The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne - Chapter 413
Chapter 413: Plans in the Dark
“Accept our worship, Demon Emperor!”
“Accept our worship, Demon Emperor!”
“We live for you, and we die for you!”
“We live for you, and we die for you!”
In a vast, silent, dark cave, fifteen figures clad in black cloaks knelt before a towering statue.
The statue depicted a man five meters tall. His face was stern and cold, framed by slightly pointed ears reminiscent of an elf.
His hair was short, and his right hand gripped a black sword.
The statue loomed in a proud, commanding stance. Any onlooker would feel a chill of fear, for it was the very figure that had brought the continent to the brink of ruin—the Demon Emperor, Zerathos.
As the fifteen cloaked worshippers chanted, the sound of footsteps echoed from a passageway to the right.
Soon, a tall man in a black cloak and mask appeared.
The fifteen figures flinched slightly. When they recognized him, they immediately ceased their worship of the statue.
One of them rose and stepped forward, then knelt on one knee.
“What is the order, Herald?” he asked.
The herald stopped two meters away, reached into his pocket, and pulled out an aged, brown scroll.
He unrolled it and said, “The Apostle has issued an order.”
At once, the other fourteen knelt, their obedience immediate, as if the decree had come directly from an emperor.
The herald studied them for a moment before continuing, “Today, the Apostle has sensed the presence of the Demon Emperor Zerathos. It seems the Demon Emperor has risen from the dead.”
Upon hearing this, everyone froze. Moments later, broad smiles spread across their faces.
The Demon Emperor had finally returned!
For a thousand years, the cult of the Underworld Gate had searched for the Demon Emperor’s reincarnation, and at last, their long wait had come to an end.
The Emperor—their god—had risen to guide them toward righteousness.
Sensing their joy, the herald couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.
He continued, “The Apostle senses the Demon Emperor’s presence in a distant land—the Great Velmora Empire. Coincidentally, today they are celebrating the empire’s anniversary. A grand feast will be held tonight at the imperial palace.”
“For that reason…” He paused, then spoke in a colder tone. “We will give them a special gift.”
When he said “special,” his voice carried a playful hint, as if he were imagining something amusing.
Everyone felt their hearts race.
It must be remembered that their enemy—those who had destroyed the Underworld Gate—was the Great Velmora Empire.
In the past, their comrades had been brutally massacred by the Emperor and the four dukes.
Because of this, their hatred for the empire ran so deep that every new generation devoted themselves to thoughts of revenge.
And now, the chance they had been waiting for had finally come, lifting their spirits.
“All right, that’s all,” the herald said.
He rolled up the scroll and slipped it back into his pocket.
“Tonight’s mission is crucial. Inform the others. We will attack with everything we have. Consider this a welcome gift for the Demon Emperor,” he said calmly. “I’ll report this to the other higher‑ups. Don’t worry—this attack will go perfectly.”
A thin, mocking smile formed behind his mask.
…
Time passed quickly. The morning ceremony concluded without a hitch.
The presence of the five candidates for the throne on stage heightened tension among the noble families.
Some previously neutral parties finally made their choice.
Among the candidates, Elina and Cedric gained the most new supporters.
The two had become fierce rivals—Elina backed by the Austin family, Cedric by the Ashvale family.
The support of a duke’s family was not something to take lightly. They were the supreme rulers of the four regions, and their influence was decisive.
For example, the Malvain family supported Aldric.
Their backing led many noble families in the southern region to throw their support behind Aldric.
Although the Austin and Ashvale families didn’t use their power to pressure others, their influence was undeniable, rallying strong support for their chosen candidates.
By contrast, Cassian was clearly the weakest. His grandfather may have been a minister in the Empire, but their reach was limited.
As a result, only a few noble families approached him to offer their support.
Boom!
“Damn it! Why do I always lose to them?”
In his room, Cassian slammed his fist against the desk.
The wood cracked slightly, and his hand turned red.
After the ceremony, an event was held for the leaders of noble families to greet the candidates for the throne.
Cassian saw countless noble families crowding around his rivals, while only a handful approached him—mostly barons with little real influence.
Faced with this harsh reality, how could he possibly remain strong and composed?
If only he had been born to a mother as powerful as Aldric’s, Cedric’s, or Adalen’s and had the luck of someone like Elina, he would not be the weakest among the candidates.
“Fate is truly unfair! The gods are despicable!” Cassian cursed, gritting his teeth.
At this rate, he had no chance of winning the battle for the throne.
“Fate is never fair. The wretched gods have toyed with mortal lives since the dawn of time. To rise, you need power, Cassian Lorian. Tell me—are you willing to surrender your body?”
Zerathos’ cold, indifferent voice echoed in his mind.
Cassian snapped out of his anger and snorted, “Don’t count on it, Demon Emperor Zerathos. This is nothing. I can endure it and defeat my siblings later.”
His voice sounded confident, but anyone perceptive would notice the doubt he was trying to hide.
“You can’t hide your feelings from me, Cassian Lorian. After all, you are me, and I am you,” Zerathos taunted.
His words irritated Cassian. In truth, Zerathos’ presence inside his body frightened him.
Who could guarantee the man wouldn’t seize control someday without warning?
As if sensing his anxiety, Zerathos let out a low chuckle. “Don’t worry so much. The truth is, I can’t take over your body unless you allow it. If I could, I would’ve done so long ago.”
His explanation sounded reasonable, and Cassian slowly relaxed.
“How about this—I’ll lend you my power and help you ascend the throne. And in exchange, you will give me your body in the future.”