[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist":3,"chapter-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-178":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1550201,2013,"Chapter 178 : Thoughts about Marriage","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-178",178,"\u003Cp>Alex immediately noticed the change in Serena’s expression. The usual playful sparkle in her eyes dimmed, replaced with a seriousness that made the air heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Looks like her condition is even worse than we thought.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[We should hurry, host.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" Alex muttered under his breath, agreeing with the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena, as if sensing his worry, softened her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don’t you come and eat something first? You must be starving after sleeping for so long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curved into a gentle smile before she winked playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I promise, I won’t take much of your time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Do as she says, host. She’s a very nice lady.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex exhaled, nodding reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena began leading the way, her graceful stride making even the simple act of walking look regal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia lingered close to Alex, her emerald eyes full of concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you sure you’re alright? Your body’s not hurting anywhere, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex shook his head, smiling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I’m fine now. What about Alden and the others? Are they okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing him mention her brother, Alicia paused mid-step. For a brief moment, her face stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then she resumed walking, speaking quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re all fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex studied her carefully but didn’t press further. He simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group soon reached the grand dining hall. The doors opened wide, revealing a massive table carved from polished oak, its surface gleaming under the warm glow of chandeliers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena, ever the gracious hostess, gestured gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alex, sit beside me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Alicia was about to take the empty chair on Alex’s other side—Reynard smoothly slid into it first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father... aren’t you going to sit at the head of the table like you usually do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard’s reply was maddeningly casual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, I feel like sitting here. You should find another spot, pumpkin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia rubbed her temples, sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Of course. He’s trying to keep me away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resigned, she sat across the table from him, sulking like a child denied candy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Alex now found himself sandwiched between the Duchess, who was smiling warmly, and the Duke, whose grin looked sharp enough to cut steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’One smile says \"stay as long as you like\"... the other says \"eat my food and get out, never show your face again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gods above, what kind of trap have I walked into?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex sighed internally, already regretting every decision that brought him here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a clap of Serena’s hands, the massive double doors at the far end of the hall swung open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Servants streamed in, carrying silver platters piled high with steaming delicacies. Roasted meats glazed with honey, fresh loaves of bread, soups, and fragrant sauces filled the room with mouthwatering aromas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Alex, who prided himself on self-control, felt his mouth water. His stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena chuckled softly, eyes twinkling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You need strength. You’ve been unconscious for days without food. Eat to your heart’s content. Alicia and I prepared much of it ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from her, Reynard smirked, seizing the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least have the manners not to drool when you see food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Alex could respond, Serena casually conjured a spectral hand of mana. It smacked Reynard across the head with a crisp snap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be respectful to our guest,\" she scolded firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard stared at her, scandalized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did I even do wrong this time?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a huff, he looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Alex picked up his utensils, his eyes flicked toward Reynard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel it—the overwhelming aura radiating from the man, like a sleeping dragon disguised as a human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Even just sitting here... the aura is insane. As monstrous as ever. If he wanted, he could kill me without even lifting a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the man who had once brought the elves to their knees single-handedly. The man revered as the King of the North.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah... this guy is not to be messed with.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard caught Alex measuring him and smiled thinly, the kind of smile that made the hairs on the back of the neck rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Do you want to fight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Yeah, this guy is making it really hard not to mess with him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his mouth to retort—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could, Alicia—having already sensed where this was going—snatched a roasted chicken leg and shoved it straight into Alex’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex gagged, muffled protests spilling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mmmph—what the hell are you doing?! Do you want me to choke to death on chicken bones?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia exhaled in relief, leaning back in her chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finish the food in your mouth before speaking, you idiot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena laughed openly, covering her mouth but failing to hide her amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard turned toward his daughter, voice soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His hands work just fine. He can feed himself, you know that, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia pouted, her cheeks puffing like a sulking squirrel. Reynard raised his hands in mock surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright—but don’t do it again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex, finishing the chicken wings still in his mouth, swallowed and muttered dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can feed myself, thank you very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment their eyes locked again, it was like lightning clashed across the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard narrowed his eyes, Alex mirrored the look, and the invisible sparks almost had Alicia leaning back in her chair for safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena, watching them with an amused smile, suddenly interjected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alex, don’t you like chicken?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex turned toward her quickly, still caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, my la—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, Serena leaned forward, her voice dripping with authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can call me Miss Serena... if not, you have to call me Mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex froze. His breath hitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’What the hell did she just say?