As a Villain I Really Don’t Want To Be Pursued by the Heroine

24

“There’s a market in town at this time, young master could go for a stroll, consider it a relaxation.”

“I’m not that tired…”

Before Roy’s words had settled, Anya gave him a knowing glance and subtly peeked at Alice beside them.

Roy had an epiphany.

He who knows me, Anya too.

Wasn’t a shopping trip together the perfect opportunity to build rapport?

Roy, now intrigued, turned to the young maid: “Alice, what do you say? Would you like to join me for a stroll?”

Alice’s eyes flickered briefly before she composed herself: “Eh? But, isn’t Master supposed to be intensifying his training for the magic potion?”

“Don’t worry, a day or two won’t make a difference.”

Roy’s training was progressing smoothly; in fact, his **Carrying Capacity** had reached **Medium**, making him eligible for the potion.

Most nobles lack a panel to clearly ascertain their body’s carrying capacity, settling for a rough estimate, and they all wish to become extraordinary as soon as possible to show off and strut. Hence, they consume the potion at the earliest opportunity.

However, to maximize the potion’s efficacy, Roy wished to train his **Carrying Capacity** to **High**.

So, Roy wasn’t in a hurry, at least not too much to forgo a shopping trip with Alice.

“How about it, will you come?” Roy asked again.

“Of course. As a maid, accompanying my master is only natural,” Alice replied, her tone light but her words swift, her pale blue eyes shimmering with anticipation.

“If you’re going out to have fun…” Karl rummaged through his belongings for a while before producing a card and handing it to Roy.

“What’s this?”

“A Magic Crystal Card, of the black gold tier. Just right for you to spend.”

Upon hearing this, Roy’s hand trembled slightly as he held the card.

The Magic Crystal Card is akin to a bank card from a previous life, but the black gold tier is exclusive to great nobles and heirs. Its minimum savings limit far exceeds the capacity of lesser nobles.

The black gold Magic Crystal Card represents not just a vast fortune but also a symbol of status and identity.

With this gesture, Karl had essentially acknowledged Roy as his heir.

Karl revealed a benevolent smile unique to elders: “I didn’t give it to you before because I feared you’d squander money, but now, feel free to use it.”

“Thank you, Father!”

This time, Roy spoke with genuine emotion and sincerity.

——————————————

The next morning, Roy set out from the lord’s mansion with Alice.

The nearest city to the mansion, and also the most prosperous city of Ironblood Ridge, was Duskwind City. A decade ago, Duskwind City wasn’t particularly developed, nor was it rich in resources, but its location on the flat borderlands near the water at the foot of the mountains made it a favorite among adventurers and mercenaries operating on the frontier.

Where there are adventurers and mercenaries, wealth naturally accumulates.

Today, Duskwind City is quite bustling. Upon entering, one can see the roadsides filled with various stalls, the roads themselves neatly paved with something akin to concrete, and while the buildings are not grand, they are numerous and varied. There are all sorts of mercenaries, adventurers, and even nobles riding exotic beasts caught on the frontier, weaving through the streets with abandon.

Since it was a private trip, Roy didn’t choose an exotic magical beast but opted for the most common Fiery Horse to pull the carriage. Aside from its robust build and flames enveloping its body, this horse wasn’t too special and was a standard mount for the nobility of the Lionheart Kingdom.

However, the carriage’s insignia of a crimson sword and shield was enough to make the mercenaries and adventurers riding large magical beasts, and even the luxurious carriages of the nobles, give way.

In this world, the nobility wield absolute supernatural martial power, and within the Lionheart Kingdom, the “Ironblood” is one of the most formidable bloodlines.

Despite the current decline of the Ainsbrad family, with only Karl Ainsbrad remaining as a high-ranking transcendent, the “Ironblood” still commands awe in people’s hearts.

Roy initially worried that the pomp of such noble travels might provoke Alice, who came from commoner roots.

Yet Alice simply stated, ‘Isn’t it only natural to make way for one’s master?’ leaving Roy in a mix of laughter and tears.

Roy knew all too well that the more these people revered “Ironblood,” the more they mocked his family’s notorious wastrel in private.

But none of that mattered; what was important was winning over Alice’s favor!

Meanwhile, Alice was sneakily observing her master’s excited expression as he gazed out the window, secretly making up her mind.

It was rare for the master to come out and relax; she had to fulfill her duties as a maid to the fullest.

As a personal maid, accompanying her master and ensuring his happiness was part of her duty!

Yet, once they disembarked from the carriage, Alice felt dizzy facing the bustling streets.

“Master, where shall we go next?”

“Well…”

Roy himself had little interest in shopping, but since it was about gaining Alice’s favor, it was only natural to let Alice decide.

“Do you have any place you’d like to visit, Alice? You must be quite familiar with Duskwind City?”

Alice had lived in Duskwind City all her life.

However, Alice casually said, “I was always locked up in the bar, and the boss wouldn’t let us go out.”

“And then I was sold to traffickers.”

Listening to the girl’s calm recounting of her dark and brutal past, Roy’s smile stiffened.

A brief silence fell.

What a day for conversation!

But Roy quickly rallied his spirits: “In that case, I’ll take the lead!”

From noble mtl dot come

He stroked his chin, squinting at the little maid before him: “First, we need to change your clothes!”

Unsure where to take a girl shopping?

Even if Roy was clueless, he knew that all girls loved pretty dresses!

Unexpectedly, Alice, more straightforward than any man, retorted, “Why doesn’t the master change at home?”

Roy was taken aback, embarrassedly saying, “Ah, I meant for you to change.”

Alice looked down at her maid’s short skirt, completely unaware of what was amiss.

“Why? Is there a necessity?”

“I… well, just follow me!”

Roy almost forgot, this child was the steel-straight girl from “Angel’s Waltz,” the one who initially left the entire harem of lilies helpless.

It seems that winning favor is a long and arduous task.

Roy led Alice around the commoners’ stalls, heading straight for the luxurious commercial district reserved for nobility.

Among a cluster of low houses, a street paved with red bricks unfolded before them.

The flow of people here was much less, with only the well-dressed gentry passing by.

Roy found a clothing store, and upon entering, was immediately greeted by a beautiful smiling saleswoman.

“Welcome… Oh!”

Despite her stiff expression upon seeing Roy’s face, the saleswoman’s professional demeanor (and survival instinct) allowed her to maintain a smile.

“Master Ainsworth, what can I do for you?”

“Buy her clothes,” Roy said, pointing to Alice.

The blonde little maid stepped forward, nodding slightly in greeting.

Upon seeing Alice, the saleswoman’s eyes lit up, and her attitude did a complete one-eighty.

“Please follow me!”