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

Sending reinforcements is no small matter.

There are now 100,000 soldiers and hundreds of extraordinary troops gathered in the fortress. Just dispatching these troops requires a lot of preparation.

Material supply, route planning, and the distribution of combat power when the troops are divided into two groups all require time to prepare.

Fortunately, according to Claudy, there are no large-scale dragons or cults around now, so they can safely send troops to the surrounding towns to collect supplies and dispatch griffin knights to conduct distant reconnaissance.

Charlotte took on the heavy responsibility of commander-in-chief, personally planned most of the troop deployments, and was always busy on the front line of the fortress.

It has to be said that the Lionheart Princess, who often appears in front of the people, is indeed more prestigious than the First Prince who is stationed at the border all year round. Even if Charlotte does nothing, just standing there is enough to motivate the military and civilians of the kingdom.

However, this was not a good thing for Roy.

"Charlotte, shouldn't you take a break?"

"That's not necessary. Next, we need to confirm the distribution of equipment on both sides. If there's nothing else, I'll go get busy."

Charlotte said as she was about to pass by Roy without even looking up.

But Roy reached out his hand first, supported himself against the wall, and blocked her way.

"I have something important to say."

When the soldier who came to report the supply situation to Charlotte saw this scene, he retreated tactfully without waiting for Charlotte to explain.

Charlotte's mouth twitched, but she could only sigh helplessly.

"Say something quickly."

Staring at the girl's expression, which was pretending to be calm but still slightly tired, Roy sighed slightly: "You should rest. You've been busy enough these days. We still have to march next. It would be a waste of time if you exhaust yourself before the troops go out."

Charlotte hadn't had a good rest since arriving at the fortress. They'd finally managed to get her to rest, only to be attacked by the Evil Dragon Society.

After that, Charlotte worked even harder, barely getting any sleep. Her once beautiful eyebrows had taken on a faint, sleepy hue.

However, Charlotte turned her head away unhappily.

"Isn't that what you said? As a princess, I have my responsibilities. I won't bother my knight with such a small matter."

Hearing the alienated tone, Roy could only smile bitterly.

Sure enough, Charlotte was still angry about not taking her away.

The situation was serious, and Charlotte probably knew now wasn't the time to lose her temper. But that didn't mean she could accept being left alone.

Charlotte turned away angrily and said impatiently, "If there's nothing else, I'll go get busy first."

But before she could leave, Roy forcibly grabbed that delicate hand.

Unlike the last time when they were alone on the city wall at night, this time they were just under the corner of the wall, surrounded by soldiers and civilians. Many people were even laughing and gossiping, which made Charlotte very uncomfortable.

"Hey, what are you doing?! Let go!" Charlotte shouted anxiously, but she didn't seem to be using much strength.

To be honest, if it really came down to brute force, Roy wouldn't be able to control this girl so easily.

"If you use more force, I'll call for help."

"That's my line, right?!"

Roy said something strange with a serious look on his face: "Then I will kiss you in front of everyone until your legs are weak and you can't stand up. You don't want to be seen by the people of the kingdom like this, do you?"

"You...pervert!"

Roy softened his voice: "Besides, I've asked Naz-sama to go and take stock of the equipment distribution."

"So it's okay to slack off a little."

Roy stroked the girl's red hair, which had been neglected and looked a little dull, with some pity. He smiled bitterly and said, "After all, we're leaving tomorrow, and we won't be able to see each other for a while."

"Just think of it as keeping me company, okay?"

Her crimson eyes trembled slightly, and she no longer suggested it.

Although she remained silent, Charlotte gave up resistance, even the symbolic struggle, and let her body slide to Roy's side and hold his arm.

"I'll take it as your consent."

"......casual."

After receiving this awkward agreement, Roy finally succeeded in coaxing the princess back to her room.

Chapter 48 Don’t Look Back

This fortress was originally built to cope with the Second War Against Dragons. At that time, several castles in the southern part of the kingdom were lost one after another, and the kingdom had no choice but to retreat to the valley and establish its last base.

With the dragons defeated and the war over, the fortress fell silent. The kingdom's southern border with the Green Council formed a natural safety zone, preventing any enemy attacks. Naturally, the fortress was of little use.

Who could have imagined that now that the dragons have made a comeback, this fortress has once again become the kingdom's hope for counterattack, and is also one of the few safe havens for the military and civilians in the south.

Due to their age and the fact that they were built during difficult times, the interior decoration of southern fortresses is generally very simple.

Even in the best room, there is no extra decoration except a wide and thick bed. To put it nicely, it is simple, and to put it bluntly, it is monotonous.

However, a room where the two of them could be alone quietly, a bed that was not too soft but large enough for them, and the boy's strong enough chest were enough to make the princess of the kingdom temporarily put down her burdens, take off her mask, and reveal the fatigue and fragility hidden under the royal arrogance.

In times of war, it was impossible for Charlotte to still be wearing her pink nightgown.

The girl was only wearing a simple suspender nightgown, her legs and feet curled up with moisture making them appear pink. She leaned against Roy, yawning slightly and resting her head on his shoulder.

Like a cat that is too sleepy to open its eyes.

The hair was slightly damp after the bath, emitting a faint fragrance of gardenia, which made Roy inexplicably want to go forward and sip it.

But seeing that Charlotte had the rare opportunity to relax and rest, he still resisted the urge to commit suicide.

Taking pity on the sleepy girl, Roy said caringly, "Go ahead and sleep if you want to. You should get some rest."

