene smile, his composure unshaken by the effusive praise.

"Oh, that's right, Father, I almost forgot something," Nolan added. "During the mission to rescue Sister Seira and myself, Elina made an exceptional contribution. While she did contravene regulations by deploying such a large contingent, her service undeniably eclipsed her transgression. Ahem! I trust you understand my meaning."

He punctuated his statement with an innocent, endearing wink, which unfortunately induced a wave of nausea in Ragan, as if he were about to be physically ill.

Despite his reaction, he offered no objection, merely nodding his assent. "Rest assured, she will receive both a reward and formal recognition. Her actions were, after all, truly extraordinary."

A contented smile spread across Nolan's face. His primary objective of securing prestige for Elina had been successfully accomplished.

The remainder was now in Elina's hands—to confront Aldric, Cedric, and Adalen in the unfolding battle for the throne, a conflict that appeared to be rapidly approaching its climax.