"So… I'm in that novel I once read in my mortal life. A story from who knows how long ago, and I can't even remember the damn name of it, huh?" I muttered bitterly.
Nyxara's voice chimed in, bubbling with amusement.
[ Correct, Host~! And since you seem so hopelessly clueless, allow your cute and reliable system to educate you. ]
Her tone turned grandiose, as though she were announcing the start of an epic play.
[ You are currently in the **Duchy of Aurelith**, one of the most powerful houses in the entire continent. Known for its terrifying armies, endless coffers of wealth, and more arrogance than they know what to do with! ]
She paused dramatically before lowering her voice in a playful whisper.
[ And you, dearest Host, have been reborn as their **third child**. ]
I blinked, unimpressed. "…Third child. That doesn't sound very glorious."
Her laughter rang out like bells.
[ Fufufu~ Of course it is! You're basically a super-rich baby with bodyguards, maids, and silk diapers. Isn't that every mortal's dream come true? ]
[ Don't be shy, Host~ You're living the high life already! If this were a novel, you'd be the fan-favorite mascot character before the real plot even starts. ]
I facepalmed in my mind, praying no one could see my humiliation.
"So what is the name of this body of mine?" I asked, curiosity gnawing at me.
Nyxara's laughter chimed in, soft and mischievous.
[ Fufu~ That hasn't been decided yet. The Duchy of Aurelith has a grand tradition, you see—no one outside the family is allowed to see a newborn until the day they are officially named. ]
She paused dramatically before continuing in a sing-song tone:
[ But worry not, Host~ Your glorious *naming ceremony* will be held in just two days! ]
I raised an eyebrow in my mind. "A ceremony? Just for a name?"
[ Of course! In noble houses like Aurelith, a name isn't just a label. It's a declaration of destiny. Everyone will be watching—family, servants, retainers, maybe even political rivals. ]
Her voice dropped into a teasing whisper.
[ So make sure you look extra cute that day, Host. You only get one chance at a first impression~ ]
I groaned inwardly. "Great… my life in this world begins with a fashion show."
Nyxara giggled, clearly enjoying my misery.
"So tell me, Nyxara… what am I supposed to do with this drama of a life of mine?" I muttered, exasperated.
Her reply came gently, softer than usual, like a faint warmth wrapping around me.
[ Worry not, Host. You only need to focus on one thing—becoming stronger. And, if possible… try to enjoy this life as well. ]
For the first time, I thought I sensed a flicker of emotion from her. It was faint, almost hidden, but it was there.
Before the atmosphere could turn too heavy, she suddenly brightened, her voice chiming with playful energy again.
[ And for that very reason, your lovely system is here! You can ask me anything—whether it's about your life, political rivalries, or… your silken diapers~ ]
I froze. "…You just had to add that last part, didn't you?"
Her laughter rang out, sweet and merciless.
[ Fufufu~ Of course! What kind of companion would I be if I didn't tease my Host a little? ]
I groaned inwardly, but despite myself, I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my thoughts.
As I was just about to say more to Nyxara, a yawn escaped my lips. I blinked, puzzled. "Wait… didn't I just wake up? Why am I sleepy again?"
Her chiming voice answered with a playful lilt.
[ Well, Host is still just a newborn baby. It's only natural to feel sleepy. ]
[ I mean, really~ Which child's body wouldn't collapse after dealing with such strain? Even you, mighty as you think you are, can't fight biology. ]
I groaned mentally, but before I could argue, her tone shifted, dipping into something softer, almost secretive.
[ …Besides, your body isn't quite ordinary. It's… a little special. ]
My eyes narrowed slightly. "And what exactly does that mean?"
She giggled, evasive as always.
[Fufufu~ Secrets, Host. You'll understand one day, when you're strong enough.]
Knowing she wouldn't budge, I sighed. Fine. Whatever. No use pushing for answers when I'll probably just fall flat on my face.
I snuggled deeper into the silk blanket, muttering inwardly, Well, I shouldn't burden my young, cute body too much. After all… it's not like this is my last day here.
Just Then, in her usual teasing tone, she added:
[ Oh, and by the way—don't think I didn't notice you praising your own cuteness earlier. Careful, Host, or you'll really end up walking the glorious road of narcissism~ ]
Before I could snap back at her, a chime echoed.
[Ding! Host, please control your ego before it grows larger than your baby body!]
"Ugh… you've got to be kidding me," I muttered inwardly, facepalming in my mind.
Nyxara's laughter rang like silver bells.
[ Hehe~ Good night, my adorable little narcissist Host~ ]
Her soft, mischievous farewell lingered in my thoughts as sleep claimed me once again.
......….
Meanwhile, just outside the door, maids and servants bustled about, their arms full of silk draperies, food trays, and perfumed flowers. The air buzzed with excitement as they prepared for the festival celebrating the duke's newest child. Laughter and hurried chatter echoed through the corridors, a picture of joy and festivity.
But in the midst of that brightness, a shadow stirred.
It lingered just beyond the circle of lamplight, silent, unnoticed by even the most attentive guards. Its form flickered once, like smoke twisting in the wind, before vanishing altogether—as if it had never been there in the first place.
The servants, too lost in their preparations, remained blissfully unaware that danger had already slipped past their watchful eyes.
••••••••••