The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 729 Seeking Answers

Within the confines of the tent…

"W-Wait a moment… You… You're a human from Earth? How is this possible?"

Rei pointed a trembling finger at Nolan, his jaw slack with disbelief.

Nolan casually leaned back in his chair, replying with an unnerving calmness, "Indeed, I am from Earth. And I originate from the very same epoch as you."

"The same epoch as me?" Rei's breaths grew ragged. "N-No… That defies logic. I mean… even if we hail from the same time period, our presence in this realm is separated by an immense chasm of years."

Nolan had materialized a millennium after Rei, yet they were contemporaries.

Rei found the concept utterly incomprehensible.

"It is likely due to discrepancies in the temporal flow," Nolan posited. "A single year on Earth could equate to hundreds of years within this world—or perhaps even more. What is undeniable is the existence of time dilation between our two planes of existence. Considering the vast cosmic distance separating Earth and this world, potentially spanning hundreds, millions, or even billions of light-years, this phenomenon is not entirely unexpected. After all, time is relative."

Rei pondered Nolan's explanation. While still grappling with confusion, a sliver of understanding began to dawn.

He regained his composure, then fixed his gaze intently upon Nolan.

"In that case… why did you choose to reveal your identity to me?" he inquired tentatively.

Rei mused that had he been in Nolan's situation, he would never have disclosed being a transmigrant.

This was a particularly sensitive revelation, especially since Nolan had been reborn rather than summoned.

"It is precisely because I seek to earn your trust," Nolan stated evenly. "Were you unaware that I am also a transmigrant from Earth, you would undoubtedly harbor suspicion and be disinclined to answer my inquiries."

Rei weighed Nolan's words and found them to possess a certain logic.

"You need not entertain any worries. I harbor no ill intentions towards you," Nolan assured him. "There is, however, one matter I am eager to ascertain—how were you summoned to this world?"

According to the annals of history, heroes were typically brought forth through a sacred ritual orchestrated by powerful sorcerers residing on this continent.

Yet, Nolan harbored doubts. The notion of magic capable of bridging two distinct worlds seemed improbable.

Even if such a feat were achievable, the ritual would undoubtedly demand an astronomical expenditure of resources. Nolan himself had attempted to replicate such a process.

He had delved deeply into numerous incantations pertaining to spatial and temporal manipulation, subsequently endeavoring to establish a connection with Earth.

Regrettably, all his efforts culminated in failure, leaving him consumed by frustration and disappointment at the time.

"I was summoned via a ritual performed by esteemed mages from across the globe. As for the specific arcane arts they employed, I confess complete ignorance. Furthermore, I possess no aptitude for magic," Rei responded, a shake of his head conveying his lack of knowledge.

Nolan's expression flickered with disappointment. Nevertheless, upon reflection, it was understandable that Rei would be oblivious to the intricacies involved.

After all, Rei had once been an ordinary individual. Matters of advanced magic would naturally remain foreign to him.

"I comprehend," Nolan nodded, then shifted the focus of their conversation. "However, do you recall the visages of the mages who orchestrated your summoning? Or perhaps their location?"

If Rei possessed no recollection, Nolan would be compelled to undertake the arduous task of seeking out these enigmatic sorcerers himself.

"I do!" Rei exclaimed with immediate certainty. "The majority hailed from the Tower of Silence, while the remainder were affiliated with the Falling Star Magic Academy."

The mention of those two renowned institutions caused Nolan's eyebrows to arch subtly. He had already held a suspicion that the summoning mages were linked to these ancient establishments.

Nevertheless, hearing it confirmed directly by Rei brought a surprising jolt.

"I see. Would it be possible for you to enumerate the names of these mages? Should your memory fail you, then perhaps describe their distinctive features," Nolan requested.

Rei readily agreed, without a moment's hesitation. He retrieved a sheet of paper and a writing instrument from the bedside table, then commenced to meticulously record the names and identifying characteristics of the mages he could recall.

Although they had all concealed their faces behind masks, Rei still retained vivid memories of the colors adorning their masks and their uniquely discernible body types.

Moreover, each of them bore appellations—akin to pseudonyms—and had instructed Rei to address them as such.

Upon completion, he presented the paper to Nolan.

"This is the extent of my recollection. My apologies if it proves to be of limited assistance."

Nolan accepted the document, a smile gracing his lips.

"Not at all. Your help is greatly appreciated."

He then rose from his seat, an action that caught Rei by surprise.

"Are you departing already?" he inquired with a degree of caution in his voice.

"Yes," Nolan affirmed with a nod, offering an explanation. "I must attend to certain pressing matters. Incidentally, I would be most grateful if you would look after Evalyn for me. Should she inquire about my whereabouts, please inform her that I am occupied with a matter of great importance. And…"

Nolan's demeanor shifted, becoming decidedly more serious. "I neglected to mention the primary reason for our temporal excursion. It pertains directly to both you and Evalyn. She is encountering significant difficulties with her cultivation—specifically, an inability to inherit your unique combat techniques. Concurrently, the heir to the Asbourne lineage—the very family of the Hero of Darkness—has achieved mastery over his ancestral legacy. Furthermore…"

Nolan swiftly grasped the core of Evalyn's predicament.

Rei listened intently until comprehension dawned.

"The ten-year tournament, you say?" Rei's eyes narrowed. "Did this tournament arise from the future conflict between Lucas and myself?"

Nolan offered no rebuttal. "Precisely. In times to come, you and the Hero of Darkness would clash over Princess Roseline. Despite your eventual victory, the rivalry would fester and intensify across generations, ultimately erupting into a major war. Fortunately, the imperial family stepped in, transforming the conflict into a decennial tournament."

Rei's expression became one of complex bewilderment. He had not foreseen such a future unfolding.

While he and Lucas occasionally butted heads, their disputes were always rooted in matters of war strategy, never a woman.

Who could have imagined their future animosity would center on a woman?

"I am issuing a warning," Nolan stated with icy resolve. "Do not attempt to divert the river of history. I am confident you have already perceived Princess Roseline's affections for you. That woman cherishes you deeply, and she will invariably choose you, regardless of any shifts Evalyn and I might introduce. Do not suppress your own sentiments, nor surrender Princess Roseline to the Hero of Darkness. Such an act would be tantamount to inflicting pain upon her."

He recognized Rei as the inherently kind-hearted sort, prone to self-sacrifice for others' benefit. This understanding fueled Nolan's imperative to caution him against any rash actions.

Although Nolan maintained certainty that the established course of history would remain unaltered, he still desired the presence of the Lionheart family in any conceivable timeline.

After all, he now regarded Evalyn as a sister and held no wish to lose her—even if it meant in an alternate reality.

Rei offered a wry smile. "I... understand."

Had Nolan not offered his counsel, he might very well have committed such a foolish act.

Furthermore, would his perceived "ideal outcome" truly align with Roseline's own desires?

The answer, unequivocally, was no.

"I'm relieved to hear that." Nolan's smile conveyed satisfaction as he clapped Rei on the shoulder. "You are a hero, much like the protagonists in fantasy epics. Do not relinquish the woman you love simply out of misplaced sympathy for the Hero of Darkness."

Rei's face brightened considerably at these words.

"You are absolutely right!" Rei declared, nodding with evident gratitude towards Nolan. "Thank you for setting me straight, Nolan Lorian!"