The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 746 Sylvia’s Struggles (2)

Nolan and Sylvia were seated closely together by the side of a tranquil lake, Sylvia in a curled-up posture, her chin resting upon her knees.

"So, what is it you wish to discuss with me?" Nolan inquired calmly.

Sylvia emitted a soft sigh, tilting her head back to gaze at the expanse of the night sky. "Before I begin… please promise not to laugh, alright?"

Nolan gave a nod. "Naturally. Speak your mind. I am here to listen."

His assurance offered Sylvia a measure of relief. She pressed her lips together briefly before commencing her narrative.

"Actually…"

An interval of thirty minutes passed.

Sylvia had finally concluded her account, and Nolan now grasped the nature of her anxieties.

'Abuse and prejudice, is it?' Nolan mused silently.

The predicament Sylvia was confronting had been a subject of his contemplation for the preceding several days.

Sylvia, an elf, belonged to a race that was widely regarded by humans with suspicion and unease.

This sentiment was not entirely unanticipated. The humans of this particular era exhibited a certain narrow-mindedness, lacking a full acceptance of diversity, a stark contrast to the humans of Nolan’s own time.

Nolan exhaled a slow breath and reclined onto the soft grass. Positioning his hands behind his head as a makeshift pillow, he then posed the question, "And how do you feel now? After enduring their jeers and disparagements, did you experience anger? Did a desire to eliminate them all arise within you?"

The query visibly startled Sylvia. She regarded Nolan with an expression akin to disbelief, then responded with a voice tinged with tremor, "N-No… I hadn't considered matters to such an extent. I-I am merely saddened."

A subtle smile touched Nolan’s lips. "That is good. Do not allow your thoughts to stray in such directions. Even if they show you prejudice, do not retaliate with malice. It will not resolve anything – on the contrary, it will only plunge you into greater difficulties."

Had it been anyone else, Nolan might have offered counsel like, "Why hesitate? Strike back and prove your superiority! Teach them a lesson with brute force!"

Regrettably, such advice was untenable for Sylvia. After all, this young lady was destined to become the future leader of the Tower of Silence.

If he were to instill the notion of meeting discrimination with ruthlessness, it could potentially unleash catastrophe upon the world in the future.

It was a known fact that, in time, Sylvia would attain the level of 'Beyond the World,' a transcendent state achieved by a mere handful of individuals throughout history.

One could only speculate upon the terrifying potential she would wield should she ever turn against humankind.

"In truth, resolving this issue is quite straightforward, Sylvia," Nolan stated gently. "All that is required of you is to cultivate greater strength."

Sylvia paused, murmuring involuntarily, "Cultivate strength?"

"Precisely." Nolan nodded, then pushed himself to an upright position. He reached out and affectionately patted Sylvia upon the head.

"Once you attain considerable strength, you will be able to acquire anything your heart desires. Even those who now deride you will eventually grovel at your feet. They will offer flattery, lavish praise, and readily perform any deed simply to curry your favor."

Sylvia listened with rapt attention, visualizing his words.

The countenances that once regarded her with disdain gradually transformed. They were now smiling, commending her, proclaiming her unparalleled excellence.

Sylvia swallowed audibly and inquired with a wavering voice, "B-Brother Nolan… is what you say truly? Can I truly attain anything I desire simply by becoming stronger?"

"Naturally. I have never deceived you, and you are aware of this, are you not?" Nolan replied, tenderly pinching Sylvia’s soft, rounded cheek.

"Y-Yes! You would never lie to me!" Sylvia affirmed with conviction.

Despite their acquaintance spanning only a few days, Sylvia recognized that Nolan was not the sort to utter falsehoods or harbor any ill will towards her.

"Excellent." Nolan expressed his satisfaction with a smile. "Then your sole focus must be diligent study and the pursuit of greater power. Disregard all else. In the years that follow, you shall witness firsthand the transformation in the attitudes of those who currently look down upon you. This is an immutable law of existence."

This principle held true for Nolan himself as well.

Should he choose to reveal his true identity as the Singularity of Chaos, he felt it was highly probable his father would alter his treatment of him.

It was even conceivable that the contest for the throne could be entirely obviated, with the crown simply being bestowed upon him.

And even if such an action defied established tradition, Ragan would likely remain unconcerned. Provided the Great Velmora Empire could endure for millennia, the violation of a single precedent would be of little consequence.

It was precisely for these reasons that Nolan opted against revealing his identity. Beyond his aversion to the mantle of responsibility, he also wished to avoid becoming the focal point of attention wherever he went.

"An immutable law of existence…" Sylvia echoed, her expression one of adorable solemnity.

She drew a deep breath, lifted her chin, and met Nolan’s gaze with a newfound resolve.

"I understand! I will dedicate myself to diligent study and become the most powerful individual within the Tower of Silence!" she declared with resounding confidence, clenching her small fists.

Nolan nodded, a sense of contentment washing over him. For reasons unknown, this young girl evoked memories of a youthful Elina.

Elina had been characterized by her spirited nature and unwavering obstinacy – much like Sylvia, who sat beside him at that moment.

"Very well, let us depart then."

Nolan rose to his feet, nonchalantly brushing the clinging dirt from his attire.

"Go where?" Sylvia inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Nolan grinned, suggesting, "I heard about a night market in Solen. Fancy a look?"

Sylvia's eyes initially sparkled with delight, but her excitement soon gave way to a flicker of apprehension.

"I have never ventured beyond this tower. If I were to leave, I fear my master would be displeased."

The Great Sage Moracle maintained a rigorous discipline, often reprimanding Sylvia for even the most minor of errors.

However, among her myriad regulations, the prohibition against leaving the tower premises was the most absolute. Sylvia had adhered to this rule without fail, leaving her uncertain of her master's potential reaction to its transgression.

Nevertheless, she could vividly imagine the intense displeasure her master would exhibit if such a rule were broken.

"No need to fret about that. Should your master express her displeasure, I shall handle the confrontation," Nolan stated with unwavering confidence.

"Oh? Are you truly willing? But my master is a mage of Celestial-level standing. She is renowned as the most formidable in the entire Tower of Silence," Sylvia responded with a hint of nervousness.

"Only Celestial? Please, relax. My strength far surpasses that of your master," Nolan declared, tapping his chest with a flourish.

Even if the Great Sage Moracle had achieved a level beyond the World itself, Nolan would remain utterly unfazed.

After a moment of deliberation, Sylvia finally gave her assent.

"Very well… I shall place my trust in you!"

Nolan let out a soft chuckle and extended his right hand.

"Let us depart."

***

The city of Solen thrummed with vitality, even as darkness enveloped the land. Its inhabitants eschewed sleep, instead embracing the cool evening air for leisurely strolls with their companions.

While its populace did not match the future scale of Solen City, the thoroughfares still exuded an atmosphere of lively activity and a considerable crowd.

"Incredible! Is this truly Solen City? It is so full of energy!" Sylvia gasped in sheer wonder.

She pulled her hood lower, obscuring her features from the surrounding populace, keen to avoid revealing her elven heritage.

Walking beside her, Nolan, too, was struck by the scene. He had never witnessed Solen City under the cloak of night and had not anticipated such a vibrant spectacle.

"Would you care to sample something?" Nolan proposed.

Sylvia pondered for a moment, tapping her chin, before declaring, "I wish to acquire some sweets from that particular stall!"

She gestured towards a vendor situated a short distance away.

Nolan’s smile widened. "Understood. Let us proceed."