"No, I'm not sleepy yet."

Rubbing her sleepy brows, Charlotte forced herself to raise her head and muttered incoherently, "It's such a shame to just fall asleep on this last night before we part..."

"Can't bear to part with it?" Roy raised the corner of his mouth.

"!"

Charlotte woke up instantly, got up and said angrily: "Isn't it for you?"

"Didn't you ask me to stay with you? I'm very busy. Don't overthink it. The kingdom is in danger, so I'm not that reluctant to leave you."

Not being so reluctant does not mean not being reluctant at all.

Seeing that the other party did not refute this, Roy smiled even more.

It was hard not to feel warmed that the princess, who valued the honor of her country, still cared about him when her country was in danger.

Realizing that she had been seen through, Charlotte tactfully shut her mouth, but she was unwilling to be manipulated like this, so she opened her little mouth angrily and bit Roy's shoulder.

“Hiss…! Why are you biting me?!”

"Hmph, you're laughing at me, so I can't bite you? You're my knight, I can do whatever I want to you!"

Roy was stunned: "No, can you really bite it?"

Even without dragon scales, [Iron Bones] is no joke. Your Highness, your teeth are too good, aren't they?!

"Do you know how powerful it is now?"

"I've taken the time to be with you, my little knight. It's time for you to do what you're supposed to do."

Charlotte was in a good mood, and she immediately raised herself up, shifted her body, and leaned against the side, casually placing her slender legs in front of Roy.

Under the thin nightgown, the delicate skin was stained a light crimson due to the moisture, the slightly bent legs showed an elegant curve, and the small jade feet looked like tempting strawberries dotted with morning dew.

"Understand?"

"Understand."

It was not the first time that Roy massaged the other's legs and feet. He placed his hands on the skin with ease, leaving his marks on the silky skin, making Charlotte hum with comfort.

Roy was no stranger to the legs and feet that were as exquisite as works of art. He knew the other party's preferences and taboos very well. He served the soles of the feet, ankles, and slowly moved up along the calves without going too deep.

Well, especially not touching the toes, toes and inner thighs. Although doing so would reveal the shy and awkward side of Her Royal Highness the Princess, it would be followed by a crazy grabbing with sparks flying.

Charlotte had been running around in the fortress these days, walking all day long. Even though she was a mid-level transcendent, her legs and feet were inevitably sore. Now that she was being served after a long time, all the stress of these days was relieved and she felt relaxed.

Maybe she was too relaxed. The girl, who had just forced herself to stay awake, closed her eyes again in a daze, her little head shaking.

It was at this moment that Roy sighed softly.

"I'm sorry I didn't take you with me this time."

"...Humph, this isn't the first time you've been a traitor."

"But it's still inappropriate to abandon the girl who cares about me." Roy smiled and looked up, revealing her unspoken true feelings: "You are actually worried about me, right?"

Charlotte pretended to be asleep and pretended not to hear.

There are many loyal knights who care about their monarchs, but it is an honor in another sense to have Her Royal Highness the Princess care about me in return.

But that doesn't mean Roy wants her to do whatever he wants.

"Charlotte, I appreciate you. But this is really too dangerous."

"The situation in the capital is still at a stalemate, so it's relatively safe. However, my father has been targeted by one of the Seven Heavenly Dragons. I'm afraid a fierce battle is inevitable."

"If anything happened to you, it would be a huge blow to the morale of the kingdom. And..." Roy paused slightly, "I would be sad too."

The closed eyes still did not open, but a blush quietly climbed up the girl's cheeks, blurred in the dim candlelight.

"But you can rest assured. With His Royal Highness accompanying us, even if we can't defeat them, we can find a way to escape. If we're lucky, we might be able to reunite with Father before the dragons make their move..."

The consolation continued, but Charlotte could no longer hear it.

I'm the one who should be saying sorry.

Sequence 6 is still not strong enough to accompany you at the most critical moment.

However, these emotions were piling up in Charlotte's heart, and she couldn't express them.

Seeing that Charlotte had completely calmed down, Roy stopped massaging at the right time.

Fell asleep?

What? He said it was a pity to fall asleep, but in the end he didn’t last long.

It's no wonder. Even Charlotte would be tired of pushing herself so hard.

Thinking of this, Roy let go of the girl and turned to pull the quilt.

Unexpectedly, a warm embrace came from behind.

The light and shadow cast by the candlelight overlapped one after another.

The heat behind him was like a candle flame, and there was a faint sound of an excited heartbeat, which made Roy suddenly realize.

He didn't dwell on it for long.

The girl's body was trembling as she felt a faint wetness on her shoulder.

"Charlotte?"

"Don't look back."

"I... don't want you to be so useless."

The request was no longer confident, no longer majestic, and was as fragile as a flame blowing in the wind. This time, Roy did not disobey.

Chapter 49: Honored

The candlelight flickered.

The girl buried her cheek in Roy's back, lost in thought, and murmured.

"I still can't forget the time when you fought the Red Blood Fire Dragon."

"At that time, I watched helplessly as the knights charged forward, unable to do anything. So I vowed to gain enough strength to protect you in the future."

Charlotte bit her lip tightly, her voice becoming bitter: "In the end, even now, I still can't do anything. I have to look at you again..."

The voice died away, and the hands around Roy tightened so tightly that the latter felt some pain.

Staring away, Roy said helplessly, "A knight should charge in front and serve the monarch."

"But you're not just any knight! You're my...most important one."