After escorting Lyra back to the inn, I returned to my own room.
Inside, I found Marius and Kael. They asked if I was feeling better. Kael, as aloof as ever, still seed a little concerned.
Out of nowhere, I blurted, "Do you guys know how to go on a date?"
They both froze, exchanging bewildered looks. Then, they asked who I planned to date. When I answered "Lyra," their shock deepened, disbelief evident in their faces.
I asked for recomndations on good date routes.
Imdiately, Marius and Kael shifted into serious mode. They began brainstorming and shared various tips and suggestions for date spots in Grand Kingdom Solara, where we were currently staying.
They even helped put together a date itinerary:
---
Morning: Stroll around Solara Square and watch a magic performance.
Afternoon: Have lunch, watch a movie, and shop for magic books.
Evening: Row a boat together on the lake.
---
They looked uncharacteristically enthusiastic. Even Envi, the system embedded in my mind, approved of the plan and cheered, claiming I’d get a kiss tomorrow.
I scolded him ntally, insisting there was no way I could kiss Lyra. Still, I thanked Marius and Kael for their advice.
The next morning, I t Lyra. She wore a blue one-piece dress paired with a straw hat, looking absolutely adorable. anwhile, I had on a simple white shirt and black trousers.
We began our date with a stroll through the magic square, marveling at the wonders of magical technology.
Afterward, we took to the skies on broomsticks. Lyra clung to tightly, making my heart race. We laughed a lot during that part of the date.
By noon, we decided to grab lunch.
Then ca the movie. Solara was technologically advanced, boasting not only recording technology but even holographic screens—far ahead of other kingdoms. Oddly enough, this technology was used exclusively for entertainnt, not war. Solara valued magic above all else.
However, halfway through the film, an unexpected adult scene appeared. It turned out the movie was rated R18.
Lyra was mortified. She covered her eyes and buried her face in my arm, clutching it as if watching a horror movie.
When we left the theater, I noticed sothing strange. I felt we were being followed. My suspicions were confird when I spotted Milly, Freya, and now Luna and Aisha tailing us.
Milly, visibly annoyed, glared at as if offended that her older brother was on a date. Aisha and Freya tried to calm her down.
Next, we visited the shopping district. Lyra wanted to browse for magic books, so I accompanied her. There, I stumbled upon a beautiful aquamarine ring. It was an epic-rank item that enhanced water magic proficiency. It seed perfect for Lyra.
Thinking about her safety and her growth as a mage, I bought it. The ring’s design suited her perfectly.
As evening arrived, I noticed Milly and her group still trailing us. Lyra and I headed to the picnic area, a sprawling field with a small hill and a magical lake. We decided to row a boat together.
To my surprise, Milly and the others also got into a boat. However, they struggled to row properly and ended up drifting away, panicking and crying. I chuckled quietly to myself.
As I rowed, the lake began its enchanting transformation at sunset. Magical orbs erged from the water, floating into the sky.
Lyra and I waited for this mont, now sitting in the middle of the lake. Milly’s group was nowhere to be seen. I stopped rowing, letting us enjoy the serene beauty.
Glancing at Lyra, I saw her sitting peacefully, a soft smile on her face. She looked stunning, and my heart began pounding. Why was I so nervous?
Suddenly, Lyra broke the silence.
"Naoki-sama, there’s sothing I want to tell you." Her face turned red, and her hands fidgeted nervously.
"Y-Yeah? Go ahead," I stamred, my mind racing. Was this... a confession?
"I... I’m jealous," she said, her voice trembling.
"Jealous? Of what?" I was caught off guard, completely unprepared for this.
"It’s true. When you lost your mories, Freya and I were the first girls you t. But you seem closer to Alia-sama and Serena-sama. I want to be just as close to you, Naoki-sama," she said, her voice soft but her eyes filled with determination.
"A-Alia is my childhood friend, and Serena’s been my classmate since our first year at the academy—even before I lost my mories. It’s natural that we’re close," I replied, trying to play it safe.
"Maybe so, but... they both seem to have feelings for you, Naoki-sama. Do you feel the sa about them?" she asked, her voice trembling, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I... I like them, just as I like you, Freya, Luna, Marius, Sander, and the rest of my friends—except Kael and Julius, of course," I muttered, grumbling the last part.
"That’s not what I an, Naoki-sama. Do you love Serena-sama and Alia-sama as a man loves a woman? Like... soone you’d want to marry?" Lyra’s voice cracked as she asked, her eyes now brimming with tears.
"I..." I hesitated. The truth was, I wasn’t sure of my feelings.
On Earth, I had once been heartbroken and hesitant to open my heart again. But after eting Fujimaki Arisa, I found hope. In this new life, surrounded by so many wonderful people, I felt a strange sense of belonging.
Among them, I was most drawn to Serena. She reminded of Arisa. But was that really love? Or just nostalgia?
"I don’t know, Lyra... I’m still confused. Honestly, I’m scared of pursuing romance right now. My destiny as a hero ans facing the Demon Lords. I don’t know if I’ll survive. I don’t want to make anyone suffer if I don’t return." I admitted, my voice heavy with uncertainty. Lyra looked equally saddened by my words.
"Why do you ask?" I managed to ask.
"Because... I want to be closer to you, Naoki-sama," Lyra said, trembling. Tears fell freely from her eyes.
