I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 782

Chapter 164: Kid, It’s Tough for You Too

“So we’re heading back already? Father could actually stay a bit longer, spend some time resting in White Harbor.”

Roy felt a bit guilty about it.

His old man traveled all this way, and he hadn’t properly kept his father company, instead sending him into the fray to take a beating from the Sword Saint.

Though to be fair, Carl seemed pretty satisfied about it.

Carl shook his head: “We’ve stayed long enough, there are affairs back in the territory that need handling, we should get back.”

He wanted to say, once you become the lord, it’ll be the same, but seeing the high-ranking girls behind Roy made him doubt whether Roy would even become a lord.

His big son wasn’t seriously planning on living off girls, right?

Being from a knightly family, they were supposed to despise that kind of behavior to the point of renouncing their lineage.

The problem was, Roy’s ‘meal ticket’ was a bit too substantial.

Not to mention the princess of their own country and the saintess from White Harbor, the other three girls all had immense potential; their future achievements might rival those two.

“Anyway, the territory can’t do without me.”

His concern for the territory was entirely out of noble duty.

In contrast, Roy realized he hadn’t been doing any of the noble things he was supposed to.

If he was going to inherit Ironblood Ridge in the future, he’d better start paying attention.

“If there’s anything needed in the territory, please let me know anytime, Father,” Roy said very sincerely. “As a member of the Ainbrad family, I should contribute my share.”

Every year, the Lionheart Kingdom dealt with dragon troubles, and to add to that, the Cult of the Evil Dragon was scheming in the shadows.

Despite King Charles of Lionheart Kingdom’s impressive methods, the kingdom was filled with hidden deep forests and rugged mountain paths, making it impossible to root out these hidden dangers entirely.

So every year around winter and spring, there were dragon troubles and cult activities.

Like most noble families in the kingdom, Carl was both a lord and one of the few Sequence 5 Extraordinary Beings, often called to the front lines, which was why he was so busy.

“Don’t worry. Nothing too serious.”

Carl then turned to Charlotte and Alice, smiling, “Thanks to our princess and the holy knight, the dragon troubles at the border were basically quelled by the end of last year. This year is more peaceful than ever, so there’s nothing to worry about for the short term.”

Upon receiving their father-in-law’s praise, Charlotte and Alice didn’t say much, but one lifted her chin slightly while the other’s eyes sparkled, causing the other three girls to feel a bit annoyed.

“By the way, Marquis Carl, for your service to the kingdom fighting the Sword Saint, your hard work should be rewarded. I apologize for not being able to host a victory banquet on such short notice, but rest assured, the rewards will not be less.”

With a glance from Charlotte, a maid presented a secret silver sword inlaid with rubies.

Gleaming and dazzling, the blade was sharp and elegant.

Most importantly, the hilt carried the roaring lion king etched in crimson flames.

“This is…….!”

Carl knew exactly what it was.

A royal sword.

It was a reward given only to those who made significant contributions to the royal family. For knights who valued honor, it was an award transcending titles.

Even a knight with no territory would earn respect from the duke if they received this sword.

Only twelve knights who followed King Charles to battle the Crimson Blood Fire Dragon could gain this honor.

Carl’s family had such a sword hanging in their home, and because of this honor, he was renowned as the second master following the first master of the Ainbrad family.

Carl solemnly declined, “Your Highness, there’s no need. I have no merits from this battle and did not fight for the kingdom.”

When it came to formalities, Charlotte, being of royal blood, was much more skilled at it: “To battle the Sword Saint isn’t a merit, but it is a great achievement. Moreover, you fought to protect the Destined Saintess of the Western continent; how can it not be counted as serving the kingdom?”

“Exactly.” Alice nodded slightly, “So, I also want to express my gratitude.”

The two holy maidens presented a white talisman radiating a marvelous light.

“This is the Song of Light, a talisman crafted personally by Lady Teresa, which provides the holy light to dispel evil. Please accept it, Mr. Carl.”

