I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 124

Chapter 121: Move Forward

Sadly, Leo’s reply was destined to disappoint them.

“I thought that was just the ramblings of a cultist. I had no idea the Ash King was still alive! Besides… that kind of thing isn’t something mere mortals can defeat!”

That immense pressure was real; a single strike from the Ash King could shatter city walls and crush armies.

Eighteen years ago, the Lionheart King gathered the kingdom’s most elite extraordinary beings to stand against it. What could a handful of them possibly do now?!

Hearing this, Lisa and the others couldn’t help but lower their heads in despair.

But Roy’s voice rang out once more.

“Wouldn’t the Flame Blossom work?”

Leo’s eyes widened, unable to believe what he just heard.

“What are you thinking?! That’s one of the Seven Heavenly Dragons! An existence nearly divine! How could a mere extraordinary artifact…”

He trailed off mid-sentence.

Because there was no hint of doubt in the boy’s obsidian eyes. What shocked Leo even more than this crazy idea was that Roy was serious!

He really wanted to slay a dragon!

“No matter how strong, it’s currently at the end of its rope! Can’t you see all its injuries? Why else would it go to such lengths to distract Rob? That shows it’s afraid!” Roy reasoned.

“The Flame Blossom sealed the Lionheart King’s full-powered blow! If it hits a vital spot, it’s enough to kill!”

Leo fell silent for a moment, then with his remaining hand pulled out his own Flame Blossom and handed it to Roy.

“This thing can only be wielded by those of royal blood.”

Leo said firmly, then looked at Charlotte.

Lisa suddenly realized.

This meant Charlotte had to risk her life to fight against the fire dragon that nearly destroyed the kingdom!

“No! Your Highness, we have no chance of winning. You can’t take that risk!”

However, Charlotte ignored Lisa’s pleas and walked up to Roy.

“Let’s run! Let’s get back to the capital! Once we’re back, we can wait for the King to return…”

Lisa couldn’t continue.

Because she recognized that expression.

Since childhood, whenever this stubborn princess revealed that look, nobody could change her mind.

“Why? Why must it be you?” Lisa lowered her head in sorrow, her vision blurred by tears.

Lisa had watched this girl grow up, witnessed her talent and glory, and observed her plain yet adorable dreams.

Having finally found someone she liked, on the brink of happiness, was it really going to end like this?

Yet Charlotte smiled just as proudly and resolutely as always.

“Because I am a princess.”

“As a member of the royal family, while enjoying its wealth and glory, I must also step forward in times of crisis. This is my unshirkable responsibility!”

The knights cast solemn gazes, while Lisa covered her eyes, sobbing uncontrollably.

Charlotte turned to Roy and took the Flame Blossom he held.

But Roy didn’t let go.

He looked straight into the girl’s eyes and stated firmly, “I’ll go with you.”

Now it was Charlotte’s turn to be dissatisfied.

Even a girl who wouldn’t hesitate to face death now coldly refused, “No!”

Roy brought up the argument he had prepared, “That creature wants me; I’m the best bait. If it chases me and misses your attack, wouldn’t that be for nothing?”

“Besides, if you fail, where can I escape to?”

Charlotte knew she couldn’t win against Roy’s logic and glared at him angrily, “Stay here! That’s a royal order!”

Roy shot back defiantly, “I’m afraid I can’t comply. If you don’t agree, I won’t let you leave!”

“You…”

Charlotte gritted her teeth in anger.

She yanked Roy aside and spoke in hushed tones.

“What are you thinking? I am the princess; it’s my duty to sacrifice for the kingdom! But this isn’t your responsibility; you don’t need to die with me…” As she spoke, her accusatory tone softened, and this proud princess blinked back tears, adding a deep plea, “Please don’t do anything foolish.”

Roy almost softened.

If it were any other time, he would absolutely back down.

But not this time.

The issue with the Cult of the Abyss was his own doing; the fate of battling the Blood Dragon was his to bear.

How could he let this princess, who had always trusted him, die for him?!

“Do you really think I’ll abandon you?”

“But…”

“Besides, I never said I was going to die with you,” Roy said, holding Charlotte’s hand, smiling lightly as if discussing a picnic.

“Once this battle is over, we’ll gain a lot. Victory, glory, and a grand ball, but no death. Don’t you remember? I still owe you a dance.”

Charlotte froze, seemingly touched by the future Roy had painted.

There’s something crazier than slaying a dragon, and that’s coming back alive after doing so.

The legendary first dragon slayer, Siegfried, perished together with the Dragon of the Abyss, and her father, the Lionheart King, lost countless comrades eighteen years ago and still didn’t completely defeat the Blood Dragon, Balajis.

Yet the grip she felt was so steadfast, making Charlotte believe that this elusive future might actually be possible.

In the distance, after a brief revelry, the dragon flock finally surged forward at the command of the fire dragon.

Time was running out for them.

In the end, it was Charlotte who lowered her head first, sighed deeply, and squeezed Roy’s hand tightly.

“Okay. Follow me.”

Roy laughed lightly, “At your service.”

Charlotte shot him an annoyed glance, “Hmph, you’ll obey your own whims, huh?”

The two mounted the Cake, not realizing how accustomed they had become to this position.

It was hard to believe that their first shared ride on a griffon was just for hunting some game, and now they were off to slay a dragon.

What astonished Charlotte was that as long as she leaned against Roy, she felt a calm assurance.

Lisa dried her eyes and said hoarsely, “Your Highness, I want to go too!”

“And take us with you!” The knights echoed, each of them filled with determination.

As the princess and her knights were willing to fight to the death, how could they back down?

Leo watched this spectacle in disbelief, ultimately fixing his gaze on Roy, a deep bitterness rising within him.

Just moments ago, everyone was in a state of panicked uncertainty, but now, they were rallying together, preparing to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Blood Dragon.

At first glance, it seemed they were following Charlotte.

But Leo understood it was because Roy had ignited the awareness of dragon slaying first.

He suddenly remembered something his father told him long ago.

“To wear the crown, one must bear its weight—this saying should actually be reversed.”

“You must remember, only those who carry the unbearable weight and guide others forward are worthy of being called kings.”

At that time, he had been so captivated by the glamorous crown that he had long forgotten this heartfelt admonition.

Only now did he awaken to it.

The royal griffon ascended slowly, the black-haired knight and the red-haired princess leading a mere handful of knights as they charged towards the burning night sky with unwavering resolve!

Leo gazed longingly at the boy’s departing figure, sighed deeply, with a bittersweet smile, and slowly closed his eyes.

Those who bear the unbearable weight and lead others forward—

If it were him, perhaps he could really do it.