The secret system of the Gallant Heir

After the meeting ended, I stormed into my room, shutting the door behind me. My mind was a chaotic mess of thoughts.

"I can't let the king control me. There's something big I have to prepare for. If I get involved in this marriage, hiding my powers will become even more difficult."

Frustration built up inside me as I ran a hand through my hair. Just as I was about to sit down, a familiar chime echoed in my head.

[Ding! The host has received a Yellow-Level Task.]

I froze. A Yellow-Level Task? My first one. My plate was already overflowing, and now this?

"Worst timing ever," I muttered.

[Task: Accept the marriage proposal from the princess.]

I nearly choked on air. "What?! Whose side are you on, System?"

A pause. Then the System's usual neutral tone followed.

[Host will receive 1500 points and an improved understanding of water magic upon completion.]

I hesitated. "1500 points… and better water magic?"

Memories surfaced from two years ago when I gained a better understanding of fire magic. That power had changed everything for me. If water magic could be enhanced in the same way…

I clenched my fists. This is a trap… but it's also an opportunity.

With a sharp exhale, I muttered, "Tch. I don't like it, but I guess I have no choice. I'll talk to Father tomorrow."

For now, I needed to clear my head.

Later That Night

I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts refused to settle.

"Did I make the right choice?"

The System's reward was tempting—1500 points and better water magic. But why this task? Why was the System pushing me toward marriage with the princess?

"System, why is this task so important?" I finally asked.

A pause. Then the familiar notification chimed.

[This task is part of a larger chain of events that will influence the kingdom's future.]

I sat up instantly. "What do you mean by 'larger chain of events'? Are you saying this marriage will affect something bigger?"

[Host does not have sufficient authority to access this information.]

My jaw tightened. "Tch. Of course. Just enough to make me curious but not enough to give real answers."

Frustrated, I got up and walked to the window. The moon cast a silver glow over the Gallant Estate, illuminating the vast lands that belonged to my family. I clenched my fists.

"The king is trying to control me. Now the System is pushing me in the same direction. I hate being a pawn."

I exhaled sharply.

"But… if this task is connected to something bigger, I need to be prepared. If I complete it, I get stronger. And strength is what I need most."

My mind drifted back to two years ago when I gained a better understanding of fire magic. That power had changed everything for me. If water magic could be enhanced in the same way, it might be worth the price.

[Would Host like to review current water magic proficiency?]

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Show me."

A blue screen appeared before my eyes.

Water Magic Proficiency: 42% (Beginner Level).

"Still low… If I can push it to intermediate, I'll have a serious edge."

Determined, I turned away from the window. I'd tell my father in the morning. But tonight, I'd train. If I was being forced down this path, I'd at least use it to my advantage.

The Next Morning

I stood before my father in the grand study of the Gallant Estate. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. He sat behind his massive oak desk, flipping through documents, but the moment I spoke, his hand stilled.

"I accept the marriage proposal, Father."

For the first time in years, Duke Gallant—one of the most powerful men in the kingdom—looked genuinely surprised. He set down his quill and leaned back, his sharp eyes studying me.

"You don't need to force yourself into this, Rave," he said, his deep voice calm but firm. "The Gallant Family holds enough power to refuse the engagement without fearing the royal family."

I met his gaze without hesitation. He was trying to read me, searching for the reason behind my sudden compliance.

"He thinks I'm doing this for the family—to avoid unnecessary conflict with the royal family. But that's only part of the reason."

"I know what you're thinking," I said, keeping my voice steady. "But don't worry about me. I know exactly what I'm doing."

His eyes narrowed slightly. He had raised me to be independent, but I had never been one to go along with someone else's plans without a fight. He knew something was off.

"You've never been one to submit to fate," he said after a moment. "So tell me, Rave, why now?"

I exhaled softly but didn't break eye contact.

"For now, I can only tell you this," I said. "I won't disappoint you."

A heavy silence settled between us. He tapped his fingers against the desk, deep in thought. Then, with a small nod, he finally spoke.

"Very well. But remember this, Rave—if you ever find yourself trapped by this decision, the Gallant Family will always stand behind you."

I kept my expression unreadable, but deep down, I felt a flicker of something unexpected—relief.

After the conversation with my father, I walked straight to my room, closing the door behind me with a heavy exhale.

"This whole marriage situation… I still don't like it, but at least it's done."

Just as I was about to sit down, the familiar chime of the system echoed in my mind.

[Ding! The host has completed a Yellow-Level Task.]

[Rewards: +1,500 Points, Enhanced Understanding of Water Magic.]

My eyes widened. 1,500 points?!

Before I could even process the sheer amount of points I had just gained, an intense wave of knowledge surged into my mind. My entire body tensed as advanced water magic theories, combat techniques, and spell formations flooded my thoughts.

For a brief moment, I felt like I was drowning in information—raging tides, flowing rivers, crushing waves… but then, everything settled. My breathing steadied, and when I moved my fingers, I could feel the difference.

"So this is what an enhanced understanding of magic feels like… Not bad."

Now, it was time to allocate my points.

I quickly pulled up my status screen. Even though I had been steadily improving over the years, 1,500 points was a game-changer.

After some thought, I decided to invest 1,000 points into my stats while keeping 500 points in reserve—just in case.

Updated Stats:

STRENGTH: 3 (310/1000)STAMINA: 2 (204/1000)DEFENSE: 2 (201/1000)MANA: 2 (920/1000)CHARM: 9 (0/1000)BODY: 1(650/1000)

As soon as the points were allocated, a massive surge of power shot through my body. My muscles tensed, my skin prickled, and a newfound energy coursed through me.

I clenched my fists. I felt stronger, faster, more stable. My mana reserves had nearly doubled, and I could already sense the difference in my control over magic.

"This… this is incredible."

Just as I was revelling in my newfound strength, another notification popped up.

[Ding! The host can use 500 points to upgrade the system.]

I froze. An upgrade?

"What kind of upgrade are we talking about?"

500 points was a huge amount, and I had saved them for emergencies. If this upgrade was useless, I'd be wasting valuable resources.

After a moment of hesitation, I asked, "What happens if I upgrade the system?"

A brief pause, and then the system responded.

[Upon upgrade, the system will gain intelligence, allowing for enhanced interaction with the host. Daily rewards will also be improved.]

I narrowed my eyes. "Gain intelligence?"

"So it'll be able to think for itself? That could either be useful… or dangerous. But enhanced daily rewards? That's tempting."

After mulling it over for a few seconds, I exhaled sharply and made my decision.

"Alright. Upgrade the system."

[Processing host's request… System upgrades are in progress. Estimated time: 30 minutes.]

I stared at the notification, dumbfounded. "What? Thirty minutes?! I thought it would be instant!"

I let out an annoyed sigh. "Tch. Guess I have no choice but to wait."