The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne - Chapter 283

283: All Parties’ Views (1) 283: All Parties’ Views (1) Morning…

“In that case, I’ll go first,” Nolan said, looking at Anna in front of him.

The woman felt a wave of sadness, but she forced a smile onto her face.

“Be careful,” she replied softly.

“Don’t worry, I will take good care of the Castellan family, just as you wanted.

As much as possible, I want to be of use to you.” Her voice carried seriousness and determination, which made Nolan slightly surprised.

He studied her sincere expression and couldn’t help but smile.

“Good.

I’ll hold you to that promise.” Anna’s smile widened at his words.

Her promise to Nolan felt like a bond between them, ensuring they wouldn’t be complete strangers after parting.

Suddenly, she stepped forward and stopped right in front of him.

She looked up, gazing at his handsome features, which made her heart race.

Yet she quickly suppressed the feeling and smoothed his collar before stepping back.

“Now you look more groomed,” she said, offering a sweet smile.

Nolan chuckled softly and gave a small nod.

“Thank you.” After a few more words, Nolan finally entered the waiting carriage and slowly disappeared from view.

Watching him leave, Anna felt a deep sadness, a sharp ache in her chest.

But recalling her promise to Nolan-to be a strong leader of the family-she pushed the pain aside and swore silently, I must keep my promise.

Only then will I be worthy of His Highness and able to support him through every hardship…

*** Inside the carriage, Nolan sat leisurely.

His right leg was crossed, and both eyes were closed, as if he were asleep.

Suddenly, a purple light shimmered, and Malverna’s figure appeared from it.

She sat beside him, gazing at him with a playful expression.

“So, where are we heading now?

Are you really going back to the Imperial Palace?” Nolan opened his left eye and looked at her with mild irritation.

“Why do you always show up here?

Didn’t I ask you to look after my sister?” Malverna rolled her eyes.

“Your sister is in the western region meeting with the noble families there.

Listening to their endless chatter was boring, so I decided to come see you instead.” The western and eastern regions were far apart.

By horse-drawn carriage, the journey could take days-or even longer.

But that didn’t concern him.

He had already implanted his mark on Elina’s shadow, allowing it to travel instantly at any time.

Nolan merely sighed, showing no anger.

Although Malverna was technically his slave, he didn’t feel the need to restrict her freedom.

As long as she fulfilled her duties, that was enough.

“We’ll go to the Austin family mansion first.

I gave word of my arrival yesterday,” Nolan explained casually.

“Oh?” Malverna’s curiosity piqued.

“Do you plan to finish off Belfor and his two subordinates?” Nolan raised an eyebrow, doubtful.

“How do you know?” “Huh!

Do you think I’m stupid?” Malverna snorted.

“Belfor is under arrest for the accusations against him.

He’s in the Ostravia city detention center, so your visit must have something to do with him.” Her tone carried pride, as if she had just solved the world’s most impossible serial killer case.

Nolan burst out laughing, clapping his hands.

“How clever!

I didn’t expect your IQ to increase this much.

If you keep following me, I’m sure even a hundred traitorous disciples like that Demon Emperor who deceived you won’t be able to fool you.” Malverna smiled, pleased with the praise.

But the next moment, her brow furrowed, as if she sensed something odd.

“Was that a compliment… or mockery?” she asked instinctively.

“Of course it’s a compliment,” Nolan replied casually.

Malverna was silent for a moment before giving a small nod.

Still, she couldn’t completely shake the doubt that it might have been mockery.

Seeing this, Nolan wanted to laugh again but restrained himself.

If he didn’t, she would likely go mad, and that would be troublesome later.

“Oh, right.

I have a favor to ask,” Nolan said, straightening up.

“Please make me some coffee.

I’m very thirsty.” Malverna: “…” She was a great demon empress.

How could a mere human order her to make coffee?

Yet she didn’t argue.

With a cold snort, she rose to her feet.

You’ll see.

Once I’m stronger than you, I’ll make you my slave and force you to make me coffee every second!

she vowed silently.

Nolan, of course, had no idea what she was thinking.

Even if he did, he would only laugh mockingly and say, “Dreaming is fine, but try to keep it within reason, okay?” …

“What?

Are you kidding me?

How can that be?” Standing at his desk, Zarak was dumbfounded by the letter in his hands.

It stated that his grandfather, Belfor Horven, had been arrested by the eastern region authorities.

The charges were grave-money laundering, investment fraud, falsifying documents, and more.

These crimes were severe enough that his grandfather could face life imprisonment-or perhaps even the death penalty.

“Impossible… This is impossible!

There’s no way my grandfather could have done this!” Zarak roared in frustration, shaking his head.

Tears welled in his eyes as he tore the letter into tiny pieces.

He collapsed to the floor, his face flushed with anguish.

“That can’t be true!

I’m sure of it… I’m sure of it…” His fists clenched tightly as he kept convincing himself the news was false.

But the letter had come directly from his grandfather’s subordinates.

It couldn’t possibly be a lie.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself up and staggered out of the room.

“I have to ask Mother about this.

Yes… I have to…” Meanwhile, at that very moment, a stunningly beautiful woman stood in silence, absentmindedly reading the message she had just received.

She was Zarak’s mother, Ragan’s sixth wife-Melinda Horven.

Normally, she was a strong woman who carried herself with authority, coldness, and sternness.

But now, all those traits seemed to vanish, swept away like dust in the wind.

“How can this be?

Why was Father arrested?” She muttered in a daze.

Just moments ago, her maid had delivered a letter-the very one now trembling in her hands.

Its contents were devastating: her father had been arrested on serious charges.

As his daughter, she couldn’t accept it.

Yet the arrest was carried out by the Austin family’s authorities, leaving no room for doubt.

“What truly happened?

Why has Father become a suspect?” She whispered through gritted teeth.

Her bond with her father had always been close.

Yet, ever since giving birth to Zarak, she hadn’t met him in person.

They still exchanged letters from time to time, though not frequently.

And now, after such a long absence, came the shocking news that her father was entangled in such a grave case.

The thought alone terrified her.

Just as confusion and panic threatened to overwhelm her, a maid’s voice came from outside the chamber door.

“Lady Melinda, forgive the intrusion, but Prince Zarak is here to see you.”