I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 148

Chapter 1: Going Home

After a three-day national celebration, it was finally time for Roy to head back home.

In previous years, the celebrations used to last about a week, but this time, the various territories had suffered quite a bit, so even though the dragon crisis was over, the lords needed to return quickly to manage the aftermath.

The Ainbrad family was no exception.

As the griffon caravan rolled out of the city, Roy felt a pang of reluctance while gazing at the fading crimson silhouette in the distance.

This journey had brought him unexpected dangers and, equally, unexpected gains.

Putting aside his bloodline powers for now, Roy never imagined that he would end up here with Charlotte Reinhardt, who was supposed to be the female lead of the original story.

Touching his lips and reminiscing about that moment when Her Highness generously bestowed a “reward” kiss upon him, Roy couldn’t help but break into a smirk.

Karl, who figured out what happened without needing to say it, merely smiled enigmatically.

In the corner, however, the little maid’s eyes grew darker.

Did the master really prefer that sort of thing?

Alice could do it too, after all…

Alice didn’t quite understand the meaning of a kiss, but she at least knew it was something that required the mutual consent of both parties.

And her master had never shown interest in that area.

“Master, if there’s anything you need me to do, feel free to command me anytime.”

“Um… there’s nothing at the moment, so just take a good rest, Alice.”

The little maid, whose hint fell flat, lowered her head, filled with sorrow.

The journey home was clearly much tougher than the trip here.

The dragon turmoil had been quelled, but the effects wouldn’t vanish in just a day or two.

Along the way, many beasts who lost their homes to dragons recklessly crashed into their caravan, and some surviving dragons even launched frantic attacks against them.

Having experienced the pursuit of the “Evil Dragon Society” and fought against the almost calamity-level Crimson Fire Dragon, Roy had definitely developed a bit of PTSD toward these dragon-like creatures.

But this time, Karl was leading the group.

Be it beasts or dragons, they could take down one beast at a time, or two if need be— for a seasoned powerhouse like Karl, it was just like chopping vegetables.

The journey was incident-free, and witnessing the demise of numerous dragon kin had even healed Roy’s dragon-related PTSD, netting him a ton of extraordinary materials in the process.

These dragons even came to deliver materials specifically—how generous of them!

However, after passing the “Apocalyptic Volcano,” no more dragons showed up.

After experiencing the “Flame of Destruction” and the devastating breath of the Crimson Fire Dragon, the once towering volcano had been sliced to shreds, turning into a wasteland. Torrential lava cascaded down like a waterfall, transforming vast forests into lifeless scorched earth.

The escorts accompanying them were unaware of the Crimson Fire Dragon battle, only marveling at the frightening devastation as if it were a natural disaster.

The abnormality of the “Apocalyptic Volcano” was attributed to the destruction of the “Evil Dragon Society.”

Knowing the truth, Karl couldn’t help but remark, “One has to say it’s quite impressive for a descendant of Rollein. Even with your low bloodline, you can still cause such an uproar…”

“No, that fire dragon was already heavily injured; I just got lucky with the finishing blow.”

Roy wasn’t being modest.

Looking back, he felt incredibly lucky.

If it hadn’t been for the heavily injured Crimson Fire Dragon and his own opportunity to close in while the beast was careless, a single swipe could have turned him into mush.

And most importantly, it was the “False King” bloodline.

The “Dragon Breath: Sky” was at least equivalent to a full-force strike from a high-tier Extraordinary Being.

But merely using it once nearly cost Roy his life.

It was like a nuclear weapon—something that can’t be done without, but he hoped he’d never have to use it again.

Of course, to Karl, these words sounded a bit like humblebragging.

So many powerful Extraordinary Beings had perished beneath dragon flames, never even getting near. Having faced the Crimson Fire Dragon before, Karl understood how much danger was embedded in Roy’s short sentence, and it was no light matter.

The bloodline originating from Rollein was exceptionally powerful and would attract various forces vying for it, but the battle against the Crimson Fire Dragon proved that Roy was definitely no ordinary person.

Karl realized that instead of suppressing him, nurturing his bloodline was the best protection.

A week later, the Ainbrad family’s caravan finally returned to Ironblood Ridge.

The once-familiar town lay in ruins; although the city center remained somewhat intact, the outskirts had clearly suffered significant damage.

But to Roy’s surprise, every face in the welcoming crowd wore a smile, with cheers ringing in the air— the atmosphere wasn’t as grim as he expected.

Upon returning to the lord’s mansion to inquire, he learned that his exploits had already made it back ahead of him to Ironblood Ridge.

Lord Karl had contributed to quelling the dragon crisis alongside the king, and Lord Roy had also protected the capital from the “Evil Dragon Society.” Even the two personal maids had led the knights to safeguard the town.

The Lionheart citizens revel in military achievements and glory.

The Ainbrad family had collectively earned honor from top to bottom, significantly boosting the pride of their people, turning the calamity into a festival where everyone eagerly awaited the father and son’s return for a grand celebration.

Of course, it also helped that Anya led the knights to promptly protect the town, preventing further damage.

“Another banquet? With disaster recovery at hand, hosting a feast isn’t really appropriate, is it?” Karl felt a bit displeased upon hearing about the actions of his vassals and neighboring nobles.

Feasts cost money, and if they were thrown, the rebuilding work would naturally be delayed.

Karl’s thinking was conservative and rigid, emphasizing efficiency, whereas Robber understood the sentiments of the people better in such matters.

During such times, Anya usually provided advice.

But this time, Roy proactively interjected, “Father, this is also in line with the people’s wishes. Just like Uncle Robber didn’t cancel the national celebration to uplift spirit, as to finances, the monster materials we collected on the way can offset quite a bit, so it won’t cost too much.”

“…That makes some sense.” After a brief consideration, Karl reacted, glancing at his eldest son with surprise: “I didn’t realize you understood quite a bit about governance.”

“In that case, the matter of the banquet is up to you!”

“?”

Roy was left dumbfounded on the spot.

No, I was advising you to handle things properly, not to pass the buck to you!

Roy meant to let his subordinates handle it, but to the high-EQ vassals, it was clear that their lord was cultivating his heir, and no one dared make rash decisions.

“Master Roy, please give us instructions; we’ll fully cooperate to make this banquet successful, soothe the public, and enhance your reputation!”

“Not…sigh, never mind. I guess I’ll handle it myself.”

Seeing his subordinates obediently awaiting orders, Roy could only begrudgingly take the reins and host the welcoming banquet himself.