The palace was a maze of whispered secrets and hidden agendas, and Seraphina felt every eye watching her as she returned from the rebel camp. Though she was now the Duke's fiancée, many nobles still treated her like a condemned criminal.
In the grand hall, a group of high-ranking ladies clustered, their jeweled fans fluttering like poisonous butterflies.
"Did you see her stumble during the training? Such a clumsy fiancée for the Final Boss," one whispered sharply.
Seraphina caught the words, but kept her expression calm, masking the sting beneath.
> [System Notice]
Favorability with Nobles: Low
Suggested Action: Attend the Royal Ball and secure allies.
A royal ball? A trap or an opportunity?
Her first lesson in survival had been battle. Now it was politics.
---
The night of the ball arrived with a swirl of silk and scent of roses. Seraphina's crimson gown shimmered under the chandeliers, carefully mended and cleaned by the palace seamstresses. Her silver hair was braided with delicate black ribbons, framing her glowing red eyes.
As she entered the ballroom, the crowd parted, murmuring in surprise and judgment.
From the far end, Kaelrith appeared, impeccably dressed in black velvet and silver embroidery. His eyes met hers with a flicker of something unreadable.
He approached, voice low but commanding. "Remember, Seraphina, this is a game of masks. Choose yours wisely."
She nodded, swallowing her nerves.
---
Throughout the night, nobles danced, schemed, and drank. Seraphina moved carefully, exchanging polite words and measured smiles.
A tall, handsome lord approached, bowing deeply. "Lady Seraphina, may I have this dance?"
She accepted, masking her suspicion.
"Your engagement to Duke Kaelrith has shocked the court," he said quietly. "What game are you playing?"
"I play only to survive," she replied smoothly. "And perhaps to change fate."
The lord smiled faintly. "A dangerous ambition. Be wary."
---
Later, Seraphina found herself alone in a quiet alcove when footsteps approached.
It was Elric, the Crown Prince.
His smile was cold. "You think marrying Kaelrith will save you? You're a pawn, Seraphina. A failed one."
She held his gaze. "Better a pawn than a victim."
He laughed darkly. "We shall see."
---
When Kaelrith returned to her side, Seraphina whispered, "They're plotting against me."
His eyes narrowed. "Then we make them regret it."
The night closed in around them, filled with whispered threats and unspoken alliances.
---
> [System Update]
Mission Progress: 25%
Favorability with Duke Kaelrith: 20
Favorability with Nobles: 5
Warning: Emotional attachment rising.
Seraphina clenched her fists.
She had entered the game to survive.
But now she wondered if she was playing for something more.
---