The Duke's Prodigy

(AN: prologue isn't required to read but it helps add context)

I desperately tried to make sense of the situation. The sensation of death lingered, a grim reminder of my recent ordeal at the hands of those I once considered friends.

The man standing over me remained a mystery, his features obscured by a new, slightly transparent screen that had materialized before me.

As I glanced around, I realized my sight was limited. I could only see a few meters around me; the rest was enveloped in darkness.

Tutorial Quest Received

The screen began to flicker, each flicker revealing a glowing letter. It was far away and too bright for me to read, so I instinctively reached out with my arms to grab it.

That's when I realized my hands were tiny and chubby. I tried to scream, but only managed to let out a sound that resembled 'Mwah?'

The mysterious man leaned in closer, and with his movement, the screen emitted a *DING* sound. I finally managed to read it:

Do something cute to endear yourself to your mysterious benefactor.

Reward: 10 EXP

A *DING* sounded in my head, and the text on the screen shifted.

Quest Completed! Reward: 10 EXP

A voice murmured softly from the periphery, "Awe."

Moments later, the notification window vanished, replaced by the older man's face looming over me. Through my blurred vision, I glimpsed white teeth, hinting at a broad grin.

He shuffled about, then a warm cloth enveloped me, and I was lifted into the air. My tiny stomach fluttered as the ground receded below.

As he drew nearer, the man's features became less blurred. He appeared to be in his late thirties, with a slightly graying mustache and a few wrinkles, his face adorned with a wide, pleasant smile.

His deep voice resonated, "Looks like the verdict is baby," as his enormous finger approached me, and I instinctively grasped it. His skin felt weathered, as if his hand had seen much use.

"What do we do now, mistress?" inquired a harsh feminine voice. I strained to see the speaker, but the area was dimly lit, filled with gray shadows and moving shapes.

A refined, almost musical, female voice replied, "Since this is an ancient ritual, we'll need to investigate further. This was a trial run, but at least we were able to summon—" She paused dramatically. "—something."

The harsh voice sighed in exasperation, "Yes, but what about the baby?"

By now, I had already pieced together part of what was happening. Initially, I thought I was either dreaming or in a coma, given that, well, I had died. However, their mention of an ancient ritual and summoning made me realize that I had reincarnated.

Though I couldn't stop the flood of my old memories rushing back, bringing with them waves of emotions, and... I just... want to cry.

The older man glanced up, "I'll care for the baby until we decide on a more permanent solution."

With audible delight, the musical voice continued, "It seems he's taken a liking to you. I'll leave him in your care. Inform me if you need anything else." The older man nodded, and a blinding flash accompanied by a loud THWOOSH sound followed. Startled, I began to cry.

The man holding me looked down with concern, immediately rocking me gently. His worried expression was oddly comforting. It was strange to find solace in the care of a stranger, someone who was not my kin but seemed determined to shield me.

I cried for a while longer until the soothing motion lulled me into a calm state, allowing the stress of recent events to finally catch up with me. As I drifted back into the abyss, I wondered what new dream awaited me.

-----------

The overwhelming fear of the unknown gnawed at my insides, mingling with the physical ache of hunger. Tears welled up, not just from the emptiness in my stomach, but from the overwhelming fear of the unknown.

What had become of me? Why was I here? Who had condemned me to this fate? The questions echoed relentlessly in my mind, each unanswered questions intensifying my sense of helplessness and despair.

The voice of the old man cut through the confusion, "Is the wet nurse ready yet?"

"She's just arrived, My Lord," a disembodied male voice replied.

The older man loomed over me, his expression fraught with concern. While his presence offered some comfort, I still felt a gnawing hunger for information. Wait, did that voice just call him, My Lord?

"Good, good. I'm lucky to have you as my right hand. You had the foresight to send for Mona before we even left the basement," The old man said, his gaze fixed on me with a furrowed brow.

"That's the job of a head butler, to anticipate your wishes," the butler replied.

My stomach growled in protest, the hunger clawing at me from within.

*DING*

Maximum HP reduced by 1 due to severe hunger.

HP? The fear in my heart grew as the questions piled up.

"Duke Calo, this is Mona, the wet nurse," a voice announced.

"Perfect! Mona, I am in need of your services," Duke Calo beckoned her over. I was lifted up, my empty stomach protesting. I felt some shuffling and saw Mona's chest approaching my face. I was pressed against it, her hand firmly on the back of my head.

*DING*

Tutorial Quest Received!

Fill your tiny stomach.

Reward: 10 EXP, Restoration of lost maximum HP.

I instinctively recoiled at the idea. In the old world, breastfeeding was obsolete due to advances in biological sciences. Despite the intense hunger, I tried to push my tiny body away from the soft breast. Mona's grip was firm, and my muscles were weak.

I cursed whoever framed me and forced me into this situation. Yet, faced with the choice of this or starvation, I steeled my resolve and drank.

The warm liquid, though conceptually repulsive, began to revive me. The panic I felt upon waking subsided as I drank, instinct guiding me through the unfamiliar sensation.

As I drank, the world around me seemed to shift. The room became clearer, revealing intricate carvings on the walls and a soft, ethereal glow that emanated from the ceiling.

Trying to distract myself, I reflected on what had transpired. I had died, that much was certain. But what was this quest? It's almost like… an RPG.

Having spent hours in VR RPGs on the ship, I was familiar with the concept. But this seemed far more real. Was this not a simulation? The conversation around me drew my attention.

"--was pregnant," Mona said.

"She wasn't," Calo replied, "This is a favor for one of the temples. Please put him to bed once you're finished." I sensed his embarrassment as a door latched shut. After a long while, another notification sounded.

*DING*

Quest Completed!

Reward: 10 EXP, Restoration of lost maximum HP

I stopped drinking, hoping fervently that this would be the only time I had to endure such an awkward situation. Mona gently released me from her chest, revealing her deep red hair and youthful, if plump, features. She looked at me with a warm smile.

After being placed on something soft, which I assumed was the aforementioned "bed," I drifted off into a dream of fixing a minor system deep in the bowels of the ship.