[ Age: 5 Years ]
The Grand Hall of the Noble Summit was a battlefield of words and power. Every conversation carried weight, every exchange held hidden intentions, and every noble present sought advantage in a kingdom governed by strategy.
Lucien Silver Star knew this well.
He had spent the past hours carefully observing, listening, and—most importantly—planting his seeds of corruption.
The young noblewoman, whose father silenced her voice, had begun to think differently.
The heir to House Aldric, uncertain in his role, now felt an unnamed ambition brewing within him.
These were small victories.
But even the largest empires were built brick by brick.
And he was just getting started.
---
### The Gathering of Power
As the summit progressed, discussions escalated to the fate of Maurya's borders. The conflict with the Demon Clans had worsened, and war now seemed inevitable.
House Varyn, masters of warfare, had their solution ready—a full-scale military campaign, eradication of the demon threat, and territorial expansion under human rule.
House Nyx, the mage faction, hesitated, warning that demons were deeply entrenched in the arcane arts. Their magic was not easily countered, nor was their loyalty to their own kin easily broken.
House Aldric voiced concern over the economic costs of war, knowing that prolonged conflict could bleed the kingdom's treasury dry.
And House Ashen?
They said nothing.
Instead, their spies watched. Their agents listened. Their rulers stayed in the shadows, gathering information rather than wasting words.
This was how power worked—not in grand displays, but in the quiet movements that dictated the future.
And Lucien studied them all.
---
### The First Exchange of Influence
Near the end of the summit, Lucien found himself alone in a garden terrace, the echoes of noble discussions still carrying through the halls behind him.
He was not unattended—his elder brothers lingered nearby, dismissing him with idle conversation about their future inheritance, their plans to secure the family's legacy.
Lucien let them talk.
They saw him as insignificant—a mere third son without claim to power.
Good.
That was exactly how he wanted them to see him.
But the true opportunity arrived minutes later when Lord Aldric's son—the heir he had planted ambition within—wandered onto the terrace, brow furrowed in thought.
Lucien approached, his expression soft, curious—childlike innocence perfectly crafted.
"I liked your speech about trade earlier," he said gently, standing beside the boy who was nearly twice his age. "It sounded really smart."
The heir blinked, surprised. "You… you think so?"
Lucian nodded. "I want to learn more. You seem like you'd be a really strong leader one day."
A harmless compliment.
And yet, it carried weight.
Because Lucien was not just speaking—he was weaving his influence, pushing thoughts deeper into the boy's subconscious.
"You will be powerful. You will lead your house. You will make choices that change the kingdom."
The boy's eyes flickered, a brief hesitation before he spoke again.
"I… suppose I will," he murmured, the hint of confidence new in his voice.
[Corruption Progress: 17% – Mental Instability Stage]
The seed was growing.
LUCIEN smiled.
He had taken the first steps toward reshaping the nobility itself.