The palace, with all its glittering beauty and delicate customs, had begun to feel more like a well-decorated cage. Liora knew she couldn't just linger in the Crown Prince's shadow forever not when a target was painted on her back and the System kept reminding her time was ticking.
[21 Days Remaining.]
[Objective: Gather evidence against the Prime Minister.]
She paced her small room restlessly. How does a courtesan investigate one of the most powerful men in the empire? He had eyes everywhere advisors, guards, and a network of spies woven so deeply into court life it was impossible to tell who reported to him.
Still, she had one advantage: no one expected her to be clever.
Over the next few days, Liora kept her head down and her ears open. She began chatting with maids in the laundry rooms, scribes near the court, and even low-ranking guards. All under the guise of idle curiosity.
It was in the kitchens that she first heard something useful. Two cooks were gossiping over steamed buns.
They say the Prime Minister's assistant has been going to the Western Wing more often lately," one whispered. "Strange, since that area's reserved for old records and scrolls."
"Probably nothing, the other said, shaking his head. "Or maybe he's hiding something there.
Liora latched onto the information.
That night, she slipped out of her quarters under the pretense of fetching tea. With the palace asleep, she crept through the servant tunnels narrow passages behind the walls that only staff used.
The Western Wing was silent. Dust hung in the air, and the scent of old parchment clung to the stone. Scrolls lined the walls, bound in faded red silk.
She was just turning a corner when she heard voices.
Liora pressed herself behind a pillar, holding her breath.
we need to move faster. If His Highness strengthens the eastern garrisons, we lose our window, a man said in a low, clipped voice.
The shipments are delayed. Smuggling weapons into the southern barracks takes time.
Liora's blood went cold. Weapons? Eastern garrisons?
Then bribe the inspector. I'll handle the rest.
The second voice was quieter but unmistakably cold measured, with the sharpness of authority. She peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of silk robes embroidered with plum blossoms.
The Prime Minister.
He handed a scroll to his aide, then turned to leave. Liora ducked back just in time, heart pounding as footsteps faded down the hall.
[System Notification: Objective Progress 40%. Evidence Identified: Illegal Arms Movement.]
She let out a shaky breath. I need more. Something undeniable.
Later that evening, she was summoned to the Crown Prince's chambers. She expected his usual cold demeanor, but tonight, something was different.
He was seated on a cushion, wine untouched beside him, staring into the brazier's flames.
"You're quiet, he said as she entered.
"I was thinking." She knelt beside him carefully. About… loyalty. And betrayal.
He gave her a sidelong glance. Interesting choice of topic.
Liora hesitated. If someone close to you was disloyal… what would you do?
His lips thinned. "Treason is paid for in blood.
She swallowed. "Even if they were family?
He didn't answer immediately. The firelight flickered in his eyes. "Especially them.
Liora reached slowly into her sleeve and pulled out the folded parchment she'd swiped from the Western Wing a copy of the supply schedule with strange notations that didn't match the official records.
"I found this, she said softly. "Hidden. Marked with altered delivery dates for the southern route.
He took it from her without a word. As he read, his jaw tightened.
"This is real, he said at last, voice low and dangerous. "Where did you find it?
She told him everything carefully omitting her eavesdropping and adding just enough confusion to seem harmless.
When she finished, the Prince was silent. Then he said, almost absently, "You could have been killed."
"I know.
Why take the risk?"
Liora met his eyes. "Because someone's trying to destroy you. And I… I don't want to lose you.
Something in his expression flickered. He stood and turned away, hiding whatever emotion had just cracked through his mask.
You've done enough for now," he said quietly. "Go. And don't tell anyone what you've seen.
As she stepped out of the chamber, the System chimed again:
[Mission Progress: 60% – Trust Gained.]
Liora exhaled slowly, clutching the folds of her robe.
The Prime Minister's planning a coup.
And she was the only one who knew how deep it ran.