CHAPTER 217: PROMISES IN THE MORNING LIGHT

I was at a loss for words in response to Sieg-sama’s question. His eyes pierced into me with a coldness that made me feel like he could freeze me in place with his magic at any moment.

I turned to Serena, seeking a lifeline. But instead of worry, she simply smiled at me — a soft, trusting smile.

She believed in me. She trusted that I would find the right answer, the right path through this mess.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I couldn’t let her down. I looked back at Sieg-sama with resolve and spoke clearly.

"Sieg-sama, about my engagement to Princess Amelia... that was arranged by King Aslan himself. From the very beginning, I wanted to refuse it. I had no intention of agreeing, but the King was adamant. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, and I didn’t have the power to go against him."

Sieg-sama narrowed his eyes. "I see. Then, are you saying you don’t have feelings for Princess Amelia?"

The question struck me hard. I hesitated, digging deep into my heart for the truth.

Amelia is... special to me. She’s like Lyra and Freya — someone important in my life. It’s a kind of closeness that resembles romantic affection... but it’s not quite that. It’s complicated.

Or maybe... those feelings weren’t entirely mine to begin with.

Perhaps they belonged to Envi.

Sharing a body and mind with a system like Envi has left more than just memories. His emotions, his desires — they echo within me. It’s become harder to tell where his feelings end and mine begin.

"Nao... you don’t have to force yourself like this," Envi’s voice echoed gently in my mind. "It was me. I’m the one who influenced you to build a harem. I’m the one who pushed you into forming special bonds with Amelia, Lyra, and Freya."

I smiled inwardly and responded firmly, "That may be true, Envi — but not entirely. Don’t blame yourself. I made choices too. And now, I have an idea on how to fix this." My voice was steady, filled with conviction.

Envi went quiet, clearly surprised. Even Runa held her breath, waiting to hear what I would say next.

Then, I turned to Sieg-sama and gave my answer.

"I love only Serena von Winterfell."

Everyone in the room froze. Their expressions were stunned — even Serena’s face turned bright red.

Sieg-sama looked like he wanted to cut in, but I raised my voice and continued.

"However, I also recognize that Amelia is someone important. I can’t just cancel the engagement without consequence. That’s why — I will go and face King Aslan myself. I will speak to him directly and ask for the engagement to be annulled."

Gasps of disbelief filled the room.

"Are you insane?!" Sieg-sama snapped. "That’s suicide!"

"He’s right, Naoki," Sonia-sama said, her voice tinged with deep concern. "King Aslan deeply cherishes his daughters. If you attempt to end the engagement without his consent, he may not let you leave alive."

But I stood firm.

"I’m serious. After the alliance summit with the kingdoms of Gildoria and Solara, I’ll request an audience with the King. I’ll take responsibility for everything and make my case."

Serena looked at me, visibly worried. "Naoki..."

Lyra too clutched her hands together anxiously. "Naoki-sama..."

The entire room fell into a heavy silence. The tension was suffocating.

Then, unexpectedly, Sieg-sama’s expression softened. His anger seemed to fade, replaced by a wave of nostalgia.

"You really are a reckless and stubborn man... Just like your father, Tetsu von Blackmore," he said slowly. "Back when we were younger, we argued almost every day. Watching you now... it’s like seeing him all over again."

Sonia-sama smiled gently, placing a hand on Sieg-sama’s arm. "That’s true, dear. You and Tetsu-san used to be so close. But ever since you found out his son — Naoki — was a bit of a flirt, you started avoiding him to protect Serena."

Her words lightened the mood, drawing a soft chuckle from Serena.

I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me after hearing those words. I began cursing myself—cursing Naoki von Blackmore—for being such a disgrace. No matter how many times I tried to redeem myself, he always managed to leave behind a shameful image... even in this new life I was reincarnated into.

"And now," Sieg-sama sighed, "the flirtatious son of Tetsu ends up dating my daughter Serena... I truly did not see this coming."

Serena, ever playful, leaned into her father’s line of sight and asked with a teasing smile, "Hehe... do you hate me now, Father?"

Sieg-sama’s hardened expression softened just slightly as he replied, "Of course not, sweetheart. I could never hate you... I just despise this womanizing brat you’ve chosen."

His sharp glare was back on me again. I could only offer him a stiff, awkward smile. I had no defense.

Suddenly, Sonia-sama, Serena’s mother, spoke up with a gentle tone, "I understand young love... I can’t bring myself to oppose your relationship with Serena."

Her words struck me like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. She approved of us. My heart swelled with relief and gratitude.

I looked toward Sieg-sama again. His expression remained stern, stubborn as ever. But then he said something unexpected.

"Naoki... do you truly intend to face King Aslan over this?" His gaze narrowed, piercing deep into mine.

I didn’t look away.

