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Chapter 38: Brotherly Love

Due to limited conditions, the welcoming banquet was fairly simple.

But replacing wine with tea didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and respect the noble guards had for Charlotte. The joy of surviving the disaster and gratitude for the reinforcements combined, leading to a nonstop toast right from the start.

“Just as expected of Princess Charlotte! Only Sequence 6, yet she can slay a pureblood dragon in one blow. I doubt even the strongest of his time, Prince Naz, could pull that off!”

Bragging about royal family was a big no-no, but Naz didn’t mind at all; he laughed heartily and approved, saying, “Well, obviously! The new wave pushes the old, how could my royal sister be any less than me?!”

“But…”

Naz’s gaze shifted past Charlotte to a bunch of young faces.

“Sure, my sister’s bravery is outstanding, but being able to rally so many reinforcements is truly impressive.”

Honestly, even Naz’s most optimistic estimates didn’t predict that Charlotte could summon nine-tenths of the Lionheart Academy students.

Loyalty and courage are not to be taken for granted; only a qualified leader can guide the masses forward.

Not to mention the numerous mages from the Academy City and clergy from White Harbor.

The long-range attacking Red Mages are the most terrifying presence in war; even dragon kin find it hard to face their firepower directly.

And the clergy provide astonishing medical support. A Sequence 9 clergy member can outperform dozens of medics. For every hundred soldiers, there might be one melee Extraordinary Being, but among a thousand, there might not even be a single clergy member. Trustworthy medical assurance is every army’s dream come true.

Griffin Knights, Mages, Clergy; with these three combined, it was hard for Naz not to be exhilarated by their strength when united.

To this, Charlotte simply smiled slightly, “As a princess of Lionheart, this level of duty is just my responsibility.”

“Though I want to say that bringing in so many mages and clergy was thanks to Roy.”

Naz then turned his gaze toward the black-haired young man.

His black eyes, calm and deep like the night, conveyed a stability and composure unlike the other youngsters.

He carried the air of the hardened 【Ironblood】 Marquis, but there was more to him than that, a layer of restraint.

Naz didn’t hold back on his praise, squinting his eyes and smiling, “Roy Ainbrad, my sister’s sworn knight, the Saint from White Harbor, the first prodigy of the Western Continent. Seeing you today, truly lives up to your name.”

“The reason my sister was able to seize the initiative then was also thanks to your secret support, right? Impressive! That kind of pressure isn’t just 【Ironblood】’s ability; it’s like you unleashed your bloodline’s full potential.”

“Your Highness is too kind. I merely assisted my… Princess a bit.” Roy replied humbly but was secretly astonished.

Before this, it was rare for a mid-level Extraordinary Being to discern the absence of dragon awe.

“Haha, no need to be modest. Without you, my sister wouldn’t have won so easily.”

As Naz assessed Roy, Roy was doing the same in return.

His body was robust and angular, like a bodybuilder, yet adorned with a face as exquisitely beautiful as a rose, with that slight smile that made him hard to read, making Roy feel a bit off.

This prince didn’t have a part in the original story, just mentioned that Naz was stationed at the borders for years, with remarkable military achievements.

Thanks to Leo’s past, Roy felt a bit of PTSD with this Lionheart prince identity.

Fortunately, he seemed to share life and death with his soldiers, at least looking like a decent guy.

The only thing puzzling Roy was that Charlotte seemed not to get along with her brother at all and was visibly fidgety.

After all, she didn’t show this kind of reaction in front of Leo.

Wondering about it, Roy still politely raised his cup, “Your Highness’s fame has long reached my ears as well.”

“In a situation with insufficient troops and supplies, holding the fortress like this for such a long time is truly no easy feat; you are a worthy model of a knight to be respected.”

“Hahahaha, you’re quite modest, I truly hope my sister can learn from you.”

“Hey!” Charlotte frowned in protest beside them.

“But enough of the formalities; let’s toast first!”

Naz stood up and came over with a raised cup.

Since he was both a royal and an elder, when he approached to toast, Roy naturally stood up in response as a sign of respect.

Normally, it’s the vassals who toast to the royals, but Naz’s action gave ample face; Roy couldn’t help but feel positive about him.

This prince is pretty nice, way better than Leo…

However, just as Roy was soaked in his good feelings about Naz, the prince’s heavy hand landed directly on his shoulder.

It didn’t feel supportive like an older brother’s pat; it was more like he was…

Touching him?!

“Hahahahaha! Not bad, not bad! Strength and talent go without saying; strong build and good looks, you’re a real catch of a man!”

Realizing the admiration in Naz’s eyes had crossed that line, Roy’s pupils dilated, finally grasping the seriousness of the situation.

Do normal guys compliment other men as “good men”?!

Why does this sound so… gay?!

It became apparent that Naz was definitely not normal.

Charlotte leaped in, positioning herself between them, her expression fierce like a cat with its fur raised.

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on my sworn knight, you filthy brother!”

So he really is a filthy one?!

No wonder Charlotte was so anxious, no wonder she said Leo wasn’t suitable for the throne before; this makes a lot of sense!

Roy’s lips twitched, retreating silently behind Charlotte.

Just like a little girl being harassed by a creep.

Looking around, all the other vassals lowered their heads, pretending to see nothing, making Roy suddenly feel worried about the future of the kingdom.

“Hahahahaha, just kidding. How could my brother interfere with love?”

“Quit being annoying! No way you’re getting close to Roy!”

“Oh?”

Naz stroked his chin, raising an eyebrow, “Looks like you really are fond of this kid.”

“……”

A brief silence.

Just as Roy planned to smooth things over for Charlotte, she pulled his arm, lifted her head defiantly, and declared, “Yes!”

“Roy belongs to me, so you absolutely can’t touch him!”

Her loud voice echoed through the night, even waking up some drowsy soldiers outside the banquet hall.

Looking at the fiery-red-haired princess’s face, flushed yet fiercely stubborn, Naz burst out laughing.

Red tea, elegant dresses, knight novels—Charlotte had plenty of interests, but rarely did anything make her drop her pride like this, admitting it from the bottom of her heart.

Strength, identity, appearance—these were all important for a knight, but winning Charlotte’s heart was what Naz considered a worthy brother-in-law.

Turning to Roy, Naz put away the playful look, “Please take care of Charlotte.”

Realizing Naz was just testing him and not genuinely flirting, Roy and Charlotte both let out a sigh of relief.

But Naz threw a wink at the end, “But if she bullies you, feel free to come find your big brother anytime~”

“Get lost, you filthy brother!” Finally, unable to tolerate it anymore, Charlotte landed a solid uppercut, successfully putting down the “filthy” handsome prince.

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In the mountains and forests, wails echoed endlessly, as the dragon race took flight and retreated.

Without a leader, the dragon kin had no intention of continuing to fight, returning to their clan to search for a new king was instinctual consensus embedded in their bloodline.

However, Claudia led the followers of the 【Evil Dragon Society】, staying behind, glaring at the distant flickering bonfire of the fortress, with a twisted expression.

 

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