As a villain, I really don't want to be pursued by the heroine.

Roy touched the girl's head for the last time, then got on the carriage and embarked on his journey to the royal capital.

Chapter 60: Lionheart

The Lionheart Kingdom is mostly mountainous and densely forested, and even the King's Road is rarely flat.

Iron Blood Ridge is quite far from Lionheart City, and even if you take a carriage, it will take nearly a week to walk there.

Fortunately, the leading mount this time was none other than the Lionheart Kingdom's famous Fierce Wind Griffin. Although it had to take care of the caravan, it was unable to fly. However, the pressure emanating from this magical beast was enough to drive back the low-level magical beasts living in the mountains and forests, ensuring the safety of the journey.

The Fierce Wind Griffin is extremely ferocious and powerful, and is not even afraid of the power of dragons. It shined brightly in the [Second Anti-Dragon War] eighteen years ago and became the most honorable symbol of the kingdom's nobility.

Carl is one of the few nobles who owns a griffin.

Honestly, Roy envied Carl more for his impressive mount than his status and honor. After all, status and honor would eventually pass to him, while the unruly griffin would only recognize one master throughout its life. That's why people always say, "A title is a symbol of nobility, while a griffin is a symbol of knighthood."

Unfortunately, Roy teased it several times during his stay. If Carl and the maid who took care of it had not fed it personally, this thing would not even eat or drink, and was very arrogant.

At first, Roy was indeed excited by the kingdom's lush forests. The carriage was engraved with extraordinary magical patterns, and the seat was cushioned with luxurious cotton velvet, so the ride was smooth and smooth, making it feel more like sightseeing than a journey.

But as time went on, Roy quickly lost interest in the unchanging mountains and forests without tourist attractions or delicious food.

There were only mountains and trees along the way, and few human traces.

Fortunately, the week-long journey can be endured.

On the morning of the eighth day, before the morning light appeared, the convoy set off early in the dim night.

Roy was yawning, feeling annoyed by the lush greenery he had long been accustomed to, when he suddenly heard a loud noise like muffled thunder from afar. He looked up and was startled.

He was shocked.

It was a volcano towering into the clouds.

Beneath the leaden clouds, scarlet lightning flashed between the high mountain ridges, like a window to hell. From time to time, there was a muffled rumbling sound, like the snoring of some prehistoric giant beast, which made people's scalps tingle.

It was a completely different scene from the peaceful and tranquil forest. It was vast and magnificent, yet it made people feel fear and awe for the wonders of nature.

"Father, is that Mount Doom?"

Covering his nose to avoid the strong and pungent smell of sulfur, Roy asked subconsciously.

Although he had looked it up in books, Roy was still amazed when he saw the real thing.

"Yes, that's where the [Battle of Raging Fire] took place eighteen years ago, where we ended the [Second War Against Dragons]."

Carl looked at the volcano in the distance that almost reached the sky. His eyes were dazed, and hatred, sadness, remembrance, excitement, and pride flashed across his face. In the end, they merged into a complex expression that Roy could not understand.

"Back then, we eleven knights, led by Robert, rushed up the mountain and faced that evil beast head-on."

"Countless extraordinary warriors and a massive army, yet more than half of them were killed or injured in a single breath."

"I still can't forget how terrifying the dragon flames that pierced through the clouds were. It felt as if the very sky was burning up. Even the usually brave and warlike griffins trembled in fear. Just one breath and I felt my lungs burning. It was a monster that no mortal could possibly contend with."

Carl said this, withdrew his gaze from the volcano, and looked at Roy again.

It is impossible not to feel heart palpitations when talking about that war, but for Carl, what he feels more is always pride.

"But you won in the end."

Roy raised his eyebrows at Carl: "A mortal body can also kill a god - I remember that's what was recorded in the book."

As representatives of mythological creatures from the First Age, dragons are considered demigods among the people of Viszea.

Of course, the term "deicide" is a bit exaggerated, but the achievements of Carl and others are unquestionable.

The education learned in the previous life is still applicable in this life. This is why Roy still admires Carl even though he cannot imagine the cruelty of that war.

Without their contributions, there would be no peace in the Kingdom today.

