I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 808

Chapter 21: A Birthday Celebration to Look Forward To

In his heart, Roy felt like he was getting a great deal, but he still grumbled, “Sorry, sorry! I won’t be reckless again next time!”

But the girl’s reaction was completely unexpected.

“…Well, it’s not like I can’t accept it.”

“Eh?”

With her delightful face tinted a bit red, Charlotte muttered with a hint of dissatisfaction while munching on a taiyaki, “Next time, make sure to inform me ahead of time and get my approval, okay?”

“Otherwise, it’s not good for my heart…”

“No, it’s actually bad for my heart, right?”

Feeling enchanted by Charlotte’s cuteness as he stared into her translucent, vibrant ruby eyes, Roy’s heart raced crazily once more.

Without thinking, his hand reached towards Charlotte’s fingertips again.

They trembled slightly, but there was no hesitation, nor was there a refusal.

Just like before, her slightly flushed fingers intertwined with his, her soft shoulder leaning into him even through their clothes.

They both sat there in silence, observing the bustling students coming and going, as the sunset flowed peacefully.

Around this time last year, Roy was anxiously busy preparing for a ball, then immediately got caught up in Leo Reinhardt’s schemes, hunted by the Cult, and ultimately had to face the blood-red dragon that ignited war across the kingdom.

But looking back, what he truly couldn’t forget were the memories shared with Charlotte.

Hunting together, dining together, escaping side by side, the long-awaited dance after enduring hardships, and the innocent kiss under the sunset at the Red Fortress.

This year, there were no rebellious princes or cult plots, allowing Roy to leisurely cherish the time spent with Charlotte, and he felt deeply grateful.

Now that he thought about it, last year, Charlotte didn’t have a proper birthday celebration, so it was only right for him to make up for it this year.

He had a sense that it was significant how he and Alice got this far, and he was somewhat aware of who first nodded in agreement.

For the girl who initially resonated with him and had been the most forgiving, Roy’s gratitude overflowed, and he didn’t know how to express it.

“So, next week, you don’t have any other plans, right?”

“Unfortunately, I already have an engagement.”

“Eh?” Charlotte was taken aback.

“I’m arranging to celebrate the birthday of a certain precious and beautiful princess, and that can’t be escaped no matter what.”

Charlotte finally took a breath, then angrily punched her palm, both annoyed and amused, “Sweet talker!”

“But I’ve told you, it doesn’t have to be over the top.”

Not wanting to disrupt her subordinates’ holidays was one reason, and Charlotte also felt embarrassed to admit the reason she could only confess to Roy: “Don’t you think the royal pomp is a bit shameful?”

“Especially since there’s not just one royal in Academy City. If I make it a big deal, it’ll just make me look ostentatious while my compatriots celebrate my birthday along with me!”

The good intentions of the Lionheart King were a burden for Charlotte.

Biting her taiyaki, she discreetly glanced at the boy next to her.

Not that she disliked or liked him; as a princess, she certainly wouldn’t neglect her duties. She always managed her birthdays perfectly, maintaining the image a princess ought to have.

She just wanted to spend a birthday away from all the noise for a change.

A birthday with only him by her side.

“So, what I’m saying is…”

“So, I’m not organizing the national celebration in the capital, but your birthday, Charlotte.”

Roy turned to her, gently kissing a strand of her scarlet hair, sweetness overflowing.

Considering it was still a public place, being called by her first name caused Charlotte to soften a bit.

The birthday celebration prepared specially by her beloved was, in itself, like a warm sweet bean paste melting in the sunset in her heart.

The girl, tightly biting her taiyaki, found herself speechless as her eyes sparkled with the boy’s tenderness.

“No banquet, no socializing, no ball, just me… hmm, the dance can stay, I guess.”

“Sounds pretty good.”

“Right?”

Roy raised an eyebrow, “But just being decent isn’t enough for me. I hope the princess’s evaluation can be a bit higher.”

“Hmph, that’ll depend on how well you prepare.”

Just as Roy was about to boast and take on this challenge, he saw the girl’s small hand raise up, firmly pressing the half-eaten taiyaki against his mouth.

It was a bit cold. But still quite sweet.

The princess, taking charge now, stood up and raised her pretty brows.

Her red hair waved in the wind, dazzling against the plain colors.

“You said that, didn’t you?”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

The girl leaned in, her pale fingers pointing directly at Roy’s already racing heart.

“For this birthday, if I’m satisfied, you might get a little reward too, you know?”

“Anything you want as a reward.”

“!”

Roy’s heart raced as if it was about to burst out.

The girl’s tone seemed casual, but the slightly weak fingers and the blush on her cheeks were genuine.

Without a doubt, the so-called reward was exactly what he was thinking.

The final, ceremonial test from the proud girl.

Not asking him to be a valiant knight or to wield massive power, but if he couldn’t even complete this small test or satisfy this tiny wish, he wouldn’t deserve to seek the girl’s favor.

Really, he intended to prepare a surprise for her, but now he had to step it up.

If before Roy merely aimed to prepare a perfect birthday celebration, now he aimed to give her something beyond perfect.

Swallowing hard the taiyaki, Roy took Charlotte’s hand, smiling as he replied, “Then you better look forward to it.”

——————————

In just a short week, time flew by rapidly.

During these days, Charlotte’s mood was surprisingly good.

Although she often saw Roy sneaking around with Alice, Nia, and Xue Nuo, she rarely minded, even allowing them a few times that obviously exceeded the average duration.

It’s fine, I’ll make my move soon!

All those Saintly Elf Ice Beauties can step back; you guys can enjoy yourselves now, but when the time comes, you’ll see who truly has Roy captivated!

Charlotte didn’t even bother to respond to Nia’s provocations anymore; she wore a victorious smile full of lingering excitement, leaving Nia frustrated.

However…

The bystanders were clear.

It was precisely because she wasn’t buried in Roy’s flattery that Nia understood just how meticulously he was planning behind the scenes, making her even more envious.

In these days, when they went out with the boy, it wasn’t a date at all.

Following Roy to the center of Academy City, at the warehouse of the Lionheart faction, counting the precious extraordinary materials being delivered in boxes, the elven girl gloomily hugged Roy from behind, stirring up an inexpressible envy.

“Wow, going through all this trouble just to prepare a gift for her—talk about being thoughtful.”

“Well, it is her birthday coming up.”

“We won’t lose to that flat-chested girl on our birthdays!”

“Absolutely, absolutely.”

In the past few days, even with the power of Insomnia, Roy couldn’t help but yawn the whole country was tired.

Yet, compared to that trivial fatigue, the dark shine in his eyes was vibrant, flickering with anticipation far exceeding the former.