.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 23: The Noble’s Competition.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

That night, Marlene decided to approach Lucien’s study again, where candles flickered softly over maps and scrolls. Kira issued a notification:

[Kira: New mission unlocked: Romantic approach to Lucien. Objective: Achieve a gesture of closeness that sparks trust and emotional connection. Reward: +1 Cunning, +1 Heart.]

Marlene took a deep breath and approached with silent steps, watching Lucien organize documents on his desk. With a shy but confident smile, she commented:

“I couldn’t help but notice these candles… they give the place a very… cozy feel.”

Lucien looked up, his gray eyes shining with curiosity.

“I’m glad you think so,” he replied in a softer tone than usual. “They’re from my favorite collection. They bring back childhood memories.”

Marlene’s heart fluttered slightly. Kira blinked with enthusiasm:

[Kira: Mission progress: initial approach successful. Maintain eye contact and light conversation. Partial reward: +1 Cunning.]

Marlene decided to take a small risk, and with a delicate gesture, she handed him a nearby scroll as she smiled:

“Maybe you could teach me how to read these maps… it seems you always know exactly where to go.”

Lucien carefully took the scroll, and their fingers brushed for a moment. The spark was brief, but enough for Kira to announce:

[Kira: Contact achieved.]

[Objective status:

❤❤ Lucien Devereaux (2/5).]

“I think that would be a good start,” Lucien said with a hint of a smile, revealing that trust was beginning to grow. “But you should know it’s not easy to earn my attention.”

Marlene blushed slightly, stifling a nervous giggle.

“I didn’t expect it to be easy…” she whispered. “But I would like to try.”

Lucien tilted his head, watching her with more personal interest.

“Alright then, let’s try,” he said, and the atmosphere was filled with a warm, delicate, and… exciting tension.

Kira issued its final notice:

[Kira: Mission completed. Romantic progress unlocked: +1 Cunning, +2 Heart. Lucien is a potential ally and an emotional risk at the same time. Stay calm and keep observing.]

Marlene smiled softly as she left the room, knowing that this small interaction had opened a door… a step closer to Lucien, but also a reminder that trust could become a weapon if not handled carefully.

The next day, Marlene’s mansion was unusually quiet that morning, broken only by the soft footsteps of the maids and the clinking of dishes being prepared for breakfast. As Marlene reviewed the documents and scrolls she had brought from her last visit to Lucien’s mansion, she couldn’t help but overhear fragments of conversation from the hallway.

“The day of the competition is approaching,” one of the maids said, her voice excited. “All the noblemen will get ready to ride horses and show their skill. It’s said that whoever hunts the most monsters will win significant recognition!”

“Yes,” another replied, pouring tea at the table. “The noble ladies, of course, stay in the safe zone, watching and cheering for our favorite knights… though some are whispering that there will be surprises this year.”

Marlene looked up, surprised. She had no idea that day was scheduled. The noble’s competition was a tradition known as both a spectacle of strength and skill and an opportunity for noblemen to prove their worth in front of everyone present. However, she didn’t think she, or even Dante and Max, had a direct connection to the event… until she heard a detail that put her on alert.

“They say some of the guests won’t just compete with each other but might also face real monsters,” the first maid continued, with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Those who manage to defeat the most creatures will gain reputation and… maybe contracts for future missions or alliances.”

Marlene frowned. The idea of attending as a spectator didn’t displease her entirely, but she felt a growing unease upon learning that it wasn’t just a social event but also a strategic opportunity that could involve her without her consent.

At that moment, Kira’s screen flickered in front of her, with an urgent and firm meow:

[Kira: Player, mission unlocked. Objective: Attend the noble’s competition and gather strategic information. Task: Observe the participants, take note of the most skilled men and potential allies. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each noble. Rewards: +2 Cunning, +1 Social Respect, unlock noble contacts. Difficulty: Medium-High.]

