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

Chapter 1023: Jason’s Strange Behavior

Duke Malvain’s Mansion...

The mansion’s grounds were vast. A dozen maids could be seen watering the plants in the garden.

Elina walked alongside Freya and Evalyn. The thirty thousand soldiers she had brought with her were forced to wait outside the city walls.

”Is it just me, or does this mansion seem gloomy and lifeless?” Freya remarked bluntly.

Evalyn was startled by her words. She wanted to remind her to be more careful, but Sergan cut her off.

”You’re right, Your Highness. Lately, the nobles have been coming here demanding answers about their devastated territories. The mood among the people in the mansion isn’t good either, so it’s only natural for a gloomy atmosphere to hang over the entire building.”

Elina frowned, especially at the words, ”The nobles have been coming here demanding answers.”

”What did Duke Malvain do after hearing their complaints?” she asked without thinking.

Sergan folded his arms behind his back and smiled.

”Of course, Duke Malvain accepted their complaints and took note of them. He’ll take action, but not immediately—especially after hearing the news of your arrival and the palace troops.”

Evalyn glanced at him knowingly. Something about Sergan felt off, and her intuition told her that something was wrong.

They finally made it inside the mansion.

Sergan asked them to take a seat while he went to get Jason.

After Sergan left, Elina, Freya, and Evalyn sat side by side.

”Your Highness, do you sense something strange about him?” Evalyn whispered.

Freya straightened her posture. Her eyes remained fixed on the direction Sergan had gone.

”Yes, I sense it too. That man is very suspicious.”

Evalyn breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought she was the only one who felt that way.

”We have to be careful,” Freya continued seriously. ”No one knows whether the enemy behind the scenes is from outside or perhaps even from within.”

Her words carried a hidden meaning.

Evalyn and Elina immediately understood. They exchanged meaningful glances.

”Here’s your tea.”

A maid arrived carrying a tray with three cups of tea.

She placed them in front of the three women.

Just as she was about to leave, Freya stopped her.

”Wait a moment.”

The maid’s body tensed. She turned stiffly and nodded.

”Do you need anything, Your Highness?”

Freya looked deeply into her eyes and asked, ”Is Queen Vanessa inside?”

The maid was startled. She was about to say something when a voice suddenly cut her off.

”My sister is inside, Your Highness Freya. Would you like to see her?”

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice.

Jason walked toward them, accompanied by Sergan, who had escorted them earlier.

Elina and Evalyn stood up.

”Good afternoon, Duke Malvain,” Evalyn greeted him.

Jason nodded before signaling the maid to leave.

The maid didn’t dare linger and immediately left.

”Did I keep you waiting? I’m sorry—I’ve been very busy.”

Jason sat down across from them and let out a long sigh.

Elina and Evalyn sat back down.

”Have you been busy dealing with that rebellion?” Freya asked bluntly.

A faint smile appeared on Jason’s face, but it disappeared almost immediately.

”You’re right, Your Highness. The rebellion has been giving me a headache. The nobles have been coming one after another to complain to me. It’s been quite a hassle,” he said wearily.

Freya smiled without saying a word.

Jason then asked Sergan to prepare some tea for him.

After Sergan left, Jason rested his elbows on his thighs and propped his chin up with his joined thumbs.

”First of all, I want to thank all of you. The assistance from the imperial court arrived just in time. The southern region can no longer withstand these rebel attacks,” he said in a heavy voice.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Elina and Evalyn tensed up.

Elina composed herself and asked, ”Have you sent out troops yet?”

”Of course not.”

Jason shook his head.

”The troops led by my nephew, Aldric, vanished without a trace after a mysterious attack by the opposing Celestial mage.”

Freya’s face darkened.

”So all this time, you haven’t taken any action? Even as the situation continues to worsen!?”

Her voice rose.

The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Jason’s expression also darkened.

”That’s true, Your Highness. But I have my reasons.”

Freya was about to speak, but Elina quickly stopped her.

”Explain your predicament.”

Jason nodded before explaining, ”Thousands of my troops died in the city of Kalbar. The news has shaken the southern forces. I sent letters to all the nobles, asking them to help resolve this issue. But what was their response?”

He leaned back and crossed his legs.

”They refused. They’re afraid their troops will die just like mine did. See? I’m not to blame for this. There’s nothing more I can do this time.”

His casual and nonchalant attitude infuriated both Evalyn and Freya.

”Duke Jason, you seem very relaxed about this situation, don’t you?”

Evalyn finally spoke up.

”I don’t see any panic on your face. It doesn’t make sense at all.”

Jason’s indifferent gaze shifted toward her.

”Thank you for your comment, but you’re wrong about one thing. I’ve done everything I could. Unfortunately, it was all in vain. Do you think, Young Lady Evalyn, that I should be scared, panicked, and angry? If so...”

A mocking smile appeared on his face.

”Wouldn’t that just make the chaos even worse? The people who are hoping I can provide a solution—but then find out I can’t—will panic too. The southern region will descend into mass panic. Is that what you want?”

”Ugh...”

Evalyn was at a loss for words. She hadn’t meant it that way. She was simply questioning Jason’s laid-back attitude, which she found very strange.

”All right, enough.”

Elina raised her hand, cutting off their conversation.

”The most important thing right now is to resolve the rebellion. Duke Malvain, how many troops do you have?”

Jason paused for a moment before answering.

”Fifteen thousand. But I can’t deploy them to help you.”

”Why?”

Elina narrowed her eyes coldly.

Jason sighed helplessly.

”I’ve already sent them to various cities along the border. This city only has five thousand troops left, and they’re being kept on standby in case an unexpected enemy attack occurs.”

Elina fell silent. She took a deep breath before nodding.

”I understand. In that case, I’d like to request a map showing the location of the rebel forces. You have one, don’t you?”

This time, Jason didn’t refuse.

”I do. Sergan, bring me the information I prepared.”

Sergan turned and left.

”One more thing,” Elina continued. ”I need supplies for thirty thousand troops. Please have them prepared as soon as possible.”

Her tone was matter-of-fact, almost like a command.

Jason’s expression darkened slightly, but only for a moment.

”I understand. I’ll get them ready.”

Elina smiled.

”Thank you.”