The council chamber echoed with chaos. Dozens of nobles, merchants, and knights all shouting at once.
But Selene only heard one voice.
Her own.
"I will not marry for power," she said, her words slicing the room. "Because I am the power."
Silence dropped like a blade.
Kaelion stared at her with a flash of something unfamiliar — admiration… and fear.
Lucien's smirk didn't waver. "Then I'll see you on the battlefield, my lady."
Three Hours Later — Virellia Estate Ruins
She returned to her family's long-abandoned estate. Stones cracked. Walls burnt. Once glorious — now forgotten.
But not for long.
She stood on the scorched foundation.
"I want this rebuilt."
A hooded figure stepped from the shadows.
"You have no coin, no army, and no political shield."
"I have my name," Selene replied. "And I have enemies. That's all the leverage I need."
[System Alert: Empire-Breaker Route Activated. New Function: Territory Control Unlocked.]
Objective: Reclaim the Virellia estate. Convert it into your seat of power within 10 days.
Reward: Noble Influence +50, Empire Tax Revenue Access, New Army Branch: Ghost Guard.
The First Ally
He emerged from the shadows like a rumor in human form.
Tall. One arm missing. Face hidden behind a dragonbone mask.
"You called for loyalists?" he asked.
Selene nodded. "What's your price?"
"I don't want gold," he rasped. "I want revenge."
She offered her hand.
"Then you'll have a throne to burn beside me."
The Final Scene
That night, Selene stood at the heart of her ruined house.
The moon burned bright overhead.
Stone by stone, her empire would rise.
And when it did…
They would kneel — not to her love story.
But to her crown.