I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 541

Chapter 88: Yo, Yo, Yo, Boyfriend?

The “Necromancy School,” known for its deathly spells, may not be the most powerful cult out there, but its notorious reputation comes from the massive casualties it causes, leaving even the strongest defenseless every time they strike.

In terms of fame, only the “Evil Dragon Society,” which ignited a war with the dragon race eighteen years ago, can rival it.

However, Winter looked at the frail old man before him and had long lost the initial respect he once held, now feeling a sense of disdain instead.

“Your disciple Barnes said everything was in order, that the False King’s blood was surely doomed, but what’s happening now?”

The old man’s gaze darkened slightly, yet a smile squeezed itself onto his aging, withered face. “The strength of this False King’s blood is indeed extraordinary.”

“The dragons and the followers of the Mother Goddess couldn’t fully uncover his secrets—that’s one reason for their failure. But the second reason…”

The old man’s tone dripped with sarcasm: “Your Highness, your cousin swore to protect her dear student with her life and attacked us wholeheartedly—this burden cannot fall on us.”

“What do you mean?” Winter’s expression also darkened, an icy aura emanating from him.

The old man seemed unfazed, responding coolly, “Just a reminder.”

Cheers erupted from outside.

Both men knew what that meant.

The true master of Snow Wind Fortress had returned, and before he even fully entered the city, she was already met with soldiers and citizens crowding around her.

The old man sighed lightly. “For this plan to succeed, we, the disciples of death, your Imperial family, and the foreign Demon Race need to collaborate, each doing our part. We have done all we can, yet it seems, Your Highness, you haven’t quite tamed Xue Nuo Andewis as you promised.”

Watching the scene outside, Winter clenched his fists, his expression darkening.

As a prince of the kingdom, blessed with extraordinary looks and talents, Winter had never lacked for women eager to please him.

Things easily within reach don’t pique his interest.

But there was one person, etched deeply into his memory since childhood.

Their first encounter twenty years ago.

Just one glance sent a shiver through his soul.

Her snow-like silver hair, her frost-like visage—despite facing him, the haughtiness in her brows didn’t wane even a little.

During a sword duel before either had awakened their extraordinary bloodlines, the slender girl, who should’ve been at a disadvantage, thoroughly defeated him, leaving him sprawled beneath her skirt.

However, instead of feeling anger, Winter had a blazing fire ignite within him from that moment on.

Having seen a rose sculpted from ice and snow, no matter how many beautiful women flattered him after, none could stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

Conquering such a woman would hold significance.

Moreover, the Andewis family and the royal family had longstanding conflicts.

Armed with powerful troops and high status, most importantly, the Andewis family held the bloodline power the royal family coveted.

This was a force capable of threatening the royal bloodline’s legitimacy.

If he could win over Xue Nuo, he’d effectively gain both power and beauty, achieving it all.

Of course, such a task wouldn’t be easy.

The rose of the Snow Nation resided high on her pedestal, the proud snow wolf never bowed to anyone, and Xue Nuo was by no means a weak woman willing to be submissive.

But so what?

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

Gazing into the distance at the silver wolf carriage bathed in the crowd’s cheers, Winter smiled coldly, casually picking up a blue rose from the table.

A cold current surged, freezing the vibrant petals, and with a clench of his palm, he shattered it completely.

“Don’t forget who the future master of the Empire is. Xue Nuo Andewis is just one flower amidst a hundred blooms, and even if she carries thorns, she cannot escape my grasp.”

The old man slightly bowed, neither servile nor insolent. “It’s best if Your Highness is confident. If you need anything, High Priest Saar will also lend his humble strength to our shared plan.”

Looking at the snow-like figure of the silver-haired girl, Winter initially felt a thrill that only a hunter could know, then quickly regained his composure, plotting: “Don’t worry. You won’t need to intervene. I have already arranged the perfect script for my dear cousin.”

Saar inclined his head slightly.

He had never underestimated the abilities of the Empire’s second prince.

Managing nobles who all harbored ulterior motives, while cooperating with the cunning and calculating empress of the current Empire, Winter was not as simple as he appeared.

Beneath his gentle exterior lay the slyness and ferocity of a wolf.

However…

While participating in the conversation, the old man’s pale, murky eyes had shifted elsewhere.

A golden-winged griffin, a young boy with black hair.

His appearance was undoubtedly outside the old man’s expectations.

Foolish little brat, he actually broke away from the protection of the “Sage” and voluntarily walked right into the trap?

Is this the will of the Lord of Death?

Apologies, Your Highness.

From now on, the priority of our tasks in the “Necromancy School” needs to be slightly adjusted.

——————————

On the border of the Empire, at the far west of the Snow Nation, lies Xue Nuo Andewis’s hometown, Snow Wind Fortress.

Though there had been images of it in the original work, seeing the iron fortress rising above the ice plains in person still left Roy in awe.

The perpetual winter created harsh conditions but also forged the resilience of the people at the Empire’s border. They painstakingly transformed the barren ice fields with their own hands, building homes and establishing the Empire, thus fortifying humanity’s very front line.

It is said that this fortress was the only one to withstand a direct assault from the Demon Race during the great defeat of humanity at the onset of the “Third Era,” holding back enemy forces for several months.

Upon entering the city, soldiers cheered and gathered to welcome their lord back to Snow Wind Fortress.

The silver-haired girl waved from the window, offering a rare glimpse of shyness while her eyes held an inviting warmth.

The carriage came to a stop.

Upon disembarking, she was met by a couple clad in bear fur coats, walking hand in hand.

The middle-aged man was burly, with graying hair at his temples, sporting a gentle, warm smile that didn’t come off as dull, making one feel at ease.

The woman, or rather, the warrior, was robust, with sharp eyes and brown hair cascading over her shoulders. A scar from a sword crossed her nose, giving her an added compelling aura. Even with the slight traces of age on her face, she radiated a warmth akin to a torch in the winter snow.

Unlike the bowing man, the warrior stepped up and gave Xue Nuo a massive hug, leaving the usually stoic Xue Nuo somewhat flustered.

“Look who’s back! Little White Wolf, are you eating well? You’re looking like a bag of bones!”

“Ms. Branny, you’re exaggerating. And please respect the decorum expected of nobility…”

“Oh!”

“Whoa, looks like someone has been in that southern Academy for too long, and now your speech is all fancy and refined.” Mid-sentence, Branny noticed Roy’s presence, her eyes lighting up, then caught the awkward look on Xue Nuo’s face, and reluctantly let go.

“Oh! Oh! Sorry, sorry! I didn’t expect you to suddenly bring home a boyfriend!”

“Ms. Branny!”

“Cough, cough, Branny, we have a guest here, don’t make it too awkward for Xue Nuo.”

The man approached Roy and offered a respectful bow, his noble smile failing to mask his warmth: “My wife hails from commoner roots. She’s always so boisterous, making Lord Roy laugh.”

Having read Roy’s status in the letter beforehand.

Roy returned the bow, smiling back: “No worries. In fact, it’s quite refreshing to see a side of Teacher Xue Nuo that’s so unusual.”

“Tsk, tsk.” Branny nudged Xue Nuo’s arm, throwing her a mischievous look.

The latter maintained her calm facade, but a hint of grievance could not help but surface in her eyes.

To be seen like a little girl right after returning, it seriously dented her image as a mentor.