Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!-Chapter 242: From Love to Duty

Serena and I continued cuddling in her bed, wrapped up in the warmth of each other’s embrace. It felt so comforting... like nothing else in the world mattered. She held me tightly, refusing to let go—and honestly, I didn’t want her to. Holding her like this, I felt like I could drift off into the sweetest dream.

In the back of my mind, a thought surfaced: If only I could spend the whole night here... just falling asleep beside her like this... That would be a dream come true.

Serena’s breathing began to slow. I glanced down and saw her eyes gradually closing. She was getting sleepy.

Ah... no good. Now I’m feeling drowsy too...

My eyelids began to droop. Whatever, I thought. I’ll just sleep here tonight. Just this once.

But just as I was slipping into sleep—knock knock knock—the sound of footsteps and a soft knock came from Serena’s door.

"Serena, sweetheart~ are you still awake?" a gentle voice called out from behind the door. "Daddy brought you and Lyra a little treat. One of my friends swears this is the best cheesecake in the entire kingdom. You’ll love it—it’s your favorite, isn’t it?"

It was Lord Sieg. Serena’s father.

"!!!"

Serena and I bolted upright like lightning had struck us.

Her eyes widened in horror, and I scrambled to sit up, panic coursing through my entire body. She started fixing her hair and adjusting her dress while I desperately looked around for an escape route.

It felt like we were just caught red-handed doing something very indecent.

We were whispering frantically to each other.

"You like cheesecake, huh?" I whispered with a shaky smile. "Good to know—I’ll remember that for later."

"Not the time, idiot!" Serena hissed, glaring at me. "Oh no—I forgot to lock the door again! He could walk in any second now!"

"I’m out of here," I whispered. "See you tomorrow... in the capital."

I sprinted toward the window and yanked it open.

Serena grabbed me from behind and hugged me tightly. "Hehe... yeah. See you tomorrow, Naoki~" she whispered, smiling.

I turned around briefly and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

She turned red instantly, shy and flustered.

At that exact moment, the door creaked open.

"Serena, sweetheart—" Lord Sieg stepped halfway into the room, still holding a plate of cheesecake.

Without a second thought, I activated [Shadow Steps] and darted out of the window like a shadow fleeing the light.

Serena, quick on her feet, rushed to the window and flung it open, pretending like that was her intention all along.

"Honey? Why are you opening your window so late at night?" Sieg asked, clearly puzzled as he stood there with the dessert.

"Oh! I just... wanted to enjoy the beautiful night sky, Father," she replied, forcing a sweet, nervous smile.

Sorry for making you lie, Serena... I thought as I disappeared into the shadows outside the mansion. I owe you a gift for this.

And just like that, I slipped away from the Winterfell estate under the moonlight.

What a night... unforgettable in every sense. Well—except for the part where I almost got busted by her overprotective father.

Still, my heart was sure of one thing:I was serious about Serena. I truly wanted to marry her someday.

That was the wish I whispered to the stars that night.

The next morning, I returned to the Blackmore family estate.

After packing my things, I said my goodbyes.

Milly pouted as she crossed her arms, clearly upset that she and Runa would have to part ways for a while. I chuckled and ruffled her hair.

"I’ll train you properly when I get back, alright? After hero training ends."

To cheer her up a bit, I summoned Runa out from the Grimoire of the Darkness one more time. Milly instantly lit up, hugging Runa tightly and whispering her goodbyes.

I then turned to Mark and Nyssa. "Don’t forget to focus on your mission while I’m away."

Mark nodded, eyes brimming with determination. "I will. I’ll complete it—and I’ll get stronger."

His confidence made me proud. I ruffled his hair too and grinned.

I entrusted Mark and Nyssa to three of my most reliable battle maids—Elan, Vivin, and Mia. They looked excited at the opportunity to enter another dungeon and swore to protect the two of them.

William and Alan also stepped forward, vowing to keep Mark and Nyssa safe in my absence.

It gave me peace of mind. I was lucky to have such dependable allies.

And so, with Runa by my side, I set out for the capital of the Braveheart Kingdom.

As we traveled along the quiet forest road, Runa leaned gently against me, her golden ears twitching ever so slightly.

"I’m really looking forward to meeting the other heroes’ familiars," she said with a warm smile. "I think I can help them learn to control their companions better."

I reached over and softly patted her head, my fingers brushing through her silky hair and over her twitching cat ears. She let out a pleased sigh, curling a little closer to me. Honestly... she really was just like a cat.

But then—suddenly—Envi’s voice popped into my head.

"Huaaah~ That was the best nap ever... BUT DAMN IT, NAO! I had a dream about you getting all lovey-dovey with Serena! What the hell did you two do last night while I was offline?! Did you guys seriously—did you make lov—?!"

"Shut up, you pervy system! Don’t lump me in with you!" I snapped instinctively.

"Welcome back, Envi the Lustful System," Runa said flatly, clearly unimpressed.

"Runa, you don’t get it! Your ’master’ over here was snuggling up with Serena all night!" Envi whined like a child denied a toy. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"I already know," Runa replied with a tiny shrug. "And I think it’s sweet. I support them."

I chuckled and continued petting her. She purred contentedly, basking in the affection like a spoiled cat.

"Ugh, you guys are no fun!" Envi huffed. "Nao... you bastard... I want to go on a romantic date with Amelia too..."

That tone caught me off guard. For once, Envi actually sounded... sad?

Damn it. I couldn’t just ignore that. He did give me time alone with Serena without interfering, after all. I guess it’s only fair.

"...Fine. Next time, I’ll let you spend time with Amelia," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

The moment I said it, Envi’s energy lit up like fireworks.

"Y-you really mean it?! You’re the best, Nao!! I knew you were the kindest host a system could ask for!"

What a predictable idiot. I couldn’t help but laugh.

A few minutes later, the grand silhouette of the Braveheart Royal Palace came into view.

I took a deep breath.

It was time.

Time to start training the heroes.

...

..

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