Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!-Chapter 240: Forging the Future

"Ahaha... I thought I’d mastered the technique..." he said sheepishly, scratching his head.

"Even if you had mastered it, you shouldn’t use that here, dumbass! You would’ve destroyed the entire mansion!"

"Hiikh! I’m sorry, Naoki-nii..I mean Patriarch... I just wanted to show you what I’ve learned..." he said, looking down, clearly dejected.

I sighed.

"Fine. I’ll help you master it later, in a safe place."

His face immediately brightened. "Really?! Thanks, big bro!"

I was thinking about how to help everyone level up more effectively when Envi suddenly gave me a good idea.

"Don’t rush," I told the others. "I’ll admit you’re all getting stronger, but it’s still not enough. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be heading to the royal capital. I’ll probably be staying there for a few months... so I’m assigning you all a mission." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel-com

I looked at them seriously—Mark, Nyssa, William, and Alan.

"While I’m away from the mansion, I want the four of you to focus on leveling up. Completed as many dungeons in the surrounding area as you can. I’ll also assign my battle maids to accompany you."

They all looked surprised. It was the first time I’d personally given them a mission.

"I want the knights of this household to grow stronger—not just me. So prepare yourselves."

I pointed at them with determination.

"Yes, Patriarch!" they answered in unison, clearly fired up.

"Ah, right. Before that... Mark, Nyssa. We’ll continue with Dark Magic control after this. I want to introduce you to someone."

With that, I summoned Runa from the Grimoire of the Darkness. She emerged wearing a strict instructor’s uniform—complete with glasses and a whip.

I had a feeling she’d been preparing for this moment for a long time.

Envi, watching from beside me, burst into loud laughter at the sight of her.

Everyone else was stunned. The sheer aura of Dark Magic that radiated from Runa caught them off guard.

I introduced her as my familiar—an expert in Dark Magic, just like me.

"Runa Nox, Master of Dark Magic. I’ll be your instructor. I won’t go easy on you, so be ready to struggle," she said coldly, cracking her whip with a chilling smile directed at Mark and Nyssa.

"Ugh... save us..." Mark whimpered, grabbing Nyssa’s hand as the two stood frozen in fear.

Runa smirked, clearly enjoying their reactions.

Then, training began. I guided Mark and Nyssa through the unique flow of Dark Magic—so different from ordinary mana. Runa taught them the fundamentals, from control to spell reinforcement.

Before we knew it, the sun was already high in the sky, and the training session had come to an end. Mark and Nyssa looked completely wiped out—barely able to stand. The maids helped carry them off to rest.

I thanked Runa, and she responded with a content smile. "It was my pleasure."

Without me noticing, Lilia and Milly had been watching our training from a distance. Now, they walked over toward us, curious.

Runa shrank back a little and hid behind me, clearly nervous.

I introduced her to the two of them, and they both greeted her with cheerful smiles.

"Thank you, Naoki... and Runa, too. For training Mark and Nyssa," Lilia said softly. Her smile was gentle—no doubt happy to see her son getting stronger.

"It’s my duty to help strengthen this family," I replied.

"Well then, next time train me too! You keep treating me like a kid, big bro!" Milly pouted, arms crossed.

"Al-alright, alright... When I return from the capital, I’ll train you too," I said, trying to calm her down.

Milly brightened immediately at my words, practically bouncing with excitement. Then Lilia asked me about my upcoming plans.

I explained that I’d be staying in the royal capital for a few months, participating in a newly formed inter-kingdom alliance.

Lilia and Milly both understood. They urged me not to overdo it. I told them not to worry—it was my responsibility, after all.

Then Milly stepped forward and approached Runa.

"I heard from big bro Naoki. I’m Milly, his little sister. Nice to meet you, Runa!" she said, holding out her hand.

Runa hesitated, but shyly reached out and shook it.

"I... I’m Runa Nox. It’s nice to meet you, Milly."

That moment warmed my heart. It felt like watching your child make their first friend. Runa and Milly were close in height—they looked like they could be classmates.

Lilia then said something unexpected: that Runa should be allowed to roam freely around the Blackmore estate. After all, she was my familiar now. There was no reason to keep her locked away.

I agreed.

But Envi reminded me that Runa’s time in the physical world was limited. If her Dark Magic reserves ran low, she’d be forcibly returned to the grimoire.

Even so, we both agreed to let her stay outside for now. Runa had clearly been feeling cooped up. Her personality was still childlike in many ways. We didn’t have the heart to take away her freedom.

I gave her permission to explore the mansion—under Milly’s supervision.

The two of them cheered in delight. Milly even declared that from now on, Runa would sleep in her room.

I just smiled and said, "Do whatever you want."

They squealed with joy and ran off to play together.

Honestly, Milly... You’re already in your second year at the academy, but you still act like a little kid. I’ll have to tell Aisha about this—she’s definitely going to laugh.

Time passed, and night fell.

We all gathered for dinner. The only difference tonight was that Runa sat beside Milly. The two of them had already grown surprisingly close.

After dinner, I returned to my room, then got ready to head out. I was going to Winterfell Mansion—to see Serena.

Runa would stay behind. But as I traveled by carriage, Envi and I discovered something fascinating: even though I was far away, my telepathic link with Runa still worked. We could still communicate freely.

After about an hour’s ride, I finally arrived at the Winterfell estate.

Just like Serena said, it was lively tonight. Her parents were hosting an event.

I took a deep breath and got ready.

"Alright... Time to sneak in."

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