[New Quest: Digging for Blood]
Objective: Infiltrate the Astor family's private records. Extract proof of conspiracy.
Optional: Do not get caught.
Reward: Political Espionage Lv. 1, Bonus Influence +30, and Unlocked Dialogue Path with Kaelion
Night — Astor Family Garden Party
Nobles twirled in gold and crystal. Champagne glasses shimmered. Laughter was too loud.
Selene moved like shadow through it all — flawless in a scarlet gown, a mask of politeness hiding the storm within.
Marienne was glowing tonight — innocent, angelic, beloved.
But Selene had no time for games.
[System Ping: Secret passage detected beneath Astor Garden Greenhouse. Coordinates mapped.]
She slipped away — weaving past guards, into moonlight, into vines and roses and shadows.
In the Garden Vault
A stone door. Sealed with runes.
She reached for the lock — when a whisper cut through the dark.
"You shouldn't be here."
Selene spun, heart pounding—ready to lie, to strike—
But the man who emerged from the hedge shadows was tall, dark-haired, with violet eyes and a mocking smirk.
"Name's Lucien. Let me guess… you're not here for the plants?"
She hesitated. "Who sent you?"
"I follow gold and secrets," he said. "And right now, you smell like both."
[System Alert: Ally Potential Detected. Personality: Chaotic Neutral. Skill: Stealth Lv. 6]
Lucien knelt beside the lock, cracked it in seconds. "Go. I'll watch the exit."
Selene descended into the vault — her breath shallow, firelight flickering along rows of sealed scrolls and black-bound ledgers.
She Found It
A scroll stamped with the royal court's sigil and signed in red wax.
A list of accused traitors.
Her name… was on it.
But so was Marienne's.
Except hers was marked: "Pardoned under Clause 17. Hidden Identity."
Selene froze.
Clause 17. Reserved only for high-ranking spies… or royal bastards.
"Who are you really, Marienne?" she whispered.
Suddenly — Footsteps Above
Guards. Too close.
She sprinted for the exit—
Only to find Kaelion standing in the garden path, alone, arms crossed.
His gaze was unreadable.
"You're going to get yourself executed," he said.
She didn't deny it.
"I already have," she whispered.
[System Alert: Affection Spike. Kaelion +11 → +18.]
He looked away, jaw tight. Then he stepped aside.
"Go. I'll tell them you got lost."
Selene passed him slowly, her fingers brushing his hand—deliberately.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"…Don't make me regret it."
[System Alert: New Romantic Path Triggered – The Crown's Protection. Kaelion will now subconsciously protect your reputation in public.]
Next Quest: "Expose the Hidden Name."
Selene looked down at the scroll in her hands.
The name under Clause 17 was sealed.
But not for long.