---

Chapter 98: Ambushed

The proud and reticent Princess was suddenly quite chatty when alone.

“Honestly, nothing’s going on in my territory, but that guy Leo insists I stay there because he’s worried the royal capital is dangerous!” Charlotte’s face twisted into a mix of helplessness and disdain whenever Leo was mentioned. “Are you kidding me?! Even if the Dragon Clan attacked the royal capital, hiding there wouldn’t help me at all!”

“They’re just concerned about you,” Roy thought lightly.

“I know! But…” Charlotte straightened up, only to shrink back, biting her lip in frustration. “As a member of the royal family, I want to do my part too.”

Charlotte gazed out at the serene forest outside the window, her usually regal and proud beauty appearing unusually melancholic in the shadows.

Roy felt she didn’t need to be so anxious, but perhaps it was this sense of royal responsibility that would eventually turn this girl into the formidable Lionheart Princess, commanding respect in this era.

For now, being obedient was best.

However, about Leo, Roy felt it necessary to say a bit more.

Thinking back, aside from Leo, no one else had the motive or ability to stage this farce at that moment.

Roy hadn’t intended to speak ill of Charlotte’s brother, the second prince, but his concern for Charlotte’s marriage went far beyond mere brotherly affection.

Why would a prince want to control a princess’s marriage? If you think negatively, it’s not simply about a ‘brother’s desire for control.’

For example… usurpation.

This was not just for himself; it was also for Charlotte’s safety.

“Charlotte, about that woman last night…”

Just then, a high-pitched cry from outside interrupted Roy.

“Meow! Young master, something’s not right!”

“Choc, you’re back! I told you too much catnip would ruin your nose… ugh, I think mine is a bit ruined too…”

What is this, déjà vu?!

Roy couldn’t afford to slack off, even while sarcastically complaining. Better to have a misunderstanding than to actually suffer consequences.

“What’s wrong?” Charlotte asked, puzzled.

“The beastmen have keen senses; there might be enemies around.”

“Enemies? No way!” Charlotte replied, a bit amused.

With the golden-red griffon as striking as fire, who would dare attack the royal carriage in broad daylight?

But in the next moment, she noticed the unusual seriousness on Roy’s face.

Because before Roy, a warning panel popped up!

【Warning! Contact with Lionheart detected, triggering a reverse命任务 (reverse命 task). Every choice you make will change your fate, please choose wisely!】

【Lionheart·Reverse命 Progress】: 35%

【Current Reverse命 Node: Angel】

Suddenly, a loud crash erupted outside the carriage, followed by the screeching of the griffon.

“Watch out!”

Charlotte didn’t even have time to react before Roy tackled her down.

The next moment, the world turned upside down.

A blazing red fireball slammed into the carriage where the two were, triggering the carriage’s defensive spells, flipping it entirely over!

“Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”

“Protect Her Highness and Lord Roy!”

Urgently, countless black-robed cultists surged from the jungle, rushing into the knights even unarmed, able to meet swords barehanded, smashing in breastplates, and overpowering both Roy’s and Charlotte’s guards!

The clash of swords and the chaos of battle echoed around them.

Roy kicked the already defenseless carriage door off and grabbed Charlotte’s hand, dragging her out.

“Charlotte! Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine! What about you…?”

Charlotte looked at the battered young man in panic, but he turned back with a smile, “Did you forget? These little injuries are nothing to me.”

Roy was drenched in wood splinters and glass but, thanks to his Steel and Iron Bones, aside from some torn clothes, there was no blood in sight.

Charlotte let out a sigh of relief, secretly grateful that without the boy protecting her, she would have surely faced a tough time.

Just as they steadied themselves after crawling out of the carriage, several frenzied assailants charged through the knights’ defenses.

The black-robed cultists were pierced by several swords, yet seemed unbothered, veins popping under their robes, revealing a layer of scaly hide typical of reptiles!

These cultists bared their claws at the two like ravenous beasts!

But they never even touched the hem of their garments.

A flurry of wind whistled past.

The fierce wind sliced through the air, piercing the necks of several assailants, splattering blood!

“Look at me, I’m being looked at by everyone!”

The head maid, Lisa, swirled in her dress, wielding a delicate sword of wind, now standing protectively before the two.

“Lisa! Why are these guys attacking us?! What is this all about…?”

“Now’s not the time for those questions; we need to retreat first,” Roy coolly interrupted Charlotte’s inquiries.

Surprised by Roy’s calmness, Lisa glanced at him and nodded, “I’m counting on you, Your Highness.”

Lisa felt like a sister to Charlotte, and with Charlotte in a panic, she couldn’t accept it, shouting, “Are you kidding?! You just want to abandon Lisa and the others?! As a royal, how can I…”

“Excuse me!”

Now wasn’t the time for arguments. Roy scooped the delicate girl up and took off, plunging into the depths of the forest!

A group of black-robed thugs tried to circle back through, aiming to catch up with Roy.

But two petite figures stood directly in their path.

“I told you someone is here, meow!”

“Waaah, I know! It was wrong to suspect you, meow!”

The black-haired catgirl was fierce while the white-haired catgirl looked pitiful.

The ruthless criminals couldn’t help but chuckle at their antics.

Where did these silly cats come from? They were practically asking to be dinner!

But the already monstrous criminals had no intention of showing mercy to the cute catgirls.

Coincidentally, the catgirls weren’t planning on going easy on them either.

As the thugs lunged at the two catgirls with their claws, they instantly found the catgirls’ sweet faces twisting into ferocity!

Two petite silhouettes suddenly sprouted thick, dense fur, their forms ballooning like blown-up balloons.

With that, a tiger paw as big as a human face came crashing down, turning the thugs into meat paste!

The roars echoed like thunder; the black and white tigers rampaged through the crowd like a hurricane!

Choc and Vanilla were rare pureblood beastfolk, born as Extraordinary Beings, and were tough elite monsters under ‘Bad Boy Roy’ in the Dance of Angels.

Though he knew this was coming, Roy couldn’t help but be startled by the sight of those man-eating tigers and thought how fortunate he hadn’t offended those two.

“Roy! How can you just leave them like this?! Put me down!” Charlotte struggled desperately like a giant catfish.

“No, those guys are coming after us! Staying behind would just drag them down!”

Lisa, Choc, and Vanilla weren’t weaklings, but those criminals were numerous. Staying in place would only risk being caught, and since they dared to attack a royal convoy, powerful enemies were likely among them.

It was better to escape sooner rather than be trapped!

The safest place was still the royal capital, garrisoned by troops. Escaping to the capital was the best strategy.