I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 42

Chapter 42: The Dance Invitation

“More concerned about me than himself?”

This sounded just like…

Charlotte was caught off guard by this sudden straightforwardness, forgetting to hide her astonishment. Her little face grew even hotter, and she couldn’t help but think of the protagonists in knight novels who, even in darkness, wouldn’t want to drag the heroine down with them.

He really! I’m dying here!

In her mind, Charlotte imagined herself taking charge, gracefully and modestly making this young boy notice her charm, leading him along step by step.

However, whether it was the intoxicating aroma of the red wine at the venue, the young boy’s charmingly handsome face, or the genuine concern he just showed, Charlotte’s mind became inexplicably hot.

“Charlotte?” Roy noticed the girl’s intense gaze and looked back, puzzled.

He saw Charlotte staring at him with an incredibly sincere expression.

“Um, it’s fine, I don’t mind! As long as I can be with you—”

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to my humble abode! I am Raylo Raymond, and this is my birthday party!”

Elegant music flowed in like a tidal wave with Old Raymond’s powerful voice, drowning out Charlotte’s words.

People applauded enthusiastically, toasting and mingling, igniting the atmosphere of the party.

Roy’s attention was diverted by the lively scene. It took him a couple of seconds before he turned back to the eagerly awaiting girl and sheepishly asked, “Did you just say something?”

“Huh? You didn’t hear me?”

A complex expression of disappointment mixed with relief appeared on the girl’s face.

“Um, sorry, could you say it again?” Roy scratched his cheek.

“Never mind, it wasn’t important!” Charlotte swiftly waved her hand, lowering her gaze, feeling mixed emotions inside.

Thank goodness, that unexpected outburst would just make him think I’m not a modest lady at all!

That kind of thing should be done in a luxurious palace or at a romantic candlelit dinner.

Despite telling herself this, Charlotte couldn’t help but think, if only he could have heard what I just said…

Unfortunately, Charlotte wasn’t good at hiding her emotions.

At least not when it came to Roy.

“The banquet has started, and I need to go toast soon, so I’ll be leaving.”

As she spoke, the girl started to pull away.

But this time, it was Roy who held onto her hand, refusing to let go.

“Are you sure there’s nothing important you wanted to say?”

“Huh? Um…” Charlotte lowered her gaze, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Right now, she lost the courage she had just moments ago.

Roy didn’t know why the girl, who had been smiling brightly, now appeared so gloomy and anxious, but he understood it was all because he missed something earlier.

Not paying attention when alone was indeed his fault.

He wanted to make up for it.

“Do you have time after the toast?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then would you like to dance together later?”

“Of course… wait, what?”

Charlotte’s mind went blank for a moment, not processing what he just said.

“Uh, if you don’t want to, it’s fine…” “Of course I want to!”

Dancing was an essential part of a noble banquet; Charlotte had originally been thinking of how to invite him to dance without being too forward. She never expected happiness would arrive so suddenly.

The little princess’s eyes sparkled again, and her lips curled up into a smile.

“It’s settled then! I’ll come find you later!”

“Okay!”

After the opening remarks, it was time for the royal family’s toast, so Charlotte had to leave.

As Roy watched her bright red figure depart, he couldn’t help but sigh.

The original story never mentioned that this girl loved to dance so much.

Once Charlotte left, Roy was back to being all alone, surrounded by clusters of people chatting.

He felt some of the disdainful looks towards him had lessened, but in their place was a strong whiff of lemon.

There was nothing to be done; Charlotte had many admirers, something Roy had anticipated.

But he didn’t mind.

Roy welcomed anyone who wanted to befriend him, but with Princess Charlotte as his biggest supporter, he didn’t feel the need to pander to anyone else.

If they want to mingle, great! If not, that’s fine too.

Roy happily helped himself to some steak, lamb chops, chicken legs, grilled shrimp, egg tarts, and strawberries from the table. Finally, he poured a glass of champagne, contentedly diving into his meal.

However, not everyone in his position was in the mood for such enjoyment.

Under the dazzling lights, another solitary figure stood apart from the cheerful nobles.

Rayan Raymond.

Originally a scion of the Raymond family, but now he found himself shunned by everyone in his own territory.

If that were the case, he would just enjoy being above it all with his “I’m better off alone” attitude.

After all, he was the duke’s son; why should he care about the opinions of these lowly people?

Rayan enjoyed watching these lower nobles, who obviously despised him but were too afraid of his status to voice their disdain.

But today was different.

Instead of fear and hatred, he could sense a feeling in their whispered remarks that made Rayan’s skin crawl.

Mockery.

“Tsk tsk, I never thought the princess would pay so much attention to that brat from the Iron Blood family.”

“Right? They came in arm in arm just now!”

“Who would have thought, that waste of a young master has some charm after all.”

“Wait, let’s not keep calling him a waste; it makes us look worse!”

As soon as those words were spoken, the crowd fell into a brief silence.

To be fair, no matter how useless someone might be, winning over a princess certainly outweighed all shortcomings. You couldn’t just call him a waste.

But the hierarchy of disdain persisted; people always needed a next target to mock.

“The son of the Iron Blood family isn’t a waste, but compared to him…”

Perhaps he intentionally quieted down, but Rayan didn’t catch the rest. He could certainly feel the painful gazes directed his way.

Those were the same looks people had thrown at Roy when they mocked him!

What the hell, I’m not a waste!

Rayan’s face contorted with rage as he glared back.

In the past, this would have made the timid crowd shrink back in fear.

And sure enough, many people ducked their heads, not wanting to catch Rayan’s wrath.

Tch, just a bunch of lowly, despicable, cowardly fools; how dare you laugh at me?!

But at that moment, a sneer pierced through the surrounding chatter and music, landing squarely in Rayan’s ears.

“Rude.”

Rayan turned around, stunned.

It was an elder from the nobility, someone he didn’t recognize.

Compared to the younger generation, who were only concerned with flirtations, the elders often saw things more clearly.

Roy’s demeanor and actions were worlds apart from before; they could discern that the princess’s interest in him wasn’t just superficial charm or status.

If the younger generation now viewed Roy as more than a waste…

Then to the elders, Roy was no longer merely a scoundrel.

With Roy gone, Rayan became the glaring stain on a clean white sheet.

“So uncultured.”

“Too much hostility.”

“Compared to that boy Roy, he falls far short.”

The surrounding jeers and mocking laughter rained down on Rayan like a torrential storm of blades, tearing mercilessly at his pride.

He could no longer bear it and fled the venue as if on the run.