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

"Don't tell me this evidence is valid as well?"

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Rick hurriedly pushed it away, trying to calm his racing heartbeat.

No, that's impossible, he muttered, shaking his head. There's no way that could happen. The contract binds us to the Castellan family. Yeah, I'm sure of it.

His panic slowly eased, and he let out a sigh of relief. Still, it was impossible to say his fear had completely vanished.

As an old saying from the far eastern lands goes, "In this world, nothing is ever certain. There are always factors that can ruin even the best-laid plans."

Rick forced his fear deep down, determined to appear confident.

Meanwhile, Louis, who saw the document in Nolan's hand, felt cold sweat trickle down his forehead.

Suppressing his own panic, he gave a small nod. "Then let me take a look first. Call in a team of experts to examine it as well."

Nolan did not object. He handed the document to a guard, who immediately passed it to Louis.

Five professionally dressed experts quickly approached and began inspecting the document.

As he worked alongside Rick, he was determined not to let this case slip away like the last one. The Castellan family's loss of Marquis status might be delayed, but this investment case would not be.

After all, if the Castellan family were found guilty and severely punished, bankruptcy would be inevitable—and with it, their status as a Marquis family.

Louis had to find a flaw in the evidence Nolan had provided so he could pressure the Castellans and demand compensation dozens of times greater than originally offered.

The tension in the room was rising again. Everyone exchanged glances, each lost in their own thoughts.

They didn't know whether the evidence Nolan had brought this time was as solid as before. Yet, judging by his confident demeanor, it was most likely genuine.

Inevitably, their eyes flicked to Rick and Erland, filled with pity. If Nolan succeeded in breaking this case as he had the last, the prosecution—Rick and Erland—would face tremendous losses.

They had already invested so much time and money in this trial. On top of that, the investment made by the Red Obsidian Trading House was enormous.

If all of that were lost, it would be a devastating blow.

Rick and Erland were naturally aware of these glances. Yet they gave no reaction, as if convinced the evidence was fake.

"Duke, what do you think? Will that document bring us victory or defeat?" Aston asked, his voice heavy.

He had been thrilled when the Red Obsidian Trading House's first claim was defeated. But compared to the first, this second lawsuit was clearly far more important.

One thing was clear to everyone: the investment from the Red Obsidian Trading House had gone to the Castellan family. Denying it would be extremely difficult—perhaps impossible.

Alvaron folded his arms across his chest and studied "Arthur" intently.

"I cannot confirm whether the evidence is genuine," he said casually, "but above all, we must trust the young man. I believe he wouldn't act unless he was sure of winning."

But anyone with even a hint of sensitivity would have recognized the intent behind it. Unfortunately, Aston didn't, and he simply fell silent, giving only a small nod.

Seconds ticked by, and the courtroom was filled only with the quiet murmurs of the five experts exchanging opinions.

Louis' expression appeared calm, but his brows were constantly furrowed, as if he were dissatisfied with something.

After a tense fifteen minutes, the five experts finally reached a consensus. One of them stepped into the center of the courtroom, scanning everyone carefully.

Yet when his gaze fell on Erland and Rick, a trace of pity flickered in his eyes.

The two of them noticed immediately, and a sense of foreboding washed over them.

Before their fear could grow any stronger, the man took a deep breath and announced loudly, "All the evidence provided by Attorney Arthur is genuine and trustworthy."

The courtroom fell silent once more. Then, in the next moment, shocked voices erupted.

"The evidence is real!? Are they serious?"

"Yeah, I don't believe it either! How could the evidence be valid? Could the Castellan family have colluded with those five experts?"

"That's impossible! They are a special unit sent from the capital to assist with this trial. If they dared to do that, they'd face severe punishment from the Emperor!"

Speculation ran rampant. Many suspected that either the Castellan family or the attorney named Arthur had somehow conspired with the five experts.

Yet many also rejected the accusation. The five experts were professionals who should not be involved with—or allied to—either party.

To do so would be a clear violation of their oath, and the penalties were severe.

Moreover, the trial was being observed by the head of the Austin family, the supreme leader of the eastern region. If any cheating occurred, the five experts would have to face lifelong consequences.

As the debate continued, Rick, already on edge, finally lost his temper.

"I don't believe this!" His loud voice echoed through the courtroom, startling everyone.

All eyes turned to him, curious and tinged with pity.

Rick stepped forward, fixing his gaze on the man who had announced the decision. "You must have colluded with him, right?" he accused.

Pointing directly at Nolan, he continued in a threatening tone, "How could my evidence be inferior to his? Explain now, or I'll report this to the palace. If that happens, this trial will be escalated to the capital."

His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths as he glared at Nolan. He hadn't expected Arthur's evidence to shift the balance so quickly.

But he couldn't let it happen. The investment from Red Obsidian Trading House was massive, and Rovert's crimes had nearly severed their capital chain, forcing them to sell off countless assets just to stay afloat.

This case had to be won—no matter the cost.

Faced with the accusation, the man felt a twinge of irritation—but he was a professional and did not let it show.

"I understand your anger and frustration, Mr. Rick. However, I assure everyone here that these results were carefully reviewed, and there is no possibility of error," he said firmly.

Rick remained unconvinced. Narrowing his eyes, he shot back, "I don't believe it. Explain it now, or I'll report you and your associates immediately."

The man frowned, about to respond, when a playful voice cut through from the front.

"How about we make a bet on this, Mr. Rick?"