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

The soldier, his face covered in blood, was still trembling with fear, his words incoherent: "There's a dragon! There's a dragon coming! Lord, run away!"

The skinny Griffin Knight stepped forward to comfort him: "Calm down, brother, the dragon has been killed, you are safe..."

The soldier pushed the skinny knight away and cried hysterically, "No!"

The soldier huddled on the ground: "It's not safe at all..."

This shameful appearance made some knights look at each other with a mixture of sympathy and annoyance, unwilling to see their fellow brothers in such an embarrassing state in front of the monster.

However, this appearance triggered Carl's memory.

"Wait, you mean there were other dragons, like...nineteen years ago?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the scene froze instantly.

Regardless of whether they had experienced that war or not, the possibility made the knights present tremble in their hearts and stiffen a little.

"No, no, no, no, no! You don't understand at all. It's not that simple at all. It's different from any time before!"

Carl was about to continue asking questions when he suddenly noticed that it was getting dark.

Then, a griffin suddenly leaped up, its body tense, baring its teeth at the sky with a fierce look. All the griffins present followed closely behind, even their partners were unable to hold it back for a moment.

Everyone looked up, only to find that the sky had been covered with dark clouds without anyone noticing. There was no sunshine, no clouds, and not even a trace of blue sky.

"What the hell, what on earth is that..."

Just as everyone was leaning forward, confused, Carl's heavy whisper came from the side.

"That's a dragon."

With the far superior vision of a mid-level transcendent, Carl had already seen through the true heart and was forced to tell the terrible truth that everyone present had guessed but was unwilling to admit: "It was a dragon that blocked the sky."

Just like the war nineteen years ago that almost destroyed the entire kingdom.

"The dragon is coming! The dragon is coming! We are all finished!"

Under the rolling dark clouds and in the dead silence, only the soldier's miserable cries continued to echo.

----------

"Well, this week's regular faction meeting begins now."

"Everyone, it's time to report on your achievements this week."

In the conference room, the red-haired princess folded her hands under her chin, and her flaming crimson eyes slowly swept over, causing the knights, young masters, daughters, and their personal servants present to straighten their bodies and accept her scrutiny with trepidation but honor.

The beautiful name "Ruby of the Lionheart Kingdom" has long spread throughout the Western Continent, but for the young people of the kingdom's generation, Charlotte Reinhardt is more than just a beautiful royal princess.

His extraordinary talent of reaching Sequence 6 at such a young age, coupled with his unwavering determination in running the faction, had already established him with the prestige that a kingdom leader should possess.

It is an honor to accept her scrutiny.

"Your Highness, please allow me to report first. This week's sales of the Magic Beast Breeding Center in the Academy City are..."

In the solemn atmosphere, there was only one person staring at the girl's majestic figure, a little distracted.

The only one who dared to stare at the princess's profile so openly was her sworn knight.

Unlike the other children of the kingdom who were in awe, Roy found Charlotte's domineering side somewhat refreshing.

Now that he thought about it, the [Lion Flame Princess] in front of him was how Charlotte was seen by the world. Her usual arrogance was unimaginable to outsiders.

Thinking of the proud and elegant princess running to his room in pink pajamas at night and awkwardly asking for a kiss, Roy wanted to laugh for some reason.

“Puff…!”

Charlotte glanced over in confusion: "What's wrong?"

The students reporting below the stage were silent, thinking they had angered the sworn knight and were at a loss as to what to do.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Roy could only put on a straight face: "Nothing, please continue."

On weekdays, Roy rarely participates in the routine meetings of the Lionheart faction.

But recently Lyanna went to the Kingdom of Sands to carry out a mission, and the special training of extraordinary abilities has reached a bottleneck again. Roy was free anyway, so he thought of coming here to accompany Charlotte.

To be honest, although everyone respected him and regarded him as the second-in-command of the faction, Roy was actually quite embarrassed because he had not taken much care of faction affairs since he entered school.

I feel like the king's beloved wife. I don't care about anything else and just accompany the king in an ambiguous way.

This can't go on like this!

Soft food is delicious, but eating too much will damage your status in the family. It’s time to show my ability and let Charlotte know that I am not her spoiled wife!

That being said...

But after listening to everyone's successful reports, Roy found that he was thinking too much.

Under Charlotte's governance, the faction's operations were too stable, without any disturbances, leaving no room for him to interfere!

"By the way, Your Highness, there have been some problems with the recent cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce."

"What? The Prince of the South China Sea wants to break the contract?" Charlotte raised her eyebrows.

Roy also became alert and pricked up his ears, afraid of missing any details.

I heard from Charlotte before that the South Sea Faction and the Lionheart Faction had just signed a treaty and divided the two factions into new spheres of influence.

The South China Sea faction has been operating under Jason's leadership for three full years. After all, it has a deep foundation, and even Charlotte can't get the upper hand.

Maybe that's when I take action...

"Oh, not really."

"It doesn't seem to be His Highness Jason's intention. It's just that some South Sea nobles are unwilling to recognize the new treaty. They're occupying the shops and withholding the funds they promised to us."

Charlotte blurted out, "If you're taking up space, kick them out. If you've withheld funds, take them back. Do I need to teach you that?"

"Oh? But, but..."

But he didn't do it on purpose. It's a bit cruel of you to just hit him! Shouldn't you have discussed this with Jason first? Roy complained in his mind.

"No buts. Before you take action, just send the medical expenses and an apology to them in advance." Charlotte crossed her arms and said leisurely, "We have a treaty. He couldn't control his men, so he deserved to be taught a lesson. The prince of the Southern Kingdom should understand this."

