[ Age: 6 Years ]
The echoes of the Noble Summit had faded, but Lucien Silver Star's influence remained.
The seeds he had planted within House Aldric's heir and the young noblewoman were beginning to bear fruit.
Their thoughts shifted, their choices altered—subtle changes, barely noticeable to outsiders, but clear signs of his growing reach.
And this was only the beginning.
---
### The Expansion of Influence
House Silver Star, though influential, was not the most powerful among Maurya's noble factions. His father commanded respect, but his two elder brothers held priority, already training to one day inherit the family's wealth and influence.
Lucien, the third son, was ignored.
Good.
That meant no one watched him closely.
And when no one watches, it is easier to move unseen.
Step by step, he expanded his control—not through force, but through whispers, gestures, and perfectly placed words.
He approached servants, offering innocent conversation, planting thoughts that made them favor him over his brothers.
He spoke to his mother, ensuring her devotion to him deepened, securing her as his shield against those who sought to diminish him.
His Corruption Progress ticked upwards with every carefully calculated interaction.
---
### The First Manipulation of Power
His opportunity came unexpectedly—an estate banquet, hosted for visiting noble families, including House Aldric.
Lord Aldric arrived with his son, the heir who had been slowly corrupted, his thoughts shaped by Lucien's subtle influence.
It was time to test the next phase.
As the banquet unfolded, Lucien approached the boy, feigning innocent curiosity as they spoke.
"I heard your father wants to expand trade alliances," he mused. "Does he let you help with the decisions?"
The boy hesitated. "He says I'm too young."
Lucien smiled gently—a perfectly calculated expression, warm yet suggestive.
"I think you could make great decisions," he said, weaving influence into his words. "You already understand trade better than most adults."
The boy's eyes flickered, uncertainty shifting into confidence.
[Corruption Progress: 28% – Mental Instability Stage]
He would soon begin challenging his father's control, asserting his own influence within House Aldric.
Another piece on Lucien's ever-growing board.
---
### The Beginning of a Network
Lucien understood power.
It was not won in battle, nor was it seized through brute force.
It was built—layer by layer, woven through influence, expanding through manipulation, not aggression.
And his network was growing.
Soon, the nobles, the servants, the women drawn to his presence—they would all become pieces of his empire.
He would not take one throne.
He would take them all.