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

Fifteen days later...

”Have there been any results yet?” Elina asked.

Rafine shook her head.

”Not yet. But the search is still ongoing. Hopefully, we’ll be able to find her soon.”

Elina, who was sitting in her chair, let out a long sigh.

”There are only fifteen days left. I have to bring the Crescent Moon Swordsman’s granddaughter here as soon as possible. If I fail... ugh...”

She massaged her throbbing temples.

Rafine chuckled softly before walking behind Elina and massaging her shoulders.

”Don’t let it bother you too much. If fate is on your side, I’m sure you’ll find his granddaughter.”

Elina nodded tiredly and closed her eyes, enjoying the massage.

Suddenly, she remembered Novaria.

”How’s Novaria doing?”

”Her Highness the Second Princess has made great progress. Perhaps because she already had a strong foundation from the start, she’s able to grasp what I teach her quite easily. She’s currently helping the farmers calculate their harvests.”

”Oh?” Elina was somewhat surprised by the news.

It had been more than fifteen days since she’d asked Rafine to teach Novaria the art of leadership. She hadn’t expected to see results so quickly.

”I’m glad to hear that. Were there any problems with her while I was away?”

Rafine shook her head.

”None. Her Highness is very wise, and she isn’t spoiled or lazy. I’m sure she’s already changed quite a bit.”

Novaria’s spoiled and annoying attitude was well-known among the nobility, so Rafine knew what she was like.

However, while studying with her, Novaria never complained even once.

Instead, she was actually very enthusiastic—so much so that Rafine sometimes wondered if this was really the same Novaria she knew.

”Ambition changes a person... That saying never seems to be wrong,” Elina chuckled.

”You’re right,” Rafine agreed.

The two then discussed matters related to Virella’s development, the harvest, and other things.

”By the way, I heard from my father that Prince Cedric seems to have successfully recruited a powerful figure to protect him.”

”Hmm?” Elina raised an eyebrow. ”Who is this person?”

”I don’t know.” Rafine shook her head. ”The Ashavel family is keeping the news tightly under wraps. But according to the rumors, this person is a Celestial Mage from the northern continent.”

Elina’s eyes narrowed. The news had come so suddenly that she couldn’t help but connect it to Cedric’s plan to recruit the Crescent Moon Swordsman to his side.

”What interesting news...”

Arnold’s voice suddenly echoed in her mind.

Do you know why he’s recruiting someone that powerful?

Arnold didn’t answer right away. A moment later, he spoke in a casual tone.

”There are two possibilities. First, it could simply be to protect Cedric Lorian from enemy attacks. The battle for the throne has heated up because of what you and your brother have done. It’s only natural for Cedric Lorian to be on guard in case you or another candidate sends an assassin after him.”

Elina nodded in agreement.

”The second...” Arnold continued. ”It’s most likely related to the granddaughter of the Crescent Moon Swordsman.”

Elina remained silent, listening as he continued.

”Do you remember the woman standing next to Cedric before?”

I do. Margaretta Ashvale, right? The one you said could glimpse the future.

”That’s right.” Arnold gave a faint smile. ”The power to foresee the future can’t be used continuously. There’s a cooldown period. It’s been more than fifteen days since she last used it. Most likely, that cooldown period is over. I suspect...”

He chuckled softly.

”Cedric Lorian and Margaretta Ashvale are preparing to ambush you.”

Thump!

Elina’s heart pounded. She hadn’t expected Arnold to think that far ahead.

But then again, it wasn’t impossible. Cedric was extremely cunning and ruthless—just like former Prime Minister Roswell.

What’s more, after everything Elina had done to him, there was no way he would hold back when confronting her.

So, does that mean I’ll be meeting the granddaughter of the Crescent Moon Swordsman soon?

”It should be. Otherwise, why would Cedric hire someone with Celestial powers just to guard him?”

Elina furrowed her brow.

”Don’t worry,” Arnold added confidently. ”A single Celestial Mage won’t make much of a difference. I’ll take care of it. Trust me, I’ll protect you.”

His words made Elina’s face flush slightly.

”What’s wrong? Why are you spacing out?”

Rafine’s voice snapped Elina out of her thoughts.

Elina shook her head.

”It’s nothing. By the way, over the next few days, have the guards increase security around Virella. If necessary, hire mercenaries or mages to protect the town.”

Rafine was startled by the sudden order and asked in confusion, ”What’s going on? Why all of a sudden?”

Elina closed her eyes and took a deep breath before answering in a serious tone.

”You’d better get ready. There’s going to be a massive attack on Virella very soon...”

…

”Your Highness, the harvest is very bountiful. Five metric tons of garlic, five metric tons of onions, and twenty metric tons of rice,” a farmer reported respectfully.

Novaria took note of his report.

”Were there any crop failures?”

The farmer gave a slight nod.

”A few hectares of land failed to produce a harvest, resulting in a loss of twenty thousand Sharn.”

”Hmmm...” Novaria rubbed her chin as she looked at the farmers in front of her. Their faces looked gloomy.

”I understand. Thank you for your report. For now, I cannot make a decision. I must report this to the lord of the town first.”

Her answer caused the farmers to sigh sadly.

”But...” Novaria smiled and continued, ”I can assure you that the lord will definitely compensate you.”

She patted her chest confidently.

The farmers’ gloomy expressions quickly turned into smiles.

”Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you!”

They bowed their heads, tears of joy running down their faces.

Novaria smiled gently at their happiness. In the past, servants and nobles alike had shown her the same deference.

However, this was different. This respect came from ordinary people, and it was given sincerely rather than out of fear or obligation.

After exchanging a few more words with the farmers, Novaria turned to leave.

She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when she heard a familiar voice calling from behind her.

”Sister!”

Novaria was startled and turned around, only to see Elina walking toward her with a smile.

”How’s your work? Have you gotten used to it yet?”

Novaria smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

”I love it! It turns out it’s actually quite fun to go out into the fields and see the results of the farmers’ hard work.”

Elina couldn’t help but laugh at her words.

”Glad to hear it.”

The two then discussed the problems the farmers were facing.

When she heard about the difficulties some of them were experiencing, Elina immediately gave Novaria permission to compensate them for their losses.

”Thank you! I’ll ask Rafine for the funds.”

After saying that, Novaria turned around and walked away with a spring in her step.

Elina simply smiled as she watched her leave.

She was certain that Aldric—or even the queen herself—would have a hard time believing how much Novaria had changed.

”Your Highness.”

A soft voice came from behind her.

Elina turned around and saw Velissa, one of the female slaves she had rescued in the past, walking toward her before bowing her head.

”Several heads of noble families from outside the town want to meet with you. Do you have time?”

”Of course.” Elina didn’t refuse.

Velissa then led Elina to where the nobles were waiting.

But suddenly, Elina’s gaze fell on Velissa’s right shoulder.

There, she noticed a small birthmark shaped like the tip of a sword blade.

”Huh?” Her eyes widened in shock. ”Is that... a birthmark?”