The secret system of the Gallant Heir

I woke up, feeling an odd sense of detachment. Something was different.

Last night felt like a dream—but I knew it wasn't. It was real.

I lay in bed a little longer, letting my mind sift through fragments of my past life. I had been a doctor on Earth. A healer. Someone who saved lives. But somehow… I had ended up in a cult.

Why?

I knew the cult was dangerous—twisted in ways I couldn't fully grasp. I shouldn't have been part of it. And yet, something had forced me to join. But what?

No matter how hard I tried, the answer remained hidden, like a puzzle piece just out of reach. The more I pushed, the worse it got. A sharp pain stabbed through my skull, forcing me to stop.

I exhaled, gripping my temples.

Fine. If I can't remember on my own…

I turned to the only thing that might have the answers.

"Lili {System}, are you aware I'm from another world?"

"Yes, host. I am aware of your origins. However, I cannot provide more information at your current level. You will unlock further knowledge upon upgrading the system to Level 3, which requires 1,000 points."

"Level 3? Ahh, man… Alright, alright. I'll think about that later. For now, I need to focus on what's more important—training."

As I muttered to myself, the door suddenly swung open.

Ignis stepped inside, her sharp gaze scanning the room.

"Rave, what are you doing? Is everything alright? I heard some noise."

"Yeah, everything's fine. Why are you here?" I asked, tilting my head.

She folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Why am I here? What do you mean? I'm supposed to act like a maid, remember? I'm just doing my job."

Then, she sighed dramatically. "Anyway, call another maid to bring me food. I'm starving. I haven't eaten anything since I arrived in this world."

Before I could respond, Lili's voice echoed in my mind.

"Host, when Ignis was in the inner world, she never felt hunger because of me. I control all aspects of the inner world, including her bodily needs."

I blinked in realization. "Oh… so that means she's never actually tasted food before?"

I glanced at Ignis, who looked impatient. A small grin formed on my lips.

"Alright, wait here. I'll call Bell to bring you something."

"Bell, come to my room."

A few moments later, Bell stepped inside. "Yes, young master?"

I sat up and stretched. "Tell the chef to prepare something different for breakfast today. Have him make the best dishes he can, and bring one portion of each."

Bell nodded. "Understood, young master. But… that sounds like quite a feast."

I smirked. "Don't worry, I'm not eating alone. Ignis will be joining me. So be quick."

"I see. Then I'll have it prepared right away," Bell said with a small bow before swiftly leaving the room.

I leaned back on my bed and stretched before calling out, "Bell, come to my room."

Within moments, the door opened, and Bell stepped in, bowing slightly. "Yes, young master?"

"Tell the chef to prepare something different for breakfast today. Have him make the best dishes he can—one portion of each. And don't worry, I'm not going to eat it all alone. Ignis will be eating with me."

Bell glanced at Ignis, who sat on a chair with her arms crossed, looking as impatient as ever. "I understand, young master. I will have it prepared immediately."

With a swift bow, Bell left the room.

I turned to Ignis, smirking. "You're in for a treat. You've never tasted real food before, have you?"

She scoffed. "Hmph. I don't see what the fuss is about. Food is just fuel, right? Nothing special."

I chuckled. "Oh, you say that now. Let's see if you can keep a straight face after your first bite."

A Few Moments Later…

Bell returned with a cart loaded with plates of steaming food. The aroma filled the room instantly—freshly baked bread, sizzling meat, fluffy eggs, sweet pastries, and even a bowl of rich soup.

Ignis' nose twitched as she inhaled the scent. "That... smells weird," she muttered. But I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

Bell carefully set the dishes in front of us, then stepped back. "Breakfast is served, young master."

"Good work, Bell. You can leave us for now."

With a nod, she left the room, closing the door behind her.

I grabbed a fork and handed one to Ignis. "Alright, go ahead. Take a bite."

She hesitated for a moment before picking up a piece of soft bread. She examined it like it was some kind of rare artefact, then slowly took a small bite.

And then—her eyes widened.

She chewed slowly, her expression shifting from confusion to surprise. Then, before I could even say anything—she stuffed the rest of the bread into her mouth.

"Mmmph! What is this?! Why is it so... soft and warm?!" she mumbled through a full mouth, already reaching for another piece.

I burst out laughing. "See? Told you food wasn't just fuel!"

Ignoring me, she grabbed a spoonful of soup and took a sip. Another pause. Another shift in expression.

"It's… warm. And smooth… and—" she cut herself off and quickly took another sip. And another.

I grinned. "Careful, you'll burn your tongue."

She glared at me. "Shut up, Rave. Let me enjoy this."

For someone who claimed food wasn't special, she was devouring everything in front of her. She tried a piece of roasted meat next, her expression turning serious as if she had just made a life-changing discovery.

"This… is the greatest thing I have ever experienced," she whispered dramatically, staring at the piece of meat like it was a divine relic.

I leaned back, watching her with amusement. "And to think you were acting all high and mighty a few minutes ago."

She shot me a glare but didn't stop eating. "Shut up. You should have told me sooner that eating was this amazing!"

I smirked. "Well, now you know. Welcome to the real world, Ignis."

As I watched her stuff her face, something unexpected happened.

I smiled.

Just an hour ago, I had woken up feeling like a mess—confused, frustrated, and buried under the weight of memories I couldn't fully grasp. My mind had been stuck in the past, drowning in questions with no answers. But now, sitting here, watching Ignis get excited over something as simple as food… I felt lighter.

She had no idea, but her reaction, her pure, childlike excitement, had pulled me out of my head.

Maybe I didn't have all the answers yet. Maybe I was still lost.

But at least, for this moment, I wasn't drowning anymore.

And for now, that was enough.