"Lady Armand," I said, gesturing toward the spacious room. "I want some changes here."
"I'm listening, young master," she replied in a soft, melodic voice.
"First, the bed. I want it made of pure griffin feathers, covered with sheets of moon silk—the kind woven only under the full moon. The pillows must be filled with the down of snow lotus flowers, which are said to bring peaceful dreams."
"An excellent choice, sir," Lady Armand commented, noting it down in a small leather notebook.
"I also want to change the lighting. These crystal chandeliers are beautiful, but far too traditional. I want lamps made from glowing cave crystals—ones that emit a soft, shifting light. And I want an eternal fireplace, burning magical wood that gives off a subtle scent of pine and amber."
"An eternal hearth... glowing crystal lamps... intriguing."
"And on the walls," I continued, "instead of these dark oil paintings of my dreary ancestors, I want maps. Detailed maps of the world, showing both known and unknown continents, deep seas, and towering mountains. I want a celestial map showing constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. These maps must be painted on the hides of mythical beasts, adorned with gemstones to mark significant locations."
"Cosmic maps... a bold idea, young master. It'll give the room a spirit of adventure and discovery."
"And finally, I want a small personal library in that corner," I said, pointing to an empty space. "Shelves made of blackheart wood, filled with rare books and ancient scrolls—texts on dark magic, noble family histories, monster legends, and forgotten martial arts. I want this library to be my personal sanctuary of knowledge."
Lady Armand studied me for a moment, a faint smile curving her lips.
"Young master Nier, it seems you have a unique and fascinating taste. I'll begin designing these changes right away. It will be a masterpiece reflecting your new identity."
"I hope so," I replied.
I spent the rest of the afternoon imagining how my new life would look with all these luxuries. It wasn't about vanity or mere extravagance. It was about reclaiming the years of deprivation I'd suffered in my previous life. It was about affirming my existence in this new world—and enjoying everything it had to offer. If fate had cast me into the body of the most powerful duke's son, why shouldn't I take full advantage of it?
---
By evening, my suite had transformed. The decorative changes hadn't started yet, of course, but a grand dining table had been set in the center of the room, covered with pristine white silk, adorned with gleaming silver and gold dishes, and crystal goblets so beautiful they stole the breath.
And when Monsieur Julian entered, followed by a procession of servants carrying covered dishes, I felt my heart quicken with genuine anticipation.
"Young master," announced Monsieur Julian with pride, "your feast is ready."
The servants lifted the silver covers one by one, releasing clouds of aromatic steam that filled the room with scents I had never experienced before.
There was a massive slice of young red dragon steak, grilled to perfection, its outer layer crisp and brown, and the inside pink and juicy. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water.
Next to it was a dish of griffin liver—small golden cuts gleaming under the light, garnished with thin slices of rare black truffle, floating in a rich amber-colored sauce.
Then came the roasted baby phoenix, its golden skin gleaming like a piece of art, wafting the aroma of herbs and sweet spices.
The giant ghost-sea lobster came next, its bright red shell hiding snow-white flesh, served with slices of black lemon that looked like jewels.
And the golden mermaid caviar—tiny, shimmering pearls that resembled scattered stars, served atop crushed ice with thin, transparent slices of pearl flour toast.
There were also side dishes of rare vegetables, cooked in various styles, each resembling a work of art in itself. Baskets overflowed with exotic fruits of vibrant colors and unfamiliar shapes.
As for the drinks, they were presented in crystal decanters, each glowing with a different hue—Dragon's Blood wine in a deep, dark red, the golden Elixir of Life glowing with vitality, and silvery-clear Moon Spring Water.
I sat at the table and felt like a mythical king about to enjoy an immortal feast.
"Begin serving," I said quietly, barely containing my excitement.
The servants moved gracefully, placing small portions of each dish on my golden plate. I began with a bite of the dragon steak. The knife sliced through it effortlessly. I placed a small piece in my mouth.
My gods.
There was nothing in my past life—nothing even in my wildest dreams—that could compare to this taste. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth, its flavor rich and complex, infused with a subtle smokiness from oak wood, with a hint of natural sweetness unlike anything I'd ever tasted. Every bite was an explosion of flavor dancing on my tongue.
Then came the griffin liver—creamy, smooth, melting into a velvet richness in my mouth, deepened by the earthy black truffle, with the sauce adding a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
The baby phoenix meat was white and delicate, soaked in the flavors of herbs and fruit, while its crisp skin was a masterpiece on its own.
The lobster meat was sweet and firm, blending perfectly with the tartness of the black lemon and the briny sea herbs.
As for the golden caviar, each tiny pearl burst in my mouth, releasing a light, refreshing ocean flavor with just enough saltiness to leave me craving more.
I ate slowly, savoring every bite, every flavor, every aroma. I drank the Dragon's Blood wine—it was strong and deep, with a history of fire and power behind it. Then I tasted the Elixir of Life, which flowed through my veins like warm energy, washing away any fatigue and renewing my vitality. Finally, I sipped the Moon Spring Water—pure, refreshing, cleansing my palate for more.
I ate alone, in silence, surrounded by servants who moved with quiet efficiency, refilling my glass and changing my plates. I didn't feel lonely. I felt satisfied. In control. Powerful.
This was what it meant to be Nier Verton. Not the quiet, idealized boy the novel described. But someone who could summon the greatest feast in the world—and have it served without question.
The banquet went on for hours. I tasted every dish, every fruit, every drink. I wasn't hungry in the traditional sense—I was exploring, discovering, indulging in a sensory experience I had never dared to imagine.
And when I finally finished, when I felt I couldn't eat another bite, I leaned back in my chair, gazing at the remnants of the legendary feast.
"Monsieur Julian," I said as the chef re-entered, pride and anticipation glowing on his face. "You've exceeded every expectation. This was the best meal I've ever had."
The chef grinned broadly and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, young master. It's the greatest honor of my life."
"From now on," I said as I rose from the table, pleasantly heavy with fullness, "I want all my meals to be of this level—creative, refined, and flawless. Don't hesitate to try new recipes or use the rarest ingredients. Your budget is unlimited."
"Understood, young master!" Monsieur Julian said with renewed enthusiasm.
I returned to my luxurious bed, feeling different. It wasn't the food that changed me—but the experience. The experience of power. Of indulgence. Of fulfilled desires.
I closed my eyes, a sly smile tugging at my lips.
"Ayla... romantic Nier... the Duke of Shadows... political conspiracies... all of that can wait."
Tonight, I was simply Nier Verton, the rich heir who had decided to enjoy his life.
And tomorrow... tomorrow I'd see what this insane world had in store for me. But I would face it with a full stomach and a high spirit.
And maybe, just maybe, I'd ask Master Elias to design me a light armor made from spider silk, inlaid with dragon scales. Just for protection, of course. Not for showing off. Never that.
The laugh that escaped me was quiet—but real.
A good beginning. A very good one.