Time had flown swiftly, like a leaf caught in the winds of fate. Eight months had already passed since my reincarnation into this new world—this lavish mansion where I had yet to see a single unfamiliar face. Today, however, was different. Today marked my first birthday in this life.
How did I know? It wasn't intuition. The answer lay in the flurry of activity that swept through the halls even before the day arrived. Servants whispered excitedly, decorations were subtly prepared, and a feast was quietly arranged. Despite all the preparations, however, not a single guest arrived. Not one.
So much for the celebration of a noble heir.
Still, despite the lack of outsiders, the celebration itself was no less extravagant. If anything, it mirrored a middle-class family's birthday party—just dressed in gold and served with dishes only royalty could afford. It was ironic, really. I was a baby, and I couldn't even eat much, yet the few morsels they allowed me to taste… were divine. Far beyond anything I had ever consumed in my past life.
But opulence can grow stale. As days blurred into nights, I began to feel it—that itch of boredom crawling beneath my skin. The rich life, the quiet halls, the isolation... I yearned for more. For sky and wind. For adventure. But I knew well that this world wasn't as peaceful as it seemed. God himself had warned me: monsters lurk, and magic pulses beneath the surface. Dangers awaited beyond these walls.
Even now, my system—something I had expected to awaken early—remained dormant. No interface. No support. Just silence. Still, I waited. My time would come.
One Year Later
Night had fallen. A calm, cold breeze rustled against the windows. The moonlight bathed my cradle in soft silver as I lay awake, feeling the stillness of the world around me. And then—it happened.
[Confirmed]
[Mind Palace evolution successful]
[Benefits of evolution are listed below]
A luminous tab formed before my eyes. It hovered above me, pulsing with power. Around me, the world slumbered—everyone except me.
[
• System functions and abilities are now integrated within the Mind Palace
• Sub Skill [Cradle of Memories] unlocked
• Mind Palace no longer requires mental strength to operate
• Grants immunity to mental attacks as well as detection, analysis, and future predictions of the host
• Mind Palace 'Image' has been improved
]
"Mind Palace's image?" I murmured in confusion.
A voice responded. One all too familiar.
"Yes, that's me."
I blinked, staring at the ceiling. "Wait… You're my delusion!"
The voice laughed softly. "I was. But now, I'm real—in the form of your system."
"Then... what's your name?" I asked.
"You never gave me one."
I paused. "My name's Roy. How about… Ray?"
"...Eh? It's fine, I guess. Slightly disappointed in your naming sense, but fine."
I smirked, already feeling sleep tugging at my eyelids. "Can I sleep now?"
"What? Don't you want to explore the functions?"
"Tomorrow," I yawned. "I'm tired."
"Fineeee. But don't forget."
"Good night, Ray."
"...I can't sleep, you idiot."
Morning came.
Sunlight seeped through the curtains. Birds sang from the trees outside. I shut my eyes, trying to steal a few more minutes of peace.
Then, the door creaked open.
Footsteps. Two sets. Soft, deliberate.
Voices followed—whispers just above my cradle.
"Don't make noise, young master Aamon," came the gentle voice of a woman—Paola, perhaps. "The young master must be tired after his birthday."
Two hands lifted me gently, trying not to wake me. But suddenly, footsteps thundered in the hallway. The noise startled me awake.
A breathless maid stopped at the door. "Where is the master?!"
"In the office," Paola answered quickly. "What happened?"
"The mistress… she's pregnant!"
Joy flashed in Paola's eyes. She quickly handed me to Aamon and ran off in search of Father. Aamon, silent and composed as ever, carried me carefully to the playroom. Cushioned floors. Soft toys. No one else.
We stared at each other for a long while.
Then, to my surprise, he kissed my forehead.
"You are so cute, my little brother," he whispered, pulling me into a hug. His cold demeanor faded. Beneath that icy mask… was warmth.
So, he did love me after all.
"Mind Palace, you're awfully quiet today." I spoke mentally.
"Oh? So you remember last night after all," Ray replied, a teasing edge to his tone.
"I don't forget like I used to in my past life," I said. "Now show me the system functions."
A familiar shimmer flooded my vision.
And just like that, a tab opened in front of me.