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

58

Sensing the stiff atmosphere at the dinner table, Karl changes the subject, speaking in a light tone, “Let’s talk about something cheerful.”

“The founding ceremony is coming up soon, and this year I can accompany you to properly tour the capital.”

Roy’s eyes light up.

The original work often mentions how majestic and splendid Lionheart City is, yet without a single CG, leading Roy to repeatedly criticize the production team’s empty promises.

Now, having the chance to witness the otherworldly capital with his own eyes, Roy is quite looking forward to it.

In his memory, the ‘bad young Roy’ was always causing trouble; even if he went to the capital, he was confined to the mansion by Karl and never really wandered around, let alone participated in various grand events.

But with Karl’s words, Roy’s trip to the capital is assured.

And upon further thought, that is the Lionheart Kingdom’s stronghold, the safest place in the entire kingdom. Under the watchful eyes of countless strong figures led by King Robert of Lionheart, it’s unlikely that any heretical cult would dare to show itself.

“There will be various grand events in the capital, and this year you can participate freely, to truly experience the splendor of the capital,” Karl says, igniting Roy’s interest.

“What kind of events will there be?”

“The noble youths’ hunt, barbecue feasts, the extraordinary market, selection of the griffin knights, oh, but what you’re most looking forward to is surely Princess Charlotte’s birthday banquet,” Karl says, his gaze turning mischievous halfway through, a sly elder’s gossiping smirk on his face.

“You’ll have to keep Princess Charlotte company then.”

Roy can only respond with an awkward yet polite smile.

So, the cat’s out of the bag, huh? You’re still set on making Princess Charlotte your daughter-in-law!

However, the original work did indeed mention that the Lionheart Kingdom’s founding anniversary and Charlotte’s birthday fall on the same day. Also, the “Blaze that Scorched the Plains” battle eighteen years ago happened on that very day.

Each of these events is significant in its own right, and one can only imagine the grandeur of the occasion.

No wonder Charlotte said there would soon be an opportunity; she was referring to this.

Thinking of the long-awaited reunion with the scarlet princess and even the chance to dance with her, Roy can’t help but feel anticipation.

Karl turns to look at Anya, standing upright and proper to the side, and says with a hint of regret, “Unfortunately, I can’t take you with us this year.”

“There have been sightings of wyverns in the north, and I’m afraid you’ll need to lead a team there yourself.”

Anya’s expression is resolute, more reminiscent of a knight than a maid at that moment: “Please leave it to me.”

“Are the wyverns a serious problem?” Roy can’t help but worry.

Although since the defeat of the dragon race eighteen years ago, the pure-blooded dragons have been extinct, many magical beasts inheriting dragon blood still wreak havoc.

Extraordinary powers are passed down through bloodlines, and some magical beasts have inherited the dragon race’s power. Although not as potent as pure-blooded dragons, they still pose a serious threat to the safety of the territory.

It’s no wonder Roy is sensitive; any Lionheart citizen who knows about that devastating battle from eighteen years ago has a certain dread for the word ‘dragon’.

In the next moment, her face once again displayed the elegant and composed smile of everyday: “Young Master, there’s no need to worry. You and the master should just enjoy your trip to the capital.”

“With Anya’s strength, a few hybrid dragons are no match for her,” Karl also expressed confidence in the head maid’s abilities.

“So, Young Master, you just take care of having a good time with Alice,” Anya concluded.

Roy didn’t quite understand why Alice’s name suddenly came up here.

But what surprised him even more was that Alice suddenly spoke up, “Master, may I accompany Sister Anya?”

Karl raised an eyebrow, Anya frowned, both showing surprise, not expecting the quiet and obedient little maid by their side to suddenly speak up like this.

The most surprised was Roy.

Not just because this was a variable not present in the original work, but also because he didn’t understand why Alice would make such a request.

But Roy didn’t rush to refuse; instead, he looked at Alice seriously and asked gravely, “Do you understand what you’re saying?”

“Hunting monsters is not like one-on-one training; a slight mistake in real combat can be fatal.”

Anya also snapped back to reality, eagerly backing up Roy, “That’s right, hunting dragons is no small matter, and it’s too early for you, Alice!”

Seemingly realizing her own overreaction, Anya paused for a moment, suppressing her anxious tone, and stealthily glanced at Roy, “Besides, with the rare founding ceremony coming up, don’t you want to accompany Roy?”

Facing Roy’s scrutinizing gaze, Alice slowly nodded, “I understand that real combat is dangerous.”

“But I want to become stronger! I’m still too weak now, unable to protect my master.” The little maid’s eyes dimmed, her hand unwillingly covering her chest.

To this day, she still couldn’t forget the moment when that scarlet figure stood in front of Roy to protect him, while she could only cower behind him.

She was not content. As a maid, she was always protected by Roy, unable to do anything herself.

This real combat was a rare opportunity. She didn’t want to miss it.

As for the other reason, Alice couldn’t say it outright.

Her presence would surely hinder the master’s alone time with the princess.

As a maid, it was only natural to support the master’s wishes.

Last time, Alice could clearly sense Charlotte’s reservations about her, knowing her presence would only affect Roy’s relationship with Charlotte.

Not being able to accompany Roy to the capital was a bit regrettable, but for Alice, every day spent with Roy was equally wonderful, whether in the capital or not.

As long as she could help Roy, a few days of loneliness were bearable.

“Master, may I?” Alice asked tentatively, seeking Roy’s approval.

How could Roy refuse when the girl showed such determination?

The little cabbage at home was striving so hard; he should support her.

In the original work, Anya was safe and sound, and Alice herself was the fated saintess, the designated heroine. A few dragons were really nothing to worry about.

Hmm… could this be considered a different kind of idle growth?

“Since you’ve made up your mind, go ahead,” Roy gave the little maid an encouraging smile, gently stroked her fluffy golden hair, and admonished, “Just promise me, prioritize your safety, and don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Okay!” Alice obediently responded, unconsciously leaning a little closer to Roy, savoring his tender consolation.

“Master!” Anya still found it hard to accept.

But Karl waved his hand dismissively, “Enough, let’s go with what the young one suggests.”

“Sir, how can even you say such things? Alice is still so young.”

“Young? Weren’t we all her age when we ventured out for our trials?”

In fact, to become an extraordinary being is to be beyond the constraints of age in joining the military.

“The times of war were different,” Anya muttered.

Karl smiled and shook his head, looking at the affectionate pair of master and servant, a faint hope glimmering in his eyes.

“The edge of a sword cannot be concealed. I can see that the child’s resolve is unshakable by you; early trials will only hasten her brilliance.”

“Besides, her master has already agreed, so we needn’t say more.”

Anya’s lips parted slightly, a speech halted before it began, and finally, with a sense of resignation, she nodded, softening the expression on her face.

“Alice, you may join, but I will treat you as a soldier and hold you to strict standards.”

Alice nodded slightly to the head maid, her gaze resolute: “That is exactly my wish.”