The maid quietly opened the door to my room, moving with the grace and precision of someone well-versed in their duties. Without a word, she approached my crib and gently began changing my clothes. Her hands were efficient yet soft, as if she'd done this a hundred times before. After dressing me in a fresh set of baby clothes, she placed me back in the cradle, tucking me in with a warm, lavender-scented blanket. The gentle scent reminded me faintly of home—my other home.
She left without a sound, and the room fell into silence once more.
I stared at the ceiling blankly.
"Ughh… I miss my Mind Palace already," I murmured mentally, frustration bubbling beneath my calm exterior. "This is boring. Maybe I should just sleep again…"
But then—ping.
A familiar chime echoed within the confines of my consciousness.
[Confirmed]
[System configuration with the body
successful]
[Notice]
[Mind Palace requests permission to absorb the System]
[Accept or Decline]
A translucent tab materialized in front of my vision. My eyebrows would've arched if I had control over them.
"My Mind Palace wants to absorb the System?" I muttered, curiosity piqued. "Interesting."
Without hesitation, I mentally selected Accept.
[System is being integrated into skill: Mind Palace]
[Integration successful]
[Mind Palace is undergoing evolution...]
[Usage temporarily restricted until evolution completes]
"Huh. Restricted, huh?" I sighed, a little disappointed. "Not like I could use it anyway…"
Well, that's that.
"Good night, System," I whispered into the quiet.
But I had completely forgotten what day it was.
The next morning arrived far too soon. A flurry of noise stirred me from sleep—a mix of rushed footsteps, excited chatter, and the clinking of silverware far too early for my liking. My eyes fluttered open just as the door creaked, revealing a maid who appeared more flustered than usual.
She quickly scooped me up, changed me into a set of elegant, embroidered baby clothes, and whisked me out of the room with practiced urgency.
I blinked at the sudden brightness as we stepped outside. Before us stood the fountain in front of the grand mansion. The entire staff—maids and butlers alike—stood in two neat lines, waiting expectantly.
And then I heard it.
The distant clatter of horses' hooves against stone.
A carriage appeared at the end of the road, its glossy black frame and golden insignia glinting under the morning sun.
My heart skipped. "Wait… are those my parents?"
The carriage rolled to a graceful stop. A butler stepped forward and opened the door with impeccable timing.
"Welcome back, Master and Mistress," the staff chorused in unison.
The first to emerge was a breathtakingly beautiful woman—pure white hair cascading like moonlight and golden eyes that held both warmth and command. She cradled a young boy, perhaps around two years old. My older brother, no doubt.
Then came a tall man, his posture exuding strength and dignity. Black hair, neatly combed, and sharp brown eyes that missed nothing.
"Damn," I thought, examining their features with a critical eye. "My entire family is ridiculously attractive."
I shifted my gaze toward my brother. His golden-brown hair shimmered in the sun, and his blue eyes were as sharp as daggers, locked directly on me with surprising intensity. He looked nothing like our father, but he carried an aura that felt… heavy. Reserved.
My mother stepped forward, her gaze softening as it landed on me. She gently reached for me.
"Roy, did you miss me?" she cooed, hugging me with genuine affection.
Yep, total doting mother, I thought smugly.
My brother clutched at her dress, tugging slightly.
Aha. Jealousy detected.
She giggled, effortlessly picking up both of us into her arms. "Aren't we heavy?" I wondered. Either I'm super light, or she's super strong.
As we were carried into the mansion, I peeked back at my father, who was speaking to the head butler.
"Were there any problems while I was away?" his voice was calm but commanding.
"None, Master," the butler replied. "Young Master Roy was surprisingly quiet. Only cried a few times."
"Just that?"
"Yes, Master. Just that."
Their voices faded as we were led into an expansive dining hall.
The table was massive—polished wood, chandeliers above, paintings lining the walls. We were seated beside our mother, who remained attentive as ever. Soon, a maid arrived with dishes. One after another—fruit, pastries, porridge. After a while my father also arrived and got seated in front of us.
My mother took a bowl and began to gently spoon-feed me. The porridge was warm, smooth, and strangely satisfying.
My brother, still locked in a silent war of stares with me, pouted.
"Don't be jealous, Aamon," my mother said sweetly. "I'll feed you next."
Even Father chuckled lightly at her remark.
I calmly accepted the next spoonful of porridge, feeling oddly content.
This… this is a nice family.
A small smile curled in my mind.
I think I'm going to enjoy this world.