Recap of Chapter 3:
Losty's hunt for his second sugar mommy brought him face-to-face with Cassandra, the Wild Heiress, in the Stormbreaker Arena. Fierce, untamed, and reckless, she challenged him to a duel before a roaring crowd. Losty matched her storm with daring words and clever moves, earning her laughter and respect. By the night's end, Cassandra raised his hand in victory, acknowledging him as her equal. The system rewarded him with the skill Wild Bond and announced the next—and most dangerous—target: The Shadow Duchess.
The city never spoke her true name. To most, she was a whisper, a rumor, a figure wrapped in black silk and mystery. The Shadow Duchess ruled the underworld of Sex World—smugglers, assassins, spies, all answered to her hidden hand.
Losty leaned against the balcony of his rented suite, Cassandra's laughter from the tavern still echoing in his ears, when the system's panel flashed again:
[New Target: The Shadow Duchess – Mistress of Secrets]
Difficulty: Very High
Rewards: Unlock Sugar Palace Access
Special Condition: Approach only at night.
"Secrets, darkness, and danger," Losty murmured. "Sounds like my kind of woman."
But this conquest was different. Selena had been velvet temptation, Vivienne was sharp steel, Cassandra was wild fire. The Duchess? She was shadow itself.
That night, Losty made his way into the Black Veil District, where lanterns burned blue and streets twisted like a maze. Few dared walk there; those who did often vanished. A masked figure slipped from the alleys and pressed a sealed card into his hand before fading back into the dark.
The card was black, its ink silver. Only three words were written:
"Come alone. Midnight."
The appointed hour led him to the House of Ashes, an abandoned cathedral with shattered stained glass and hollow towers. Inside, candles flickered in spirals, leading him deeper into the ruin.
At the center, on a throne of broken stone, sat The Shadow Duchess.
Her presence was suffocating—draped in midnight silk, her face hidden beneath a lace mask, lips painted blood red. Rings gleamed on her fingers, but her voice was sharper than jewels.
"You walk into my house with no invitation," she said.
Losty smirked, stepping closer. "Your messenger seemed convincing."
She tilted her head, studying him. "I know who you are, Losty. Selena's toy. Vivienne's amusement. Cassandra's plaything. Do you think you can claim me as well?"
Losty's grin widened. "Not think. Know."
The system chimed faintly.
[Affection +5% | Current: 5%]
The Duchess rose, gliding across the stone floor with soundless steps. She circled him like a predator, her perfume a blend of smoke and roses.
"Boldness is cheap," she whispered. "I've seen men slit their brothers' throats to win my attention. What will you sacrifice?"
Losty turned his head, locking eyes with her shadowed gaze. "I'll sacrifice nothing. Because unlike them, I don't need to beg for your attention—you already can't stop testing me."
For a heartbeat, silence. Then the faintest curve touched her lips.
[Affection +10% | Current: 15%]
The Duchess snapped her fingers. From the shadows, masked assassins appeared, their blades gleaming.
"Survive the night," she said. "If you're still standing at dawn, perhaps you'll earn the right to speak to me again."
Losty's blood quickened, his smirk never fading.
The system pulsed.
[Special Event Activated: Trial of Shadows]
Objective: Survive 3 waves of assassins.
Bonus: Affection gains doubled during the trial.
Losty spun the dagger Cassandra had given him, fire in his eyes. "Finally, a challenge worth my time."
As the assassins lunged, the Duchess sat back down, watching him like a queen observing a game she had already won.
But Losty had no intention of losing.
To Be Continued…