.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 20: The Shadow of a Dinner and the Name of Lucien.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The night breeze rustled the curtains on the palace balcony, and Marlene was in her room, mentally reviewing her recent encounters at court. She could still feel the discomfort of the meeting with Adrian, Valeria’s calculating attention, and the weight of Dante’s words about the importance of her every move.

It was at that moment that she heard, almost like a murmur through the walls, a rumor passed along by the maids: Valeria had organized a private dinner, an exclusive gathering with very particular guests. Among the names were Dante and Max, as expected, but also Adrian Blackthorn… and a name new to Marlene: Lucien.

Curiosity mixed with a slight unease in her chest. Valeria was not only extending her networks of influence; she was starting to gather the most relevant and dangerous men around her.

“Lucien… who are you?” Marlene whispered, biting her lip.

Just then, the system flashed before her eyes, and the notification she was now familiar with appeared:

[Kira: Attention, player! New mission unlocked.]

[Kira: “Get to know the mysterious Lucien.” Objective: discover his identity, motivations, and relationship with Valeria. Rewards: +2 Cunning, +1 Charisma, access to new secret information line.] [Mission progress 5%]

Marlene’s heart beat hard. Every mission was a test, a puzzle she had to solve if she wanted to stay on her feet at court. And now, this new name presented itself as a key piece.

“Lucien…” she repeated, this time with determination. “If Valeria wants him close, then I need to know why.”

She stood up with resolve and began to prepare a plan.

The next day, Marlene walked through the corridors of her mansion with a calm smile, greeting the servants and ladies-in-waiting she encountered. What seemed like a simple stroll was, in fact, an exercise in listening.

Every light conversation, every trivial comment, could hide a clue. Finally, in the gardens, she heard two young ladies laughing as they commented:

“They say Valeria invited Lucien with a letter written in her own hand…” one murmured, covering her mouth with a fan.

“Of course, and why wouldn’t she? He’s a difficult guest to ignore. Some say he has as much power as a duke, even without an official title…”

“Shh! Don’t talk so loudly. We don’t know who might be listening.”

Marlene discreetly looked away and pretended to observe the flowers, but inside, she noted every word. A man with power and enough influence for Valeria to consider him essential.

[Kira: Well done, player. +1 Deduction. You have unlocked the clue “Lucien, the man without a title.”] [mission progress 25%]

Marlene barely smiled. She liked it when the system confirmed her suspicions; it made her feel like she wasn’t walking blindly.

Later, in the palace tea room, she managed to join Dante and Max. The two seemed tense, as if something were bothering them.

“Marlene,” Dante greeted her. “I didn’t expect to see you so early.”

Max, in contrast, looked at her with a certain complicity. He was better at reading social environments and, without needing many words, he sensed that she was also aware of what was happening.

“I’ve heard rumors…” Marlene began cautiously, “about a private dinner that Valeria has organized.”

The silence between the three was brief but heavy. Dante watched her intently before responding:

“It’s true. And it’s not just any dinner. Valeria has framed it as a strategic meeting. She has invited those she considers key pieces for her network of influence.”

“And among those names is Lucien,” Max added, with a slightly ironic tone. “I’m not surprised you’re interested, Marlene.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Do you know him?”

Max clasped his hands on the table.

“Only by reputation. It’s said that Lucien comes from a minor family, but his skills have taken him to places few could reach. He has a reputation as a strategist, though others call him an opportunist.”

Dante nodded gravely.

“And if Valeria is seeking him out, it means he is not just a simple opportunist. He represents power, and power in the wrong hands is a danger.”

[Kira: Excellent! You have unlocked the clue “Lucien, strategist and opportunist.” New goal: provoke a direct meeting.] [mission progress 30%]

Marlene clutched the cup in her hands. She couldn’t allow Valeria to monopolize all the wills. If she wanted to survive this game, she had to know and understand Lucien before he decided which side he would be on.

That night, while writing at her desk, she reviewed everything she had learned. Lucien was a mystery, a hidden player in the court’s shadows. And Valeria had already made her first move by bringing him close for her private dinner.

The system lit up again before her:

[Kira: Reminder of active mission: “Get to know the mysterious Lucien.” Progress: 30%.]

[Kira: Tip: sometimes, an unexpected encounter can reveal more than a planned meeting. Look for the moment when Lucien appears without his social masks.]

Marlene smiled to herself, resting her chin on her hand.

“Then, Lucien… sooner or later we will cross paths. And when we do, I’ll be ready.”

The echo of her words hung in the room, accompanied by the certainty that the power games were just beginning.

[Objective Status:

Lucien Devereaux (0/5) ]

[Active Mission Progress: get to know him and unlock his first interaction. Stats: Cunning +2, Social Respect +1.]

                                                                                                                      ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