Dragon King's Harem Chapter 400. A Hero or A Villain

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 400. A Hero or A Villain

They both nodded, and I turned away, heading down the hallway to my room. The inn was quiet, the soft hum of voices and the occasional creak of floorboards echoing faintly in the stillness.

Once I approached the stairs leading up to the second floor, I noticed a figure standing just beneath them—a young girl, perhaps sixteen or seventeen, from my tribe. She was wearing a simple, well-made dress, and her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose braid. Her face was flushed, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground, and her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

I guessed she must be the innkeeper’s daughter that Al had mentioned earlier, but her nervous demeanor told me she was no ordinary staff greeting. For a brief moment, I thought she might offer a formal bow or a greeting. Yet, as I moved closer, it became clear she was struggling to find her words, and as I was about to pass her, something kept me from moving on.

I stopped, turning to her with a calm expression, trying not to startle her further. "Did you want to say something?" I asked gently, my voice as steady as I could make it.

Her head jerked up, eyes wide as if my question had surprised her. Her face flushed an even deeper red, and she opened her mouth, though the words seemed to stick in her throat. For a moment, she looked like she might turn and flee.

“I—I just…” she stammered, the words tangled and barely audible. “I mean, uh… Your Majesty… um… welcome, I mean, I’m honored—no, I mean, we’re honored to… to have you here… Your Majesty.” She fumbled her way through the words, glancing down and then back up at me, looking as though she might faint from the effort.

I inclined my head slightly. "I see. Well, I’m here on business, so you can relax.” I felt a small smile tug at the corners of my mouth. "Your family has prepared everything for us on such short notice. It couldn’t have been easy,” I said softly, allowing her a moment to catch her breath.

She blinked, seemingly surprised that I’d acknowledged her efforts. “Oh! Oh, yes, it was no trouble! My mother—she says… she says it’s an honor,” she managed, her voice growing a little stronger, though she still looked unsure of herself. “And I… I wanted to… I wanted to say thank you.”

“For what?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Her gaze faltered, and she twisted her hands together, glancing around as if looking for an escape. “Thank you… for… for protecting us,” she finally whispered, looking down at her feet. “I know it’s your duty and… and all that, but I wanted to say it anyway. My father says you’re the reason the empire is safe, and we don’t have to worry about… monsters or attacks. So… thank you, Your Majesty.”

There was something deeply humbling about her words, a sincerity that cut through any ceremonial distance I often felt as a ruler. I looked down at her.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I said, my voice gentle. “It’s my responsibility, but… it means a lot to know it’s appreciated.”

She looked up at me with wide eyes, the blush fading slightly as a shy but genuine smile crept onto her face. “I… I wanted to say it. That’s all,” she replied quietly, still clutching her dress but with less tension than before.

I nodded.

Her cheeks flushed again, but she smiled shyly. “Sorry for bothering you… I didn’t want to waste this chance. I mean, not everyone gets to meet the king,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, I know it’s… silly…”

“It’s not silly,” I interrupted gently, meeting her gaze so she would know I was sincere. “And I’m glad you took this chance.”

She blinked, seemingly surprised by my words. “Really?”

I nodded. “Really. Sometimes, small acts of courage mean more than grand gestures. And what you did just now took courage.”

For a moment, she stood there, digesting my words, and then she gave me a small, grateful nod. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I won’t forget this.” She hesitated, her fingers twisting in her dress again. “Is there… is there anything I can bring you? Or anything else you need?”

“No, you’ve already done more than enough,” I said, giving her an encouraging nod.

She nodded, looking visibly relieved. “I will excuse myself then.” With one last small bow, she turned and hurried back down the stairs, casting one last shy smile in my direction before disappearing around the corner.

 I watched her go, a faint, wistful smile playing on my lips.

'A king who is loved by his people…' I mused. I never thought I'd be the kind of ruler who inspired such trust, such gratitude, in a young girl from a small town, simply for fulfilling my duty.

One time I was feared on the battlefield as a ruthless king, the kind who fought on the front lines and struck terror into his enemies’ hearts. Another time, I was a clever tactician, a king who didn’t shy away from using calculated tricks to outwit those who dared to challenge my people’s safety.

And yet… Now, in moments like these, I was something different. For some, I was a hero—a protector of our tribe, the one who had fought back against dangers no one else dared to face. I’d saved lives, brought peace to families, and ensured the safety of towns just like this one.

‘A hero or a villain… I suppose it all depends on the point of view,’ I thought as I resumed my steps toward my room. To my enemies, I was a monster; to my people, a shield. It was a complicated balance, and it seemed no matter how many battles I fought or schemes I executed, I could never fully control how I was seen.

I reached the door to my room and stepped inside. I kicked off my boots. With a heavy sigh, I let myself plop down onto the bed, feeling the mattress give beneath me. Yet, my thoughts still buzzed like a swarm of restless bees.