The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 396: The Arrival of Winter (1)

Seven days later...

"Your Highness, the road is finished. The total cost was two million Sharn. One million Sharn remains. I will return it to you," Leonard said respectfully.

Elina folded her legs and shook her head. "No need. Take five hundred thousand Sharn for your help all this ti. With the rest, please buy more food and clothing supplies. Spend it all."

There was no need for her to reclaim the money she had spent. Not only did she still have plenty of funds, but the people of Virella needed food far more urgently.

Although the warehouse was already well-stocked, adding more would never hurt.

"I understand." Leonard nodded slightly, but deep down, he felt helpless.

By giving him five hundred thousand Sharn, Elina had made it clear she owed him nothing.

Even if he sought her gratitude later, there would be limits.

It had to be said—the princess was truly extraordinary. She had skillfully prevented Leonard from being able to demand repaynt for his efforts.

Pulling himself together, Leonard sipped his tea and changed the subject. "The rchants have agreed to your request, Your Highness. However..."

His expression grew slightly embarrassed as he continued, "They know that Virella does not offer much appeal for long-term settlent. As a result, they have requested that you purchase their goods while they are here."

He could do nothing about it. The rchants were not under his authority—they were independent individuals moving according to their own interests.

He could indeed implent policies to pressure the rchants, but they also had the option to stop trading in the town of the Black Horn entirely.

If that happened, the town could suffer massive losses.

After all, food and other essential goods were brought in and sold by them.

If the rchants left and refused to return, the Black Horn would face severe famine.

"Oh?" Elina’s eyes flickered with surprise. "What’s the minimum purchase they’re asking for?"

"Each rchant wants two thousand Sharn. With five hundred rchants, that cos to a total of one million Sharn."

One million Sharn was a staggering sum. Leonard had tried negotiating with them himself, but they refused.

The rchants viewed Virella as a remote, unpromising place.

There was no profit to be made, and visiting the town would be nothing but a waste of their ti.

That was why they insisted Leonard ensure Elina bought all their goods for the full amount he had ntioned.

Elina fell silent, pondering. Honestly, she had expected this.

The rchants cared about only one thing—profit. They would never co to the town without a guarantee that soone would purchase their goods.

Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly and nodded.

"I understand. It’s fine. I will pay for all their goods while they are here," she replied firmly.

Having the rchants co temporarily was only a stopgap asure. Once she succeeded in attracting investors from the capital, she could ensure the rchants would be begging to trade in Virella.

Leonard said nothing, simply nodding slightly.

They exchanged a few more words until Leonard suddenly smiled and asked, "By the way, Your Highness, the Empire’s anniversary is about to begin. Would you like to go with ?"

As a baron, he had received an invitation from the palace to attend the celebration.

Since he didn’t have a companion, bringing Elina would boost both his prestige and personal satisfaction.

Unfortunately, Elina shook her head.

"I’m sorry, I can’t go with you. I’m one of the candidates for the throne, and I must return to the palace before the feast begins. I have to decline."

Leonard’s smile froze. The rejection felt like a knife to the heart.

All his life, won had pursued him. But for the first ti, he had liked soone and wanted to be close to her—only to be turned down.

It was painfully, unmistakably bitter.

With a helpless sigh, he nodded stiffly.

"I understand. I hope you have a safe journey to the capital."

Elina chuckled softly. "Thank you for your prayers."

...

Ti passed quickly, and before anyone realized it, winter had arrived.

Snow blanketed the entire territory of the Great Velmora Empire, drifting gracefully from the sky.

Many welcod it with joy, but so felt a tinge of sadness. Winter marked the year’s end.

Those who felt lancholy often realized they hadn’t accomplished everything they had hoped for and felt the year had been wasted.

Yet overall, more people were happy—after all, the Empire’s anniversary fell in winter.

The national holiday will last two full days, and festivals in cities across the empire will be celebrated with grandeur and excitent.

"Winter, huh? How ti flies. A year has passed in the blink of an eye."

Seated in her pavilion, Isabella gazed at the falling snowflakes.

Even with the clouds covering the night sky, the falling snow gave it a delicate, enchanting beauty.

"Mmm... mmm..."

Beside her, Eliza devoured a chocolate bread roll, then asked sweetly, "Do you miss Brother Nolan and Sister Elina, Mother?"

Isabella smiled faintly and stroked her daughter’s head. "Yes, I miss them, my dear. Though they are adults now, in my eyes, they will always be my children."

In previous years, they would usually gather to celebrate winter and the new year together. But this year, it seed her wish would not co true.

Both of them now had their own responsibilities. They were no longer little children who needed her protection.

Eliza paused for a mont, then, with chocolate jam sared on her chubby cheeks, reassured her, "It’s okay, Mother. Now I will take the place of Brother Nolan and Sister Elina when they’re not here. You won’t be lonely anymore!"

Isabella was taken aback. Looking at her adorable face, a smile naturally blossod on her lips as she wiped the chocolate from Eliza’s cheeks with her thumb.

"You’re right. So you have to stay by my side, okay?"

"Um! Okay!" Eliza raised her left hand happily.

In previous years, Eliza had welcod winter with the Kleith family.

The family usually held a small gathering, but it had never felt comfortable for her.

She had always felt out of place there. This year, with no festive gathering and only Isabella by her side, the day felt far more peaceful and enjoyable.

Eliza nibbled on her bread again, swaying her small body from side to side.

Isabella sipped her tea, savoring the quiet, soothing atmosphere.

Suddenly, a voice ca from behind her.

"Young lady, don’t you want to return to your family? Your father is waiting for you and hopes you’ll co ho."