It’s been three days since I returned from Earth. I still feel a deep sense of relief knowing I was able to see my family again, even if it was just for a brief mont.
Now that I’m back in this world, I’ve resolved to focus on completing the goddess mission and gathering goddess points. All of this is for one reason: I want to help my family on Earth.
Today, I have the task of preparing invitations for tomorrow’s special guests. However, before I can proceed, I need to et with the Patriarch.
When I entered the Patriarch’s work room, the familiar, almost suffocating pressure washed over . This ti, though, it wasn’t as overwhelming. I could move freely despite the weight of his presence.
"I’ve received a full report from the remaining mbers of your team," the Patriarch began, his piercing gaze locking onto . "I was surprised to hear that you, Naoki von Blackmore, can wield both Dark and Shadow Magic. How is that possible? Explain yourself."
His sharp tone demanded a response, so I nodded and answered carefully, blending truth with a necessary lie. "I honestly don’t know how it happened. All I rember is the overwhelming anger I felt when Rosan sacrificed herself for . At that mont, the magic just... awakened. Even now, I’m not fully in control of it."
The Patriarch studied intently, his silence unnerving, before speaking again. "I see... The Blackmore family’s history ntions that Dark Magic stems from rage and negative emotions. It was said that only the founder of our bloodline, Hiro von Blackmore, could wield it."
This was the first ti I’d heard the na of our family’s founder. The Patriarch’s words carried weight, and I listened carefully as he continued.
"As one of his descendants, it may be possible that you’ve inherited his power by chance. For now, your explanation suffices."
His tone shifted slightly, but the gravity of his next words remained. "I’m convinced that choosing you as my successor—and as the future hero of the Blackmore family—was the right decision. Four days from now, at your inauguration ceremony, you will officially take your place. Ensure that you behave with dignity and do not disgrace in front of our esteed guests especially King representative. I am placing my trust in you, Naoki."
"I won’t let you down, Patriarch," I replied firmly, determination burning in my chest, i’m still worried about King’s representative, but i’ll give my best.
The Patriarch gave a slight nod of approval, signaling the end of our conversation. I bowed respectfully and left his chamber, my mind already racing.
The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders. The inauguration ceremony... becoming the heir of the Blackmore family... It all seed so surreal. But if this is the path I must take to help my family back on Earth, then I will face it head-on.
With my resolve stronger than ever, I walked down the corridor, my steps echoing through the halls. A new Chapter was about to begin, and I was ready to et it.
...
...
I was currently preparing for my inauguration ceremony, which was to be held in the banquet hall on the first floor of the Blackmore Mansion. I didn’t have any obligation to oversee the event preparations, but since I wanted to invite Lyra and Freya, I decided to notify the staff working on the invitations.
When I looked at the invitation list, I was surprised. Not only was the representative of the Braveheart Kingdom’s royal family invited, but the four other heroic families of Braveheart were also listed. I saw the nas of these families: Winterfell, Stormhaven, Flamore, and Starlight.
Just seeing their nas, I could already imagine how powerful they must be. I realized that each of the five heroic families of Braveheart represented a symbol of an elent: Winterfell represented ice, Stormhaven represented lightning, Flamore represented fire, and Starlight was probably associated with light.
I wondered if they were not only skilled in swordsmanship but also mastered elental magic that matched their family symbol. The Blackmore family, on the other hand, didn’t have any descendants who mastered Dark Magic. Only I had recently acquired that power.
But I couldn’t help thinking about how impressive the Patriarch must be to beco the head of the Blackmore family and a hero of his generation, even without the power of Dark Magic. He must have been incredibly strong.
From what Vivin told , the head of the family also served as the family’s representative hero, especially in the Braveheart Kingdom. After a family head retires as a hero, they must select a successor to be both the heir and the next hero of the family.
The appointed hero must then pass a hero trial conducted by the Kingdom’s Guild Knight and Braveheart Knight Academy. I started wondering if Naoki would need to attend the academy, but that seed impossible since he was too old for it. Maybe he’d only need to take the trial instead.
I’d think about that later. For now, I looked through the list of other noble families that had been invited, and I was surprised to see two familiar nas: Waterfall and Flastone.
I asked the staff handling the invitations about them, and they explained that the Waterfall family was a branch of the Winterfell family, and the Flastone family was a branch of Flamore.
It seed that every heroic family had a branch family. I wondered if the Blackmore family had any branch families, but unfortunately, they didn’t. I felt sorry for this family, standing alone without any other kin. It made curious about their origins; maybe I would ask the Patriarch next ti.
Seeing the Waterfall and Flastone families on the guest list, I asked the staff to add Lyra and Freya’s nas as well.