Carl started sweating.

He hadn’t even refused the previous gift, and now another one came in?

He wasn’t quite sure about the value of this item because holy light extraordinary items were strictly forbidden from circulation by the church; they couldn’t just be purchased. Was it something someone could just gift freely?

Oh, now that Alice was the head of the church in White Harbor, that’s okay.

However, before he could open his mouth, Roy cheerfully said, “This is also their goodwill, so you should just accept it.”

Wait, how is it that gifts from the princess and the saintess sound like New Year’s gifts? You’re really something!

But in his mind, Roy thought, excessive refusal would seem rude, so Carl had to gratefully accept it.

He understood very well that these gifts fundamentally were all because of his big son.

“Speaking of which, not being able to personally congratulate the princess on her birthday this year, the king must be feeling lonely too, right? So here, I’ll wish you a happy birthday in advance, Your Highness.”

Charlotte’s birthday coincided with the national holiday of the Lionheart Kingdom, just next month.

“Thank you, Marquis Carl.”

Charlotte initially replied politely, but then generously said, “Although I can’t return home, which is a bit regrettable, I’m not lonely.”

“After all…”

Charlotte glanced at the boy by her side, seeming a bit shy, but her lips still wore a gentle smile.

“Did you hear that? You must accompany the princess well.” Carl looked at Roy, now with a smile on his face.

“And the saintess too; now that you’ve become her guard, you can’t disgrace that title or let her down.”

Then Carl turned to Charlotte and Alice, humbly adding, “From now on, please feel free to order this lad around.”

The essence of their gifts still stemmed from Roy.

Holding the sword and talisman, Carl suddenly felt that being able to enjoy such a level of ‘soft rice’ was also quite impressive.

In a way, it felt like bringing honor to his family!

As for the household affairs, let your dad handle it; just go grab your meal ticket!

Roy, however, felt something was off.

Why did it feel like one side was paying while the other side was delivering goods in a sell-off?

For Charlotte and Alice, these gifts were genuinely worthwhile.

The two girls, one on each side of Roy, couldn’t help but feel a bit smug.

The elder’s personal acknowledgment was worth more than anything from some others, right?

However, Leanna and the others were also prepared.

“Mr. Carl, this is a magic potion we learned to concoct; please accept it.”

“This is a bear-skin padded jacket, a specialty of the empire, representing the easy access of the imperial borders and Ironblood Ridge.”

“The golden honey wine from the Emerald Council is delightful; Mr. Carl should take it home to try.”

“What, I can’t accept this…..” Carl was now utterly baffled.

The princess and saintess was one thing, but he wasn’t familiar with the others; how could he just accept their things?

Leanna raised her eyebrows, ordered someone to directly deliver the potion to Carl’s carriage.

“Lord Carl, you’re being polite. We’re already like family with your son; it’s only right to show some respect to you.”

Oof…

“Cough, cough, some people should be mindful of their wording! I’m rewarding the merits of our kingdom’s heroes; I don’t remember involving you guys in this!”

“Hmm, I’m honoring my elders; shouldn’t the less important folks take a step back?”

Not wanting to get involved in the dispute, Xue Nuo stepped forward, sincerely saying, “Mr. Carl, if the territory faces difficulties in the future, you can…”

But Nia reacted even faster, finger-gunning: “You can just send a letter to the Emerald Council! We have a bit of a network at the Adventurers’ Guild!”

Carl was sweating again.

Though he often rubbed shoulders with certain kings, facing the collective favor of various powers left him both flattered and defensive—he couldn’t afford to slight anyone or show favoritism.

Amid the girls’ bickering, a sweaty Carl asked Roy, “Is this how you handle things every day?”

“…….Pretty much.”

Just another day, just a little squabble, nothing serious.

I’ve long gotten used to this degree of pressure!

Looking at his big son’s weathered smile, Carl fell into silence, finally sighing, “Kid, it’s tough for you too.”