The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 970: Elina’s Birthday (2)

"Put the decorations over there. Hey, you, don’t put that there! And you, what are you doing!? Hurry up and move that flower arrangement over there!"

Novaria directed the servants as they decorated the main hall, scolding them from time to time.

In the distance, Elina watched the scene with a helpless smile.

"Her Highness Novaria is so excited. It almost feels like it’s her birthday."

Rafine’s teasing voice came from beside her.

Elina chuckled softly.

"You’re right. But honestly, I’m really happy. This is the first time Novaria has been this excited about my birthday."

Novaria used to be so arrogant. On her own birthday, she never even gave Elina a gift.

Of course, Elina didn’t really care. She wasn’t the kind of person who expected gifts from others.

Still, seeing Novaria change like this made her a little happy.

"By the way, what about the invited guests? Who’s coming?"

Rafine opened the document in her hand.

"Everyone coming is either a noble from the eastern region who supports you or one of your supporters from the southern and western regions. There’s just one problem with the nobles from the north. Apparently, Duke Ashavle has been putting pressure on them, making it hard for them to leave the northern region. Because of that, not all of them will be able to make it tonight."

Hearing that, Elina’s expression turned cold.

"Cedric never stops resorting to underhanded tactics," she snorted.

But there was nothing she could do about it now. The northern region was under Cedric’s influence, so she was truly powerless to help them.

"What about Marquis Caltheron? Will he be coming?"

Rafine gave a slight nod.

"Marquis Caltheron and his family will be coming. Oh, right, I almost forgot something."

She tapped her forehead.

"Marquis Caltheron asked for permission to bring someone along with his entourage. Is that okay?"

"Someone?" Elina raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Marquis Caltheron didn’t mention the person’s name, but he said it’s someone he trusts. I also heard that this person helped the cities of Valmiris and Lunaris overcome the sudden drought."

Rafine’s admiration was evident in her voice.

Elina was surprised.

"How did that person manage to do that?"

The drought was becoming a problem not only in the southern regions but also in the east.

Several nobles had already reported the problem to her and asked for her help. Unfortunately, she had no solution.

"According to our spies’ reports, that person used groundwater to irrigate the rice fields and plantations in both cities."

Elina blinked in surprise.

"Groundwater? Is that even possible?"

She had heard from her tutor when she was a child that water wasn’t only found in rivers but could also be found underground.

But extracting it was extremely difficult. At least, as far as she knew, there wasn’t any technology capable of doing it.

"I don’t really understand it either."

Rafine shook her head.

"One thing’s for sure—that person can do it. Maybe you can ask them about it later."

"You’re right."

Hope and excitement filled Elina’s face.

She couldn’t wait to meet someone so innovative.

...

That night...

Virella was usually bustling at night, but tonight was different.

Hundreds of horse-drawn carriages arrived from all across the empire.

The citizens who watched the procession of noble carriages couldn’t help but marvel.

Discussions broke out among the people of Virella.

For those who had once lived in hardship, seeing so many noble carriages arriving from all directions was a rare sight.

Meanwhile, in front of the mayor’s mansion, hundreds of horse-drawn carriages were lined up neatly.

One of those carriages belonged to Marquis Caltheron.

"Wow! Brother Nolan, look! It’s so crowded!"

Alicia peeked out the window and pointed at the seemingly endless line of carriages behind them.

Nolan peeked out as well and smiled.

"You’re right. It’s really crowded."

Fortunately, they had arrived just in time, so they didn’t have to wait too long for their turn.

Ten minutes later, their carriage finally came to a stop. Orlan was the first to step out, followed by Syra and Alicia, and finally Nolan.

"Welcome, Marquis Caltheron," the servants and soldiers greeted them.

Orlan smiled in response.

"This is your first time at a party like this, Nolan. I hope you’ll get used to it," Orlan said, patting Nolan on the shoulder.

Nolan simply smiled and nodded.

He was a prince. What kind of party hadn’t he attended before?

But he didn’t say that. He knew there was no point.

"Marquis Orlan! It’s great to see you!"

Several nobles, including viscounts and counts, approached Orlan and his family.

Orlan greeted them casually.

After exchanging a few words with him, they greeted Syra and Alicia before turning toward Nolan. They looked surprised.

"Who is this handsome young man, Marquis Orlan?" one of the viscounts asked.

Orlan chuckled and patted Nolan on the shoulder.

"His name is Nolan Frey, and he’s my daughter’s private tutor. Nolan, let me introduce you. These are the heads of several viscount and count families."

Orlan introduced them one by one.

Nolan didn’t know them very well. After all, nobles of their rank had never been important enough to catch his attention back when he was a prince.

But thanks to Orlan’s introduction, he finally got to know them.

"Earning praise from Marquis Orlan shows that you have talent, Nolan Frey. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I’ll be happy to help."

The speaker was Viscount Beerley from the eastern region.

"What do you mean, Viscount Beerley? Are you trying to steal Nolan from the Caltheron family?"

Orlan feigned displeasure.

Viscount Beerley was taken aback before bursting into laughter.

"Don’t get the wrong idea, Marquis Orlan. I just want to build a good relationship with him. Who knows? I might need his help someday," he joked.

The others laughed along.

They continued chatting casually as they made their way inside.

Nolan followed behind. When he saw the living room, which felt strangely familiar but had been transformed into a banquet hall, he couldn’t help but look a little dazed.

It had been more than six months since he last saw Elina. It would be a lie to say he didn’t miss her.

The hall was bustling with nobles from all walks of life.

"Nolan, I’m going to say hello to Princess Elina first. You go ahead and enjoy the party."

Nolan didn’t mind. After the three of them left, he took a glass of wine from a passing server and took a sip.

He chose to keep a low profile. After all, he had no identity here other than being a guest brought along by Orlan.

"Hey, are you alone?"

Nolan was startled by the voice.

He turned around and saw a beautiful blonde woman wearing an elegant red dress.

He immediately recognized her—Rafine Austin.