Alex barely had time to catch his breath before Elara was dragging him through the opulent corridors of Eldoria Castle. Her armor was back on—mostly—but a few clasps were still loose, and her cheeks stayed a charming shade of pink every time their eyes met.
"Walk faster, my Hero," she muttered, gripping his arm a little too tightly. "The King is not a patient man. And stop smiling like that!"
"I can't help it," Alex replied, still riding the afterglow high. "Five minutes ago you were calling me 'my Hero' in a very different tone. Now you're acting like we just finished sword practice."
Elara's ears turned red. "That *was* tactical bonding! The Goddess—"
"Yeah, yeah, the Goddess totally planned for us to go three rounds before breakfast. I believe you."
She elbowed him sharply, but there was no real force behind it. A tiny, satisfied smile tugged at her lips before she forced it away.
They reached the grand throne room. Massive golden doors swung open to reveal a long hall lined with tapestries and armored guards. At the far end sat King Reginald von Eldoria—an older man with a impressive gray beard and the tired eyes of someone who had dealt with too many prophecies.
Beside him stood a small group of nobles and mages, all staring at Alex like he was the second coming of their favorite saint.
The King rose slowly. "So, the Hero has finally awakened. Prince Alexian—though I suppose you are no longer just my son in spirit. The Goddess has granted you a new soul, has she not?"
Alex blinked. "Uh… yeah. Something like that. Name's Alex. Nice to meet you, Your Majesty."
A ripple of murmurs went through the court. Elara stiffened beside him, clearly expecting more formality.
King Reginald waved a hand. "Formalities can wait. The Demon Lord's forces have grown bold. His scouts were seen near the Whispering Woods only yesterday. We need the Hero of Light to lead our forces and push them back before they grow stronger."
Alex opened his mouth to say something responsible like "Sure, let's make a plan," but the System decided to chime in at the worst possible moment.
**[New Quest Received!]**
**Beginner Hero Duty: Repel the Goblin Scout Camp**
**Reward: 800 EXP + Random Common Item**
**Bonus Objective: Complete the quest while maintaining high Party Morale (Bonding recommended)**
"Goblins?" Alex muttered under his breath. "Classic starter mob."
Elara leaned closer, whispering, "What are you saying? Are the floating words speaking again?"
Before Alex could answer, the King continued, "Captain Elara will accompany you as your personal guard and guide. Take a small party and deal with this threat swiftly. The people need to see their Hero in action."
Elara saluted sharply. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
As they were dismissed and led out of the throne room, Elara's hand found Alex's again—this time not just for guidance. Her fingers laced through his, surprisingly warm.
"We should prepare supplies," she said, voice professional. But her eyes kept drifting to his lips. "And… perhaps a short rest before we depart. To ensure you are at full strength."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "A short rest? Is that knight code for 'let's find the nearest empty bedroom'?"
Elara's blush returned full force. "It is merely responsible preparation! The bonding ritual strengthened you once. Repeating it could grant even greater boons before battle."
They barely made it to a side corridor before Elara pushed him into an alcove behind a heavy curtain. Her armor hit the floor piece by piece with urgent clinks.
"This is the last time before we leave the castle," she insisted between heated kisses, even as her hands tugged at his tunic. "Just… one more session. For safety."
Alex laughed softly, pulling her close. "You're terrible at lying, Captain."
What followed was quicker and rougher than their morning encounter—Elara's knightly discipline cracking under clear desire. She rode him with determined rolls of her hips, one gauntleted hand braced against the wall, the other tangled in his hair. Soft gasps and muffled moans filled the small space.
The System happily announced its approval halfway through.
**[Bonding Progress!]**
**Elara Affection: 97/100**
**EXP Gained: 1,100 (Repeated Bonding Bonus)**
**Skill Enhanced: Knight's Passionate Charge → Lv.2**
*(+40% strength and stamina for 3 hours after sessions with Elara. Minor healing effect added.)*
When they finally slipped out of the alcove—clothes hastily straightened, hair mussed, and both breathing harder than after any goblin fight—Elara looked equal parts satisfied and mortified.
"No one must know about this," she hissed, adjusting her breastplate. "It is a sacred ritual!"
"Pretty sure the whole corridor heard the sacred ritual," Alex teased.
She swatted his arm, but her eyes sparkled with hidden laughter.
They gathered basic supplies from the castle armory (a decent sword for Alex, potions, and travel rations) and headed toward the castle gates. As they walked, Elara kept stealing glances at him.
"You are… different from the prince I knew," she admitted quietly. "He was always so serious. You smile too much. And you say strange things. Yet… I find it comforting."
Alex bumped her shoulder gently. "Good. Because I plan on smiling a lot more. Especially if you keep 'preparing' me like that."
Before Elara could retort, a new voice called out from the courtyard.
"Hero! Wait!"
A graceful silver-haired woman in flowing purple and white robes floated down from a nearby balcony on a cushion of magic. Her long ears marked her as a high elf. Striking violet eyes locked onto Alex with open curiosity and a hint of playful mischief.
"I am Lirael Starweave, Archmage of the Royal Court," she announced, landing lightly. "The Goddess's oracle mentioned that the Hero would require magical support on his first quest. I volunteer to join your party."
Her gaze slid over Alex, then to the slightly disheveled Elara, and her lips curved into a knowing smile.
"My, my… it seems the bonding ritual has already begun. How diligent of you, Captain."
Elara's face went nuclear. "It was necessary! Do not speak of it so casually!"
Lirael giggled, a light, melodic sound. "Of course. Purely necessary. But if the Hero needs further… magical assistance during our journey, I am more than qualified to provide creative enhancements."
She winked at Alex, sending a small shower of sparkling pink hearts floating around him.
Alex felt the System ping again.
**[New Party Member Detected!]**
**Lirael Starweave – High Elf Archmage**
**Initial Affection: 65/100**
**Potential Bonding EXP Multiplier: High (Magic Synergy)**
He grinned. This world really wasn't going to let him fight anything without turning it into a group activity first.
"Welcome aboard, Lirael," he said. "Just… try not to turn me into a frog mid-battle, okay?"
"No promises," the elf replied with a teasing grin. "But I do promise our nights will be illuminating."
Elara groaned. "We are leaving. Now. Before any more volunteers appear."
As the three of them rode out of the castle gates toward the Whispering Woods, Alex leaned back in the saddle and looked up at the bright blue sky.
Demon Lord?
Goblin scouts?
Actual hero duties?
They could all wait a little longer.
Right now he had a tsundere knight who wanted to "train" him every chance she got and a mischievous elf already planning magical bedroom experiments.
And honestly?
He was perfectly fine with that.
**[Quest Progress: 0%]**
**Current Party Morale: Extremely High**