The secret system of the Gallant Heir

As I arrived at the Gallant Estate with Ignis by my side, the grand gates shut behind us with a heavy clang. The familiar sight of the towering mansion, its marble walls gleaming under the afternoon sun, brought a sense of comfort. But at the same time, I knew what was coming—facing my mother.

I turned to Bell, who had been waiting at the entrance.

"Bell, inform my mother that I've returned. Tell her I'll be meeting her in a moment."

Bell gave a respectful nod. "Understood, young master." Without hesitation, she hurried inside.

I then shifted my gaze to Ignis, lowering my voice. "Listen, when we meet my mother, make sure to act like a proper slave. Don't be too arrogant. Please, don't mess this up."

Ignis crossed her arms, clearly displeased. "I get it, I get it. But you don't need to remind me like I'm some fool."

I sighed, then hesitated as a thought struck me. "Wait… Can you conceal your magic presence? My mother is a powerful magician—if she senses it, things might get complicated."

Ignis smirked, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Hah! What do you take me for? I'm not some ordinary dragon. Hiding my magic is child's play."

"Alright, alright, do it now."

With a flicker of unseen energy, the aura around her subtly shifted, her magical presence vanishing like a puff of smoke. Satisfied, I nodded and led her inside.

We walked through the grand halls, the soft glow of chandeliers illuminating our path. The scent of fresh roses, likely placed by the servants earlier in the day, filled the air. As we reached my mother's chamber, I took a deep breath and knocked lightly before stepping in.

She was seated by the window, the golden light casting a soft glow on her elegant features. She turned towards me with a warm smile.

"Rave, you're back," she said gently. Then her gaze landed on Ignis, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "And who is this?"

I cleared my throat. "Mom, this is Ignis."

She raised an eyebrow. "A new friend of yours?"

I shook my head. "Not just a friend. She'll also be my new maid."

Her expression shifted slightly, her posture straightening. "Your new maid?"

"Yes," I continued. "I found her in town. She was a slave, and I saw a trader beating her. I couldn't just stand by and watch, so I intervened and brought her here."

For a moment, my mother said nothing. Then, she let out a soft sigh.

"I see…" She studied Ignis carefully, her gaze sharp yet not unkind. Then, with a nod, she turned back to me. "Life must have been tough for her."

I nodded, glancing at Ignis. Her usual prideful demeanour was subdued, though her eyes still held their fiery defiance.

My mother's lips curved into a small, understanding smile. "Very well. Tell Bell to provide her with proper clothes. From now on, she's under our care."

I exhaled in relief, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. At least for now, things were going smoothly.

Just as I turned to leave, my mother's voice stopped me.

"Wait, Rave. I need to talk to you—alone."

I paused, glancing at Ignis before nodding. "Alright."

Ignis, understanding the unspoken request, gave me a look but said nothing. She simply turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my mother.

She gestured for me to sit, her expression softer than before. There was something in her eyes—concern, hesitation. It wasn't often that she looked at me this way.

"Rave," she began, her voice gentle yet serious. "Are you truly okay with this engagement to the princess? We will not force you. If you don't want this, you have the right to refuse. You're my only son, and I don't want you to be burdened by something you don't want."

I blinked, caught off guard by her words.

"Your engagement ceremony will take place in ten days," she continued, watching me carefully. "This is the last time I'll ask you—are you sure about this?"

Ten days? My mind reeled for a moment. I hadn't expected it to be so soon.

Still, I straightened my posture and met her gaze with confidence. "Mom, you don't have to worry," I said, my tone steady. "I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't want this. I've already made up my mind."

She studied me for a moment as if searching for any hesitation in my eyes. Then, after a long pause, she sighed and smiled faintly.

"Alright," she said. "If that's truly what you want, then I won't question it anymore."

I nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Trust me, Mom. I'll handle it."

Her eyes softened, and for a brief moment, I saw a mother who simply wanted the best for her son.

"Very well," she murmured. "Just remember… if you ever change your mind, I will always support your choice."

I gave her a small smile before standing up. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, but I didn't waver. Ten days. That wasn't much time.

I headed to my room, where Ignis was already waiting for me.

"So, what happened? Is there a problem?" she asked.

"No, it was just about the engagement," I replied.

"Oh? So you're getting engaged now? With whom?"

"With the princess," I said.

"Okay..." She seemed like she wanted to say something but held back. I wasn't sure what it was, but I decided to leave it for now.

"So, what would you like to do now? It's almost nighttime. Shall we sleep, or do you have something to ask?"

"Nothing," she said. "Let's sleep."

She started climbing into my bed.

"What are you doing? You can't sleep with me! I'll ask Bell to arrange a room for you. Wait here."

"Why? I don't want to sleep in a servant's room," she protested.

"Fine. I'll ask for a proper room for you. Now go."

I called Bell and asked her to prepare a room for Ignis. After that, I went to sleep.

When I opened my eyes, something felt wrong.

"What is this...? Where am I?"

I remembered going to sleep last night, so why wasn't I in my bed?

Then, a strange voice echoed around me.

"Have you forgotten what you were sent for? What are you doing?"

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice tense. "What are you talking about?"

"Lily—!" I called out to my system. "Who's he?"

But no response came.

My heart pounded.

What am I going to do now?

Suddenly, the scene shifted.

I found myself bound by thick ropes, unable to move. Cold, rough stone pressed against my knees as I knelt in the center of a strange ritual circle.

Around me, figures in black cloaks stood in eerie silence, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods.

"What is this...?" I muttered, my breath shaky. "What's happening?"

A sinister energy filled the air, sending a chill down my spine.

Was this a dream? A vision? Or... was it real?