The next morning, Ethan awoke not to the sun, but to a system notification blaring in his vision like an alarm clock built by lunatics.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
You survived a royal assassination attempt. That calls for celebration!
New Title Unlocked: "Wet Hero of the West Garden"
Bonus Perk: +5 Charisma when soaked. (-2 Dignity)
Warning: Title may attract unnecessary attention from scandal-hungry nobles.
He groaned, dragging his face across the silk pillow. "Charisma boost… for getting wet?"
The system pinged again.
[NEW QUEST CHAIN UNLOCKED]
"Dance of Daggers" — Part 2: Foxhunt
Objective: Attend the secret garden soirée hosted by Lady Virelle. Discover her allegiance.
Optional: Flirt your way into her inner circle.
Warning: Lady Virelle is extremely intelligent and likely more dangerous than she appears. Try not to die.
That evening, Ethan stood outside the famed Virelle Garden Villa on the palace's east side, bathed in lantern light and perfumed with rare dusk orchids. Courtiers mingled with crystal glasses, laughing too loudly, flirting too obviously, and betraying nothing of the real war beneath the niceties.
House Virelle was rumored to be aligned with both factions, depending on who you asked—and Lady Cecira Virelle, its most visible face, was often at the center of scandals, debates, and suspiciously timed resignations.
Ethan didn't even know what she looked like.
Until now.
She descended the central staircase in a red silk gown that hugged every curve like it was sewn from flame. Long auburn hair trailed behind her like a banner of seduction, and her amber eyes locked onto Ethan's like a predator spotting prey it hadn't yet decided whether to eat or marry.
"Lord Ethan," she said, approaching with a glass of wine balanced perfectly in her fingers. "I've been dying to meet you."
She wasn't just beautiful. She radiated intent.
Ethan bowed. "Lady Virelle. The pleasure is mine."
"Mm. I was wondering if the 'Wet Hero' would make an appearance." She winked. "It's all the court can talk about."
He chuckled. "Glad I could ruin someone's assassination attempt and your evening fashion gossip in one move."
Her smile sharpened. "You're more dangerous than you look."
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
WARNING: Lady Cecira Virelle possesses a 72% Manipulation Stat. Proceed with caution.
MINI-QUEST AVAILABLE: "Resist or Relent?"
Choose one:
– [Resist her seduction attempts. Gain political resistance. Lose charm points.]
– [Relent and seduce her instead. Gain influence. Risk losing sanity.]
Ethan mentally selected the third option: "Fake it till you figure it out."
"Lady Virelle," he said smoothly, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles with the perfect angle of deference and charm, "I hear you're the only woman in the palace more dangerous than poison in a wine glass."
"Darling," she replied, "that's only because I prefer poison in a kiss."
She led him to a private booth shaded by orchids. The guards, eunuchs, and other nobles kept a polite distance. Too polite.
"You've made waves since arriving," she said, swirling her wine. "And made allies. Princess Irelia, for example. You dive into fountains for her, hm?"
"You've done your homework."
She leaned in, scent of roses and secrets brushing his skin. "So have others. Tell me, Ethan—what is it you want? Money? Power? The Queen's eye?"
"I just want to avoid dying before breakfast," he said honestly.
She laughed. Not a dainty giggle—more like a velvet glove hiding claws. "Then we have something in common."
[SYSTEM INTERRUPTION]
WARNING: Truth Serum in effect.
Trigger Detected: Inhaled through scented candle at booth.
Status: Mind susceptible to suggestion. Countermeasures recommended.
Damn. That orchid scent wasn't just perfume. It was laced.
He shifted tactics. "Are you working for the Eastern Trade Guild?"
Her expression didn't change. But her fingers paused on her glass.
"Now why would you ask that?"
"Because I think we're both playing the same game. And I want to know if we're teammates or obstacles."
She stared at him, and for a long moment, the air turned colder despite the summer breeze.
"I'll tell you something honest, since you're feeling honest tonight," she said softly. "I don't trust factions. They're cages with fancy titles. I prefer leverage. And right now... you're very valuable."
Ethan felt the weight of her words.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
You have impressed Lady Virelle. Relationship Status: Flirtatiously Neutral.
New Trait: "Fox's Favor" unlocked. Once per day, charm rolls are boosted around noblewomen.
Then, a shout.
"Lady Virelle!"
A courier ran in—drenched in sweat, trembling. "There's been an incident at the Minister's Tower. One of the vaults was broken into. Arcane seals cracked. They think… they think someone's using forbidden sigils."
Her eyes narrowed. "Dismissed."
Ethan stood. "That was real."
"I know."
He stepped closer. "Let me help. I know things. Or rather… I have access to things no one else does."
He didn't mention the system, but she raised a brow, intrigued. "You're either bluffing or suicidal."
"Both," he said.
Then he leaned in.
"And if you don't let me help… someone else will. Someone who doesn't flirt before backstabbing."
She gave him a long, unreadable stare. Then her lips curved.
"Tomorrow night. The East Tower. Midnight. Bring a reason not to kill you."
And with that, she turned away, vanishing into the swirling crowd.
That night, in his chambers, Ethan collapsed on the bed and groaned.
"What the hell am I doing?"
[SYSTEM RESPONSE:]
You are currently seducing a political viper while dodging magical assassinations and hallucinating due to truth perfume. This is fine.
New Side Quest: "The Fox's Tail" — Steal Lady Virelle's private journal without being caught. Bonus if you read it out loud while she's nearby.
"I hate you."
Love you too, host.