[Mission progress 5%]

“Go to the competition?” Marlene murmured, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not interested in riding horses or participating in monster battles…”

[It’s not about competing. It’s about information, strategy, and positioning. The nobles you see there could become allies, enemies, or valuable sources of information for future missions. Your presence is essential, human.]

Marlene sighed and decided to accept the situation. The competition would not only be a spectacle but also a strategic training ground. The next day, the mansion was filled with movement and preparation. The nobles were getting ready, checking their armor and expertly saddling their horses. The ladies, for their part, were guided to the safe zone, decorated with wooden grandstands, banners, and standards of each family.

“I don’t understand why they always leave us out of the action,” a young lady whispered to Marlene, with a hint of disgust. “We can barely clap and comment while the men show their bravery…”

Marlene smiled slightly, though internally she was evaluating every detail. The horses neighed, the nobles adjusted their swords and spears, and an air of competition and tension filled the field. Every gesture, every look among the competitors, could reveal alliances, rivalries, or even hidden secrets.

Dante appeared beside her, elegantly dressed, watching the spectacle with analytical eyes.

“Don’t underestimate anyone,” he warned her in a low voice. “This isn’t just a game of strength; it’s politics disguised as a competition. Every noble who defeats monsters can claim prestige that will later be used in strategic maneuvers.”

Max, for his part, crossed his arms and laughed softly:

“I just hope they don’t end up hurting the horses… or themselves. But it’s true, we must observe carefully. Any weakness we find here could be crucial for our future alliances.”

The competition began with a loud trumpet blast, and the horses galloped onto the field. The nobles, with spears and swords in hand, chased creatures that moved quickly across the terrain. Marlene watched intently, taking mental notes and remembering every detail that could be useful for her network of contacts and future strategies. Kira didn’t stop sending notices:

[Kira: Active observation. Detects noble with exceptional combat skill: +1 cunning. Potential strategic ally: tracking recommended.] [Mission progress 50%]

Valeria, as expected, had also made an appearance, elegantly dressed and with a smile full of intent. From her position, her eyes not only followed the competition but also Marlene and the other allies. Every one of her comments seemed to measure Marlene’s reaction, testing limits, evaluating character, and willpower.

“How interesting,” Valeria murmured, in a low voice. “To see how the men fight, how they face the monsters… and how the ladies are forced to watch, measure, and learn.”

Marlene felt a shiver run down her back. Even off the battlefield, Valeria found a way to exert influence and evaluate every player on this power board. She could not allow her concentration to falter.

Meanwhile, some nobles demonstrated surprising skills, defeating monsters with precision and strength. Others failed, showing clumsiness or overconfidence. Marlene mentally noted strengths and weaknesses, not only of the competitors but also of the horses and the terrain. Every detail could be useful for future missions, to anticipate Valeria’s moves, or to strategically position herself at court.

“Kira, any recommendations?” Marlene whispered while observing a young noble who seemed to stand out for his combat cunning.

[Kira: Yes, human. That noble could become a useful contact. Observe how he interacts with others, how he handles pressure, and what alliances he shows. Cunning +1, potential contact unlocked.]

As the sun began to descend, the competition reached its climax. The most skilled nobles stood firm, showing dexterity and courage, while the ladies, including Marlene, silently evaluated every movement. Although she did not participate directly, every decision and every observation became strategic pieces that would strengthen her position and prepare her for future missions.

In the end, Marlene understood that even an apparently simple event like a knights’ competition could be transformed into an invaluable source of information, contacts, and strategic lessons. Kira, with a satisfied meow, notified:

[Kira: Mission completed. Strategic observation and evaluation performed. Reward: +2 Cunning, +1 Social Respect, +1 potential noble contact. Note: Stay alert; Valeria is still present, watching and evaluating.]

Marlene smiled slightly, aware that she had survived a morning of tension disguised as a spectacle. The noble’s competition was not just a social event but strategic training, and she was more than ready to take advantage of every detail.

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