The Fake Hero’s Misadventures:

Jaeho's victory over the Fire Drake—if you could call it a victory—had quickly become the stuff of legend. By the time he returned to the castle, his head was spinning from the endless congratulations, high-fives, and the constant chanting of his name. It was all too much. He didn't know how to process it.

The Fire Drake wasn't even a real creature. It was just a magical construct, designed to look intimidating. Yet somehow, through sheer luck, Jaeho had stumbled into defeating it, and now the entire kingdom treated him like some kind of god.

But if there was one thing Jaeho was certain about, it was this: he wasn't cut out for this hero business.

At least I didn't die, he thought, trying to stay optimistic as he walked into the grand dining hall for the evening feast. His body still ached from his "battle," but at least there was food. And, after everything that had happened, a nice meal seemed like the least he deserved.

He was immediately greeted by the sight of Princess Elira, who was sitting at the head of the table with an elaborate crown perched on her head. Her radiant smile and eager eyes followed Jaeho as he entered.

"There you are!" she exclaimed, waving him over. "I've been waiting for you, Hero."

Hero… Jaeho had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. He still wasn't sure why the kingdom insisted on calling him that.

"I'm… here," Jaeho said with a half-hearted wave, walking toward her. "I'm so glad to be of service." He sat down at the empty seat beside her, trying to avoid looking too out of place.

As soon as he sat down, a plate piled high with roast meats, fruits, and bread was set before him. His stomach rumbled, and he couldn't help but dig in, eager to devour the food after the chaotic day.

Kaia, always calm and collected, took a seat at the far end of the table, her eyes flicking between the princess and Jaeho. She looked perfectly at ease, as usual.

"So, Jaeho," Princess Elira began, leaning forward. "Now that you've defeated the Fire Drake, what's next on your heroic agenda?"

Jaeho nearly choked on his food. "I… uh, what?"

"You must have plans, right?" Elira continued, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You're going to save the kingdom, restore peace, and all that, yes?"

Jaeho froze mid-bite. Save the kingdom? Restore peace? His mind spun with confusion. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be saving them from!

Before he could respond, Kaia spoke up, her voice smooth and composed. "Princess Elira, Jaeho is still recovering from the excitement of the battle. Perhaps we should let him rest before discussing future plans."

Elira's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly nodded. "Of course! A hero must be well-rested."

Jaeho shot Kaia a grateful look as she discreetly passed him a glass of wine. She always knew how to handle things when he was too overwhelmed to speak.

As he sipped the wine, the feast continued, with much laughter and chatter. But Jaeho couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. The kingdom expected so much from him. What if they found out he was just a regular guy? What if his luck ran out?

But that thought was quickly drowned out by the sound of the musicians playing in the corner, the colorful banners decorating the hall, and the joyful faces of the knights and nobles gathered around.

The night dragged on, with more food, more laughter, and more speeches about Jaeho's "heroic deeds." He smiled and nodded, not really listening as everyone praised him.

It wasn't until dessert was served—a decadent chocolate cake with whipped cream—that Jaeho's attention was caught by something unexpected. He noticed a figure slipping into the hall from the side door. A man, dressed in dark robes, moving quietly through the shadows.

Jaeho squinted, trying to make out who the stranger was. But before he could react, the man caught sight of him and gave a subtle nod.

Kaia, ever watchful, noticed too. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she leaned toward Jaeho.

"Keep your wits about you," she whispered under her breath. "There's something off about that man."

Jaeho's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Kaia didn't respond immediately. She simply turned her attention back to her food, but Jaeho could see the tension in her posture. The mysterious figure had taken a seat at the far end of the hall, his presence oddly out of place.

But before Jaeho could dwell on it any further, Princess Elira leaned toward him with a bright smile, holding out a glass of wine.

"Jaeho, you've done so much today," she said, her voice syrupy sweet. "Please, drink and enjoy yourself. You've earned it."

Jaeho hesitated, but then remembered the reputation he had to uphold. If he refused, it might look suspicious. He took the glass from her and raised it, giving her a forced smile.

"To the kingdom," he said, hoping the alcohol would take the edge off his nerves.

He took a sip.

And immediately regretted it.

The taste was bitter, more so than it should have been. But before he could set the glass down, he felt a strange sensation in his chest. His body grew heavy, his limbs sluggish.

Kaia's eyes widened as she saw him stumble, reaching out to steady him. "Jaeho!" she hissed under her breath.

But it was too late.

The world tilted, and Jaeho collapsed onto the table with a thud, the glass slipping from his hand and shattering on the floor.

---

The room erupted into chaos. Princess Elira gasped, and the knights rushed toward him, their faces filled with panic. Kaia, however, stayed calm, immediately rushing to Jaeho's side.

"Poison," she muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Someone's trying to take him out."

As Jaeho's vision blurred, he could barely make sense of anything. Poison? he thought dizzily. Who would poison me?

Then, in the midst of the confusion, his vision locked onto the mysterious figure in the corner. The man was gone.