Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
Nolan and Evalyn visit a tavern to gather information about the war against the Demon Emperor. They overhear that the Hero of Light, Evalyn's ancestor, has been injured in battle. Nolan uses his abilities to extract more details from a patron, confirming the Hero's non-fatal injuries but also the increased strength of the Demon forces. Evalyn is initially distressed but is reassured by Nolan. They leave the tavern after enjoying a brief respite.
Along the fringes of the vast Velmora Empire lies the Dragon's Foot Border, a territory notoriously susceptible to invasion. This frontier directly confronts a realm controlled by demonic forces. Its peculiar shape, reminiscent of a colossal dragon's imprint, gives the region its name.
Roughly fifteen kilometers inland from the border, a sprawling encampment dotted with thousands of tents stretched across the land. Vigilant soldiers maintained a strict patrol, ensuring an impenetrable cordon.
"Hero Rei, are you alright?"
A woman, her form graceful with long, white hair cascading down her back, entered one of the tents, her brow furrowed with concern. Clad in gleaming silver armor, a sword resting at her hip, she approached the bedside of a pale, unmoving young man. Her pomegranate-red eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
Upon hearing her voice, the man stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Ahem! Your Highness," he managed to rasp, a slight cough catching in his throat. "I... I am fine."
He attempted to rise, but a wave of pain coursed through his body, forcing him back down. "Don't move!" the woman urged, her voice laced with panic as she rushed to his side. "Y-Your wounds are not yet healed. Any exertion will only worsen them!"
With a sigh of resignation, he complied, laying back on the makeshift bed. He bowed his head slightly in apology. "My apologies, Your Highness. I am unable to greet you properly."
The woman visibly relaxed, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "It is quite alright. How are you feeling? Is there any specific area that pains you?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping over him, taking in every detail with anxious care.
Though his physical form appeared intact, she knew his injuries were internal, a far more perilous predicament. While mages could mend external wounds, internal damage demanded meticulous diagnosis and specialized elixirs, a process requiring significant time and dedicated effort.
"I regret causing you worry, Your Highness," Rei replied respectfully. "A Demon General attacked me, resulting in these injuries. However, please do not be concerned – I will recover swiftly and return to the fight within days!"
Observing his resolute expression, the woman's features became complex. Rei, the Hero of Light, had been summoned to this world and had no obligation to sacrifice everything for it. Yet, he did so willingly. This selfless act filled her with gratitude and admiration, but also an overwhelming sadness.
"I understand," she murmured, her sigh carrying a heavy weight. "Please, rest. I shall remain here to attend to you. If you require anything, do not hesitate to call for me, alright?"
"Alright. Thank you for your concern," Rei responded, offering a weak smile and a nod.
The woman's sorrowful expression gradually softened into a radiant smile, a sight so captivating it left Rei momentarily breathless. Before he could help himself, a slight blush crept onto his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze.
"By the way, I shall prepare some food for you. Please wait here," the woman announced with renewed cheerfulness, already turning to leave.
Rei made a futile attempt to call her back, but she was already gone. "Hah..." he exhaled, a wry smile touching his lips. "To think a princess would readily undertake tasks typically reserved for servants. Princess Roseline is truly remarkable."
"Tsk! It's quite obvious she's fallen for you. Can't you sense it?"
A teasing voice emanated from his side. Rei chuckled softly and turned towards the source. Leaning against the nightstand was a gleaming golden sword.
"You're imagining things, Luminus. There's no way Princess Roseline could harbor feelings for me," Rei stated, shaking his head slightly. "The disparity in our social standing makes it impossible. Moreover, His Majesty the Emperor would never permit such a union."
Envisioning the Emperor's formidable countenance sent a shiver down Rei's spine, and he swiftly dismissed any reckless notions regarding Roseline. To aspire to someone as precious as the Great Velmora Empire's jewel would undoubtedly result in imprisonment and severe punishment by the Emperor.
"Pfft!" Luminus scoffed, though it offered no further commentary. Even as a mere sword, it could perceive Roseline's affections clearly, yet the oblivious hero remained in denial. Nevertheless, Luminus harbored no anger, content to let events unfold naturally. Sooner or later, Rei would grasp the princess's true feelings.
"Speaking of which, your injuries are quite severe. Wouldn't it be wise to inform the princess? At least with her help, the imperial palace would surely dispatch aid much sooner," Luminus suggested.
But Rei simply shook his head, his refusal resolute.
"No. I don't wish to burden her further. The imperial palace is already in financial distress and facing a food shortage. If news of my need for aid spread, it would undoubtedly cause unrest and even greater chaos. I cannot allow that to happen."
He had been untruthful with Roseline. His injury was not merely severe; it was life-threatening.
The constant internal throbbing of pain prevented him from moving with ease.
Rei cast a dark look at his arm, which was beginning to take on a black hue.
"Hah..." Luminus released a prolonged sigh. "You are truly stubborn. I'm beginning to wonder if you'll even manage to defeat the Demon Emperor later."
Simultaneously, a sense of pride swelled within Luminus. Its master possessed a pure heart, vastly different from the cunning owner of the Eclipse Dark Sword.
"Don't fret. I am confident we will achieve victory in this battle!" Rei proclaimed with a wide, reassuring smile.
Luminus remained quiet, its only hope that Rei's words would indeed become a reality.
â¦
"So, how shall we make our way to the Dragon's Foot Border?" Evalyn inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Nolan stroked his chin, surveying his surroundings before suggesting, "Perhaps purchasing horses would be our best course of action. It's not an excessively long distance—merely a day's travel."
Evalyn concurred, and the pair promptly began their search for a nearby horse vendor.
After fifteen minutes of searching, they finally located a seller and commenced the process of selecting their steeds.
"I shall take this one," Evalyn declared, gently patting a sturdy-looking white horse.
"Oh! An excellent selection, young lady!" the seller exclaimed, his eyes gleaming. "That is a warhorse, so its price is somewhat elevated."
However, Evalyn was far from lacking in wealth. She promptly retrieved Nolan's gold coins and presented them to the seller.
Upon witnessing the five gold coins, the seller's smile broadened considerably.
"Hahaha! It is a pleasure conducting business with you! The horse is yours!" he proclaimed joyfully.
Evalyn smiled and mounted the horse. Initially, the steed reared and bucked violently, attempting to dislodge her.
Yet, with a gentle touch, it gradually subsided. The seller could only watch in utter astonishment.
That particular horse was notoriously unruly and had never been subdued by anyone—not even seasoned soldiers.
Despite its high quality, it was rendered useless if no one could command it.
"I have made my selection."
Nolan's voice emanated from behind her. He was mounting a black horse, a creature of equal caliber to Evalyn's mount.
Nolan tossed eight gold coins to the seller and proceeded to lead his newly acquired horse away.
Evalyn followed close behind him, departing the seller with a bewildered and dumbfounded expression.
He gazed at the pile of gold coins in his hand and murmured, "Is that all? Is this how affluent individuals live?"
