The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne - Chapter 284

284: All Parties’ Views (2) 284: All Parties’ Views (2) “Mother!” Zarak called out frantically, running toward her.

His face was pale as he clutched her tightly.

“What happened to Grandfather?

Is it true?” he asked between his sobs.

He had been very close to Belfor.

Despite his stern demeanor, Belfor had always been caring and loving toward him.

And Zarak loved his grandfather just as much, who had always looked after him.

Melinda rubbed Zarak’s back, trying to calm him.

“I just heard the news myself.

I’m not sure if it’s true, but my gut tells me it is.

I’ll speak with your father first.

Just wait here, okay?” Zarak nodded silently and released her embrace.

“All right, Mother.

But if it’s true, please ask Father to help save him.

Otherwise…” His words trailed off, but Melinda quickly caught his drift-the succession to the throne.

Her father was Zarak’s main supporter in this battle, so his position was crucial.

If her father were punished severely, the Red Obsidian Trading House would face serious trouble, and her son would be affected as well.

It wasn’t impossible that Zarak could be directly eliminated in this battle for the throne.

After exchanging a few more words, Melinda hurried from the courtyard to the study where Ragan was.

…

“Oh?

What interesting news!” Cedric blinked in surprise.

“Is this for real?” His gaze fell on the golden letter in his hand.

It reported Belfor’s arrest by the eastern region authorities.

What was most shocking was the number of accusations leveled against him.

By law, Belfor would face severe punishment-perhaps even life imprisonment.

“The news is genuine, Your Highness.

It came directly from our spies in the eastern region,” the black-cloaked man standing before him replied.

Cedric merely chuckled, folding the letter and placing it on the table.

“Apparently, someone is working behind the scenes to bring down Zarak and the Red Obsidian Trading House,” he muttered, taking a sip of tea.

“Who do you think is responsible, Code 01?” He glanced at the black-cloaked man with an indifferent look.

Code 01 hesitated for a moment before answering, “Could it be Prince Aldric?” Among the princes, only Aldric posed a real threat, with considerable power.

To Jason, he seemed the likely culprit.

“No, it’s not him,” Cedric said with a faint smile.

Crossing his right leg over his left, he continued, “Aldric is strong, but the Malvain family’s influence lies in the south.

Meanwhile, the Austin family governs the eastern region, where the Red Obsidian Trading House operates.” Each Duke’s authority was limited to his own territory.

While Aldric was powerful, his mother’s family ruled only the south and had no sway in the east.

Code 01 paused before asking, “Is it Prince Adalen?” “Not him either,” Cedric replied.

“In that case, there are only two possibilities: Princess Elina and Prince Cassian.” Cedric nodded.

“Between the two, who seems more likely to be behind Belfor Horven’s capture?” “I’d lean toward Princess Elina.

As I recall, she handled the sea monster issue in the eastern region, right?

Everything seems too coincidental-so I believe it’s her,” Code 01 said firmly.

“Your thoughts mirror mine,” Cedric said, nodding.

“But one question remains-how did Elina manage it?” He recalled that Elina had returned to the palace nearly two weeks ago with Rafine.

Despite his doubts, he assumed the Austin family must have lent their support.

Otherwise, how could Rafine have been by her side?

Another question lingered: “The Red Obsidian Trading House is powerful, so how did Belfor get caught and face so many accusations?” “Your Highness, I’m not sure if this is related, but I have some news I haven’t shared yet,” Code 01 said seriously.

“About a week ago, the Marquis Valmire family attacked the Marquis Castellan family.

I’m sure you heard about it, right?” Cedric nodded slowly.

“Yes, I heard.

But what does that have to do with this?” Code 01 took a deep breath before continuing.

“After the attack, Rovert Castellan was declared dead, and a large amount of evidence of his crimes came to light-harassment in the eastern region, murder, and more.

The trial was organized to punish the Castellan family for Rovert’s actions.” “Beyond Rovert’s crimes, there was also a party suing the Castellan family for all the losses he caused-and that was the Red Obsidian Trading House!

After that, they…” Code 01 went into detail.

As a member of a special unit under the Prime Minister, he had easy access to information from all four regions.

Moreover, the judge presiding over the trial had been appointed by the palace and naturally maintained close ties to Prime Minister Roswell.

After a while, Code 01 fell silent, and Cedric absorbed all the information.

He squinted and murmured, “So most of this was probably orchestrated by that man named Arthur, huh?

Did he really have a reason to take down the Red Obsidian Trading House?

And if he did, what could it be?

Just because he’s the Castellan family’s representative and attorney?

That doesn’t add up.” If Arthur were truly a member of the Castellan family, it would make sense.

But in reality, he was merely their hired representative and attorney.

“This matter is still unresolved, Your Highness.

However, some of my comrades suspect that the Blue Moon Trading House is behind it all, and that the man named Arthur comes from there,” Code 01 explained.

“Oh?” Cedric looked slightly surprised.

“Then things are starting to make sense.” Who didn’t know about the rivalry between the two trading houses?

Even the poor were aware of it.

Their feud had been in the spotlight for years.

In the end, the Red Obsidian Trading House became the losing party and was effectively eliminated.

“Alright, I understand.

By the way, has Uncle given any instructions?” Cedric asked, sipping his tea.

“Not yet.

However, the Prime Minister sent a message that you must act as soon as possible.

The battle for the throne cannot remain stagnant like this.

Otherwise, a winner will inevitably emerge sooner or later.” “A winner will inevitably emerge?” Cedric’s eyes narrowed.

One name crossed his mind, and a cold smile curved his lips.

“Elina, huh?

That makes sense…” …

“Brother, did you hear the news?” Novaria rushed into Aldric’s room, her steps hurried.

Aldric, sitting on the sofa, gave a small nod.

“I heard.

Is it about Belfor?” “Yes!” Novaria nodded anxiously as she approached him.

“Who do you think did this, Brother?

Cedric, Cassian, or… Elina?” The three names flashed through her mind.

As for Adalen, she doubted he could be involved-after all, his support, the Singularity of Light, was in the Holy Empire of Valtanir.

Aldric fell silent, his expression gradually darkening.

“That would be… Elina.”