I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 37

Chapter 37: The Past Tense

When it comes to Iron Blood, the first response from the old aristocrats is that knight who fought beside King Richard, the lionhearted, the right arm of the Lion King, Marquis Karl of Iron Blood.

But for the younger generation, Iron Blood means a laughingstock.

One of the two biggest punks in the kingdom, the “useless punk” Roy Ainbrad.

Amid the crowd, someone wondered, “So, I’ve never seen that Iron Blood guy.”

“You definitely wouldn’t have. That guy is a total loser; bringing him out would just be embarrassing, which is why the Marquis of Iron Blood never takes him to parties!”

“Dear, don’t even mention that guy. He’s just a pure downer.”

“Seriously! At the last banquet, he was drooling all over my dress, it was disgusting.”

“Tsk tsk, he’s almost on par with Rean Raymond!”

“No way! At least Raymond is an Extraordinary Being, but Roy is genuinely useless!”

The conversation about Roy quickly spread, becoming a common target of scorn for the young ladies and a never-ending joke for the young noblemen.

Men laughed, women sneered; he was just a pest everyone hated.

Of course, this was just idle gossip behind closed doors.

After all, a Marquis is still a Marquis. Out of respect and their longtime friendship, old Raymond personally came with his son to greet the Ainbrad family upon their arrival.

The middle-aged man who got out of the carriage first looked every bit as handsome and composed as the rumors suggested, it was Karl.

“There you are, you little rascal!” old Raymond said with undisguised joy.

“Finally, a chance to drink with you! How could I miss this?”

There were no formalities between the two; it was like long-lost brothers, perfectly in sync as they fist-bumped each other.

“Too bad Charlie is too busy. Otherwise, we could have a proper gathering… Rean!” old Raymond shot a sideways glance at Rean.

“Hello,” Rean forced a stiff bow to Karl, cold as ice.

Old Raymond winced; his good mood upon reuniting with his old friend was suddenly doused with cold water, leaving him painfully awkward.

“Kids will be kids; don’t mind it,” Karl said lightly, dismissing it offhand.

Just then, a second figure appeared from the carriage.

The surrounding chatter instantly halted.

In the dim light and twilight, a young aristocrat with an elegant demeanor and proper behavior stepped out of the carriage. Dressed in an exquisite black and red ensemble that highlighted a robust yet aesthetically pleasing figure, his jet-black hair seemed dotted with starlight, showcasing a handsome and dignified face that didn’t look overly tense.

He looked like something out of a knight’s novel—so composed, graceful, appropriate, and striking, like the starry night sky made flesh, standing out in the bustling venue.

The ladies who were just dissing Roy a moment ago momentarily forgot his infamous reputation and gasped in awe. Meanwhile, those young noblemen who had been mocking him felt a little awkward. Even some noticed their companions sneaking glances at Roy, their faces turning green with envy.

“Hello, Uncle Raymond. It’s been too long, and I’m so glad to see you looking so healthy.”

Roy met old Raymond’s gaze, a bit stiff but sincere enough as he bowed.

“Haha! Your dad and I are great buddies, no need for all that formality!” old Raymond chuckled, waving him off. “Just loosen up!”

He could see Roy was different now.

Not just in his carefully crafted appearance, but more importantly, the confident attitude shining in those dark eyes.

It’s rare to find a young person who either has no respect for their elders or is overly humble; very few can respect their elders without seeming overly subservient.

After a good look, old Raymond clasped Roy’s shoulder firmly. “You’ve definitely changed.”

He leaned closer and lowered his voice, “Just do your thing; don’t worry about the gossip. If anyone bothers you, you tell Uncle; he’ll handle it for you!”

“Haha, I appreciate the concern, Uncle.” Roy replied casually but internally sighed in relief.

While Angel Wheel Dance never mentioned old Raymond’s character, it’s clear the guy is just a friendly uncle with no intention of causing trouble.

And with his assurance, Roy didn’t have to worry about any enemies of the “useless punk Roy” showing up to make trouble.

So, he just needed to maintain his politeness and composure, smoothly complete the dinner, and let people see his changes.

Looks like this dinner will go better than expected.

“No need for that. Don’t spoil him.”

Karl chimed in, earning an eye roll from old Raymond.

“Cut it out; your son’s finally doing well, and look how happy you are!”

Karl’s face turned red from the comment, chuckling awkwardly.

Since Roland passed away, old Raymond hadn’t seen Karl so joyful in a long time.

As a father, old Raymond certainly understood Karl’s feelings. But thinking of his own son left him feeling gloomy.

“If my kid had half of Roy’s spirit, realized his mistakes… no, as long as he doesn’t embarrass me again, I’d be thanking heaven!”

“Rean, be a good host! Karl and I will chat inside for a bit.”

Old Raymond gave one last instruction before guiding Karl back into the manor. The older noblemen were inside discussing serious matters, leaving the spacious venue outside for the younger crowd.

Rean watched his father depart, his expression dark as water.

He had been lectured countless times by old Raymond about being the “other kid’s child,” but he never imagined he’d be getting schooled with Roy the loser!

He glanced at Roy, who returned the look with a polite smile.

That shiny exterior only made Rean feel sick.

What are you pretending for?

Just a loser who only bullies maids, puts on nice clothes, and uses fancy words, and suddenly forgets who he is?!

Roy keenly sensed the hostility in Rean’s gaze and became more alert.

Backtrack, looks like he couldn’t just sit back and relax.

While Angel Wheel Dance didn’t mention a character like Rean, the memories of “useless punk Roy” were brimming with Rean’s intel.

“Useless punk Roy” previously hung around Rean as a sort of half-sidekick, and all his misdeeds were thanks to Rean’s influence.

Of all the two biggest punks in the kingdom, Rean Raymond was the most detestable.

But the “useless punk Roy” was history.

This guy wasn’t a fated hero nor some big shot, and from either a fateful or social standpoint, he didn’t need to bother with Rean.

After briefly gazing at Rean, Roy shifted his eyes away, seemingly losing interest.

That slight action snapped the sensitive string in Rean’s heart, finally breaking.