"I want you to see as a woman. I may be smaller than Serena-sama and Alia-sama, but I’m a grown woman too!" Lyra declared, wiping her tears with newfound determination.
"Ever since you saved and Freya in the forest and fought so hard to protect us from the Berserker Troll King... and protected from Canis... from the shadows when we were kidnapped... and finally, when we fought Norx together. We’ve always fought side by side. You always protected , and I always supported you..."
Hearing Lyra’s words made realize just how often we had been through life-and-death situations together.
"Gradually, my admiration for you turned into sothing more... I started thinking about you all the ti, and I felt jealous whenever I saw you spending more ti with Serena-sama or Alia-sama..."
Lyra grasped my hand and stepped closer. We were now face-to-face, her eyes locked onto mine. My heart pounded so fast I thought it might burst.
"I... I... I LOVE YOU, NAOKI-SAMA!" Lyra cried, shutting her eyes tightly.
Hearing her true feelings stunned . All this ti, she had been holding it in. Knowing that made strangely happy.
This was the first ti a girl had ever confessed to . My chest swelled with joy, and for a mont, I wanted to return her feelings right away.
But then reality struck .
I didn’t want to hurt her with the weight of my destiny. If I were to disappear one day... she’d be left with nothing but heartbreak.
So, I made my decision.
"Lyra... I... I can’t return your feelings. Not yet. I’m sorry..."
She opened her eyes, and I could see the sadness in them.
"...It’s okay, Naoki-sama. I already knew you’d say that. I’m just happy I got to tell you how I really feel..." She smiled softly, though tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug. If I didn’t, I felt like she’d drift away, and I couldn’t bear that.
Lyra gasped, startled. Her face turned red, and she stamred, "N-Naoki-sama!"
I held her tightly and whispered, "I promise I’ll return your feelings one day, Lyra. You’re as important to as I am to you. From now on, I won’t see you as a little sister—I’ll see you as the amazing woman you are. Will you wait for ?"
"...Okay. Even if you can’t return my feelings yet, I’ll always love you, Naoki-sama..." Lyra cried tears of joy as she clung to .
We stayed like that for a while, holding each other.
Afterward, we both beca incredibly flustered, like teenagers experiencing their first love. I tried to break the awkward silence.
"Oh, right! I got you sothing from the magic shop earlier. I think you’ll like it..."
I took out the ring I had bought. When it caught the sunlight, it glowed with a beautiful blue hue.
"Wow, that’s gorgeous, Naoki-sama. Is... is that for ? It’s too beautiful for soone like ..." Lyra’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the ring.
"What are you talking about? It’s perfect for you. You’re beautiful."
I gently took her left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger.
"N-Naoki-sama... this!" Lyra’s face flushed bright red, her expression full of shock.
"See? It suits you perfectly. You look stunning, Lyra." I smiled warmly at her.
"Naoki-sama... do you even know what this ans?" she asked, her voice trembling with embarrassnt.
"Huh? What do you an? It’s a ring, and you’re wearing it..."
"Ah... never mind. I’M SO HAPPY! Thank you so much for this, Naoki-sama. I’ll treasure it forever!" Lyra bead, her radiant smile lighting up her face.
In my mind, Envi decided to chi in.
"Heh, not bad, Nao! Do you even realize what you’ve done? Putting a ring on a girl’s left ring finger is basically a marriage proposal, YOU IDIOT! Hahaha! Now just seal the deal, clear the mission—kiss her already!"
Wait. Marriage proposal? Huh?! I wasn’t thinking about that at all!
Panic overwheld . The boat we were on rocked violently as I lost my balance. Lyra scread as I toppled over—and fell right on top of her.
Suddenly, I felt sothing soft and warm against my lips.
It was... her lips.
We are kissing...
I froze. My brain short-circuited. Lyra lay beneath , her face completely red, but her eyes were shut, as if... accepting it.
I jumped up imdiately, shouting, "HUH?! I’M SORRY, LYRA! I DIDN’T AN TO!"
Lyra sat up slowly, touching her lips. She looked just as shocked as I felt, but then, to my surprise, she smiled.
"Naoki-sama... that was my first kiss. You’ll have to take responsibility now, okay? Hehe..."
"R-r-r-responsibility?!" My soul nearly left my body as I collapsed into a heap.
"Hahaha, I’m just kidding, Naoki-sama. I know it was an accident. But... I wouldn’t mind if, next ti, you kissed on purpose." Lyra’s teasing smile was new—and completely unfair.
"Lyra..."
"Hahahaha, you’re so cute, Naoki-sama."
The two of us laughed together until the sun set.
---
[QUEST COMPLETE!]
Go on a date with Lyra tomorrow. Kiss her on the lips (COMPLETE).
Reward: 30 Goddess Points
---
As I walked Lyra ho, she waved at with the brightest smile. It was contagious.
Then, Envi interrupted my thoughts.
"Hey, Nao! So? How was your first kiss? I’m truly... truly heartbroken for your pathetic love life. You’re still a virgin, aren’t you? Don’t worry! Leave it to —Envi-sama will guide you to becoming a real man!"
"Shut up, Envi! I don’t need your stupid help! That wasn’t even a real kiss—it doesn’t count, okay?!" I protested, desperate to push the mory away.
"Cheh, you ungrateful brat! This is why virgins are so hopeless!"
And so, the two of us bickered all the way back to the inn.
Unbeknownst to , soone had been following us the entire ti.
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