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

Duke Austin’s words plunged the courtroom into silence.

Everyone’s gaze turned to Sherly, as if waiting for her response.

Sherly’s face went pale. She was about to say something but found herself unable to defend herself.

”Regarding that…” Sherly took a deep breath before admitting, ”I’m sorry. I was wrong. I never meant to look down on commoners. Your accusation is also baseless, Duke Austin.”

Her expression turned serious.

”There is no connection between recruiting nobles into industries in the Southern Territories and Prince Cedric. The two are entirely separate matters.”

Although her words sounded convincing, none of those present were fools.

They were ministers and heads of noble families, from the highest-ranking to the lowest-ranking nobles across the empire.

It was impossible for them not to understand the scheme behind the Malvain family’s actions. Duke Austin’s reasoning also sounded reasonable and hit the mark.

”I see…”

Duke Austin smiled meaningfully.

”I understand. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

After saying that, he sat back down, as if he didn’t want to get further involved.

Jason shot Duke Austin an annoyed glance. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do anything to retaliate at the moment.

Ragan said nothing and simply ordered, ”Continue, Attorney Sherly.”

Sherly composed herself before continuing her defense before everyone.

But because of Duke Austin’s earlier remarks, everyone had become skeptical and was no longer easily swayed by her arguments.

Ragan also began to look bored. After Sherly finished presenting her defense, he waved his hand.

”I understand. Thank you for your defense,” he said casually.

Sherly could sense Ragan’s irritation, and her expression turned somber.

However, she said nothing and simply stepped back to stand beside Jason.

”Nepotism, abuse of power to oppress lower-ranking nobles, and price gouging of commodities for personal gain,” Ragan said, tapping his index finger against the judge’s bench. ”Judge Darius, what is the appropriate punishment for a noble like that?”

Jason tensed. He looked at Darius anxiously.

Darius met Jason’s gaze, paused for a moment, then replied, ”By law, that nobleman must be sentenced to ten years in prison. And if the public is not satisfied…”

A faint smile spread across his face.

”The death penalty would be the appropriate punishment, Your Majesty.”

A chill ran down everyone’s spine. Jason was Duke Malvain, ruler of the Southern Region.

Yet even someone of his stature failed to intimidate Judge Darius, who showed absolutely no fear as he spoke his mind.

It was the first time they had seen someone so fearless.

At the same time, the nobles in particular realized they had to be far more careful.

They could not afford to commit any crimes that violated imperial law.

Ragan was cruel, stern, and unforgiving. But that was hardly surprising, considering he had ascended the throne through bloodshed rather than peace.

To him, the nobles were nothing more than pawns—ones he could discard the moment they broke the rules he had established.

”Death penalty, huh?” Ragan chuckled softly. Rubbing his chin, he said playfully, ”That’s not a bad idea.”

His words hit the courtroom like a bomb.

”Your Majesty!”

Vanessa could no longer remain silent and finally spoke up.

”Please forgive me for interrupting.”

She bowed her head respectfully to Ragan.

”But could you spare my older brother?”

Ragan turned to her and gave her a meaningful smile.

”Spare him, you say? That’s possible. But what about my reputation in front of everyone here? Or in the eyes of the public? Wouldn’t all my efforts over the years to set an example for the empire come crashing down?”

Vanessa tensed, her body trembling slightly. But she couldn’t give up now. Otherwise, her older brother would die, and with him, Aldric’s chance to ascend the throne.

”I understand, Your Majesty. But…”

She bit her lower lip before continuing in a strained voice, ”The Malvain family has contributed greatly to this empire. We also played a key role in your rise to the throne. Please take that into consideration.”

Everyone gasped. None of them had expected Vanessa to be bold enough to use that argument against Ragan.

Their eyes instinctively shifted to him, waiting to see his reaction.

But to their surprise, he remained perfectly calm, without the slightest hint of anger.

”You’re right. How could I have forgotten?”

He tapped his forehead and smiled faintly.

”The Malvain family are heroes of this empire. If I were to sentence Jason Malvain to death, I’d be no better than an ungrateful ruler. You’re right, Vanessa... You’re absolutely right.”

The temperature in the throne room seemed to drop in an instant. Everyone felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.

Almost unconsciously, they held their breath, leaving the throne room in complete silence.

Cold sweat trickled down Vanessa’s forehead. She knew Ragan well.

Although he didn’t look angry on the surface, the overwhelming pressure filling the room made one thing clear—Ragan was furious.

Ragan turned his gaze to Jason Malvain.

”Don’t worry. I won’t sentence you to death. That would only bring chaos, and I have no desire to see that happen.”

He leaned back in his chair.

”But justice must still be served.”

His expression turned cold as he declared, ”Seventy percent of the management rights over the Southern Region’s resources will be transferred to the imperial court. Meanwhile, the palace will oversee the region’s industries to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. As for the nobles of the Southern Region who have been oppressed by the Malvain family…”

He paused, sweeping his gaze across the nobles from the Southern Region before continuing in a firm voice, ”You no longer need to live in fear. I guarantee your safety. If the Malvain family commits such an offense again, I will intervene personally. Consider this the Malvain family’s last chance. So…”

He fixed Jason, standing three meters away, with a sharp gaze.

”I hope you understand, Jason Malvain.”

Jason took a deep breath and bowed.

”Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty.”

Ragan simply nodded and waved his hand.

”The trial is over. You may leave.”

Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. It felt as though they had just escaped the lion’s den.

As Elina and Seira rose to leave, Ragan suddenly called out to them.

”Elina. Seira. Come to my study after this. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

The two froze for a moment and exchanged glances.

They then bowed respectfully.

”Yes, Your Majesty.”