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

”You...” Aston snarled, his voice full of anger.

Rovert’s smile and his feigned look of fear were infuriating. The urge to strike him surged, but Aston forced himself to restrain it.

Taking a deep breath, he fixed Rovert with a cold stare and asked, ”How will you answer? Are you ready to pay compensation... or accept your punishment?”

At first, he had considered killing Rovert outright. But he quickly abandoned the idea—it would be pointless.

If Rovert died, the Castellan family would collapse, as there was no successor. Once that happened, the Palace would surely confiscate their authority and property.

Seeking compensation would also be impossible if Rovert was already gone. Thus, demanding payment and charging him with various crimes was the only option.

”Hehehe...” Rovert chuckled softly. He looked at Aston with playful eyes and said, ”Compensation? Aston Valmire, you truly underestimate me. Did you think I would just surrender? Hahaha!”

He burst into laughter, covering half his face with his left palm. ”You’re so stupid, Aston Valmire! I’m someone who never loses—and that doesn’t change, even if you think you have the upper hand!”

With that, he raised his right hand high and shouted, ”Break it for me!”

Aston’s eyes widened as a sense of dread swept over him.

”Not good!” He cried in panic. ”Everyone, run!”

He was about to turn when Rovert grinned coldly and sneered, ”Escape? It’s too late!”

Boom!

An overwhelming force crashed down from the sky, slamming into Aston and his soldiers.

They collapsed helplessly to the ground, their faces pale as cold sweat drenched their backs.

”Argh!” The soldiers groaned in pain.

The pressure was so overwhelming that their bones creaked in agonizing torment.

”Shit! Damn it!” Aston cursed inwardly, his anger burning.

He tried to rise, but the more he struggled, the heavier the pressure became.

Damn, I fell for his trick! Aston snapped, his eyes locking on Rovert with murderous intent.

But he was forgetting one thing—Rovert was a man shrouded in mystery. No one ever knew what he was truly thinking or planning.

And here was Aston, barging confidently into Rovert’s mansion with his soldiers, convinced that victory was already his.

Still, it wasn’t entirely his fault. Who could have guessed Rovert was hiding such power so deeply?

That mysterious pressure could only have come from a magic he had never even heard of.

More importantly, this was far beyond the reach of a Great Mage, an Archmage, or even a Sage.

There was only one explanation left—Rovert was a Celestial Mage!

This bastard really hid himself perfectly, Aston muttered, caught between fear and awe.

”Hehehe...” Rovert chuckled, folding his arms behind his back. ”How does it feel, knowing the victory you thought was within reach was nothing but an illusion? Painful, isn’t it?”

His expression twisted into one of false sorrow, mocking Aston’s plight.

Aston said nothing—not because he lacked the will, but because the crushing force had stolen his breath and pinned his body firmly against the steps, leaving him unable to move.

”By the way, Aston Valmire.” Rovert smiled faintly as he walked closer. His movements were graceful and precise, like a noble lady trained in the art of walking.

He stopped in front of Aston, then crouched down with that same smile still on his lips. Extending his index finger, he gently lifted Aston’s chin.

”To be honest, I didn’t expect you to be this stupid. I had planned to take everything slowly,” he said lightly. ”The attack on one of your factories was just bait. I didn’t think you’d actually fall for it—and even send your troops to Gardian City. That’s really... amazing. I don’t know whether to call you clever or a fool.”

He let out a soft chuckle, his gaze brimming with mockery.

Admittedly, Belfor was the one who first suggested attacking the Valmire family’s factory, but the final decision was his—and he chose to carry it out.

In truth, the factory had never been the target. The real prey was Aston himself.

Rovert had long desired him, waiting for the chance to make him his own.

Now, that chance had arrived, and he had lured Aston straight into his mansion—a perfect trap.

Just imagining playing with Aston’s body was enough to ignite a burning desire within him.

Upon hearing those words, Aston’s hair stood on end. His body stiffened, and fear flickered clearly in his eyes.

Asshole! I’ll kill this man! He roared inwardly.

He knew Rovert harbored strange fetishes, and many had already fallen victim to them. Until now, he hadn’t cared—after all, it wasn’t his business.

But if it was his turn to be prey, there was no way he could remain silent!

He refused to be desecrated by this filthy man!

Aston growled in rage, forcing his body to rise. But his efforts were useless—Rovert only seemed more entertained.

”No matter how hard you try, it’s futile,” Rovert whispered softly, almost lovingly.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Aston cursed inwardly, overflowing with hatred and fury.

Then suddenly, his consciousness was wrenched away. His vision darkened, and his body slumped into unconsciousness. The same fate befell the soldiers beside and behind him.

Rovert nodded in satisfaction as he rose to his feet. Licking his lips with pleasure, he whispered, It’s time to play with Aston. Afterwards, I’ll turn him and all his soldiers into demons. Hehehe...

”Heh... Who would have thought that the head of the Castellan family, so glamorous on the outside, is actually a Celestial mage? If people knew, they’d never believe it.”

That mocking voice came from behind, startling Rovert.

He spun around quickly—only to see a handsome young man stepping out from within the mansion.

His body was tall, his face so handsome it looked as if it had been carved by the gods themselves. His eyes gleamed a deep purple, like sapphires, framed by striking lashes.

His brows were sharp as blades, and his short black hair, styled in a comma cut, gave him a calm, effortless, yet refined air.

He wore a black robe, with a side cape on the left embroidered with the symbol of a white dragon.

Rovert froze in shock as he recognized the young man—the sixth prince of the Empire, Nolan Lorian!

”You...” His eyes narrowed in alarm. ”The sixth prince? How can you be here?”

With his power, Rovert should have sensed the presence of anyone within hundreds of meters.

Moreover, the ten miles surrounding Gardian City were enveloped in a hidden magic circle, designed to monitor anyone who dared approach.

And yet, Nolan Lorian had appeared inside his mansion without a trace. It was unthinkable.

Nolan chuckled softly at his reaction. He walked forward and stopped a few meters away.

”Don’t be so surprised, Rovert Castellan... or rather, the Fifth Cardinal, Rovert Custer.”