I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 273

Chapter 126: The Aftertaste of the Victors

Once I snapped back to reality, Alice had already asked the question I hadn’t intended to.

“Master, how have you been lately?”

“Honestly, pretty good. The Emerald Council has been quite attentive.”

“And how’s your food? Your sleep? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t treat your master poorly!” Nia chimed in cheerfully from the side.

“Everything’s fine, Alice, no need to fret,” Roy replied, feeling a bit helpless at how much the little maid cared.

The smiles on their faces were so bright, yet they cast a faint shadow over Alice’s mood.

Well, with Nia around, it seemed unnecessary for the master to worry about Alice, right?

Alice just needed to be obedient and wait for the master to return.

…Nothing to worry about at all.

Just then, a sigh came from across the table.

“If I had to say, there’s one thing that’s been bothering me.”

Alice immediately perked up and asked earnestly, “What is it?”

If she could be of help, she’d give it her all to ease the master’s troubles.

The elven girl beside her observed the young boy’s expression, opened her mouth, but ultimately decided to stay quiet.

Meanwhile, Roy placed his hand on the blonde girl’s fluffy head, smiling slightly.

“I miss you; it makes me lonely.”

“!”

The girl slightly trembled, her light blue eyes turning clear and bright like a glimmering lake in the dawn sun.

Her fresh voice softened at once.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Master, do you feel lonely without Alice?”

“Of course.”

Roy sighed inwardly.

How could he not see Alice’s clearly suppressed loneliness, stubbornly held back?

Maybe it was due to her past of being mistreated that this child always kept her emotions bottled up, enduring everything in silence.

So, Roy wanted to pamper her more, to give her the warmth she rightfully deserved.

“Sorry for making you feel lonely these past couple of days,” Roy said, gently petting the girl’s head.

“It’s okay.” Alice shook her head, her face growing gentler as she replied, “Alice will patiently endure.”

As long as the master thinks of her, Alice feels as sweet as if she’s eaten honey.

But Roy always wanted to give her more.

“You really don’t have to endure, you know.”

“Huh?”

“It was my fault for not coming back sooner these past days. You can ask for any compensation you want.”

Alice frowned slightly, getting serious in a strange way: “But the master clearly did nothing wrong.”

“Just consider it my duty to think up some compensation,” Roy soothingly brushed Alice’s delicate brows.

Nia was completely taken aback.

Even though she already knew Roy had feelings for Alice beyond that of a typical maid, she was still left with a sour taste in her mouth at his indulgent attitude.

Alice thought for a moment before weakly asking, “Can I have another head pat?”

Nia’s expression became complex.

This is what she wanted?

Roy felt the same way and chuckled, “Is that all you want?”

The little maid nodded obediently, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Roy naturally fulfilled her wish.

He reached out his palm and placed it on her soft, lightly golden hair, treating it like a fragile treasure, lightly caressing it.

First with his fingertips, then with his palm, moving back and forth, always careful not to apply too much pressure while letting her feel his touch.

He remembered the first time he did this, Alice had been expressionless, completely unable to understand the significance.

But thinking back, she didn’t seem to dislike it then.

And now, Alice had grown to cherish this feeling even more.

As she was petted by the boy, Alice’s cool expression melted like thin morning light, her eyes slightly squinting with a gentle smile, emitting a soft hum, her expression adorably akin to a sleepy puppy.

She even nuzzled against Roy’s palm, leaning closer and bringing with her the warm scent of irises.

If she had a tail, it would surely be wagging by now.

Clearly meant to comfort Alice, Roy felt he was the one getting healed instead.

Under this tender touch, the girl finally revealed her playful side, cutely calling out, “Master, more, more.”

“I can give you as much as you want.”

With each pat, the girl scooted closer to Roy, and by the end, she was nearly collapsed in his embrace.

Yet, watching the sweet harmony between master and servant, Nia ultimately said nothing.

Afterward, Alice promised to bring breakfast and snacks to visit Roy every morning, to which Nia had no objections.

It was her turn to hog Roy for so many days; how could she forcibly stop the master and servant from reuniting? Besides, breakfast and snacks counted as her share too.

After finishing today’s visit, Alice happily returned to the Lionheart Mansion and reported to Charlotte.

“Don’t worry, Nia didn’t bully the master; she’s not a bad woman.” Alice’s report was concise.

“Oh?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow.

“But they are together, right?”

“Yes. But they’re just healing each other. Only Nia’s life source, the West Wind, can replenish the master’s vitality.”

Charlotte thought for a moment, then her lips curved into a pleasant smile.

What’s the deal? It’s just healing.

Alice and I are on the same side; she wouldn’t lie to me.

It seems the nightingale of the Emerald Council harbors no impure thoughts, and Roy is temporarily safe.

In the last couple of days, Charlotte had sent people to gather intel on Nia. It was said that the nightingale loved adventure and wasn’t interested in courtly romance, openly declaring in public that she “likes girls”!

Now, with Alice’s confirmation, Charlotte finally began to believe that Nia Molly was not her enemy.

Caution lifted!

“But when will Roy be able to meet people?”

Alice paused slightly.

Actually, he could meet people right now.

But…

The master still hadn’t fully recovered, and if he were to meet Charlotte, it would mean even less time together with her.

Nia had emphasized that only she could come, and too many visitors would disturb the master’s rest.

After all, Charlotte had already said she could meet him in a few days, so waiting a little longer wouldn’t hurt, right?

“It seems the master still needs some time to recover.”

“Oh.” Charlotte responded, a bit glum.

But she quickly perked back up, losing herself in her tea.

Waiting a few more days is no big deal.

Alice, the little dimwit, hasn’t awakened that kind of feeling yet, and the nightingale has no interest in Roy, so there’s no need for her to rush it.

That’s probably the aftertaste of the victors.