Roy's subtle praise made Carl feel a little bit touched, but he did not indulge in it. He quickly waved his hand modestly: "No, if you must say it, I just took advantage of Rob's influence."

"how do I say this?"

Roy's ears pricked up, suddenly curious.

Compared with the half-baked documents in "Angel's Dance" and sporadic historical records, the words of eyewitnesses are more convincing.

Wouldn't it be much more interesting to hear the Eleven Knights of the King tell about that glorious past in their own words than to read dry history books?

"In the end, we were not able to accompany Rob to the end." Carl couldn't help but sigh when he said this.

"I know how the history books are written—eleven knights persevered to the end, slashing through the flames alongside the young king."

"In fact, all the knights, including me, had been struck down. The army was on the verge of collapse. Morale was extremely low, and many had even given up hope. The kingdom was only one step away from destruction."

"However, there was only one person who did not give up and bravely moved forward against the volcanic current."

Roy had already guessed the man's name and continued the conversation: "Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Rob Reinhardt is the bravest soldier I have ever seen." Carl's face was full of admiration when talking about this man.

"He always leads the charge on the battlefield. Even when gravely wounded, he laughs wildly and fights to the death. He is a true Lionheart. Many dragons fear him and dare not confront him head-on."

"In fact, according to Rob, the fire dragon had already reached its limit. It was Rob's desperate attack that finally killed the beast and buried it in Mount Doom."

Listening to Carl's story, Roy's mind had already pictured the heroic scene of the young king riding a golden-red Gale Griffin, roaring against the dragon flames in the sky, fighting the fire dragon to the end of the sky.

Hearing this made his blood boil.

Of course, forget about really letting him fight the dragons. Respect is respect, but Roy still wants to live a few more years rather than being a hero.

Carl's evaluation of Rob was exactly the same as what Roy had read in history books.

[King Lionheart], [Brave Man], [Red Flame Dancing on the Dragon's Back], Robert is a living legend, a hero who truly saved the entire kingdom. His status in the hearts of the people even exceeds that of the founding monarch.

Fortunately, he did not offend Charlotte like "Bad Boy Roy", otherwise, not to mention Charlotte herself, such a fierce father would be enough to kill him a hundred times.

But on the other hand, I have a friendly relationship with Charlotte now, and Carl and Rob are close friends. To round it off, such powerful people can be my backers!

Roy was secretly delighted, and at the same time he complained that 'Bad Boy Roy' was seriously ill and did not serve such a tough guy. He must have been crazy to get involved with the cult, and he deserved to die.

By the time Carl's story was over, the convoy had already passed the volcano and could vaguely see a corner of Lionheart City in the distance.

But what surprised Roy was that the convoy was heading in the opposite direction of the royal capital halfway through.

"Aren't we going to the capital?"

Facing Roy's puzzled look, Carl smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry, I have a surprise for you."

Chapter 61 Surprise

Roy couldn't imagine what kind of wake-up call his father would prepare, so he just waited patiently.

He didn't wait long.

Soon, most of the convoy headed straight for the capital. Only the car carrying Roy and Carl left the capital behind and continued into the depths of the forest until they reached a fence.

There is a huge stone near the fence with the words "Trespassers into the royal gardens will be punished at their own risk" clearly engraved on it.

The carriage continued on without stopping, clearly not for the first time on this route. Roy also knew that his father wouldn't do anything stupid.

Sure enough, after entering the garden and crossing the last path, the scenery outside the car window suddenly became clear.

Roy poked his head out slightly and saw a huge and magnificent waterfall cascading down from the towering mountain. A two-story holiday cottage stood quietly among the lush green leaves, like a small paradise hidden deep in the mountains.

Outside the holiday cottage, a shirtless, burly man with a thick beard and long dark red hair was chopping wood - or rather, chopping trees - with a two-meter-long axe.

Roy, who had seen the king's portrait, naturally recognized at a glance that the red-haired muscular uncle was Robert Reinhardt mentioned in the carriage just now.

However, this unrestrained scene in front of him was so absurd compared with the legendary title of "Red Flame Dancing on the Dragon's Back".

