The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 706 Eira's Promise

"Master, please feed me!"

"Master, please pat my head!"

Resting on Nolan's lap, Eira’s spoiled pleas continued.

A smile played on Nolan's lips as he offered her a round piece of chocolate.

She accepted and devoured it with evident joy.

"It's so sweet and utterly delicious! Oh, how wonderful it would be if I could have this every single day!" she exclaimed, her body swaying happily.

"Not every day, though. It's quite bad for your teeth, you know?" Nolan replied with a sigh that held a hint of resignation.

Then, it dawned on him that Eira wasn't a human child but a dragon.

Could dragons even suffer from toothaches?

After a moment's consideration, Nolan dismissed the thought as unlikely. Dragons possessed incredibly robust teeth, capable of crushing thick iron bars with a single chomp. Therefore, consuming chocolate would likely pose no harm to her.

"Master, I have a request to make!"

Eira suddenly shifted, facing him. Rising up on his thighs, she met his gaze with an expression that was a mixture of seriousness and bashfulness.

"What is it?" Nolan inquired, curiosity piqued.

Eira's plump cheeks flushed slightly as she confessed in a hushed tone, "I read in a book a long time ago that a woman can marry whomever she loves. Is that really true?"

Nolan gave a nonchalant nod. "Yes, it’s true. Why the sudden question?"

Pressing her index fingers together, Eira declared with conviction, "I… I want to marry Master too when I grow up!"

Nolan was momentarily speechless.

This sentiment had taken him by surprise. However, he quickly recomposed himself.

He recalled an article from his past life discussing how young girls often felt a stronger bond with their fathers than their mothers.

Thus, hearing a girl proclaim, "When I grow up, I want to marry Daddy!" wasn't entirely strange.

It was simply an innocent utterance from a child who had been showered with affection.

After all, a child's mind is still developing, and Eira was no exception.

With a gentle smile, Nolan patted her head. "Alright. If you still feel the same way about me when you're older, I'll marry you."

Eira's bashful expression instantly lit up.

"Really!?" she gasped, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Of course. Do you think I would lie to you?"

"Wow!" Eira shrieked with delight and threw her arms around Nolan's neck. "Then, Master, you must promise to wait for me until I'm all grown up. Okay?"

Nolan simply nodded, his hand resting on her small back.

He was quite certain that she would eventually forget about this fervent declaration. After all, it was merely a childish whim, the kind often spoken without much forethought.

What Nolan failed to realize was that dragons differed significantly from humans. From a very young age, their memories became permanently etched into their very souls and bodies. This was precisely why they were known creatures of both deep-seated vengeance and intense affection.

Regrettably, Nolan remained oblivious to these truths, and his ignorance would undoubtedly lead to complications later on.

As they continued their lighthearted exchange, Rafine made her entrance, carrying a cup of coffee, a teacup, and a glass of cold chocolate milk. Beside the teacup sat a small plate adorned with cookies.

"Have some. It might help you relax a bit," Rafine suggested, carefully placing the tray on the table.

She meticulously arranged the cups, glass, and snacks before setting the tray aside.

"Thank you," Nolan said softly. "Why didn't you have a servant bring these? Wouldn't that be less trouble for you?"

Nolan picked up the glass of chocolate milk and offered it to Eira.

"It’s quite alright. I feel more at ease doing it myself. Besides, there's no guarantee that there aren't spies among the household staff. Who knows? Someone might decide to slip poison into your drink. So, it's best if I prepare it myself," Rafine responded, her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

This explanation seemed rather improbable. While such a possibility wasn't entirely nonexistent, the likelihood was exceedingly slim.

In any case, Nolan held no significant position in the power struggles for the throne. Killing him would serve no purpose.

The true motivation behind Rafine personally preparing the refreshments was her desire to spend more time with him and engage in conversation. She simply lacked a plausible reason to approach Nolan otherwise.

"I see…" Nolan commented with a nod, not elaborating further. "Thanks again."

A subtle smile graced Rafine's lips. Soon, the two of them were engaged in casual conversation, punctuated by occasional bursts of lighthearted banter.

The atmosphere was warm and congenial. Suddenly, a thought crossed Rafine's mind, and a playful glint appeared in her eyes as she addressed Nolan.

"You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?"

"Promise?" Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly. "What promise are you referring to?"

Rafine let out an exasperated sigh. "You promised to take me somewhere before you left for the capital with Princess Seira. Now that you're back, you still haven't fulfilled that promise. So, when exactly are you going to keep your word?"

She crossed her legs, a hint of suppressed frustration evident in her gaze.

"Ah! I completely forgot!" Nolan exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "My apologies, it really did slip my mind. My head has been so full that it just vanished."

This was, of course, an untruth. The reality was that his indulgence in leisure had led him to neglect his promise, a fact he could not possibly reveal to her.

If he were to confess, Rafine would undoubtedly become upset and perhaps even pout.

"Hmph!" Rafine scoffed. "I'll let this slide, but only this once."

Nolan sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

"Ahem. In that case, we shall visit the promised destination tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Rafine's pout immediately dissolved, replaced by a radiant smile that bloomed like a flower.

"Alright!"

***

The following day, Nolan and Rafine departed from the town of Virella.

"Where are we headed?" Rafine inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Nolan offered a subtle smile. Instead of providing a direct answer, he posed a question, "If I were to tell you that I could wield magic, would you believe me?"

"Huh?" Rafine blinked, taken aback and staring at him with bewilderment. "What do you mean? Magic? You?"

"Indeed," Nolan affirmed, nodding. "Do you truly believe I possess magical abilities?"

Rafine grew quiet. She couldn't fathom why Nolan was posing such a peculiar question.

However, she understood that he wouldn't ask without a valid reason.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she lifted her head and gave a nod.

"I believe you."

"Oh? And what leads you to that conclusion?"

"Because you're strange."

Nolan: "..."

"Pfft!" Rafine burst into laughter. "Just teasing! Don't take it seriously."

She continued with a smile, "Do you recall our initial encounter at the Emperor's birthday banquet? You sent me a telepathic message then. At first, I thought I had hallucinated it, but upon further reflection, that was impossible. I heard it distinctly. Therefore, I deduced that you've been concealing your true capabilities."

Hearing her words, Nolan couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration.

'As expected of the heir of the Austin family. Her perceptiveness is truly remarkable,' he mused inwardly.

"Yes, your assessment is correct. I am capable of using magic," Nolan confessed. "However, I would appreciate it if you could maintain this as a secret from everyone, including Elina."

Rafine arched an eyebrow. "Why the sudden revelation to me?"

Nolan offered a faint smile. "Because the destination I wish to take you to is quite a distance away. Traveling by carriage would consume an excessive amount of time."

As he spoke, he gently placed an arm around her waist. Rafine tensed, surprised by the unexpected proximity.

Before she could fully process the action, Nolan snapped his fingers.

In an instant, the two of them vanished without a trace.