Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate! - Chapter 76

Chapter 76: Dating with Lyra Chapter 76: Dating with Lyra 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 seemed 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 recommendations on good date routes.

Immediately, 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 me 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 mentally, insisting there was no way I could kiss Lyra.

Still, I thanked Marius and Kael for their advice.

The next morning, I met Lyra.

She wore a blue one-piece dress paired with a straw hat, looking absolutely adorable.

Meanwhile, 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 me tightly, making my heart race.

We laughed a lot during that part of the date.

By noon, we decided to grab lunch.

Then came 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 entertainment, 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 something strange.

I felt we were being followed.

My suspicions were confirmed when I spotted Milly, Freya, and now Luna and Aisha tailing us.

Milly, visibly annoyed, glared at me 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 seemed 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 emerged from the water, floating into the sky.

Lyra and I waited for this moment, 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 something I want to tell you.” Her face turned red, and her hands fidgeted nervously.

“Y-Yeah?

Go ahead,” I stammered, 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 memories, Freya and I were the first girls you met.

But you seem closer to Amelia-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-Amelia is my childhood friend, and Serena’s been my classmate since our first year at the academy-even before I lost my memories.

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 same 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 mean, Naoki-sama.

Do you love Serena-sama and Amelia-sama as a man loves a woman?

Like… someone 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 meeting 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 me 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 means 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 me as a woman.

I may be smaller than Serena-sama and Amelia-sama, but I’m a grown woman too!” Lyra declared, wiping her tears with newfound determination.

“Ever since you saved me and Freya in the forest and fought so hard to protect us from the Berserker Troll King…

and protected me 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 me, and I always supported you…” Hearing Lyra’s words made me realize just how often we had been through life-and-death situations together.

“Gradually, my admiration for you turned into something more… I started thinking about you all the time, and I felt jealous whenever I saw you spending more time with Serena-sama or Amelia-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 me.

All this time, she had been holding it in.

Knowing that made me strangely happy.

This was the first time a girl had ever confessed to me.

My chest swelled with joy, and for a moment, I wanted to return her feelings right away.

But then reality struck me.

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 stammered, “N-Naoki-sama!” I held her tightly and whispered, “I promise I’ll return your feelings one day, Lyra.

You’re as important to me 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 me?” “…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 me.

We stayed like that for a while, holding each other.

Afterward, we both became incredibly flustered, like teenagers experiencing their first love.

I tried to break the awkward silence.

“Oh, right!

I got you something 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 me?

It’s too beautiful for someone like me…” 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 means?” she asked, her voice trembling with embarrassment.

“Huh?

What do you mean?

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 beamed, her radiant smile lighting up her face.

In my mind, Envi decided to chime 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 overwhelmed me.

The boat we were on rocked violently as I lost my balance.

Lyra screamed as I toppled over-and fell right on top of her.

Suddenly, I felt something soft and warm against my lips.

It was… her lips.

We are kissing…

I froze.

My brain short-circuited.

Lyra lay beneath me, her face completely red, but her eyes were shut, as if… accepting it.

I jumped up immediately, shouting, “HUH?!

I’M SORRY, LYRA!

I DIDN’T MEAN 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 time, you kissed me 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 home, she waved at me 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 me-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 memory 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 me, someone had been following us the entire time.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS NAVIRUNAVIII What do you think about this chapter?

Did Lyra deserve it?

give your comments~ I want to say thank you to my readers, fans, and friends: -Aurimas Pazikaz -Daoist_Global_Fire -Bruno_Andrade_9372 -Elijah Moreno -Aiden Sookraj -DaoistuzosNa -Muhammad Yafiq -Chona Diaz -Riddler 23 -TheKindSadist Without your support i think i’ll give up to continue this novel.

I appreciate your support for me.

Love you all!

I wish u all the best!