I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 70

Chapter 70: The Princess’s Show-off

As night fell, in a corner of the Red Castle, Leo Reinhardt stared at the documents on the table, his eyes glinting dangerously under the dim candlelight, shifting like the shadows.

A useless brat’s transformation shouldn’t warrant his attention.

Besides, Charlotte was in her prime. Even someone as proud as her wasn’t immune to flattery.

But it wasn’t just Charlotte.

Since the family gathering, his mother Leisha, and even that doting father of hers, Robert, had been singing Roy’s praises.

This made no sense.

Leo despised things that made no sense.

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“You are not to bother the young master of the Iron-blood family again.”

Opposite him sat a gray-robed old man, who raised his head and let out a cold, deep chuckle.

“Your Highness, you’re not considering breaking our agreement, are you?”

“A young ‘sacrifice’ of silver bloodline; that’s a condition we will not compromise on.”

In the darkness, the old man’s vertical pupils glinted with a strange, cold crimson light, accompanied by an unspoken pressure.

But Leo remained unperturbed, crossing his legs and speaking with an air of superiority, “Put away your pathetic intimidation.”

“I’ve seen real dragons; your threats mean nothing to me.”

“However…” Leo tapped his fingers, deep in thought, before proposing an alternative to his eager collaborator.

“Ryan Raymond, he can meet your demands.”

Unexpectedly, the old man looked conflicted, “Why change the plan at the last moment?”

Irritation flickered in Leo’s eyes.

These guys were getting more and more audacious. Did they not think they deserved their station?

With a snap of his fingers, countless griffon knights would be at their throats.

In fact, Leo did intend to go down that route.

Just not yet.

So, he patiently explained, “Roy has changed. Pressing him now will only invite unnecessary variables.”

The old man’s mouth twisted into a smirk, rasping out a mocking tone: “Who would have thought that a prince would fear a mere kid barely escaping his childhood?”

“Or are you worried about this future brother-in-law?”

At this remark, Leo’s brow twitched, a flicker of scorching anger sparking in his eyes.

In an instant, that extraordinary power ignited into a roaring lion, ensconcing the room in scalding heat as it lunged towards the old man like a hurricane.

Facing the overwhelming, searing murderous intent from Prince Reinhardt, the old man finally lost his composure, instinctively recoiling and darting back with surprising agility.

Yet in the blink of an eye, the fiery aura dissipated into nothingness.

Leo lounged comfortably in his seat, while the old man was already drenched in a cold sweat.

“Remember two things.”

“One, fear the king. Two, never mention my family again, got it?”

The old man was silent for a moment before bowing his head slowly, forcing a grim smile.

“I’m only worried that if the son of the Iron-blood Marquis really gets involved with Princess Charlotte, it will be trouble for both of us in the future. It might be wise to act now to avoid complications later.”

Oh, Leo was well aware of how complicated it could get if a powerful local noble teamed up with a member of the royal family.

The old man’s concern held some merit.

But that was ultimately a future risk. A bunch of cultists weren’t likely to think that far ahead.

Leo sensed that it wasn’t just a powerful noble the old man was worried about—it was Roy Ainbrad himself.

“Your concerns are unfounded.”

“He won’t be with Charlotte, not ever.”

The prince narrowed his eyes, his tone exuding unassailable conviction.

——————————————

The next day, in a corner of the royal garden, the noble hunting event commenced under brilliant sunshine.

Compared to the dances led by the older generation, hunting was a realm for the youth.

Young noblemen and ladies gathered, competing and chatting, with less of the formalities but more liveliness.

In the warrior spirit of the Lionheart Kingdom, whether gentlemen or ladies, everyone had a chance to showcase their martial prowess in the hunting grounds.

Of course, they wouldn’t just throw young nobles into dangerous woods.

This was merely the outer edge of the garden, a far cry from the depths Roy had previously traversed.

The knights had caught various magical beasts, like Windshadow Birds and Firefoxes, to be released into an open field for the gentlemen and ladies to hunt.

This kind of hunting was elegant, quick, and safe, preventing any accidents while allowing the youth to show off their skills without risk.

In simpler terms, this was a hunting game for nobles.

But that didn’t mean hunting was easy.

“Ready… draw!”

Whether it was a Windshadow Bird or a Firefox, the chosen magical beasts were incredibly swift, far from easy targets for anyone.

Dozens of young nobles released their arrows, some extraordinary beings even casting bolts of lightning and wind blades, yet the little red fox managed to slip away from the myriad of lethal attacks.

Laughter erupted in the crowd.

“The boys this year are utterly useless.”

“It’s the third round and not a single one of them has hit a Firefox!”

Young lads were left red-faced as the girls mocked them, grumbling as they stepped back from the shooting positions.

“Damn it, I’ve wanted to say—why prepare such tricky prey? Isn’t this just to embarrass us in front of the girls?!”

“Exactly! That thing runs faster than the wind; how can anyone possibly hit it!”

“This is totally unfair! They ought to be tied up at a post!”

Nearby, under a makeshift pavilion, Leo lost interest after just one glance.

For him, this was just child’s play. He didn’t believe the useless young lords were worth even a moment of his attention.

Gradually, no one dared to step forward, leaving the spacious shooting spot entirely empty.

Until a flash of fire-red appeared amidst the crowd, boldly approaching.

Her crimson twin tails highlighted her grace, and her scarlet military-style skirt showcased her sharpness. Princess Charlotte bloomed like the most eye-catching red lotus under the azure sky, causing everyone, regardless of gender, to instinctively make way for her.

Charlotte arrived at the shooting spot, and without picking up a bow or arrows, she expertly conjured a fiery longbow out of thin air.

As the knights opened the enclosure, a little fox took off running, appearing like a fireball darting forward, covering dozens of meters in a blink.

Yet Charlotte remained unsatisfied, frowning slightly.

“Release two more!”

With her command, two more Firefoxes were unleashed, sending the three little fireballs dashing into the depths of the forest.

But just then, Charlotte sprang into action.

The bowstring trembled, and three fiery arrows shot forth like speeding birds!

The three Firefoxes were consecutively struck down, falling lifeless like a row of dominoes.

Instantly, thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.