I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 836

Chapter 49: Honored Beyond Measure

The candlelight flickered.

The girl buried her cheek against Roy’s back, lost in thought as she murmured softly.

“I still can’t forget when you fought the Crimson Blood Dragon.”

“At that moment, I watched helplessly as the knight charged ahead without being able to do anything, so I vowed to gain the power to protect you one day.”

Charlotte bit her lip tightly, her voice turning bitter: “But here we are now, and I still can’t do anything and have to watch you again…”

Silence fell, and the arms that hugged Roy tightened, enough to cause him some discomfort.

Looking away, Roy sighed, “Knights are meant to charge ahead and pledge loyalty to their lord.”

“But you’re not just any knight! You are… the most important one to me.”

If it weren’t for that, Charlotte wouldn’t be trying so hard.

In the original story, Charlotte’s extraordinary rise wasn’t nearly as swift as it is now; the reason she could showcase her talent to this extent was exactly as she said.

To become stronger, to not be left watching him face dangers alone, she pushed her powers to the limit to reach her current level.

The girl’s heartfelt intention made Roy’s chest feel warm, and he felt honored.

The most important one—though it wasn’t explicitly stated, it made his lips curve up in a smile.

But she had one thing wrong.

“You’re not doing nothing, you know?”

“You’re just one step away from being a rank 5 extraordinary being, and you rushed in just in time to save the kingdom’s reinforcements. When you get to the royal capital, I think you’ll ignite new hope for the people there.”

“From both an extraordinary being’s perspective and that of a royal princess, you are already impeccable. Do I need to explain how impressive you are?”

Charlotte’s voice remained heavy: “But I still haven’t done anything for you.”

“That’s why I’m saying you got it wrong.”

Covering the girl’s hand, Roy smiled gently: “You’ve already done so much for me.”

“Huh?”

Roy turned around, taking in her tearful face.

The girl flinched, trying to dodge, but Roy didn’t give her the chance, gently holding her tear-streaked face.

“Honestly, the reason I dared to charge at the Crimson Blood Dragon was entirely because you, the reckless princess, led the way. The reason I could win was because I thought of you, this poor little girl, waiting for me.”

“You have your responsibilities as a princess, and to me, the kingdom is home. Knights face the danger because someone is always waiting for their return—so, you should understand that, right?”

Staring deep into those ruby-like eyes, Roy felt an overwhelming affection and longing: “You are my home.”

A moment of silence passed.

Her cheeks flushed bright red, yet she was at a loss, her pink lips parted slightly but trembling as if she couldn’t decide what to say.

The girl shrunk her neck, as if wanting to retreat but found herself unable to leave Roy’s hand, not wanting to part.

Her efforts were not in vain. As long as they could turn into his strength, maybe that was enough?

The built-up anxiety and frustration gradually faded.

The girl’s gaze remained moist, no longer dim but reflecting the figure before her, shimmering brighter than the candlelight.

“I told you not to look back, didn’t I?”

“You don’t want me to see your unremarkable side. But what I see now is a truly impressive princess, a very lovely girl.”

Charlotte’s cheeks grew even hotter: “S-stop talking too much.”

“Not enough! I want all the compliments.” Roy grinned smugly.

“I told you to talk less.”

After a shy and indignant murmur, before Roy could tease her again, her pink lips floated over and silenced his words.

Charlotte’s kiss was always fiery and intense, but after the swell of passion, that heat turned into the gentle warmth of a soft caress, lingering and tender.

It flowed slowly, endlessly.

Like a tireless little kitten, she tangled against him, mewing for more affection.

As the candlelight flickered into the night, the moonlight quietly faded away.

The nighttime stronghold wasn’t silent; distant sounds of soldiers and griffons echoed. Yet at this moment, the room was quiet, and the only sound was the mingled breaths that no longer distinguished one from the other.

After a long while, the exhausted girl leaned against Roy’s shoulder, murmuring in her labored breaths.

“I really want to fight by your side.”

“Leading the charge is a tradition of the Lionheart kings; hiding behind you isn’t fit for your role as my princess.”

Under Roy’s worried gaze, Charlotte smiled softly, no longer fixated:

“But not now. I don’t have enough strength—it’s just the way it is. So this time…”

Her small hand rested on the boy’s chest, her blushing face blooming with shyness and a sweet smile: “I’ll reluctantly be your home.”

“That truly is an honor.”

Not hiding his excitement, Roy leaned in for another kiss, claiming the tender love that belonged to Charlotte.

————————

The next morning.

The split army officially set out to assist the royal capital and Blood Iron Ridge.

Refugees gathered, singing their farewells. The soldiers left behind lined up, blowing their horns.

The crimson princess stood proudly atop the golden-winged griffin, like a bright flame leading the knights out of the stronghold.

The moment of parting arrived quietly.

The griffin nuzzled affectionately against her, and though the royal griffin turned its head away, it didn’t reject her, instead returning the gesture with a gentle peck.

Roy and Charlotte, however, looked much calmer.

“When did they get so close?” Charlotte wondered.

“Maybe it’s because of their owner,” Roy replied casually. “Shall we do a farewell kiss or something… Just kidding.”

Under Charlotte’s murderous gaze, Roy quickly fell silent.

It was a pity that just last night, when she was like a cat that had devoured too much tempura, nestled against his chest, tangling with him until his lips were sore. But in front of others, Charlotte still couldn’t drop her princess façade.

Charlotte turned to the other side: “Brother, please take care of him.”

“If anything happens to him… you know.”

“Alright, alright.”

Naz agreed readily, leaving Roy sweating: “Did you guys get something mixed up?”

Isn’t it supposed to be the knight protecting the princess? How come it’s flipped here? Strangely, the prince actually agreed.

“After all, he’s going to be my brother-in-law. It’s nothing for me to take special care of him.”

“…Hmph, just know that,” Charlotte said, slightly flustered but surprisingly not refuting this statement.

At the last moment of parting, Charlotte turned back to look.

“Roy Ainbrad, hear my command! I will lead the army to support the royal capital. Once you rescue Lord Carl, make sure to bring your troops to the royal capital to rendezvous with me!”

“Understood.”

The two armies split up.

The knight and the princess parted ways, moving toward different horizons.