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

Chapter 664: Unforgettable Memories

Thirty kilometers from the capital of Altheris lay a dense, untamed forest.

The forest was uninhabited. Even intercity merchants avoided it, choosing safer routes instead.

Even if the longer route took more time, it was far safer than risking their lives.

Through the forest’s darkness, the black horse carrying Nolan and Seira raced like the wind.

Seria glanced around cautiously. The forest was pitch-black, filled with the hooting of owls and faint growls of distant monsters.

"Nolan, don’t you think this path is dangerous?" she asked, anxiety in her voice.

Nolan patted the back of her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don’t worry. Nothing can harm us. I promise."

His words carried a calm magic that eased Seira’s tension.

"Um... I trust you," she murmured softly.

The security Nolan gave her stirred a memory from the past, something etched clearly in her mind.

...

Fourteen years ago...

"It’s so annoying. That woman keeps scolding me. I didn’t even do anything wrong."

Seira sat on the swing, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.

For some reason, her mother had suddenly grown angry with her. It made no sense.

She hadn’t done anything wrong, so why was she being punished for a mistake she hadn’t even made?

Thinking of the old woman’s red face, Seira’s frustration only grew.

She let out a small sigh and began to rock the swing.

The air was cold, but the palace garden looked beautiful, especially with bright sunlight spilling across the sky.

But to Seira, everything felt gloomy and joyless. Her life was full of luxury—anything she wanted, she could have. Yet the affection she longed for never came.

Her mother loved her younger brother far more than her.

It was truly... infuriating.

"Hey, have you heard about the rabbit monster roaming near the forest behind the palace?"

"Oh, I’ve heard about it. What’s going on? Isn’t that just gossip? I mean, think about it—this is a royal palace. A monster couldn’t possibly get in here."

"It sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. The monster rabbit didn’t sneak in; a servant brought it after buying a rabbit at the market a month ago. Who would’ve thought that rabbit would turn into a monster?"

Seira could hear two maids gossiping in the distance. Their voices were faint, yet she could still make out their words.

"A monster rabbit?" Seira blinked. "I’d heard of it before, but I thought it was just a scare tactic for the palace staff. Turns out it’s real."

She fell into thought, her eyes fixed on the forest behind the palace.

"Maybe I should check it out," she muttered.

With that, she climbed down from the swing and headed toward the forest.

***

The forest behind the palace was fairly large, designed to keep the air around the palace fresh.

However, since it was rarely visited, the forest felt deserted, even in the middle of the day.

The trees weren’t very tall—about five meters—but to Seira, who was no taller than 1.6 meters, they seemed towering, making her feel small in comparison.

"Is the monster really here?"

Doubt crept into her mind. It seemed strange that a monster could appear in such a place. After all, the forest was guarded by soldiers at all times.

Before she knew it, Seira had wandered deep into the forest. Though not huge, the area was vast enough to make anyone unfamiliar with it lose their way.

CRAW! CRAW!

The harsh cawing of two crows echoed from above. Seira panicked, only relaxing when she saw it was just the birds.

But then, the sound of footsteps came from behind her. Her eyes widened, and she spun around.

When she saw who it was, her fear melted into confusion.

"Nolan? What are you doing here?"

It was her brother from another mother, Nolan.

For a five-year-old, he was surprisingly tall. His black hair, as dark and glossy as the night sky, fell just past his ears, and his purple eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

In his right hand, Nolan held a wooden sword, as if he’d just been practicing.

He walked closer and said casually, "I want to hunt the rabbit monster. What about you, sister? Why are you here?"

Seira was startled. "Hunt the rabbit monster? That’s dangerous! Hurry back to the palace!"

Nolan rolled his eyes. "Don’t worry about me. I’m ready to face that monster. Look—my weapon can cut it in two."

He swung his wooden sword proudly.

Seira: "..."

Could a wooden sword really be enough to defeat that monster?

"Still, this is dangerous. Let’s get back quickly!" Seira urged, grabbing his right hand and pulling him away.

Just as Nolan was about to pull free, a low growl sounded from behind them.

Both of them froze and turned toward the source. There stood a white-furred rabbit, about a meter tall.

It looked ordinary at first, but its eyes glowed red, and sharp fangs were clearly visible when it opened its mouth.

"That’s the monster!" Seira cried, fear tightening her voice. "N-Nolan, let’s get out of here!"

But Nolan released her hand and stepped forward confidently.

"Don’t worry, sister. Stay behind me. Watch how I kill this monster!"

With that, he charged, raising his wooden sword.

The monster didn’t flinch. It leaped a meter high, spun, and kicked toward Nolan.

"Oh? Not bad, but that won’t be enough!"

Nolan stopped, twisted his body, and swung his wooden sword at the rabbit.

Their attacks clashed, and Nolan, outmatched in strength, was sent stumbling backward.

"Ouch!"

He flinched and groaned in pain.

"Nolan!"

Seira panicked and rushed to him. She helped him to his feet, her voice full of worry. "Are you okay?"

Nolan winced as he rubbed his sore back.

"I’m fine. Don’t worry," he said, trying to sound brave.

Seira’s concern only deepened. "Go back now! I... I’ll hold off the enemy!"

Nolan was taken aback. His chubby face looked confused as he asked, "Aren’t you afraid of being left alone?"

Seira flushed and whispered, "Of course I’m scared. But your safety comes first."

Nolan was silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh and gently pushed her back.

"Since I said I want to defeat it, that has to be true. And..."

He turned to her with a smile, showing a row of perfect white teeth.

"How could I ever sacrifice my older sister and just run away?"