The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne - Chapter 405

405: The Candidates for the Throne Take the Stage (1) 405: The Candidates for the Throne Take the Stage (1) The palace square was filled with the voices of noble family heads.

It was rare for them to gather like this, so they used the moment as best as they could to build connections with other noble families.

Of course, these connections only applied to those who supported the same candidate for the throne.

Meanwhile, those who supported a different candidate kept their distance and stayed alert, even if they came from the same region.

This was natural, considering that the battle for the throne was not only a contest for the candidates but also for the noble families of the Great Velmora Empire.

The winner would gain a fortune, while the loser would face a terrible fate.

Even so, some noble families had not yet declared their support for either candidate.

They were taking advantage of this moment to cooperate with many other families and gain as many benefits as possible.

“Hahaha!

How are you, Orlan?” Aston greeted Orlan beside him with a hearty laugh.

It had been a long time since they last met.

The last time was at the emperor’s birthday party a few months ago.

Orlan smiled and replied, “I’m fine, Aston.

How about you?

Are you okay?” Unlike before, Orlan now looked more alive and energetic, as if the missing pieces of his life had finally returned.

That was understandable.

Orlan had suffered for years because of the mysterious curse that befell his wife.

As a fellow man, Aston understood his situation well.

“I’m fine too,” Aston said with a broad grin, patting his chest.

“Ever since the Castellan family fell and the Valmire family regained control of the weapons industry, I’ve been more relaxed and able to enjoy life.” Previously, he had been completely tormented and could barely sleep.

The Castellan family had been as powerful as the Valmire family, and with support from the Red Obsidian Trading House, the Valmire family had been crushed.

Fortunately, with Nolan’s help, the Castellan family was suppressed until they eventually lost the trial.

By now, Rovert had passed away, and the Castellan family was being run by his wife.

Under Anna’s leadership, the Castellan family shifted their investments and expanded into other sectors that no longer conflicted with the Valmire family.

Orlan sipped his tea and asked, “I’ve heard about that.

Was it Prince Nolan who helped you?” “Yeah.” Aston nodded slightly.

“You know what?

After the emperor’s birthday party ended, I immediately called the prince to the palace garden to talk about something.

And…” He began explaining everything-how he had asked Nolan for help until things finally turned out as they did now.

“I’m really grateful to you, Orlan,” Aston said with a deep sigh.

“Because of you, my family crisis was resolved perfectly.

This is a debt of gratitude I must repay.” “Pfft!” Orlan chuckled softly and waved his hand.

“No need for that, Aston.

At that time, I only gave a bit of advice, nothing more.

The choice to follow it or not was entirely yours.

So your success now is thanks to yourself.” “Tsk!

You’re still the same as ever.” Aston laughed.

Still, he considered Orlan’s help a debt-one he would repay many times over if he ever got the chance.

While the two men were talking, Ena and Syra were also chatting happily.

The two had grown quite close since the emperor’s birthday party.

They even visited each other occasionally to shop or gather with the wives of other noble family heads.

At that moment, the square-previously filled with noise-fell silent.

It was because Ragan was walking calmly toward the stage.

Today, Ragan wore a silver robe and held the royal scepter in his hand.

As usual, he looked incredibly authoritative, radiating a powerful aura that made everyone hold their breath at the same time.

When he reached the center of the stage, he looked over the crowd indifferently and spoke.

“Thank you for coming.” His voice echoed throughout the palace square.

The four dukes stood up, followed by all the noble family heads and their families.

At the same time, they bowed their heads and greeted him, “You’re welcome, Your Majesty.

It is an honor to obey your command.” Ragan nodded in satisfaction and continued, “Today is a special day for the people of the Great Velmora Empire.

The empire we love and protect has managed to survive and prosper for more than a thousand years.

And…” He began his speech casually and calmly.

Everyone listened attentively.

Although his speech was dull, no one dared to complain or show any displeasure.

Finally, after ten minutes, Ragan ended his speech and turned around.

“Before the ceremony officially begins, let us call the candidates in the battle for the throne.” After saying that, he stepped aside, and one by one, the candidates for the throne ascended the stage.

The first was, of course, Aldric.

He wore a black robe that suited him perfectly.

A one-sided black cape hung over his right shoulder, bearing the emblem of a black dragon with red eyes.

Anyone who looked at it would feel pressured-perhaps even tremble.

The black dragon symbolized power and majesty, perfectly matching Aldric’s tall and striking presence.

“Tsk!

Aldric is truly dominant,” Jason muttered with a satisfied smile.

Since childhood, his nephew had carried the aura of a ruler.

That was why he believed Aldric would become emperor one day.

The heads of the southern noble families showed their pride.

They exchanged glances with confident smiles.

Not long after Aldric appeared, Cedric was the second person to step onto the stage.

Unlike the dominant Aldric, Cedric appeared calm and indifferent, as if he had no special traits.

But those who truly knew him understood that behind that expression was a terrifying figure who should never be underestimated.

The Duke of Ashvale nodded in satisfaction and said bluntly, “Prince Cedric is truly remarkable.

Your decision to choose him was not wrong, my dear.” He glanced appreciatively at Margaretta beside him.

“Thank you for your praise, Father.” Margaretta lowered her head.

Damn… Again and again, she’s the one getting praised… Allen gritted his teeth in frustration.

The more his father praised his sister, the more threatened he felt about his position as the heir of the Ashvale family.

This can’t be allowed.

If the position of heir goes to her, Mother and I could die, he whispered, murder flickering clearly in his eyes.

Meanwhile, after Cedric stepped down, Adalen was the next to walk onto the stage.

Unlike the previous two, his appearance astonished everyone-especially the young women from noble families.

As the most handsome prince-at least before Nolan revealed his true appearance-Adalen had many admirers from across the country.

And now, with so many young women from various noble families gathered in one place, his faded reputation was beginning to shine again.

Adalen couldn’t help but laugh inwardly.

Finally, the feeling of being admired has returned, he muttered with a faint smile.

And you, Nolan… You won’t be able to surpass me… hehehe…