[New Quest: Jealousy is a Flame]
Objective: Cause Marienne Astor to lose her composure publicly in front of Crown Prince Kaelion.
Reward: Skill Unlock – Social Mastery Lv. 1, +20 Influence, Kaelion Affection +5 (if successful)
Warning: Public failure will reduce Reputation by 15 points.
Selene entered the ballroom in a gown of obsidian silk, slit high at the thigh, her emerald pendant glowing subtly against her skin.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Whispers followed like shadows.
"Is that Lady Virellia?"
"She's… never worn black before."
"She looks like a dark queen."
Perfect.
She spotted Kaelion across the hall, flanked by nobles and political heirs. Regal. Untouchable.
But his eyes found hers in seconds.
And he froze.
[System Alert: Target stunned. Affection -2 → +1]
Moments Later
"Lady Selene!" Marienne's voice rang out sweetly — too sweet.
She crossed the hall in a pale blue gown, clinging to Kaelion's arm, wearing the smile of a woman who knew how to win in public… and poison in private.
"You look well," Marienne said. "Though I suppose black is the color of mourning. Still grieving something?"
Selene smiled coolly. "Only wasted time."
Gasps.
Marienne stiffened, just a flicker. "Wasted…?"
"With people who pretend to be innocent while digging graves with their smiles."
[System Alert: Verbal Strike Delivered. Marienne's Jealousy +10. Kaelion's interest: Sparked.]
Kaelion looked between them, gaze narrowing.
"Is there something I'm missing?" he asked.
"No," Selene said smoothly. "Just a reminder that not every rose in this ballroom is what it seems. Some hide thorns behind lace."
She stepped forward, brushing past Marienne — deliberately close to Kaelion.
"You're fond of roses, aren't you, Your Highness?" she asked softly, letting her hand trail the stem of the flower pinned to his chest.
[Touch bonus: +5 Affection. Quest timer: Active. Marienne Composure: Breaking…]
Marienne's voice rose — too fast, too high.
"She's manipulating you again, Kaelion! Don't let her—!"
The music halted.
Everyone stared.
Kaelion turned sharply. "Lady Astor."
She froze.
"You're shouting."
Dead silence.
[System Alert: Quest Complete. Marienne's Composure: Shattered. Public Scene Triggered.]
Reward Unlocked: Social Mastery Lv. 1. Kaelion Affection: +5 → +6. Influence: +20]
Selene curtsied with calm grace. "Pardon me, Your Highness. I didn't mean to cause a scene."
Kaelion looked down at her, unreadable… but his lips curved slightly.
And for the first time, he said her name.
"Selene."
[New Quest Incoming: "The Crown's Invitation" — A private dinner. Accept or Decline?]