I Got Reincarnated As The Ntr Protagonist In An Online Game
Chapter 40: Jessica

Chapter 40: Jessica

Junior pushed the plate aside, stood up from the chair at the dining table, and turned to Helen. "Let’s go, Helen. We don’t have time to waste."

"Brother, where are ya going in such a hurry?" Rebecca called out, sliding her plate to the side. She dashed toward Junior and grabbed his hand, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Junior turned, a faint smile softening his face. He placed a gentle hand on Rebecca’s head, ruffling her hair. "I’m going into town," he said simply.

Rebecca’s eyes lit up. "Can I follow you, brother?"

"No, you can’t. It’s dangerous," Junior replied, his tone firm but caring.

Rebecca pouted, her face falling. "What do you mean by dangerous? Are you just making excuses because you don’t want to spend time with me?"

Junior quickly shook his head. "No, no, no. That isn’t it. You know I love you. It’s just that... it’s really dangerous, and I don’t want you to get hurt."

"I won’t get hurt," Rebecca said with a wide grin. "Because I have my big brother by my side, protecting me!"

Junior laughed, though his smile was tinged with sadness. "Hahaha, thanks for flattering me, Rebecca. But your big brother is weak—I can’t even protect myself."

Rebecca’s expression turned determined. "I believe you are strong, brother."

"No is no, Rebecca!" Junior’s voice rose unexpectedly, startling her.

Rebecca froze, her hands trembling slightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, and without a word, she turned and ran toward Susan, sobbing. "I made brother mad. I’m sorry, brother! I just wanted to spend more time with you!" she cried.

Susan crouched down to comfort her, gently rubbing her back. "Don’t cry, don’t cry. Your brother has a reason for not wanting you to follow him," she said softly, though her gaze at Junior was sharp and unyielding.

Junior scratched the back of his head, guilt weighing on him. *I’ve really done it now,* he thought to himself.

He approached Rebecca, crouching to her level. With a tender hand, he ruffled her hair again. "Rebecca, please understand. I can’t take you with me because it isn’t safe. I promise I’ll make it up to you when I get back—and I’ll even buy you a present."

Rebecca sniffled, glancing at him hesitantly. "Really?" she asked in a low, wavering voice.

"Yes," Junior replied with a warm smile.

Rebecca’s small hands stretched out, forming a pinky promise. "Promise me you’ll play with me once you get back."

Junior chuckled softly, hooking his pinky around hers. "I promise."

Rebecca’s tears dried as her face brightened with joy. She leaped into Junior’s arms, hugging him tightly. "I love you, brother!" she exclaimed.

"I love you too," Junior said, holding her close.

Standing up, Junior turned to Susan. "Please take care of my little sister while I’m gone."

Susan smirked. "I don’t need you to ask. I’ve been her personal maid since she was born. I take her as my own daughter."

"Thank you," Junior said sincerely.

Susan’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly turned away, carrying Rebecca toward her room. "You’d better hurry. Weren’t you and my sister in a rush to go somewhere?" she called over her shoulder.

"Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder," Junior replied. He turned to Helen and gave her a quick nod. "Let’s get moving."

"Don’t mention it," Susan said as she disappeared down the hall.

---

Junior and Helen soon arrived at the castle gates.

"Wait here for me," Helen said as she stepped forward. "I’ll talk to the knights and arrange a carriage with some escorts."

"Okay. Take your time," Junior replied, crossing his arms as he watched her walk away.

"Thank you, young master," Helen said with a polite bow before heading to where the knights were stationed at the front of the main gate leading outside the castle.

Junior stood idly near the castle gates, his gaze drifting toward the sprawling gardens to his left. Amid the greenery, his eyes caught an unusual sight—a girl his age, clad in a knight’s training uniform, practicing alone with focused determination. What surprised him more was her impressive physique.

She had well-toned muscles that spoke of rigorous training, her figure athletic yet undeniably feminine, with curves that hinted at both strength and grace. Her red hair glowed like embers in the sunlight, tied back in a high ponytail that swayed with her every movement. Her piercing green eyes burned with intensity, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in them.

Junior couldn’t help but feel intrigued. "Who is she?" he wondered. Without hesitation, he strode toward her, his curiosity outweighing his usual reservations.

"Hey," Junior called out as he approached. The girl froze mid-swing, her training sword halting in the air. She turned to him, her expression quickly shifting from concentration to wide-eyed shock.

