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

The capital was back to normal, as if nothing had happened, after two days had passed in a flash.

However, people were still confused by the announcement the imperial palace had made two days prior.

Everyone was trying to figure out what was really going on, but no one could give a straight answer.

Eventually, rumors spread throughout the capital, and many people started believing they were true.

But then, another major announcement echoed throughout the capital.

”The Imperial Palace will enter a freeze phase. All government operations will be suspended for two days. Anyone who needs documents approved or other administrative matters handled must do so before 4:00 p.m.”

As soon as the announcement was made, the capital instantly descended into chaos.

Everyone was panicking.

”What’s going on? Why is the Imperial Palace entering a freeze phase?”

”Could a war have broken out without us realizing it? But that doesn’t make any sense! The Great Velmora Empire is so powerful. Why would they suspend government operations just because of a war?”

”Damn it! Why isn’t anyone explaining what’s happening?”

The commotion spread throughout the capital like a tidal wave. Whether merchants, farmers, or ordinary citizens, everyone was so shaken that they didn’t dare stay outside for long.

Within an hour, the news had spread to every city across the empire, leaving the nobles who heard it completely baffled.

They did everything they could to find out why the Imperial Palace had suddenly gone into lockdown.

Unfortunately, the palace was completely sealed off. Not a single piece of information got out.

...

”M-My Lord, there’s big news!”

Fenric burst into Jason’s office without even knocking.

Jason frowned and shot him a cold glare.

”You’re truly rude, Fenric! It seems I’ve been too lenient with you.”

Fenric froze for a moment before immediately lowering his head.

”I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to! But... but I’ve come with urgent news! You need to see this!”

Jason adjusted his glasses and held out his left hand.

”Give it to me.”

Fenric immediately handed him the report.

Jason took it and began reading it carefully. A few seconds later, his calm expression turned to one of horror.

”The Imperial Palace has gone into lockdown?”

He took a deep breath to steady himself.

”Is the report accurate?”

”Yes, my lord. The announcement came directly from the palace,” Fenric replied without hesitation.

Jason fell silent, his eyes narrowing slightly.

”What is Ragan really planning?”

A palace freeze would throw the entire empire into chaos, especially if it was carried out without any explanation.

The public would naturally assume something terrible had happened, which would inevitably disrupt economic activity.

Yet Ragan was going through with it anyway, leaving Jason unable to understand his true intentions.

Tap… Tap…

Jason tapped the tip of his right index finger against the tabletop. The room fell silent, and the atmosphere grew tense and oppressive.

Fenric held his breath, not daring to make even the slightest sound.

A few minutes later, Jason sat up straight and said calmly, ”I understand. There’s no need to investigate this matter. We’ll pretend we know nothing.”

His words caught Fenric off guard. He had expected Jason to order a full-scale investigation.

Instead, Jason had no intention of looking into it and ordered the Malvain family to act as if they knew nothing.

Despite his confusion, Fenric said nothing. He simply lowered his head respectfully.

”As you command, my lord.”

After that, Fenric turned around and left, leaving Jason alone in his office.

Jason leaned back in his chair. His expression grew somber as he considered the many possibilities behind Ragan’s actions.

Even so, he couldn’t come up with a satisfying answer and eventually gave up thinking about it.

He opened a drawer and took out a gold-colored invitation.

A faint mocking smile appeared on his lips as he whispered, ”The Holy Empire of Valtanir might be running out of patience...”

…

Roswell sat calmly in his chair, his gaze fixed on the document lying on his desk.

It was a notice from Ragan announcing that the Imperial Palace would enter a freeze phase.

He had tried to ask for an explanation, but Ragan refused to tell him, leaving him frustrated.

Roswell took a deep breath and sat up straight.

”What exactly is His Majesty trying to accomplish?”

He tapped his fingers against the desk.

First, Ragan had announced to the public that he would treat everyone fairly, including the princes and princesses.

At first glance, the announcement seemed insignificant. Roswell had thought the same, even though he had his suspicions.

But now, Ragan had announced a two-day suspension of government operations.

Roswell could no longer ignore it.

His instincts told him the two announcements were connected.

And it all revolved around one person—Nolan.

”That man must be plotting something big that I know nothing about.”

Roswell clenched his fists tightly.

Over the past two days, he hadn’t received any significant reports from Code 001, Code 002, Code 003, or Code 005. According to them, Nolan had stayed at the mansion in Virella without leaving even once.

Because of those reports, Roswell couldn’t figure out what Nolan was thinking or planning.

”I have to tell Cedric.”

He picked up a sheet of paper and wrote a warning message.

Once he finished, a pigeon suddenly appeared outside the window of his office.

He folded the paper and slipped it into the small pouch attached to the bird’s leg.

”Deliver this to Cedric,” he ordered.

The pigeon nodded as if it understood him, then flew high into the sky and disappeared from sight.

Roswell let out a sigh of relief and sat back down in his chair.

Massaging his temples, he muttered, ”I hope my fears don’t come true. I hope...”

…

”A letter from your uncle.”

Margaretta handed Cedric a letter.

”A letter from my uncle? What does it say?” Cedric asked curiously as he took it.

”I don’t know. I didn’t read it.”

Margaretta sat down beside him and urged, ”Go ahead and read it.”

Cedric unfolded the letter and began reading it. A minute later, his eyes widened in shock.

”What’s wrong?” Margaretta asked, confused.

She had rarely seen Cedric react like that.

Cedric snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head.

He handed the letter to her.

”Read it.”

Margaretta took the letter and read it. Her expression instantly turned pale.

”The Imperial Palace has been frozen? And Nolan Lorian is plotting something terrible against you?”