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Chapter 116: If Time Could Freeze Here

On the balcony of the Red Fortress, the view was delightful, expansive enough to take in most of the royal capital.

After more than a month of construction, large areas of ruins had been rebuilt. The smiles on people’s faces reflected the city’s reviving spirit, visibly vibrant.

Surely, the area beyond the capital was similar.

The Third Dragon War, the most critical one, perhaps the final showdown, had come to an end, and the Lionheart Kingdom had finally broken free from the dragon threat and moved towards peace—

Most citizens of the kingdom would think so.

Roy wanted to believe that too.

But being in a high position, he couldn’t escape the truth.

The resurgence of the World-Ending Catastrophe, the unseen hand trying to exploit the disaster.

The bones of the Reaper had previously been acquired by the Church.

That shadowy figure was colluding with the imperial royal family, capable of stealing the Reaper’s power from the Church and even orchestrating the dragons to spark chaos.

Roy had a faint premonition that the current peace wouldn’t last long—the kingdom’s turbulence was merely the beginning.

Below the castle, a cat-girl maid waved at him.

Roy returned a smile.

Unexpectedly, the chatting nobles, patrolling castle guards, and passing palace maids cast looks of respect or admiration at him, leaving Roy somewhat speechless.

He came here to enjoy the scenery; did they really need to react like this?!

This reminded him once again that he was no longer just a famous youth; he was a genuine hero of the kingdom, a dragon-slaying knight.

He had acquired divinity, stepped into a higher rank, transcending the extraordinary.

He had indeed gained the power he had long desired, enough to shape his own destiny and become a top-tier powerhouse on the continent, truly creating a legend.

However, with great power came increasing responsibility.

When the sky fell, he would be among the first high-ranking powers to shoulder the burden.

Sigh, it seems the days of comfortably living off others would have to wait.

“What’s a lone wolf like you doing here?”

Looking back, as he expected, Charlotte approached gracefully.

Charlotte assessed him for less than two seconds before keenly saying, “You’re worried about the future, aren’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?” Roy touched his face.

“I’m just guessing.” Charlotte seemed in good spirits, even swelling with a bit of pride.

“I’m just thinking that even after achieving a higher rank, I can’t get complacent.”

Roy clenched his fist, calm yet resolute: “Outside the Holy Light Church, there’s another shadowy figure at play; true peace is still a long way off. I need to keep gaining divinity, enhancing my bloodline, and acquiring more power.”

The boy’s determined expression, touched by the breeze and tinged with crimson, reflected in his scarlet eyes, much like the fearless protagonists depicted in every knightly tale, someone to admire.

No princess could resist a dashing knight, but Charlotte knew well that behind that handsome speech lay countless brush with death.

Princesses long for knights, but Charlotte was never just a princess.

Her delicate hand rested gently on his clenched fist, warm and reassuring.

Under Roy’s surprised gaze, Charlotte shifted her gaze and hummed lightly: “What’s there to worry about? Isn’t there still me?”

“Do you think you’re the only one wanting to reach a higher rank? You don’t think this lady’s limit is just Sequence 4, do you?”

The girl’s desire to walk alongside him was like a bright flame igniting within Roy, causing him to smile.

Yeah, he wasn’t alone anymore; he had someone to rely on.

Even facing the World-Ending Catastrophe, he didn’t have to bear it all by himself.

“Rather than worry about future threats, let’s enjoy the present peace. Speaking of which, aren’t you forgetting something very, very important?” Charlotte squinted, cleverly hinting.

“Uh, while it’s true we’ve already crossed that line, we still need to follow through with the ceremony and all the important stuff!”

A bit shy yet excited, Charlotte’s face could never hide her feelings in front of him.

So, with a knowing smile, Roy naturally responded to her expectations.

Under the soft glow of the setting sun, Roy knelt down on one knee and took out the magic ring he had treasured for goodness knows how long.

“After being interrupted so many times before, I’m determined to complete it this time.”

“Charlotte, will you marry me?”

The soft light of the ruby reflected in her ruby eyes, shimmering beautifully and radiating an enchanting glow.

The girl’s lips trembled, but this time she no longer hesitated or held back; instead, she beamed her brightest smile.

“No matter how many times you ask, my answer has always been the same.”

“I’d love to!”

Then, Roy took her delicate hand and slipped on the magic ring that matched her scarlet eyes.

The passion between them couldn’t be expressed in words anymore; the girl naturally leaned in, freely offering her soft, cherry-red lips, and Roy too embraced his delicate princess, intoxicated by the elegant aroma of gardenias.

Just like their first time, in that stunning sunset, it felt as if the world had fallen silent at that moment, capturing all the beauty.

But it didn’t stop there; it was as if the crimson afterglow wanted to linger eternally, forgetting the world’s clamor and enjoying each other’s tender affection.

With a kiss.

Now tinged with crimson, their eyes only held each other, taking a breath before continuing the bliss they had just shared.

Unexpectedly, a familiar scent wafted in.

Turning around, he saw a certain golden-haired saintess peeking from the corner.

Though her expression was blank, she inexplicably radiated a lemony scent.

Alice intended to question but froze when she caught sight of the light glimmering from Charlotte’s finger, her expression changing to one of awkwardness.

“Did Alice arrive at the wrong time?”

You were right on time—would saying that cause Charlotte to kick her off the balcony?!

As Roy pondered, Charlotte beat him to it.

“What are you dawdling for? Come over here.”

“Uh-huh?”

“We’ve already crossed that line together, so what’s there to fuss about? Besides…” In high spirits, Charlotte displayed the magic ring on her finger, giving a beaming and sweet smile: “After all, I’m the first one!”

She didn’t forget to wink at Roy, as if to claim credit: “Am I generous enough?”

Feeling a tinge of jealousy, Alice obediently snuggled next to Roy.

“Master, Alice wants one too.”

“You will.” Looking at those clear yet subtly yearning eyes, Roy kissed her forehead: “I won’t let you be lonely again.”

“Mm!” Alice nodded right away, her spirit brightening like a puppy granted approval.

With one arm around Charlotte’s waist and the other entwining Alice’s, Roy, surrounded by the two girls, soaked in the crimson light, relishing the moment until the sunset dipped, the sky darkened, and the world fell silent.

He sincerely wished time could freeze at that moment.

Suddenly, the princess’s voice became a little sultry.

“By the way, can I call you ‘dear’ now? With a gift like this, I must reward you properly.”

“?”

“Don’t worry, if Charlotte alone isn’t enough to please you, Alice will help out too!”

“???”

What the heck flipped their switch? Why are they thinking about that kind of stuff at night?! Can’t we just relax and get a good night’s sleep?!

Roy sincerely felt time should have stopped at that last moment.