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

Chapter 573: Meeting the Eastern Emperor and the Hidden Truth (2)

”Prime Minister Mikazura is entering the throne room!”

Upon hearing this, Ryuuten, Ayamori, and Kaede turned simultaneously toward the throne room doors.

Prime Minister Mikazura entered, accompanied by two others—Nolan and Evalyn.

When Ayamori saw Nolan, her body trembled and her breathing turned uneven.

Ryuuten was no different. However, he managed to keep himself composed, though his hands resting on the throne’s armrests were visibly shaking.

Kaede stared intently at Nolan and Evalyn. As they drew closer, their faces became clearer.

In an instant, her eyes widened in shock.

’Those two... aren’t they the people I met on the silver ship?’ she exclaimed inwardly.

Evalyn and Nolan also observed the three figures before them. Evalyn’s gaze fell on Ryuuten and Ayamori, and she froze in disbelief.

For some reason, the emperor and empress bore a striking resemblance to Nolan—especially the emperor, who looked almost identical to him.

”Don’t tell me my guess was right...”

Her heart pounded, and her breath quickened.

As she looked more closely at Kaede, the last of her doubts vanished.

Kaede, the princess of the Eastern Izanagi Empire, looked exactly like Isabella.

The resemblance was almost perfect—her facial features, her eyes, even her lips. Everything was the same.

’What is really going on? Why does everything feel so coincidental?’ she thought.

At the same time, she glanced at Nolan beside her and was surprised to see his expression remain calm and relaxed, as if he didn’t notice anything unusual in front of him.

’Is he pretending not to know?’ Evalyn wondered.

Before they realized it, the three of them were already standing before the throne.

Prime Minister Mikazura cupped his hands and bowed his head toward the emperor.

”Greetings, Your Majesty,” he said. ”I have brought the Sixth Prince, Nolan Lorian, and the descendant of the hero, Evalyn Lionheart, before you.”

Behind his lowered head, helplessness was evident.

’Your Highness, forgive me. It’s not that I didn’t want to keep it hidden, but everything happened beyond my expectations,’ he whispered guiltily.

”Mm... Thank you, Mikazura,” Ryuuten replied flatly. ”Next time, if we have guests as important as these, inform me beforehand. You wouldn’t want to be punished, would you?”

His voice was cold, laced with a subtle threat.

Prime Minister Mikazura trembled slightly before replying respectfully, ”No, Your Majesty.”

Ryuuten gave a small nod, then turned his gaze to Nolan, who stood before him.

The coldness in his eyes faded slightly as he greeted him.

”Welcome, Your Highness Nolan Lorian.”

Nolan looked at the old man for a moment before smiling and clasping his hands together.

He bowed at a fifty-degree angle and said politely, ”Thank you for your welcome, Eastern Emperor—no, I mean... Grandfather.”

The atmosphere instantly fell silent when the word ”grandfather” left his lips.

Evalyn let out a small sigh but said nothing. She had already suspected it was true, yet it was still shocking to hear it spoken aloud.

”Wait a minute! Father, what do you mean? Grandfather? Nolan Lorian called you... grandfather?”

Kaede, who had remained silent until now, could no longer hold back. Her beautiful face was clouded with confusion and shock.

”Hahaha!” Instead of answering, Ryuuten burst into laughter. ”It’s been over a decade... After more than ten years, I finally get to see you in person, my grandson.”

Tears welled up in the corners of Ryuuten’s eyes as he looked at Nolan with a gentle gaze.

Ayamori, beside him, also began to cry. The atmosphere in the throne room grew heavy with emotion.

Nolan kept a small smile on his face, but deep down, he was burning with anger and frustration.

His mother had hidden such a monumental secret from him and Elina.

Who would have thought? The woman long believed to be an ordinary person and a former geisha was, in fact, the Princess of the Eastern Izanagi Empire—the oldest empire in the world.

It was an extremely high and honorable status. It completely shattered the belief that his mother had no background whatsoever.

”Father! Tell me—why did everything turn out like this?!” Kaede shouted, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

Ryuuten took a deep breath and turned to her. He was about to speak, but Nolan interrupted him.

”I’m sorry, Your Highness Kaede. The sister you’re looking for... is my mother.”

Nolan’s words made Kaede freeze. She stared at him, breathless, and asked in a trembling voice, ”My sister is... your mother? How is that possible? Wait... don’t tell me you’ve known this all along.”

Nolan shook his head slowly. ”I didn’t know either. At first, I was only guessing because I felt a sense of familiarity with you. After speaking at length with Prime Minister Mikazura, my suspicion grew stronger. And when I saw you and His Majesty, everything became clear. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to keep it from you. I only just found out myself.”

His words left Kaede stunned. Her eyes filled with confusion, sorrow, and disbelief.

”So you’re saying that my sister has been Emperor Ragan’s concubine all this time?”

Nolan gave a small nod. ”Yes. She is one of my father’s consorts. Her name is Isabella.”

Kaede felt as though the sky had collapsed above her. She had never expected such a truth to be hidden from her.

Unconsciously, she turned to her father and mother, who were looking at her with guilty expressions.

”Is what he said true?”

Ryuuten let out a soft sigh and gave a weak nod.

”Yes, it’s true. Your sister, Yuki, is married to the Emperor of the Great Velmora Empire. I’m sorry for hiding it from you.”

Ayamori gave a weak nod and added, ”Don’t blame your father—blame me instead. Your sister asked us not to tell you. At first, your father wanted to reveal it, but I stopped him.”

Kaede remained silent, her mouth opening and closing as if she wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say.

In the end, tears welled up in her eyes once more. She suddenly turned around and ran out of the throne room.

”Kaede!” Ayamori called out and was about to chase after her, but Ryuuten stopped her.

”Don’t go after her. Let her calm down,” he said gently.

”But...” Ayamori bit her lower lip as she watched Kaede’s figure disappear from sight.

”It’s alright. I know her well. Besides, she needs some time alone,” Ryuuten replied, gently rubbing her hand.

Ayamori let out a soft sigh and gave a faint nod.

”I understand.”

Seeing that she had calmed down, Ryuuten turned his gaze to Nolan and Evalyn.

”I apologize for putting you through such an uncomfortable scene. I hope you weren’t offended.”

Evalyn smiled politely. ”It’s alright, Your Majesty. We understand the situation.”

Ryuuten’s fondness for Evalyn grew slightly. Admittedly, she was exceptionally beautiful.

If she were paired with his grandson, wouldn’t that be a good match?

Sensing his gaze, Nolan suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

’He’s not thinking something strange, is he?’ he wondered inwardly.

”Very well,” Ryuuten said with a contented smile as he slowly rose from his throne. ”I understand this matter is complicated. Would you care to have tea with me, Nolan?”

Nolan steadied himself and replied firmly, ”Of course, Grandfather.”