I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 85

Chapter 82: The Prince’s Compromise

On the night following the Griffin Trial, there was a celebratory feast for the Griffin Knights, coinciding with the eve of the kingdom’s founding ceremony.

As the beautifully poetic sunset revealed itself, the dashing gentlemen and elegant ladies had already entered early, eager to catch a glimpse of the Griffin Knights.

Roy, like the other knights, had already arrived ahead of time at the Sunset Red Castle’s banquet hall.

The high ceiling was adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures, and the magnificent golden windows filled the hall with brilliant light, while ruby-themed crystal decorations on the walls, ceilings, and tables added a dreamy touch.

Amidst the grand and lavish feast, nobles and celebrities mingled.

Compared to old Raymond’s birthday banquet, this was the real top-tier royal feast.

The biggest difference this time was that Roy was the star of the banquet.

Each Griffin Knight would receive a bronze Griffin medal pinned to their chest, and regardless of background or nationality, tonight they would be treated with respect by all the nobles.

Among them, Roy would receive the royal honor as the first Knight of the Griffin for taming the Golden-Winged Griffin.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the Lionheart Princess, dressed in a splendid red gown, gracefully approached Roy, her flowing skirt twirling like a butterfly, and she personally bestowed upon him the specially made Golden-Winged Griffin medal set with gold and jewels.

Forget about the ordinary young lords and ladies; even the other glorious Griffin Knights couldn’t help but envy this scene.

“Really awesome! I wish I could be awarded by the princess too!”

“Get real! Just being acknowledged by the royal family is already quite something!”

“I know… but she’s [the Kingdom’s most beautiful ruby], the [Lionheart Princess]. It’s hard not to envy!”

The young people of the Lionheart Kingdom had two dreams: one was to become a Griffin Knight, and the other, to earn the favor of the [Lionheart Princess].

Now, only Roy could achieve both honors at the same time.

But only Roy knew that in private, Charlotte wasn’t as overly proud as she seemed in public.

The girl’s lips curved into a soft, elegant smile that was as smooth as fine silk, and suddenly, she left behind a fragrance of gardenia in his ear.

“You look pretty handsome today too.”

“!”

The unexpected compliment threw Roy off balance, but he saw Charlotte already turning away.

Yet, in that moment, the breathtakingly beautiful blush on her profile didn’t escape Roy’s notice.

Roy couldn’t help but chuckle a bit.

She was bold, yet why was she shy herself? Was this some kind of mutually destructive strategy?

After all the Griffin Knights had received their medals, it was time for the feast to begin.

But this year, the Griffin Knights’ celebration had a unique event compared to previous years.

“Brother, you didn’t forget our bet, did you?”

At Charlotte’s probing, Leo reluctantly stepped forward to join Roy.

“I certainly haven’t forgotten.” Just that short sentence made Leo grit his teeth with an effort that was beyond measure.

Roy wore a pleasant smile and ‘kindly’ encouraged Leo, “Exactly, keeping one’s word is the knightly virtue, and the king never speaks in jest, how could a prince possibly go back on his word?”

According to the bet, Leo not only had to acknowledge Roy’s honor but also congratulate him on his relationship with Charlotte.

Leo’s brow furrowed slightly, his forehead muscles twitching.

This was the extent of the emotions he could show.

In such a solemn setting, he couldn’t possibly lose his temper in front of his parents.

People looked on curiously. Most were unaware of the details of the bet, only knowing it seemed to involve Charlotte.

Leo looked at Roy, took a deep breath, and finally managed to force a painfully stiff smile, addressing the crowd slowly: “As you all know, I have a bet with Roy Ainbrad.”

“Now that Roy has become a Griffin Knight as promised, proving his courage and determination, he has gained the honor that belongs to him!”

“I, Leo Reinhardt, the second prince of this kingdom, offer my sincerest congratulations to this Griffin Knight!”

Thunderous applause erupted, and people cheered for Roy and Prince Leo’s brilliant speech.

Among them, Charlotte clapped the loudest.

The rare enthusiasm of the princess puzzled the onlookers, but considering her relationship with Roy and that this was Leo’s speech, it made sense.

After all, it’s perfectly fine for a sister to applaud her brother’s speech!

“Your Highness, it seems there’s still one more part of our bet?” Roy reminded with a smirk.

Leo’s lips twitched, glaring at Roy with a frightening sharpness in his gaze.

The atmosphere suddenly grew tense, and the crowd’s cheers fell silent.

Leo faced Roy and, at an angle only the latter could see, moved his lips.

“You won.”

Then, facing the audience, he proclaimed loudly: “Friends, as a prince and a brother, I previously misjudged Roy, and now I must apologize to him!”

“I admit that Roy will be Charlotte’s most capable subject, the most loyal knight, and the closest companion! Let us raise our glasses to them!”

Leo was the first to toast to Roy and Charlotte, and the atmosphere of the feast reached its peak.

Charlotte proudly tilted her head back, letting out a long sigh of relief in front of her brother.

Nearby, King Robert of the Lionheart also relaxed, fearing Leo might get upset and throw a tantrum publicly, but it seemed he was worrying for nothing.

Yet amidst the sea of cheers and laughter, only Roy gazed at Leo’s profile, his eyes still calm and sharp, not loosening his guard in the slightest.

People can change, but it doesn’t happen this quickly.

This round was his win.

But Roy didn’t believe Leo would back off just like that.

Moreover…

【Warning! Progress detected in Reverse Fate Node! Every choice you make will alter destiny, so choose wisely! Keep pushing forward!】

【Current Reverse Fate Node: Lionheart】

【Lionheart Reverse Progress】: 15%

There was progress, but it wasn’t over yet.

Roy’s challenges weren’t finished.

Whether it was more trouble aside from Leo or Leo having other schemes, he wasn’t sure.

However, no matter what, Leo wouldn’t make any extreme moves in public; at least at the banquet, Roy felt secure.

After the opening, guests were free to toast.

Charlotte hurriedly found Roy, her eyes brimming with joy: “Did you see brother’s face?”

“Thanks to you, he finally got a taste of his own medicine!”

Roy’s lips twitched at the plasticky sibling relationship, not quite knowing what to say.

“So, can I ask if you’re free later?” Charlotte casually inquired, quickly adding, “It’s almost dusk, and the sunset at [Sunset Red Castle] is quite lovely.”

“If you’re alone, I wouldn’t mind keeping you company for a while.” Charlotte raised her glass to her lips, feigning nonchalance, but couldn’t hide the blush on her cheeks.

Roy pretended to be serious: “If the princess has a request, I am always willing to accompany you.”

“Ugh, I told you to call me by my name in private!” Charlotte burst into laughter, covering her mouth, “Then it’s settled! See you later!”

After they agreed to watch the sunset together, Charlotte plunged back into the courtly socializing, busying herself as a princess should.

But as soon as Roy turned around, he noticed a swarm of young ladies, resembling hunters that had been waiting for ages, swarming towards him!