"Y-Your Majesty!" she stammered, bowing deeply. "Forgive me, I didn’t see you there."

Junior raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No need for that. What’s your name?"

"M-my name is Jessica, Your Majesty," she replied in a trembling voice, standing rigidly as though expecting reprimand.

"Jessica," Junior repeated thoughtfully, his tone calm but curious. "Why are you training here instead of with the other knights?"

Jessica’s eyes darted nervously, her grip tightening on the hilt of her practice sword. "I... I prefer to train alone, Your Majesty. It’s easier for me to focus."

Junior chuckled lightly. "Relax. I’m not here to scold you. I was just curious."

Jessica’s posture remained stiff, but she managed a hesitant nod.

"What made you decide to become a knight?" Junior asked, crossing his arms as he observed her.

Jessica hesitated, her voice low as she replied, "My mother is a knight, Your Majesty. Her name is Eira."

Junior’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of the name. "That explains the muscles,"he thought with a smirk. Out loud, he said, "Eiro? She’s actually my sword training instructor—or as I like to call her, my master. So, in a way, that makes us like family."

Jessica’s face flushed, and she immediately shook her head. "N-no, Your Majesty! You’re the Crown Prince, and I’m just your subject. We’re nothing alike!"

Junior laughed softly at her flustered response. "Relax, Jessica. Titles aside, I think of Eiro as family. If she’s your mother, then you’re family too. No need to be so formal."

Jessica’s rigid demeanor softened just a fraction, though she still avoided direct eye contact. "I... I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty, but it’s hard to forget who you are."

Junior shrugged. "Then let’s keep talking. Maybe it’ll help you forget for a moment."

Jessica glanced at him, surprised by his casual tone. Slowly, she nodded. "Alright, Your Majesty. What would you like to talk about?"

"First, drop the ’Your Majesty.’ Just call me Junior," he said, a playful grin on his face.

Jessica hesitated, then said tentatively, "A-alright... Junior."

Junior smiled approvingly. "See? That wasn’t so hard. Now, tell me—what’s the hardest part about training to be a knight?"

Jessica relaxed further as they spoke, her answers becoming more candid and less guarded. She shared stories about her struggles with endurance drills, her victories in sparring matches, and the pressure of living up to her mother’s reputation. Junior listened intently, occasionally throwing in lighthearted comments that made her laugh despite herself.

For the first time, Jessica felt at ease speaking with the Crown Prince, her initial fear giving way to genuine enjoyment of their conversation.

Just as their conversation started to flow naturally, Helen’s voice cut through the air. "Young Master, the carriage is ready!"

Junior turned to see Helen approaching, a polite smile on her face. He glanced back at Jessica, who straightened her posture once again but offered a small, sincere smile.

"Looks like I have to go," Junior said. "But it was nice talking to you, Jessica. Don’t push yourself too hard, alright?"

Jessica nodded, her confidence finally showing. "Thank you... Young Master."

With a final wave, Junior walked back to Helen, feeling unexpectedly lighter from the brief but meaningful exchange.

Junior turned back to Helen, a warm smile lingering on his face. "Let’s get going," he said, his tone light but focused.

Helen studied him for a moment, her sharp gaze noticing the shift in his mood. "You seem in good spirits, Young Master. Did something happen while I was away?"

Junior chuckled softly, glancing back toward Jessica, who had resumed her training. "Nothing much. Just met someone interesting."

Helen raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. "Very well. The carriage is waiting outside the gates, and the escorts are ready to depart."

As they began walking, Junior glanced at Helen. "How long will it take to reach the town with the carriage?"

"About an hour, depending on the road conditions," Helen replied, keeping pace beside him. "I’ve ensured the knights selected are trustworthy and experienced. Your safety is paramount."

Few seconds had passed without junior giving a reply to Helen answers which made Helen turned and saw that Junior was in deep thoughts .

"You’re unusually quiet, Young Master," Helen remarked, breaking the silence.

"Just thinking," Junior replied with a faint grin.

Helen gave him a sideways glance, her curiosity evident but restrained. "I hope it’s nothing troubling."

"No, not at all," Junior assured her.

As they reached the carriage waiting just beyond the gates, Junior climbed in ,followed by Helen .

With the horses’ reins snapping and the wheels creaking into motion, the journey to town began.