"understand!"

The students from the kingdom were rubbing their hands in readiness, looking as if they couldn't wait to fight, leaving Roy speechless.

So it's not just Charlotte, you guys want to fight too, right?!

In other schools, the senior class factions use force to bully the junior class, but why are you doing it the other way around?!

Roy was at a loss whether to laugh or cry when faced with these reckless men who would resort to weapons at the slightest disagreement.

Forget it. I'll write a letter to Jason later to remind him to pay more attention.

"Well, that's all for this week's returns."

Charlotte took a sip of her tea, then slowly exhaled. She smiled and said, "Next week is National Day. You should take this opportunity to relax."

The Lionheart Kingdom's National Day is also Charlotte's birthday.

Every year at this time, the kingdom celebrates a double joy on the same day. Since Charlotte was born, the people of Lionheart have been accustomed to this tradition.

One of the young ladies asked excitedly, "It's National Day. How would you like to celebrate His Highness's birthday dinner?"

However, Charlotte replied calmly, "You don't have to make a special effort to celebrate my birthday this year."

“When you go out, you don’t need too much unnecessary pomp and circumstance.”

"It's a rare holiday, so just enjoy National Day and take a good rest."

This was going to be a real mess for everyone. Although I was very grateful for the princess's kindness, it was still a little awkward to have our long-standing habits broken.

Unless they are short of money or the timing is wrong, every royal family member’s birthday would be celebrated with a grand banquet. Why would they take the initiative to reduce the scale of the event?

Chapter 20 Taiyaki

At this moment, the black-haired cat maid in the corner suddenly raised her cat ears and smiled.

"Ah! I know!"

"Her Highness Charlotte is taking advantage of her birthday to flirt with the young master!"

After the words fell, everyone looked at the red-haired princess and her black-haired knight, and suddenly realized what was going on. They all showed that they understood and applied.

At the same time, the majestic princess showed her first flaw. Her whole body trembled like a wave, and she let out a low growl as if her tail was grabbed.

Roy couldn't help it again: "Pfft..."

Unfortunately, he has not received professional training and has seen too many interesting things.

Until Charlotte glared at him fiercely, and squeezed out a sneer from between her teeth: "What? Do you think it's interesting?"

Roy quickly shut up: "No, no."

The princess looked back at everyone with an annoyed look. The lion-hearted disciples who had just smiled like aunties all showed wooden faces that were more serious than sculptures, for fear of angering Her Royal Highness the princess.

Even the Oath Knights didn't dare to be so presumptuous, so they naturally didn't have the guts to do so.

But there are always some fools who don't realize the princess's anger.

The black-haired cat girl was unaware of the impending disaster and was still grinning foolishly, so she naturally became the target of the princess's embarrassment.

Charlotte maintained her usual elegance and looked at Roy. "Roy, your maids are actually quite good. It would be a waste of their talents to just serve as servants. Why not let Chocolate be the temporary regional manager and collect the money owed to us by the South Sea faction?"

"how do you feel?"

Regional supervisors are the middle-level leaders of a faction, usually led by Sequence 7 transcendents.

Under normal circumstances, it would be considered a promotion, but to be assigned such a task during critical holidays and also be responsible for recovering the outstanding debts is obviously a tough job!

Don't bully my maid, hey—Roy wanted to refuse, but looking at the lion's crimson eyes that were as calm as a lamb, he finally changed his words: "I think it's great."

"It's time for Choco to get some experience."

Working overtime on holidays, and taking on heavy responsibilities that give everyone a headache.

Everyone present couldn't help but look at the black-haired cat girl with pity.

Only Qiao Ke himself hadn't realized what this meant. He just stood there with a silly smile, full of energy: "Please rest assured, Your Highness, Qiao Ke will definitely beat those southerners to a pulp!"

I can only say that ignorance is sometimes a kind of bliss.

The routine meeting is over and it’s still early.

Under the dim sunset, Roy and Charlotte set out on their journey home together.

After saying goodbye to her fellow countrymen in the kingdom one by one, Charlotte immediately began to explain.

"Don't pay attention to what your maid says, okay?"

"I've actually never liked such grand displays. It was fine in China before, but when I'm abroad, there's no need to be too ostentatious. It also saves them from wasting their holidays and preparing a banquet for me... Hey, are you listening?"

Charlotte, who was walking in front, suddenly turned around with an uneasy look on her face.

"Yes, yes, yes."

More than that?

Staring at the slightly anxious princess with a smile, Roy, a level ten proud and charming contestant, had already tasted the other party's unspoken true meaning.

Not liking such a grand occasion doesn’t mean that I don’t want to spend holidays just chatting with the two of us.

In order to avoid wasting everyone's precious holidays, doesn't it mean that Charlotte also doesn't want to agree to any unnecessary dinner parties, leaving the remaining time for more precious time?

The boy's expression, as if he saw through everything, made Charlotte feel inexplicably guilty.

She couldn't help but pout, and raised her fingertips again to re-examine: "Don't get me wrong!"

"I don't mean anything else..."

"Okay, let's go back quickly."

Roy said, just jumping past Charlotte.

But a soft little hand slipped into his palm, and the faint warm fragrance of gardenia also drifted over with the madder color.

"It's still early for dinner, there's no need to rush back, right?"

Looking at the girl's eyes that were no longer majestic but instead bright and soft, and seemed to want to say something but couldn't, Roy was slightly lost in thought.

"Yeah, let's take a walk."

Holding the soft hand again, Roy changed direction and took Charlotte to the commercial street of the college.