New Task Mission

A quiet knock interrupted Damien's spiraling thoughts. "Young master, I'm coming in." A female voice resounded. The door creaked open and a tall maid with neatly tied-up dark hair stepped inside. Her tailored maid uniform was tidy, her expression respectful.

The woman bowed before lifting her head. Then, her eyes widened slightly. "Young master, you're quite early today. It seems that you didn't need me to wake you. The master and madam are waiting downstairs in the dining hall."

For a second, Damien didn't respond. He forgot to ask the system how Damien behaved!

As if knowing his thoughts, the system said:

System: [Host, Damien was a quiet child and responded to other selectively. He mostly nods or shakes his head, responding with one to two sentences if necessary. And also, host, you can speak to me inside your head as well!]

You should have told me that sooner! He yelled inwardly.

Hearing what the system said, Damien swallowed down the panic. He looked at the maid and nodded slightly.

...

After dressing up, Damien followed the woman down a long corridor, his small legs moving automatically. His mind was reeling at his surroundings.

The house—no, the mansion—was absurdly large. The hallways stretched endlessly, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed sunlight to pour in. Chandeliers dangled from vaulted ceilings, their crystals reflecting soft golden light from the rays of the sun. The walls are adorned with paintings, massive ones that look like they belong in a museum, each one framed in gold. As he passed by, he saw vases filled with fresh flowers, intricate marble carvings, and polished wooden floors that hardly made a sound under his footsteps. Turning his sight to the windows, he set his sights on the humongous garden outside with neatly arranged plants beside a charming vintage gazebo.

It was overwhelming.

Just a day ago—or what felt like a day ago—he was in his cramped apartment with peeling wallpaper, a broken heater, and a bed so stiff it might as well have been made of bricks. Now, he's walking through a house so grand that even breathing in it felt expensive.

This mansion... It felt like he was sent back to early Europe living as a noble child. You could only see houses like these in movies or dramas. If it wasn't for the system's information, he might've thought he was sent back in time.

"This way, young master." After leading Damien down a curved staircase, he was faced with a set of double doors that swung open on its own—no doubt handled by some unseen servant.

Taking a few steps, he almost paused.

What the hell...

Beyond the doors was the dining hall. It was huge, unbelievably so.

The dining table stretched nearly the entire length of the room, long enough to seat twenty people comfortably, though only a few chairs were actually occupied. Another chandelier hung above, glittering with sparkling golden light. The scent of brewed tea and pastries filled the air.

Seated at the head of the table was a man who radiated authority. His hair was sleek black, his features sharp and refined. His presence and quiet dominance made Damien's pulse quicken.

To his right sat a woman with elegant features and flowing sepia hair. She sipped the tea with delicate movements, her expression calm. On the left, a younger boy around the age of ten stirred his tea. He had an absentminded look as he took a spoonful of sugar cubes and placed them in his drink.

System: [At the head of the table is Arel Hertz, the leader of Summit Holdings Group and Damien's father. To his right is Yuri Hertz, Damien's mother, a former ballerina who now runs a renowned art gallery in her home country, Korea. On his left is Damien's younger brother, Lukas Hertz. Though only ten, Lukas is already receiving finance lessons to prepare for his future role as an heir of the company.]

Art gallery? Damien's eyes lit up. Lessons? Guess this body is also taking lessons, since he's five. Damien asked casually while walking slowly to the table.

System: [To answer your question, host, Yuri's art gallery hosts inspiring up-and-coming artists. It's a well-known place to strive for when wanting to introduce your art to a wider audience. Also, Damien started learning basic math and grammar at the age of three.]

Three!? Damien almost lost his composure. I'm pretty sure at that age I was still running around, going goo goo ga ga.

A chair was pulled out for him, and he hesitantly climbed onto it. In front of him, a plate is already set—gold-rimmed, pristine, filled with food that looked too perfect to touch. His hands twitched on his lap. 

Since Damien was taught since he was three, he surely knew how to eat with grace. There are so many forks, spoons, and knives, which one should I take?

He glanced at Lukas, trying to learn how the child used the utensils in front of him.

System: [This system also doesn't understand why one needs so many cutlery. But host, you can trust the habits of the original body. Once you raise your arms, it'll habitually move on its own.]

Trusting the system, he raised his hands.

Then, his body really did move on its own.

His small hands grasped the utensils with practiced ease, cutting into his meal with precise movements. His posture was straight, his were elbows tucked, and his chewing was quiet. It was effortless, as if he had done it a million times before.

Across the table, his mother finally spoke, "You're quite early this morning, Damien."

Damien stiffened, but he quickly covered it with a small, polite smile. "I had troubles sleeping last night. But it's alright, Mother."

The maid said the exact same thing. Was this child usually up late?

His mother frowned slightly. With a concerned look on her face, she cooed, "Oh, dear. Make sure to rest up plenty today then." She faced her husband and clasped his hand. "Isn't that right, darling?"

His father only hummed before returning to his tea. However, his cold expression could not hide his reddening ears.

Damien's eyes glinted. He's smitten with his wife, huh.

System: [Yes, in fact, he actually fell in love with her at first sight during one of Yuri's performances. Ever since then, he never let go and kept pursuing her until she said yes.]

Damien inwardly raised a brow and chuckled slyly.

"And you, Lukas. How are your studies going?" Yuri inquired.

Lukas paused before raising his gaze to meet his mother's own. "It's been well. I have learned how to analyze financial reports."

Yuri smiled warmly. "Very good."

System, it seemed like the family's relationship is actually warm. How did things end up so skewed?

System: [Perfect timing, host! I actually received the new task mission.]

[New Task Mission Assigned]

[Mission: Mend the strained relationship between Damien Hertz, his older brother, and their parents.]

[Background: The original owner of this body regretted never being close with his family. He wished they could have had a better relationship before his early death. Fulfill this wish by improving your bond with Lukas, Arel, and Yuri.]

[Time Limit: None]

[Reward: Access to the shop]

Damien nearly choked on his food.

Motherf*cker.