The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne - Chapter 285

285: Central Prison (1) 285: Central Prison (1) “Why do you think that?” Novaria asked, slowly sitting down on the opposite sofa.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Aldric folded his burly arms across his chest.

“She went to the eastern region to handle the crisis there.

Belfor’s arrest happened too suddenly-it has to have something to do with Elina.” “Besides, you should have noticed that Rafine Austin, the daughter of the Austin family, is at her side.

It hasn’t been officially announced, but I’m certain the Austins are backing her.” Recalling his earlier hesitation, anger surged again.

If he had stepped forward boldly to go to the eastern region, the Austin family’s support would have been his.

But he had been timid and indecisive, and now that golden opportunity was lost.

Novaria remained silent as she listened to his logical reasoning.

Yet the more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became.

Back then, in her eyes, Elina had been nothing more than a younger sister inferior to her.

She was a princess, born of a queen, while Elina was the daughter of a mere concubine.

Not just any concubine-Isabella’s status was even lower than the others; she was a commoner without rank.

But everything changed when the succession began.

Elina, once a girl beneath her, had now surpassed her completely in the eyes of noble families and even commoners.

It all happened so fast; it felt as if the world had turned overnight.

Suppressing her jealousy, Novaria took a deep breath and asked, “What will you do now?

Judging by how this case is unfolding, I suspect Belfor Horven will be imprisoned.

The accusations against him are extremely serious.

Even if he survives, his reputation will be ruined, and the Red Obsidian Trading House will suffer a heavy blow.” In commerce, reputation was everything.

Once tarnished, no amount of capital could save a business.

This news would inevitably reach the public, and Belfor’s name would be utterly destroyed in their eyes.

If that happened, the Red Obsidian Trading House would have no future-let alone Zarak, in this battle for the throne.

Aldric fell silent for a moment, staring at the ceiling.

“I will make my move,” he said flatly.

“This battle for the throne has stalled for too long.

This is far from good news for me.

If Zarak is eliminated, I must act decisively-even if it means confronting the Singularity of Chaos behind Elina’s back.” He still couldn’t understand how Elina managed everything so perfectly-even defeating the Red Obsidian Trading House with ease.

One thing, however, was clear: he would not become the next victim.

The only choice was to shift from defense to offense.

Seeing his determination, Novaria felt slightly dazed.

Looking back, everyone involved in this struggle for the throne had their strengths.

But they all shared one thing: ambition and courage.

Only those truly strong-Elina included-possessed both.

No wonder I’m so far behind her, she murmured, a trace of sadness lingering.

I’ve been a coward from the very beginning…

…

“Welcome, Your Highness.” Alvaron greeted Nolan with a warm smile.

Beside him stood Anastasia and Masha, joining in the welcome.

“Brother Nolan!” Masha ran up and hugged his right thigh tightly, her chubby face nuzzling against him like a spoiled kitten.

Nolan felt his heart melt.

Gently, he lifted her into his arms and pinched her little nose.

“How have you been at home?

You’re not misbehaving anymore, are you?” Since bringing Masha back, he had taught her not to run around, though the lesson was hardly needed-she already carried a small fear from nearly being kidnapped.

“Hehehe!” Masha grinned.

“Don’t worry, Brother Nolan!

I’ve been a good little girl!” She turned to Anastasia, seeking confirmation.

“Am I right, Mommy?” Anastasia rolled her eyes.

Since returning, the girl was still as mischievous and unruly as ever.

Of course, compared to before, she had indeed improved.

“Yes, she has become a good and obedient girl.” The emphasis on “good” and “obedient” made Nolan smile involuntarily.

“That’s good.

I’m glad you’ve learned to behave.

But don’t go back to your old tricks, okay?” He reminded her, pinching her right cheek gently.

“Don’t worry!

I won’t!” Masha clenched her tiny fists, her eyes sparkling with adorable determination.

Nolan smiled, rubbing her head affectionately.

Turning to Alvaron and Anastasia, he said, “Forgive me for disturbing you, Duke Austin and Duchess Anastasia.

I hope I haven’t offended you.” “Offended?

How could we be?” Anastasia giggled, waving her left hand.

“On the contrary, we’re delighted by your visit.” Alvaron nodded in agreement.

“What Anastasia says is right, Your Highness.

Let’s go inside and talk.” Nolan did not refuse, and they walked in together.

… The city of Ostravia was bustling.

People filled the streets, shopping or simply sightseeing.

The economy felt more vibrant than before, back when the sea monster had still lived, disrupting supply lines for merchants from neighboring kingdoms and empires.

Although Ostravia was not a port city, it was the hub of the eastern region.

Goods from surrounding cities naturally converged there before being transported to the Imperial capital.

“The city is much livelier than when I last came,” Nolan murmured from behind the carriage window, his eyes scanning the streets with admiration.

In truth, he had left Ostravia only about two weeks ago.

Yet the changes were so rapid that anyone would be surprised.

“It’s all thanks to the sea monster’s death.

Without that, Ostravia and other cities wouldn’t have felt such an impact,” Alvaron said softly, with a hint of a sigh.

To be honest, this incident had made him realize that the eastern region, while appearing strong on the surface, was fragile at its core.

Just one monster had been enough to shake the entire economy, and poverty was spreading rapidly.

In the past few days, he had begun considering a shift in the eastern region’s economy-from relying on marine products to developing manufacturing industries, much like the Valmire family had done.

Of course, the idea was extremely difficult to implement and required vast amounts of capital.

Detailed planning was essential, and outside assistance, such as from the Blue Moon Trading House, would be necessary.

Alvaron looked at Nolan with excitement and anticipation.

Feeling that gaze made Nolan uneasy.

Before he could say anything, the carriage came to a halt, and a man’s voice called from behind the door: “Duke Alvaron, Prince Nolan, we have arrived at the central prison.”