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

Chapter 665: An Impossible Coincidence

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

Badump!

Seira’s heart pounded. She looked into Nolan’s determined eyes, and an indescribable feeling welled up inside her.

That gaze didn’t look like something a five-year-old child should have. It was more like the gaze of a fully grown adult.

Ignoring Seira’s dazed expression, Nolan charged forward. He raised his sword high, beginning the second round of his battle against the rabbit.

Fifteen minutes later, the battle finally ended with Nolan’s victory.

"Hah... Hah... Hah..." Nolan gasped for breath, his face pale and exhausted.

’Just as I thought... my body is still too weak,’ he muttered, staring at his trembling palms.

If only he were a few years older, he wouldn’t be this weak. After all, age affected a person’s strength.

But then his body suddenly went limp. His eyes widened as his gaze drifted backward.

Just as he was about to fall, a hand caught him.

Nolan turned and saw Seira.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently.

Nolan nodded and managed to stand with her help.

"I’m fine. Thank you, Sister."

"You’re welcome. By the way... you were amazing. You actually defeated that monster," Seira said, full of admiration.

Nolan smiled awkwardly. "It’s nothing. I only managed because the monster was pretty weak. Otherwise, I’d be the one lying on the ground right now."

He shrugged, as if that outcome didn’t bother him at all.

The monster was definitely weak, but its speed and movements were still enough to catch him off guard.

If he hadn’t been careful, he might’ve been completely overwhelmed.

Seira only smiled as she helped brush the dirt off his robe.

"I understand. But still, you’re really amazing," she whispered. "Oh, right... there’s something I want to confirm."

She placed both her palms on his shoulders and looked deeply into his eyes.

"What you said earlier... is that true?"

Nolan tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Seira’s face flushed slightly as she emphasized, "Earlier, when you said you’d protect me... you weren’t lying, were you?"

Nolan instantly understood what she meant and gave a faint smile.

"Of course. No matter what kind of danger you face, you can count on me!" He pointed at himself with his right thumb. "After all, we’re family, aren’t we?"

Seira went quiet for a moment before her lips curved into a smile as beautiful as a blooming flower.

She barely seemed to notice his last words. Instead, his promise felt like a light shining into the darkness of her heart.

"I understand. In that case..." She hugged Nolan tightly. "You have to keep your promise, okay? Today... and in the future..."

...

"Sister, we’re going to rest for a bit. Do you mind?"

Nolan’s voice snapped Seira out of her thoughts. She loosened her arms from around his waist and replied softly, "I don’t mind. It’s up to you."

Nolan nodded and slowed the horse’s pace, guiding it toward a stream not far away.

Soon, he and Seira climbed down. Nolan then led the horse to the water.

"Drink your fill. We still have a long way to go," Nolan said, gently patting its head.

The horse seemed to understand. It let out a soft whinny and rubbed its head against Nolan’s chest.

Nolan let out a long sigh and lifted his gaze to the night sky.

"Tonight will be nerve-wracking," he whispered.

Although he had cast a spell on the horse to make it run faster, it was still a living creature and couldn’t be forced to keep going nonstop.

If he pushed it too hard, the horse could die along the way, which would only endanger him and his sister.

That was why Nolan had to plan their route carefully and stop at places with water sources.

If everything went smoothly, they would reach the port in two days and sail to the Great Velmora Empire.

"Nolan, try this water. It’s so cold and refreshing!"

Seira’s excited voice came from the side. Nolan turned and saw his sister waving at him.

He smiled and walked over.

"The water is so clear. It looks like it comes from the nearby mountains. Try it," Seira said as she washed her face.

Nolan lowered his head and cupped the stream water in his hands.

As he washed his face, the cold sensation spread instantly—just as Seira had said.

"It really is refreshing," he murmured.

He splashed his face a few more times and drank some as well.

Even though he wasn’t particularly thirsty, there was no harm in replenishing his fluids.

"By the way, Nolan... I’m curious about something." Seira turned to him. "Did you cast a spell on that horse?"

Nolan’s hand froze mid-motion. He slowly turned his head and saw his sister staring at him calmly.

Silence lingered for a few seconds before Nolan resumed washing his face and hair.

Instead of dodging the question, he asked, "When did you find out?"

Seira paused for a moment, then answered calmly, "Ever since you saved me."

"Ever since I saved you?" Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly.

Seira nodded. "Back then, I was almost dead after Aldrian stabbed me. But somehow, I survived and woke up without a single scratch. That’s when I started suspecting you could use magic."

She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Logically, it would be impossible to defeat those assassins without some kind of power."

Nolan was speechless. He had underestimated his sister’s sharp observation.

"You’re right. I can use magic," Nolan admitted honestly. "I’m sorry for hiding it from you."

"Pfft!" Seira giggled and pinched his cheek affectionately. "What are you apologizing for?"

Nolan sighed helplessly. "This is a big deal, yet I still hid it from you. I’m clearly in the wrong, and I admit it."

Being born into the imperial family meant accepting the destiny of protecting the country and its people.

In return, princes and princesses could enjoy privileges and luxuries that commoners would never experience.

However, the fact that Nolan had hidden his abilities and talents was a serious offense.

If his father found out, he would be punished according to the rules of the imperial palace.

Sensing his anxiety, Seira smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry. I have no intention of telling anyone—Father included."

Nolan was startled and looked at her in surprise.

"Are you sure? Isn’t that the same as breaking imperial rules?"

Seira rolled her eyes. She dipped her hand into the stream and traced small circles across the water’s surface.

"Why should I be afraid? For your sake, I’m willing to face any punishment—even if it means betraying my status as a princess," she declared without a hint of hesitation.

Nolan gasped. A memory of someone suddenly surfaced in his mind.

"No matter how far you are... no matter where you are... no matter how difficult the obstacles, for your sake, I will overcome them... Nolan."

Nolan’s lips parted, then pressed together again. After a long pause, a whisper finally escaped him.

"That can’t be a coincidence... can it?"