Warm sunlight slipped through the curtains and landed on Yuki's face, pulling him out of his restless sleep. Blinking, he turned his head and spotted the tray his mother had left beside his bed. Now that his mind was clearer, he could see it properly: a simple porridge mixed with what looked like mashed vegetables. Not exactly the kind of breakfast he was used to—but strangely comforting.
Yuki stretched his arms, feeling once again that awkward sensation of inhabiting a body that wasn't originally his. He needed to confirm it with his own eyes. Rising slowly, he crossed the room—a room that, thanks to the original Yuki's memories, he now recognized as his own chamber. It was ridiculously spacious, almost the size of a small apartment back on Earth.
At the far end, a tall mirror stood near a wardrobe. Yuki braced himself and looked.
"…Damn," he muttered, smirking. A handsome young man with sharp features and striking eyes stared back at him. "I'm so handsome I could probably make every girl in this world fall for me." His tone dripped with narcissism.
"Correction," the familiar monotone voice cut through his thoughts. "The host is physically more endowed than the average human in this world due to residual genes from the past life."
Yuki scowled. "More endowed? That's it? Is there anyone who can match this beauty?"
"The host will be able to compare soon enough, once he goes outside." The system's voice was as flat and merciless as ever.
"Che…" Yuki clicked his tongue, pulling on a robe. "You could at least hype me up a little."
He decided it was finally time to explore the mansion. Even though the memories in his head gave him an idea of what it looked like, walking through it himself felt different. As he strolled down the hall, curiosity gnawed at him.
"System," he asked, keeping his voice low, "what exactly are you? What's your real purpose?"
"I am the Perfect Bloodline System. My aim is to support the host in maximizing his potential."
"Yeah, yeah, I know the name. I meant how you work. What can you do?"
"I am an existence with functions and goals predetermined. Unlike certain pitiful existences, I do not question my own purpose."
Yuki froze mid-step. "…Did you just roast me?"
The system ignored him.
"…Fine, whatever," Yuki grumbled. "Do you have, like, an interface or something? A menu? At least give me that."
"Yes. Say 'Status' and your profile will appear."
Yuki grinned. "Finally. Something normal."
But before he could test it, movement caught his eye at the other end of the hall. His mother appeared, walking toward him with a gentle smile—and beside her was a tall man with stern features and sharp eyes. His father.
"Father," Yuki said instinctively, his voice carrying more respect than when he had greeted his mother.
The man nodded in acknowledgment. Nothing more.
Immediately, Suzume Akio (his mother) smacked the back of his head. "That's all you say to your son after what happened?!" she snapped.
Yuki blinked in surprise, but then remembered—this was how the original Yuki's parents always acted. His father, Hayate Akio, put up a cold, tough front, but inside, he was soft. Only Suzume and Yuki ever got to see it.
"…Darling," Hayate coughed, rubbing his head. "Not in front of the boy. Have mercy."
Suzume glared at him. "Mercy? Your son nearly drowned, and all you do is nod?!"
"I—I'm sorry, I'm sorry, okay?" Hayate raised his hands in surrender, sighing in defeat.
Yuki had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing. So I'm not the only one who sighs a lot…
"How are you feeling, Yuki?" Hayate finally asked, using the chance to change the subject.
"I'm fine, Father. Thank you," Yuki replied.
Just as the moment settled, a shadowy figure appeared silently in the hall and knelt. "My liege, I have returned. The mission is complete."
Yuki instantly recognized the man. This was his father's loyal subordinate, the one who always guarded the original Yuki from the shadows. The nickname "Shadow" came to mind—given by the old Yuki himself.
Seeing his chance, Hayate straightened and nodded briskly. "Good. Let's talk." Without another word, he vanished down the corridor with Shadow at his side, abandoning Suzume completely.
"Hmph. That tsundere father of yours…" Suzume muttered, folding her arms. She turned back to Yuki with a softer expression. "Since you're fine now, I have work to do. Would you like to come with me?"
Yuki shook his head quickly. "No, Mother. I… still have some things to take care of."
She tilted her head. "What things? I can have the maids handle it."
Yuki froze. His excuse was falling apart already. "N-No, it's nothing like that. It's something I should handle myself. No need to trouble the servants."
Suzume studied him for a moment, then smiled knowingly. "Very well. Don't overexert yourself."
As she walked away, Yuki let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had narrowly escaped that one. Returning to his room, he closed the door and sat on the edge of his bed.
"Alright, System," he muttered under his breath. "Now it's just you and me. Let's finally get properly introduced."
The monotone voice stirred in his head again, calm and emotionless—yet to Yuki, it always sounded just a little too much like a cheeky young boy.