"Yes. I’m prepared to face whatever comes of it. I’ll bear the risk — because I want to prove that my love belongs only to Serena."

We stared at each other in silence for several long seconds. His eyes searched mine, probing for any sign of weakness. But I didn’t waver.

Finally, he let out a heavy sigh. "Tch... fine. I’ll give you my blessing. You seem damn serious about this. But—let me accompany you when you face King Aslan. He and I, along with the other patriarchs of the Hero Clans, were comrades back in the day. I know him well — he’s always been a stubborn bastard. Hopefully, I can help in the negotiations."

I was stunned. I hadn’t expected this — Sieg-sama, offering his help?

"Of course, Sieg-sama. I’d be honored to have you at my side."

The mood in the room lifted. Conversation shifted to lighter topics.

Sieg-sama then asked, "So... how’s your father, Tetsu von Blackmore? I heard he was gravely injured fighting the Overlords."

I nodded solemnly. "That’s true. He’s currently in a coma... the same as Princess Aria. Both of them pushed their bodies far beyond their limits in battle. The injuries were too severe."

"I see...I’m sorry about that" His faces darkened with concern.

"Yeah..but at least he survived — thanks to Lyra’s healing magic. I never imagined she’d be capable of casting High Support Magic." I looked at Lyra and smiled warmly.

Lyra blushed and replied sweetly, "I’m just glad I could help. I’m happy I was able to do something for your father, Naoki-sama."

Sieg-sama and Sonia-sama exchanged proud smiles.

"You’ve truly grown into a remarkable young lady, Lyra," Sieg-sama said. "We’re both so proud of you."

Lyra beamed, flustered but clearly delighted. The table erupted in gentle laughter at her bashful expression.

After breakfast, I prepared to return to the Braveheart capital.

I returned to the Braveheart capital with a clear purpose in mind — to check on my father, Tetsu von Blackmore, who was still under the care of the Saintess.

The moment we arrived in the kingdom the other day, my father had been taken directly into special treatment by the royal cathedral and the Saintess herself.

If his condition had stabilized by now, I planned to bring him back home to the Blackmore Mansion. I was sure... Lilia, Milly, and Mark must be missing him deeply.

And yet, I couldn’t even begin to imagine the sorrow they’d feel when they finally saw him... lying unconscious.

For now, I had to part ways with Serena and Lyra. They both urged me to be careful.

Serena stepped forward, gave me a warm smile, and said she would follow me to the capital in two days. We agreed to meet again at the royal alliance summit.

Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug — one that caught me by surprise, but I gladly returned.

Then, she leaned closer and whispered into my ear with a mischievous tone, "Next time... I’ll show you my room. Just the two of us... sleeping together~"

My face lit up like fire. Flustered, I could only stammer, "I-I’ll be looking forward to it, haha..."

We slowly let go of our embrace, and just then Lyra approached. Her expression looked a little sad, perhaps a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes.

"Naoki-sama... see you again soon. I’ll be accompanying Sister Serena to the capital the day after tomorrow, so we’ll meet again."

I gently patted her head, brushing my hand softly over her silver hair.

"Yes. See you again soon, Lyra."

Her cheeks turned rosy as she smiled shyly in response.

With a final wave, I stepped into the royal carriage and began my journey toward the capital city of the Braveheart Kingdom.

...

The moment we arrived at the kingdom, my father had been rushed into intensive care. The cathedral had set up a temporary facility on the south side of the royal palace due to their main building being under renovation.

When I arrived at the cathedral, I immediately asked about his condition and was led by the sisters to his room — a special chamber surrounded by healers tirelessly working to repair his shattered aura circuit.

I asked them if there was any progress... but the answer crushed my hopes.

Even with the Saintess and their most powerful magic, they couldn’t heal the damage. His body had stabilized, but... his ability to use battle aura was gone forever.

I had suspected this might happen, but deep down, I had prayed for a miracle.

Even the Saintess — the most skilled healer in the kingdom — could do nothing more.

I felt a heavy sadness in my chest. My father... the great Patriarch of House Blackmore... would never fight again. When he wakes, he’ll be devastated.

I turned inward and asked Envi and Runa if there was any other way. But even they were silent. Envi, too, seemed deeply affected by this.

In the end, I made a decision: I would take Father home to the Blackmore Mansion.

Maybe... just maybe... if he was surrounded by family — by Lilia, Milly, and Mark — he might awaken from his coma.

With the help of the cathedral staff, I arranged for his transport. We were now en route back to the Blackmore estate.

I couldn’t stop thinking about their reactions.

Lilia, my stepmother... and Milly and Mark, my younger siblings. They must be heartbroken.

But I must be strong — for them.

I am Naoki von Blackmore.

The firstborn son, the heir of the Blackmore family, and a hero of Blackmore.

I have a duty... to protect them, and to lead.

No matter what lies ahead.

...

..