The Date

Shortly after, Flora and Ryan got into the carriage for the return journey.

Ryan said there were only six knights accompanying them for protection, but they both knew that no more dangers would arise.

Because the best opportunity for an attack had already passed.

The only problem was that Ryan hadn’t spoken a word since deciding to leave the bewildered Gothica and Betcherie behind.

Even now, with the protective charm lifted, Flora could still sense a faint anger emanating from the black-haired young man.

“Why did you do that just now?”

About three minutes later, looking out the window, Ryan broke the silence first.

Flora knew that Ryan cared more about the well-being of his family and subordinates than any other official matters.

So, if she were to cultivate an image of a treacherous villainess, Ryan would immediately realize it.

Flora could only try to explain it from a professional standpoint.

“I just felt that if things like threatening others were perceived to be orchestrated by Your Highness, it would be detrimental to your reputation…”

“So, you don’t care about your own reputation?” Ryan said, annoyed.

“I believe that is not as important as Your Highness’ reputation.” Flora insisted.

“I don’t think so. Don’t do this again in the future!”

Ryan spoke in a commanding tone, but Flora felt more heart-aching than coercion.

“I understand… I’m sorry.”

So, Flora chose to comply.

She didn’t want Ryan to continue worrying about her.

After a few minutes, when the atmosphere was less tense, Flora began to summarize and analyze her actions in dealing with the Wondertide family.

“They’re a bunch of persistent fellows.”

After listening to Flora’s report, Ryan frowned. “But they are not endless… One day, I will crush them completely.”

Flora agreed with this. Although the Renaissance was large, under the pressure of Manfred, their actual living space was getting smaller and smaller.

Not to mention, it was difficult to cultivate talent…

The dead geographers today, in the world’s eyes, were at the level of Sky Knights and Great Mages.

However, after Ryan said this, he fell silent again. Flora thought for a moment and decided to initiate a new topic.

“Your Highness, I’m truly sorry for guiding you to make that choice earlier.”

“Regardless of the reason, those students made mistakes with the intention of harming the Crown Prince, and their crimes deserved death.”

But Flora considered that she wanted Ryan to become a benevolent ruler, and considering whether this matter had enough merit to cause misunderstanding, allowing enemies to take advantage.

They decided to spare their lives.

In the future, as long as they followed the rules and served Ryan well as compensation and atonement, she would not restrict their personal freedom or force them to do anything excessive.

“It’s alright, I also think you did well… If it was only to kill those who were instigated, it would be difficult to resolve my anger, but if there’s any chance to identify the instigators, I support it.”

Ryan revealed a gnashing-teeth expression, but soon realized he was being a bit excessive, and quickly calmed down.

“Your Highness, kindness and benevolence are not shameful things, as long as one is not being taken advantage of.”

Flora showed an approving expression.

“I know.”

A trace of fatigue appeared on Ryan’s face, but he still left the infirmary with Flora.

“But come to think of it, only three days have passed, and so many things have happened.

I wonder how everyone in the mansion is doing?”

Flora shifted the topic to the happy one of returning to the mansion…

Soon, the atmosphere in the carriage became relaxed.

But while she was feeling good, Ryan thought of the things he had sensed from the golden-haired girl in the barrier through the power of his protective god.

[Don’t want to be his subordinate or guard.]

[Want to be treated as an ordinary girl.]

When he perceived these two thoughts, Ryan was a bit dumbfounded.

Judging from the first thought alone, he almost thought Flora was going to quit and leave.

But with the second thought appearing, Ryan was puzzled.

Don’t get me wrong, Ryan didn’t notice the second thought was very ambiguous.

However, this was a very unreasonable situation.

Because Flora had said she didn’t want to be his lover.

And his guardian god had already confirmed this sentence was true.

Considering his “sincerity” ability, and the fact that Flora was answering without any defenses… without interference, his guardian god couldn’t make a mistake.

Of course, it was possible that Flora’s mentality had changed over time.

So, this was where Ryan was somewhat confused.

Although he hadn’t said it out loud, in his heart, he should have regarded Flora as family.

Flora did have abilities and talents, but Ryan had never put her on the same level as ordinary guards or subordinates.

In fact, Morene could not match Flora.

Only Fate and Charlton could be compared with Flora.

So, if the words were not too exaggerated, Ryan could firmly believe that Flora’s strength could rank in the top three of the family.

Regarding Flora, the situation of the first thought was impossible.

The problem was the second thought… especially the ambiguous meaning.

His first reaction was denial.

But when he listed the people he truly considered family and compared them with Flora.

Flora seemed so pitiful.

She had an unclear background, yet she helped him wholeheartedly, stayed by his side, helped him diligently, but didn’t seek any fame, fortune, or status.

The goal of becoming his lover… at least, initially, was also denied.

At the same time, Ryan could clearly feel that Flora was constantly inclined to leave.

It could be said that this was a family member he could lose at any moment.

The place she would return to was not by his side.

But he wanted to change this situation.

He wanted to keep her by his side.

It could be said that this was a family member he wanted to retain.

The term “family” he used, only applied to Fate, Charlton, Moliac, Heidi, and others.

The family here meant similar to “friends and relatives” in the world.

In the future, such family members would likely increase.

But facing Flora, for a moment, he thought of the old man he hated and Heides.

And the figure that was already vague in his memory but forever unforgettable.

He didn’t know if this feeling was an illusion.

He didn’t know what this feeling meant.

So, in the end, he decided to understand it literally.

(Since you want to be an ordinary girl… that’s simple.)

Since he didn’t need to manage government affairs and finally had a weekend.

Ryan also wanted to go out and relax.