I had promised them, and Envi seed oddly happy about it. Maybe that flirtatious system of his wanted to spend ti with the girls, but I wasn’t going to let that happen!
Once that was done, I approached Elan for so etiquette lessons. I knew I wasn’t very familiar with the noble customs here.
"I knew you’d co to for this... Rosan really left with a lot of work," Elan said, looking unenthusiastic, though she still agreed to teach .
"Alright, Master Naoki. I think we should start by improving your manners, especially when it cos to communicating with nobles and dancing," Elan said, preparing various materials on nobility.
"Ugh, this is going to be tough," I complained.
From noon until evening, I trained with Elan. She taught strictly, and I was reminded of how Rosan had also been tough when teaching . But Elan was even colder, which made feel more awkward.
"I think this will take even longer... After Master Naoki lost his mory, you’ve beco less capable of responding to won’s conversations. At this rate, you won’t be able to charm any noblewon," Elan said, disappointed.
I didn’t think that was true. I felt I could charm Vivin, Lyra, and Freya. But yes, they were younger than . Maybe I wouldn’t be able to do the sa with older won.
"Show her, Nao! Show her you’re a real Rizz! A Casanova! I can’t accept you being called incapable of charming won!" Envi’s voice rang out, not accepting the criticism.
"NO! I’M NOT A CASANOVA!" I didn’t agree with the title Envi gave , but I did think I needed to prove my skills to Elan.
As Elan turned around and started walking toward the next training room, I secretly used a small amount of Dark Magic to make her trip.
"Eh?!" Elan gasped.
I tried to catch her, but we ended up losing our balance and falling to the floor. In the blink of an eye, I found myself on top of her, but our bodies didn’t touch. I held myself up with my hands, making sure I didn’t fall onto her.
I’d seen this cliché scene in romantic manga and ani before. I figured it was ti to use my hidden skill!
I looked at Elan seriously and asked, "Are you alright, Elan?"
"...!!!"
Seeing our position, I noticed Elan’s expression change. Usually so calm and cold, now her face turned red and she seed flustered.
"I-I’m fine, Master Naoki... Let’s move to the next training room," she stamred, standing up quickly with a flushed face. She then hurried to the next room without waiting for .
"Nice one, Nao... I need to learn from you about how to charm!" Envi sounded pleased.
"I don’t trust you. If you learn this hidden skill, I’m sure you’ll use it on every girl you et! Don’t expect to teach it to you!" I replied, frowning at Envi.
"Tch! Damn you!" Envi grumbled, clearly frustrated.
I ignored Envi and quickly followed Elan.
Now, Elan would teach the basics of dancing. She demonstrated so simple dance moves for the male partner. I could already dance well, but due to my mory loss, we had to start from the very beginning.
When I tried to practice the dance moves with her, she refused. I could tell she was still embarrassed. So, she called Vivin to be my dance partner instead.
Vivin seed confused and a little shy. I imdiately took her hand and led her in the dance. Our bodies brushed against each other. As we started dancing, I fumbled through the steps, stepping on Vivin’s feet repeatedly. But I kept practicing until I started to get the hang of it.
I felt guilty for making Vivin dance with such an amateur like . But then, I noticed Vivin seed to be out of it. Her eyes were spinning, and her face was flushed.
We decided to end the dance training for the night and continue the next day.
...
...
Today was the day of my inauguration. As the main figure in this event, I had prepared myself thoroughly. I wore the noble Blackmore family suit, carefully combed my hair, and even put on so cologne. I was ready for today.
I knew the guests had already arrived and were waiting in the event hall. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and walked into the hall with the Patriarch.
When I opened the door and stepped into the room, I was taken aback by the sheer number of nobles present. They were all dressed in elegant clothing and adorned with luxurious accessories. I could spot the noble families in attendance.
My eyes caught sight of Lyra and Freya, who had arrived together. They both looked absolutely stunning in their beautiful gowns.
I also noticed the representative from the Braveheart royal family. I realized that it was the Princess of Braveheart.
Seeing the room full of nobles made feel nervous. Just as the ceremony was about to begin, a notification suddenly appeared in front of .
-----
[!!!NOTIFICATION!!!]
You have received an unexpected quest!
Quest: Heroines Assemble!
You must charm the four heroines:
-Lyra von Waterfall (Hold hands)
-Freya von Flastone (Touch her lips)
-Alia von Braveheart (Hug)
-Serena von Winterfell (Kiss)
Penalty: Failure will result in being branded a womanizer and executed!
Reward: 50 Goddess Points
-----
I scread in my mind, "What the heck is this!!!!!!!!! Damn you, Envi, you stupid system!!!"
I could hear Envi chuckling in amusent.
...
...
Reviews
All reviews (0)