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

51

Roy’s expression turned peculiar.

Failing to keep a promise in front of a lady is a huge stain, something one can’t possibly be proud of, right?

But seeing Charlotte’s earnest expression, it didn’t seem like she was mocking him.

While Roy was still digesting this, Charlotte continued to speak passionately about what she had witnessed.

“You may not realize it, but your actions have greatly changed your reputation among the nobility!”

A great change?!

Roy nearly choked on the spot.

Does it mean that everyone knows about his breach of promise? That’s social suicide!

But Charlotte’s next words only added to Roy’s confusion.

“For those who were bullied by Leon, you’ve avenged them. For the discerning elders, your measured way of handling things has also been recognized. Even those who dislike you have to admit, you’re no longer that worthless scoundrel! You have no idea how many young ladies are secretly sending you…”

Charlotte paused slightly, “secret approvals of your behavior!”

Thinking of the frivolous remarks the young ladies made about Roy made Charlotte irritable, something she naturally wouldn’t tell Roy.

But she hoped Roy understood that the promise made under the sunset that day was beginning to be fulfilled.

Roy’s efforts were not in vain, and he had no need to feel sorry.

“All of this, it’s Leon’s fault. That’s why Leon was locked up in jail, and his dandies were all sent away from the villa. And you, you’re unscathed.”

“This has proven that in their eyes, you’re no longer the scoundrel comparable to Leon Raymond!”

Charlotte’s eyes were bright, her speech animated and full of vigor, happy as if she was the one who had defeated Leon.

But Roy didn’t understand.

I understand the reasoning, and I’m happy too.

But what does this have to do with my breach of promise?!

Charlotte had barely finished speaking when Roy couldn’t help but express his confusion, “I’m a bit lost. What exactly do you mean by all this?”

“Weren’t we talking about dancing?”

“Huh?” Charlotte stared at him incredulously.

Beneath the red dress, her black silk-clad feet, shod in burgundy heels, began to fidget impatiently.

Annoying, she thought, having gone to such lengths, had he still not understood?

Hmm, perhaps she should be more straightforward?

Charlotte suddenly recalled the frivolous and flippant gossip of the noble ladies at the ball, and her tongue tied itself in knots.

‘Handsome guy,’ ‘nice figure,’ ‘so fierce when choosing,’ ‘ah, next time I’ll invite him to spend a delightful night at my place.’

Such un-ladylike words, how could they possibly escape her lips?!

Charlotte was strong-willed, but this also meant she lacked experience with men, somewhat innocent.

Rich in theoretical knowledge, yet zero in practical experience. She hadn’t even held a man’s hand before, let alone knew how to express her fondness.

But she didn’t want to stop there.

Roy being recognized by others was a good thing, but it also meant more frivolous women would set their sights on him.

Moreover, setting aside those women, there was a maid named Alice serving before him.

Their intimate and ambiguous interactions made this princess, who had never worried about food or clothing and was gifted beyond measure, feel the sour sting of ‘envy’ for the first time.

Seeing Roy’s puzzled face, she didn’t want to back down at this moment. A strange excitement in her chest finally overcame her innocence and timidity.

She wanted Roy to know her recognition of him.

“I think, standing up for others is a brave and kind act of a knight. At the same time, the measure of your actions, your composure in the face of power, also proves you’re not a brute, not losing the dignity that nobility should have. So, that…”

Charlotte lifted her head, squinting her eyes, stealthily gauging Roy’s expression.

She believed her praise was direct enough.

But to her surprise, Roy’s brow furrowed, his face still full of confusion!

Roy had his own convictions.

The incident with Leon was an emergency, a different matter from breaking his promise.

It was one thing to break a promise to a girl, but to be praised for it? That seemed very odd indeed!

“But even so, shouldn’t I apologize to you for tonight’s incident?”

At that, Charlotte’s mouth twitched, and she lowered her head.

Her fragrant shoulders trembled slightly, her heels rocking back and forth beneath her dress, her whole being like a volcano ready to erupt.

And yet, Roy continued, “So, what I mean to say is…”

“So, what I mean to say is, you don’t need to apologize at all! Because you are a brave knight! What you did today was right, no matter what anyone else says, at least I’m on your side! And you looked so handsome defeating Leon tonight, and so suave answering the elders, why the long face now, what a waste?!”

Charlotte suddenly lifted her head, no longer caring about maintaining her dignity, and like a volcanic eruption, she let out all the emotions that had been building in her chest.

For a long while, she finally let out a long sigh, looking over with a stifled gaze: “Do you understand now?”

Roy nodded dumbly, his expression solemn.

How should I put it?

Charlotte’s recognition of him naturally made him happy, even a bit embarrassed.

But it still didn’t answer his confusion!

Taking advantage of Charlotte’s moment to catch her breath, Roy finally couldn’t hold back, and cautiously, tentatively asked: “So, what does everything you said have to do with me missing the dance?”

“……?”

“I really appreciate your recognition. But I’m sorry for missing the dance tonight, I can’t dance with you.”

“……Is it about the dance?”

“……Isn’t it?”

Charlotte sighed deeply, then picked up the wine bottle, poured herself a glass, and elegantly raised her glass, downing it in one go.

What on earth did she say in front of him?!!!

‘Brave knight’ ‘Standing by your side’ ‘So handsome, so handsome, so handsome’

Charlotte covered her burning face with one hand, but a small hand couldn’t hide the blush that spread to her neck and even the tips of her ears.

At this moment, Charlotte wished she could die!

Compared to her, Roy was simply struck by a sudden realization.

Tsk, no wonder the conversation was off! The topic was wrong from the start!

But if that’s the case, what Charlotte wanted to say…

Seeing Roy begin to ponder over the embarrassing remarks just made, Charlotte instantly flared up, flames of extraordinary power flickering in her red hair, as she glared at him with teary, fiercely cute eyes: “Forget it! Forget what I just said!”

“Alright, alright.” Roy waved his hand, but the corners of his mouth curled up in a pleased smile.

She clearly wanted to compliment him, yet took such a roundabout way.

Princess, you’re quite cute.