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia’s face turned crimson instantly, hands flying to cover her cheeks. Reynard’s too turned red, but his was the kind of red that came before thunder cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex stammered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena cut him off, tone sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But nothing. Do as I tell you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex let out a resigned sigh, shoulders slumping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ok, Miss Serena.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile bloomed like a flower in spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. That’s a good start.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all began eating. Alicia, eyes sparkling at the sight of crispy chicken, reached eagerly for a drumstick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before her fingers touched it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena swatted her hand lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning down, she whispered sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you want to get fat, young lady?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mother, you are—!\" Alicia nearly yelled, her voice catching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then her eyes met Alex’s, who was smirking at her like he was saying he was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks burned again, and she glared daggers at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huffing, she shoved her fork into a salad leaf and nibbled it like a punished child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight was too much for Alex and Reynard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until Reynard suddenly turned, pointing a finger at Alex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what the hell are you laughing about, brat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without missing a beat, Alex smiled slyly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, your daughter is quite cute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia’s face went bright red again, almost glowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Reynard didn’t explode with rage as Alex expected. Instead, he puffed out his chest proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course she is! She’s the most beautiful, most adorable thing in the world! After all, she takes after me—not like Alden, who unfortunately takes after Reyna.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena’s glare sharpened like a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack! Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, two spectral mana hands slammed down on his head harder than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ow! Damn it, woman!\" Reynard winced in pain, rubbing his scalp, then immediately shot Alex a glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex gave a small, innocent smile, raising his hands as if to say,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’What the hell did I do, old man? You brought it on yourself.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena’s voice cut through the tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eat your food, Rey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, ma’am,\" Reynard grumbled, looking away like a scolded child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex snorted inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Partner... I think marriage is just as useless as you. I don’t ever want to end up like this old man.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For once, the system didn’t fire back with sarcasm. Instead, a solemn voice replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[For the first time, I agree with you, host.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s lips twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, that you’re useless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You bastard! I meant about the marriage thing!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex smirked and ignored him, returning to his food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his starving body begged for nutrients, Alex’s gaze sharpened on the feast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the pace, devouring dish after dish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to be outdone, Reynard suddenly began eating faster too, glaring at Alex between bites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, it became a contest. Both men were shoveling food at lightning speed, servants scrambling to refill plates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall echoed with clattering dishes, loud chewing, and muttered curses between glares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Serena, with all her poise, sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia just shook her head, hiding a giggle behind her salad fork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time it was over, the mountain of food Serena and Alicia had carefully prepared was reduced to polished plates and exhausted servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men leaned back in their chairs, stomachs full and expressions smug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reynard wiped his mouth with a napkin, smirking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brat, I win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex waved him off lazily, his tone losing all formalities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, old man, you win. After all, you need to eat more—you’re getting older. Meanwhile, I’m still young and handsome, so I let you win. Respecting my elders, you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vein bulged on Reynard’s forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Did this brat just call me old?!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as Serena gave him a death glare, he clicked his tongue and looked away, muttering under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just you wait, you stupid brat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena, still trying to keep things calm, leaned toward Alex again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alex, do you like chicken?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled, wiping his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, of course I do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serena turned toward Alicia, her tone deliberately teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He liked the chicken, Alicia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alicia, face still red, pretended to focus on her salad, refusing to look at anyone. But the small smirk tugging at her lips betrayed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly Serena’s EtherPad lit up with an urgent call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She answered quickly, her eyes narrowing as she listened. Her cheerful demeanor faded instantly, replaced by grim severity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she ended the call, her gaze locked onto Alex. She reached across the table, gripping his hand firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alex,\" she said, voice heavy. \"Lily’s condition has worsened. The doctors say they don’t know if she’ll even live to see tomorrow. We should leave immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s heart froze in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...What.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how was the Chapter? Tell me in the comments!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks for the golden tickets:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@Hmd95, @SleepyR26, @BlacKain,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@dreamchasing, @Harry_Sangoi,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@BluuuuTea, @Kyle_Kerswell, @Arist_Babi\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I really appreciate the support, guys. 😊\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----\u003C\u002Fp>",1763,"2026-06-06T07:14:57.154Z",1,"novelbin.me","4c5447da790d90ac1bf6bc7ff2110354b23ffe25db31924798367dfff2da10fd","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-179","the-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-chapter-300",418,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-extra-who-shouldn-t-exist-cover.jpg"]