Carl got out of the car first and walked forward impatiently.

Rob looked up and noticed who was coming. He immediately laughed out loud, opened his muscular arms, rushed over and gave him a passionate hug.

"Haha, Carl, you're finally here!"

"Your Majesty, you are still so energetic." Carl joked with a wry smile.

Carl's physique is considered strong and stylish, but he looks like a weakling in front of Rob.

No, how can this scene be gay?!

Looking at the scene that seemed like a philosophical scene, Roy felt that his fantasy of Carl and Rob's bravery collapsed in an instant.

"Stop talking nonsense! I don't believe you call me that in private..."

Rob was smiling rudely when he saw a second person getting off the carriage.

Roy bowed tentatively: "I am Roy Ironblad, greeting His Majesty the King."

Unexpectedly, the next second Rob stepped forward and slapped him on the back enthusiastically, with such force that Roy almost vomited on the spot.

"Kid, I heard about you! Who hasn't been young and reckless? It's not too late to repent now, work hard!" As he spoke, Rob slapped him again, causing Roy, who had just managed to stand firm, to stagger again.

Why does it feel like the king did this on purpose?!

"That's true. Thinking back to your Uncle Robert..."

"Asshole, all you know is to slander me!"

Rob immediately hooked his arm around Carl's neck and used a strongman lock to stop the dark history that was about to be revealed.

Compared to old Raymond, Robert is even more enthusiastic and has no airs in private. He is completely different from the majestic king in Roy's impression.

"Are you here?" At this time, a gentle call attracted Roy's attention.

Turning around, I saw a beautiful woman with brown hair walking towards me.

She is Leisa Reinhardt, Charlotte's biological mother, the Lionhearted Queen.

Like Robert, the beautiful woman wore a casual brown dress. She was also not arrogant, and her lightly contoured mouth made her look very friendly.

"Hello, Auntie Leisa." Roy threw away the formalities and put on a friendly smile.

"You are Roy. Oh, you are good-looking. No wonder my Charlotte likes you." Leisa covered her face and sighed a little.

"It must have been a tiring journey, right? Forget about those stinky men and come inside to rest. Charlotte is here too."

Ah, so this is what surprise means.

Roy turned around and saw Carl, who was locked up, giving him an encouraging look. He was suddenly at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

But putting aside his father's urging to get married, Roy really wants to have a good relationship with Charlotte.

Compared to the usual restrained court interactions, it would be easier to gain favor by interacting privately.

It's a rare opportunity to spend time together in private, so why not seize it?

After all, she is the daughter of destiny, the future Lionheart Queen!

Thinking of this, Roy did not refuse. He walked forward, opened the door, and walked into the Reinhardt family's vacation cabin.

The room was well-lit, and the soft morning light accentuated the rustic, natural freshness of the wooden building. The walls were covered with deer, sheep, wild boar, and other stuffed beasts, while the bedside and tea table were filled with delicate, vibrant flowers, as if they had been created by Robert and Lessa.

In the past life, staying in a holiday cottage like this in a tourist area would cost at least four figures, right?

Roy was admiring the furnishings in the house when he heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

He immediately came to the stairs, ready to greet Her Royal Highness the Princess.

"Mom! I'm still changing! Let them wait a while before coming in..."

The girl's expression was one of shock.

Roy was also dumbfounded.

The person coming down from upstairs was indeed Her Royal Highness the Princess, but the girl was not as reserved and noble as she had been before.

Her beautiful, fluffy red hair was a mess, and her pretty features were drowsy. Most importantly, she was wearing only a thin pink nightgown that barely reached her knees. Looking up from below, one could catch a glimpse of her smooth, slender calves and her soft, delicate bare feet as they stepped on the stairs.

It would be quite dangerous to go any higher from this perspective.

Tears welled up in the corners of the girl's eyes, and her cheeks turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye.

According to Roy's experience with anime in his previous life, he would be beaten up in the next second.

Fortunately, Luo reacted quickly enough. After saving the scene on his local computer hard drive, he quickly fled the scene.

"ah!!!"

It was not until three seconds later that a mournful cry shook the cabin, breaking the tranquility of the early morning in the forest.

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