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 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 co 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 ca 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 sothing very indecent.
We were whispering frantically to each other.
"You like cheesecake, huh?" I whispered with a shaky smile. "Good to know—I’ll rember that for later."
"Not the ti, idiot!" Serena hissed, glaring at . "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 from behind and hugged 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 mont, 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 soday.
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 ti. 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 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 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 , her golden ears twitching ever so slightly.
"I’m really looking forward to eting 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 . 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 in with you!" I snapped instinctively.
"Welco 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.
"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 Alia too..."
That tone caught off guard. For once, Envi actually sounded... sad?
Damn it. I couldn’t just ignore that. He did give ti alone with Serena without interfering, after all. I guess it’s only fair.
"...Fine. Next ti, I’ll let you spend ti with Alia," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
The mont I said it, Envi’s energy lit up like fireworks.
"Y-you really an 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 ca into view.
I took a deep breath.
It was ti.
Ti to start training the heroes.
...
..
.
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