The moonlight fell gently over the jade balcony of the Crimson Lotus Pavilion. The air shimmered with lingering spiritual energy. Priyanshu sat on the stone railing, swirling a cup of spirit wine in his hand while watching the city breathe below him.
Nyra had retired to cultivate. The Bloodfire Chimera lay dormant beneath the courtyard, now bonded to his soul.
And yet, his mind wasn't on power.
It was on her.
She entered quietly, her bare feet silent against the marble. The hem of her silver-embroidered dress trailed just behind, glowing faintly under the moonlight.
"Prince…Yadav," she said slowly.
He turned, his tone amused. "You're not one to knock, Lady Mei."
Lady Mei, the adopted daughter of Grand Duke Lu, was known for her exquisite beauty and devastating swordsmanship. But very few knew that she was also the secret head of the Moonlit Web, an underground network that traded intelligence among the six great clans.
She walked closer, her fingers brushing the edge of a moonflower as it bloomed under her touch. "You made the sky ripple yesterday. My spies say the Whispering Library was violated. That only happens when a Forbidden Law is consumed."
Priyanshu smiled without answering.
She tilted her head. "Are you a villain?"
He chuckled softly. "Would you hate me if I said yes?"
"No," she said, surprisingly calm. "Villains are simply those who write their stories with ink instead of permission."
There was silence.
Then she walked forward and placed a sealed scroll in his hand. "This came from the Black Wind Sect. A bounty. For a 'noble prince with two domains'… Seems someone's starting to notice you."
[System Alert]New Threat Detected: Black Wind Sect has issued a secret kill order against you.Reward: One Phoenix Feather, Three Divine-Grade Cores.Danger Level: ModerateOption Unlocked: Counter-Quest - Annihilate the Black Wind Sect's Branch before their assassin arrives.
Priyanshu's expression didn't change. He gently rolled the scroll and burned it between his fingers.
"Thank you for the warning," he said.
Lady Mei nodded. "You owe me."
He stood and walked toward her until they were inches apart. "Then come collect your payment."
She froze—but only for a heartbeat. "You're dangerous," she whispered.
"I'm patient," he corrected. "I only bite when I have to."
Then, without another word, she turned and vanished into the shadows she came from, leaving the scent of lotus perfume lingering in the air.
[Harem Affection +5: Lady Mei has developed a complicated interest.]
Priyanshu chuckled to himself.
"A flower planted in shadow," he murmured. "Grows in unexpected directions."
The game board was expanding.
And he had started planting his pawns.