Age: 8 Years
The gathering in House Nyx had served its purpose—Lucienhad successfully introduced himself to noble society, leaving whispers of intrigue trailing behind him. His first target, Sir Aldric Nyx, had taken notice.
And that was enough for now.
But his system quest demanded three agents, not one.
To expand his influence beyond sheer combat power, he required a political strategist and a manipulator—someone with cunning, someone who understood secrets, deception, and how to turn information into control.
And tonight, he would find the second piece of his empire.
---
### The Web of Politics
The Kingdom of Maurya had long been divided among noble factions, each vying for control in different ways:
- House Varyn ruled through military strength.
- House Nyx controlled magic and knowledge.
- House Aldric dictated wealth and trade.
- House Ashen operated from the shadows, gathering intelligence unseen by others.
Each house had its strengths and weaknesses, but true power came from those who could navigate these shifting alliances.
And Lucien needed a political ally who could help him navigate, manipulate, and bend noble society in his favor.
That was when his All-Seeing Eyes activated once more, signaling the presence of a promising candidate.
---
### [SYSTEM WINDOW – ACTIVATED]
His vision sharpened, scanning the room. Text appeared before him, overlaying one particular noble—a young girl, standing among House Aldric's gathering, her demeanor calm yet calculating, observing conversations like a scholar studying a puzzle.
---
[Political Strategist – Corruption Susceptibility: High]
- Strengths: Mastermind-level intellect, understands noble hierarchy, sharp with alliances.
- Weaknesses: Overly cautious, reluctant to fully trust others.
- Hidden Potential: Could become an elite tactician, invaluable for long-term influence.
---
A perfect match.
Her name was Sylva Aldric—the second daughter of House Aldric, often dismissed in favor of her elder siblings, rarely spoken about but always present.
Overlooked. Undervalued. Yet brilliant.
He had found his strategist.
---
### A Conversation of Hidden Meaning
Lucien positioned himself carefully, ensuring their paths crossed naturally, as if by chance.
"I've heard many speak highly of House Aldric's economic decisions," he remarked casually, stepping beside her as she observed the ongoing discussions. "Yet I wonder—do they ever listen to you?"
Sylva turned, measuring him with sharp green eyes.
"No," she admitted, the faintest trace of annoyance in her tone. "My father listens to numbers, not voices."
A perfect weakness to exploit.
Lucien smiled—soft, understanding, yet subtly intriguing.
"That is a mistake," he said simply. "If they listened to you, they would see things much more clearly."
Sylva paused, her gaze narrowing ever so slightly.
Interest.
Curiosity.
And just the first whispers of potential loyalty.
---
### The Beginning of Influence
Lucien did not press further. Influence was not gained in a single conversation—it was built slowly, allowing doubt and intrigue to grow naturally.
Tonight, Sylva would remember their exchange.
Tonight, she would begin thinking differently.
And thinking differently was the first step toward becoming part of his empire.
[Corruption Progress: 18% – Mental Instability Stage]
The second thread had been pulled.
And soon, House Aldric itself would unknowingly serve him.