Chapter 46: Arthur’s Gentlemanly Path

Chapter 46: Arthur’s Gentlemanly Path

Arthur chuckled, “It’s all nothing much. As a gentleman, it’s only right to take care of ladies, especially those who are less able.”

Looking at Arthur’s serious expression, Airael couldn’t help but giggle.

“Hehe…”

Was there really no problem?

But such words usually come from those slick-tongued types, yet here was Arthur, saying it all straight-faced—it felt so out of place to Airael!

“Ailia, what are you laughing at?”

Arthur’s smile faded away.

Airael lifted her head, suppressing her laughter, and replied, “Arthur, your words just now were so not fit for you to say, did you know that?”

“Why? Don’t I seem like a gentleman?”

Arthur said with a troubled expression.

“You don’t not seem like one, I mean, you actually resemble one! In some aspects, you do bear the traits of a gentleman!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Airael burst into laughter again.

“Haha…!”

That was so not ladylike!

Arthur frowned.

He completely didn’t understand what Airael meant by “some aspects” making him seem like a gentleman.

So, was he or wasn’t he?

Well, could it be that he was!

Eventually, Arthur nodded to himself, convincing himself he acted like a gentleman.

Airael was probably just teasing him.

Though generally reliable and poised, Arthur knew Airael well enough to realize her outward demeanor concealed a playful side filled with mischief.

Like when she came up with totally outrageous ideas right before bed—her concepts of a former queen and a slave were perfect examples!

Her penchant for mischief was quite apparent.

After laughing enough, Airael suddenly shot a serious look at Arthur and asked, “Arthur, were you just thinking some bad thoughts about me?”

“No!”

Arthur hurriedly shook his head in denial, looking a tad flustered.

If he got caught, he’d surely be dragged into fulfilling Airael’s playful whims again.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, indeed! I was just contemplating how to become more gentlemanly.”

Airael’s focus shifted back to him. “Arthur, I don’t understand why you suddenly want to be a gentleman?”

“Aren’t gentlemen popular? Over these past few days, I’ve noticed that gentlemen are well-liked across all classes! If I can be an excellent gentleman, then I too can gain popularity, and it’ll bring me closer to achieving my goals!”

Airael’s gaze grew serious. “Arthur, do you really think that?”

“Isn’t that right?”

Arthur questioned aloud.

“You’re not wrong in thinking that a gentleman is indeed liked, but a gentleman might not govern a country well. When one has their positives, there will also be negatives. Emphasizing the positives while letting the negatives pile up can sometimes make the situation worse.”

Arthur was baffled.

Airael’s words were far too profound for him.

What did she mean by positives and negatives? If the people of a nation were all gentlemen, adhering to all sorts of good manners and virtues, then wouldn’t that nation surely be a beautiful and outstanding one?

Seeing the dreamy look on his face, Airael knew she hadn’t woken him up.

For a moment, she didn’t know what else to say.

Arthur was resolute in his belief.

And it likely had to do with his earlier experiences.

Airael recalled their first meeting when Arthur seemed like a person devoid of desires, almost not human.

Thinking back, Airael mused: perhaps he’d only realize the truth after he stumbled hard on this path!

But it wouldn’t be fair to say that Arthur’s path was wrong.

It was just overly idealistic.

So ideal that it seemed unthinkable in reality, merely a fantasy.

With many thoughts swirling in her mind, Airael finally said to Arthur, “If you truly want to pursue this path, then go ahead!”

I hope you can overcome all the challenges that come your way.

The latter part remained unspoken, quietly echoed in her heart.

Airael’s sudden shift in attitude caught Arthur off guard.

Yet he didn’t dwell on it too much, smiling at Airael, he said, “Ailia, I’m really happy you can support me.”

Seeing the genuinely pleased Arthur, Airael forced a smile and said, “Though I find such a world unlikely to exist, it’s undeniable that such a world would be quite lovely. If you can truly achieve your goals, then I’ll also be pleased.”

In truth, Airael thought: Let this guy have his fun for a while! When things go awry, I’ll pull him back for old times’ sake.

If nothing else, preserving his life shouldn’t be too hard.

“Ailia, I will definitely achieve my goals!”

In an instant, Arthur was filled with determination.

Looking at his pumped-up demeanor, Airael smiled on the surface while internally shaking her head and sighing.

What a foolish child!

He’s just too naive about this world.

Though Airael hadn’t experienced much of this world herself, her previous life in a society overflowing with information gave her many references to draw from.

Unsurprisingly, Arthur might very well end up facing a tragic fate similar to a little girl from her memories.

Now that she thought about it, they even shared the same name!

And thus, that topic came to a formal end.

What had started as an ordinary conversation had led to Arthur’s self-envisioned path of kingship.

With no way to change things, Airael could only hope for Arthur’s success, or to step in to save him when the time came.

With their respective thoughts in mind, the two fell back into their own tasks.

Arthur was now responsible for various matters at the southern border, leaving him quite occupied with many affairs to handle.

He took his responsibilities seriously, personally reviewing all important matters.

Though tiring, he found it enjoyable.

Airael, on the other hand, was much more relaxed.

Lying in bed, she wasn’t sure if she was meditating, napping, or daydreaming.