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

Chapter 595: Back to Virella

"So, why are you staring at me?"

Sitting on the sofa, Nolan looked at Evalyn with confusion and uncertainty.

For the past ten minutes, she had been staring at him as if he had committed a serious crime.

Nolan didn’t understand why. After all, he didn’t feel like he had done anything wrong.

Evalyn took a sip of the iced chocolate in her hand, then looked away.

"Nothing. Don’t think you’re so high and mighty, okay? It’s annoying," she grumbled.

Nolan: "..."

He had only asked casually, yet she responded rudely.

Anyway, it was only natural for him to ask why she kept staring at him. If there was something on his face, he could just wipe it off.

What he didn’t realize was that Evalyn’s mind was racing. Ever since she noticed that the Singularity of Chaos’s outfit looked similar to Nolan’s, she had become suspicious.

As a result, she kept staring at him to confirm whether her suspicion was correct.

Unfortunately, she found no answer. At that moment, the Singularity of Chaos had been floating high in the sky, so she couldn’t estimate his height to compare it with Nolan’s.

’Ugh... Did I see it wrong back then? If so, why do their clothes look similar? Could it be that I’m hallucinating?’ Evalyn wondered silently as she scratched her head.

Observing her strange behavior, Nolan could only shake his head and stand up.

"Let’s have lunch first. You must be hungry."

After saying that, he walked out. Realizing there was no point in overthinking it, Evalyn finally decided to give up.

Her stomach was indeed growling with hunger. She stood up and followed Nolan to the ship’s restaurant area.

...

Half a month later...

Thanks to the spring season and the clear weather, Nolan and Evalyn’s return to the Great Velmora Empire went smoothly.

They arrived five days earlier than expected, which was perfectly reasonable.

The ship they used was Ryuuten’s private vessel, so there was no need to stop at other ports. This significantly shortened their journey.

Upon arriving at the port, Nolan immediately purchased two horses commonly sold in the outer area of the port.

He and Evalyn then rode toward the town of Virella.

Two days later...

"Phew! We’re finally here," Nolan said with a long sigh.

Two days of traveling through forests and mountains had been exhausting.

Although he wasn’t worried about starvation or dangers like bandits, the journey was still uncomfortable.

"You’re right." Evalyn wore the same relieved expression. "Finally, I can sleep soundly on a bed."

Just imagining herself sleeping on leaves and twigs for two nights made her feel irritated. Every time she woke up, her body felt sore and stiff.

Still, she had to admit that the journey with this smelly man was quite enjoyable.

Nolan seemed experienced, as if he knew every terrain they passed and possessed knowledge Evalyn had never encountered before.

It could be said that the journey was indeed exhausting, but it was also a valuable experience.

"Let’s go in," Nolan said as he gently pulled on his horse’s reins.

Evalyn nodded slightly and guided her horse toward the town.

When they reached the city walls, the guards immediately approached them.

However, they were surprised when they recognized who they were and quickly let them pass.

As soon as she entered the city, Evalyn’s eyes widened in shock.

"Woaa! What is this? Is this still the same Virella I remember?"

The buildings were neatly arranged, and the streets, which had once been dry dirt roads, were now properly paved.

Children passed by with smiles on their faces, while women shopped comfortably.

Some men carried wood on their backs while laughing together.

For Nolan and Evalyn, who knew Virella’s condition a few months ago, this was a huge surprise.

They remembered that at that time, the town was still struggling and not as developed as it was now.

Although Elina had implemented many countermeasures, transforming a town in such a short time was not easy.

Yet in less than four months, Virella had become a completely different place.

"Nolan, this change is too fast, isn’t it?" Evalyn asked hesitantly.

Nolan nodded slightly. "Yes, it’s too fast. But it actually makes sense. The wood factory funded by the two trading houses should be completed by now. Naturally, Virella’s cash flow would increase significantly. Since Elina is a righteous leader and unlikely to engage in corruption, she can use the funds to improve the people’s standard of living."

In an economic system, a large amount of money flowing into an organization, town, or country would naturally stimulate its economic activity.

Of course, one condition was that there was no misuse of funds or corruption.

So, the result before him wasn’t that surprising.

"You’re pretty smart, Nolan," Evalyn praised him admiringly.

Nolan rolled his eyes. "Have you been thinking I’m stupid all this time?"

Evalyn blinked innocently. "Haven’t you always acted like you were?"

Nolan was speechless. He couldn’t refute her, because what she said was completely true.

The two then dismounted and led their horses toward the town lord’s mansion.

Actually, they could have remained on horseback, but noble etiquette required one to dismount when entering a city.

For properly educated nobles, it was basic manners.

Once they arrived at Elina’s mansion, Nolan and Evalyn tied their horses in the courtyard before heading inside.

However, their steps suddenly halted when they heard someone pleading from within.

"Please help me, Your Highness. The town of Torosvia has fallen on hard times. The lake and river that sustain our people have dried up. We have no one else to turn to. Please help us, Your Highness."

"I’m sorry, I cannot help you. The town of Virella is still in its development phase and cannot extend a hand. Please leave, Baron Gareth Redwyre."

"But, Your Highness, they will die if this continues! I beg you for your help!"

"When I say no, I mean it. Captain Luvistar, please escort Baron Gareth Redwyre to the exit."

"No! Your Highness! Please!"

Unfortunately, Luvistar had already grabbed him and dragged him out the door.

Gareth could only plead desperately, but Elina remained firm in her decision.

"Damn it! What the hell is wrong with that princess!? Is this how a princess should act?" Gareth cursed angrily.

Then he noticed someone standing beside him. Turning his head, he saw Nolan and Evalyn watching him indifferently.

Startled, he forced an awkward smile and hurried out of the mansion’s courtyard.

"Do you want him killed?" Evalyn asked calmly.

Nolan gently patted her shoulder. "No need. He’s just a minor character, not worth our attention."

Evalyn withdrew her hand from the hilt of her sword and nodded. "I understand."