The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 707 Cliff of Hope

About a hundred kilometers west of Virella Town, a renowned high cliff stood tall.

This cliff was known as the Cliff of Hope, and local legend claimed that any wish made while standing at its precipice would be granted.

At this very moment, two figures were making their way towards this legendary spot.

"So, this is the place you mentioned?" Rafine inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Her gaze was fixed on the massive cliff before her, a mixture of apprehension and trepidation swirling within her. Rafine harbored a distinct fear of heights, and the mere thought of plummeting from such a height was enough to send a shiver down her spine and churn her stomach.

"Are you disappointed?" Nolan asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he observed her reaction with a playful glint.

Shaking her head, Rafine replied, "No. It's just that I'm a little afraid of heights."

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

Nolan let out a soft chuckle and gently took her hand.

"Don't worry. I'm right here with you. There's absolutely no way you'll get hurt, fall, or meet your end. Just try to relax."

His comforting words seemed to wash over Rafine, easing her anxieties. The pair continued their approach, step by step, until they finally arrived at the very edge of the cliff.

The cliff face was vast and broad, its summit wide enough to comfortably accommodate three or four people standing side-by-side.

Nolan settled himself on the edge, his legs dangling freely over the immense drop below.

A brisk wind swept in from the front, playfully ruffling his somewhat long, dark hair.

"Come on, make your wish. Who knows, it might actually come true," Nolan remarked with a grin, teasingly.

Truthfully, Nolan held no real belief in such superstitious legends.

However, the story of the Cliff of Hope was undeniably intriguing.

According to ancient folklore, a goddess once descended from the heavens in ages past. Her beauty was so profound that it defied any attempt at verbal description.

While the exact reason for her divine appearance remained a mystery, some whispered that the goddess had descended on a sacred mission to guide humanity towards the righteous path.

Nolan, for one, found this particular explanation rather unconvincing.

He reasoned that a goddess would surely have significant cosmic duties and responsibilities—or so his logic dictated.

Therefore, it seemed highly improbable that a divine being would venture into the mortal realm merely to engage in something as mundane as guiding humans.

Despite his skepticism, Nolan did not entirely dismiss the possibility of the goddess's existence.

After all, he himself had once encountered the Sun God within the sacred worship hall of the Eastern Empire of Izanagi. Given this experience, he saw no reason to doubt the existence of gods.

Rafine drew a fortifying breath and carefully rose to her feet. She peered down into the chasm before her, a knot of apprehension tightening in her chest.

She knew that a single misstep would undoubtedly lead to her demise.

Yet, as her gaze flickered to Nolan beside her, a sense of calm washed over her once more. She closed her eyes, bringing her hands together in a gesture of prayer.

A crucial requirement for making a wish at the Cliff of Hope was that it had to be offered silently, from the depths of one's heart.

"I hope…" Rafine whispered inwardly, her eyes shut tight as she began her silent supplication.

"I hope the Austin family continues to flourish for a thousand years. I hope my family lives long and healthy lives, especially my mother and father. I hope that in this great struggle for the throne, Elina emerges victorious and leads the Great Velmora Empire into an unprecedented era of prosperity. I hope…"

She faltered for a moment, subtly opening her eyes to cast a glance at Nolan. He was gazing straight ahead, his expression calm, yet the profound sadness and unspoken longing hidden within his eyes were impossible to overlook.

Closing her eyes once more, she continued her prayer, "That Nolan finds a happiness he may have unknowingly lost. And even if he hasn't, I pray that I can become that new source of happiness for him."

Nolan had no inkling of the specifics of Rafine's heartfelt pleas. However, he surmised they were related to the Austin family, her own well-being, and the ongoing succession crisis.

After a few silent minutes, Rafine opened her eyes and turned to Nolan, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"I'm finished."

Nolan returned her smile. He patted the space beside him on the cliff's edge and invited, "Sit here."

Rafine nodded obediently and sat down next to him. She let her legs dangle over the precipice once more, swinging them gently back and forth.

"Rafine, if I recall correctly, your birthday was last seventh month," Nolan began. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, matte black box.

With a soft click, he opened it, revealing an exquisite ring nestled within. The band was a deep, lustrous black, and the central crystal shimmered with an enchanting purple hue.

Its appearance was so captivating that it could instantly enthrall anyone who laid eyes upon it.

"This…" Rafine's heart began to pound. Her mouth opened and closed, as if she were struggling to find the words to express her astonishment.

"It's a lucky ring. Well, that's just its name, but it actually contains a magical enchantment capable of protecting you through three assassination attempts," Nolan explained in a low, gentle tone.

Rafine remained momentarily stunned, her eyes wide, before slowly regaining her composure.

She tentatively extended the ring finger of her left hand, looking at him with a hopeful expression.

Nolan understood her unspoken request. He carefully took the ring and gently slipped it onto her finger.

Rafine raised her hand, admiring the ring. In the bright sunlight, it gleamed with a breathtaking radiance.

"The ring is so beautiful. Thank you," she whispered, a radiant smile blossoming across her lovely face.

Though Rafine's bedroom housed a collection of exquisite rings, she found little inclination towards adorning herself with jewelry, opting instead to keep them tucked away in a drawer.

Yet, the ring gifted by Nolan was an exception; she resolved to wear it constantly, never to be removed.

"You are most welcome. Just promise me you'll wear it always, alright? Should you ever find yourself in peril, that ring possesses the power to shield you," Nolan advised earnestly.

"Do not fret. Even without your reminder, I shall treasure it for the remainder of my days," she replied.

Her fingers closed around the ring, holding it as if it were the most invaluable treasure she possessed.

Nolan offered a nod of contentment. Then, he rose to his feet and stretched his limbs.

"Let us depart. I have secured a reservation at a dining establishment in Oakridge, a city situated approximately twenty kilometers from our current location."

Oakridge stood as one of the eastern region's most prosperous and technologically advanced metropolises. Fulfilling his promise to Rafine, he had arranged for a VVIP chamber at one of the city's most opulent restaurants.

Naturally, obtaining such a reservation on short notice would typically prove challenging, necessitating the influence of a prominent figure.

As fate would have it, the restaurant was affiliated with the White Lotus business empire, a connection that greatly facilitated Nolan's arrangements.

"Certainly!" Rafine agreed with a radiant smile.

Nolan encircled her delicate waist with his arm. In that instant, the pair vanished from their surroundings.

…

Elina was seated on a plush sofa, diligently assisting Eira with her scholastic pursuits.

"How does one form this particular character, Elder Sister Elina?" Eira inquired.

"Observe closely."

Elina retrieved a writing instrument and carefully inscribed the character upon the paper before her.

"Ah!" Eira's wide, innocent eyes lit up with understanding. "I perceive now!"

She immediately began to replicate the character. Though her handwriting was somewhat unpolished, it was evident that the young girl possessed remarkable intellect.

'As anticipated from a descendant of the dragon race—their innate intelligence is truly astounding!' Elina mused inwardly.

While Elina was engrossed in her role as tutor, the distinct sound of approaching footsteps echoed from behind her.

"Your Highness, urgent news has arrived. It originates from the esteemed Lionheart family."

Elina turned to face the attendant and rose from her seat.

Upon accepting the dispatched letter, she unfurled it and began to read its contents.

"A challenge is proposed between the Lionheart family and the Asbourne family?" Her gaze sharpened, her eyebrows drawing together in thought.