The lamps of Raigad flickered even though there was no wind.
Sambhaji Maharaj sat silently on the low throne, not as a ruler demanding respect—but as a hunter waiting for a careless step.
The court was full.
And yet…
The System whispered.
⚠ Hidden Hostility Detected – 3 Sources
Probability of coordinated manipulation: 71%
He slowly closed his eyes.
Not to escape.
To listen.
A familiar voice rose from the left side of the court.
A minister spoke sweet words about border security.
But the golden pulse around his chest flickered violently.
False loyalty.
Half-truth planning.
Delay tactics.
Sambhaji lifted his hand.
The entire court froze.
"Bring me yesterday's coastal patrol report."
The minister hesitated.
Just one breath too long.
🧠 Court Perception – Pattern Match Complete
Data conflict detected.
The scroll was opened.
And the lie stood naked.
A missing watchtower update.
A supply route "accidentally" removed.
Sambhaji did not shout.
That would be weakness.
He only said one line.
"You erased three villages from a route map."
The hall went silent.
The minister collapsed to his knees.
The mask fell.
The betrayal had already begun.
🔔 SYSTEM EVENT
Sub-Quest Completed – Silent Blade
Reward:
→ Political Stability +6
→ Hidden Reputation: Unforgiving but Fair
But inside Sambhaji's chest…
there was no satisfaction.
Only realization.
The enemies of Swarajya would not always come with swords.
That night, while the fort slept, a shadow slipped beyond the outer wall.
A messenger.
Running south.
Running fast.
Running toward the Mughal camps.
And the System watched him disappear