The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne

Nolan’s eyes widened—but only for a moment. Calmness quickly returned as he glanced at Evalyn with a meaningful look.

”Are you serious? How did you convince Uncle Luke to support Elina?”

The Uncle Luke in question was the current head of the Lionheart family. He wasn’t an ordinary man but a master swordsman and the empire’s strongest general.

His military achievements were undisputed, earning him admiration and respect from many.

He was known for being stern, decisive, and fiercely loyal to the empire. And precisely because of these traits, many nobles despised him. Luke was the kind of man who was nearly impossible to persuade—let alone bribe.

Still, with the power of the Lionheart family in his hands, no one dared to openly oppose him.

Evalyn chuckled softly. She leaned her face against Nolan’s arm and said, ”Have you forgotten who I am, Nolan? I’m the heiress of the Lionheart family. Sooner or later, that family will be mine. Besides, my father loves me dearly, so convincing him to support Elina wasn’t all that difficult.”

Nolan fell silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

”You’re right,” he murmured. ”In that case, I’m truly grateful. But I can’t take this favor lightly. Just tell me if you ever need anything—I’ll make it happen. Of course, as long as it’s within my limits.”

Evalyn blinked in surprise, then asked, ”Are you sure?”

”I’m sure.” Nolan nodded calmly. ”If I have the courage to say it, then I’ll have the courage to follow through.”

A faint smile appeared on Evalyn’s lips, and her eyes grew more playful.

”Then, I’d like to...” She licked her lips, eyes slowly scanning him from head to toe.

Sensing her hungry gaze, Nolan maintained a calm expression on the surface—but his heart was pounding.

Wait—don’t tell me she actually wants me?! Hiss! I knew it... women are terrifying! He grumbled inwardly.

He knew he was handsome, and he understood that sooner or later, women would start eyeing him.

That was exactly why he always tried to appear plain and unremarkable.

But what he didn’t expect... was that the first woman to show that kind of interest would be Evalyn—his own childhood friend!

”Pfft!” Evalyn suddenly burst into laughter and gave his arm a firm tap. ”What was that expression just now? Are you scared I’ll ask for something weird?”

Nolan coughed but quickly regained his composure. He took a sip of wine before replying, ”How could you think that? I was just wondering... what kind of request a woman might make to a poor man like me.”

”A poor man?” Evalyn shook her head lightly, giving him a helpless look. ”If you’re considered poor, then what does poor even mean?”

She took another sip of wine, then turned away. ”Actually, I don’t need anything from you. Supporting Elina was a choice I made from the heart. She’s my little sister, after all... there’s no way I could let her suffer.”

”But...” Her voice softened as she glanced back at Nolan over her shoulder. ”I know that answer won’t satisfy you. So, I’ll hold on to your promise... for later.”

A teasing smile curled on her lips as she slowly licked them. ”Maybe someday... I really will need it.”

Without waiting for a reply, she walked toward Ragan, who was surrounded by representatives from the other kingdoms.

Nolan watched her retreating figure with a soft chuckle, then downed the rest of his wine in a single gulp.

”She’s still the same as ever.”

As the night wore on, the party grew livelier.

All the invited guests had arrived, and the grand hall was now filled with laughter—from the heads of noble families to their sons and daughters.

Their conversations ranged from territorial governance and problem-solving to forming mutually beneficial alliances.

In many ways, this party wasn’t just a stage for the princes and Elina to win the nobles’ support—it was also a golden opportunity for the noble families to strengthen ties and build new connections.

”Prince Nolan, would you care to join me for a drink? I’d love to get to know you better.”

”Your Highness, I am Lucia Calmiris, daughter of Count Calmiris from the eastern region. May I introduce myself?”

”Your Highness, I...”

”...”

On the right side of the hall, Nolan—who had been standing alone, looking calm and detached—was suddenly surrounded by a group of young noblewomen.

Each one was graceful, well-bred, and beautiful—and of course, came from families of high standing.

There were quite a few of them—more than ten young women, each eager to get closer to the prince and, if possible, establish a relationship with him.

Some of the women formerly in Novaria’s circle had also joined, encircling him with interest.

The sight stirred envy and resentment among the other young men in the hall.

While many had come to the party to forge connections with fellow nobles, some also harbored hopes of finding a future spouse.

After all, this event had brought together nearly every noble family in the empire.

From barons’ daughters to the young ladies of dukes’ families, everyone was gathered under one roof.

Yet the center of attention among the noblewomen was none other than Nolan Lorian—the scandal-ridden prince.

To make matters worse, several of the women flocking around him were ranked among the top ten most beautiful in the empire, only intensifying the jealousy of the young men.

One of them was Allen, standing silently as he gritted his teeth.

”Nolan Lorian...” he muttered under his breath.

Ever since the humiliation he’d suffered at Nolan’s hands, the way the other young nobles looked at him had completely changed.

Despite their polite and respectful behavior, Allen could feel the mockery and disdain lurking behind their eyes.

He was furious, but he no longer dared to act as recklessly as before.

All this time, he had completely misjudged Nolan. The man he had once dismissed as an easy target turned out to be capable, intelligent, and dangerously cunning.

Meanwhile, Nolan, surrounded by young women, looked utterly dumbfounded.

More than their boldness, what shocked him was that some dared to touch his stomach, chest, and even his crotch.

Damn! They really are ruthless! Nolan cursed inwardly.

These women, normally graceful and polite, now seemed like nymphs intent on squeezing the life out of him.

Still, Nolan didn’t push them away or lose his temper.

Instead, he wore a gentle, charming smile—just like a true prince.

Using the sweet, polite words he’d mastered in his previous life, he calmly soothed the crowd.

Fortunately, it worked. The women began to settle down.

Then Nolan subtly explained that he was busy and didn’t have time to talk or drink at the moment.

But he also made a small promise: someday, he would make time for them.

He called this technique ”the art of saying no without hurting.”

Sure enough, with his charming smile and smooth words, the young ladies finally relented—though reluctantly.

Rather than losing interest, they became even more eager, repeatedly reminding him to keep his word.

Once the crowd dispersed, Nolan finally exhaled in relief.

”Phew... That was exhausting,” he whispered softly.

Suddenly, laughter rang out behind him.

”Pfft! Your Highness, you’re surprisingly popular...”

Nolan furrowed his brow as he turned around to see a tall, striking woman wearing a half-face mask.

”You...”