The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne
Chapter 103: Showing Assertiveness and Intelligence (2)

Chapter 103: Showing Assertiveness and Intelligence (2)

Margaretta Ashvale was the name Allen hated the most.

They shared the same surname, so there was no denying they were related by blood.

Margaretta, by chance, was his older sister. Of course, she was not his biological sister, just the daughter of a commoner.

It all began twenty-three years ago, when his father—unmarried to Allen’s mother at the time—fell in love with a maid at the Ashvale manor.

She was young and low-born, and their relationship met strong opposition from his grandparents. In the end, the maid was dismissed, and their love came to an end.

But before parting ways, they had an illicit affair—one that resulted in Margaretta’s birth.

For years, her existence remained a secret. That is, until a year ago, when a twenty-one-year-old woman appeared, claiming to be the daughter of the maid and Allen’s father.

Her sudden arrival shocked the entire Ashvale household. His mother, Duchess Irish, refused to accept her, and a bitter conflict erupted between his parents.

Eventually, his mother gave in and allowed Margaretta to join the family. But the resentment she held toward the woman never faded—and Allen shared that feeling.

He never got along with his half-sister and constantly tried to push her down.

Since Margaretta had no power or influence, Allen had always been able to keep her in check.

But in the past six months, to his surprise, the woman had begun to show her fangs.

Somehow, the once uneducated woman had suddenly become skilled in government affairs—so much so that even his father was impressed.

Rumors began to circulate that his sister harbored ambitions of taking his place as the heir to the Ashvale family.

The rumors spread more with each day, and it only made Allen angrier.

Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about it.

Everything she did appeared to benefit the family. Opposing her would be the same as obstructing the Ashvale family’s progress.

More importantly, this matter was kept strictly within the Ashvale family.

Only family members, servants, and guards knew—and they had all been ordered to keep it secret from the outside world.

But now, Nolan had revealed everything publicly—and it terrified Allen.

He glanced around nervously. As expected, the heads of noble families and young nobles looked stunned, their eyes wide with shock.

Some exchanged uneasy glances, clearly shaken by what they had just heard.

Their reaction was only natural. Until now, Duke Ashvale had been known as a man with only one wife, fiercely loyal to her.

This revelation shattered the image they had always believed.

"Duke Ashvale has a daughter? What a shock!"

"I can hardly believe it either. But judging by Young Master Allen’s expression... it doesn’t seem like a lie."

"You’re right. Tsk! This news is bound to shake the entire Empire. I’m sure of it."

One conversation after another broke out among the crowd. Many were shocked, while others were curious—eager to see how things would unfold.

After all, the rumor was far too big to ignore, especially since it involved one of the Duke families—the most powerful, second only to the Imperial family.

Just as I thought... this man is terrifying. Orlan tried to calm his pounding heart.

Even with the Caltheron family’s intelligence network, he hadn’t heard a thing. But Nolan knew.

That could only mean his connection to the Singularity of Chaos was more than casual. They might even be... allies.

If Nolan was helping Elina ascend the throne, he had most likely enlisted the aid of the Singularity of Chaos—both his intelligence network and the forces backing him.

It sounded far-fetched, but so far, it was the only explanation that made sense.

Sensing the stir around him, Allen’s face darkened.

His gaze turned cold and sharp, fixed on Nolan, who was still smiling playfully.

I need to get out of this situation, he muttered under his breath.

If left unchecked, the situation would only grow more humiliating—and that was something Allen could never accept.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, then crossed his arms over his chest.

"I have to admit, what you said is true," Allen said coldly. "But don’t forget, the true heir has always been a man, not a woman. There’s no way my sister can take that position from me."

He added in a firmer tone, "As I said, my decision reflects my father’s will. But you rejected my offer. So be prepared—your sister will face defeat without the support of the Ashvale family."

A proud smile began to tug at his lips. But the next moment, a chill crept down his spine.

Instinctively, Allen glanced around... and noticed several young noblewomen glaring at him with sharp, icy eyes.

Damn... What’s with those stares? Did I say something wrong? He wondered, confused.

Nolan couldn’t hold back a laugh. He hadn’t expected Allen to be this foolish—bold enough to say "the heir must be a man, not a woman" in front of a room full of young noblewomen.

Without realizing it, Allen’s words had been a slap in the face to the young noblewomen present.

"Stop playing games just to keep up appearances, Allen," Nolan said with a quiet sigh. He took a sip of wine, then looked at Allen with a teasing smile.

"Aren’t you tired of pretending? Your sister already controls several key sectors of the Ashvale family and manages them completely. That alone proves your father trusts her more than you. And you?"

He let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. "You spend your time messing around with others your age, without the slightest concern for what’s ahead. Is being a Duke’s son really enough to keep you safe? Who says it is?"

Allen’s hands clenched into fists at those biting words. He bit his lower lip, and his body trembled slightly.

Nolan noticed, of course—but did he care? Not in the slightest.

"Do you know why the Empire uses a succession system instead of simply appointing an heir?" he asked, casting his gaze across the room, as if inviting everyone to listen.

"It’s because the throne should only go to someone truly worthy. Someone strong, intelligent, cunning, and capable. If the heir were appointed by name alone, who could guarantee he has all of that?"

He paused for a beat, then turned his eyes back to Allen. "So stop wasting time, Allen Ashvale. All you’re doing now is disgracing your family and surrounding yourself with enemies. You’re far too careless... so much so, you haven’t even noticed the wolf watching you from the shadows."

With a long sigh, Nolan turned away, waving his hand dismissively.

"Enough. You’ve already ruined my relaxing time with my little sister."

Without another word, he walked off, leaving Allen behind—along with the young nobles and heads of noble families, who could only stand there, watching with troubled expressions.

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