.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 6 – Choice of Force and Shadows.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The echo of the intrusion still vibrated within the palace walls. The nobles murmured among themselves, whispers filled with fear and curiosity, as if the slightest movement of the intruder could resurrect ghosts. The air was thick with tension, and Marlene felt every gaze pierce her like an invisible dagger.

The system glowed before her:

[MAIN QUEST: Resolve the intruder’s conflict]

[Options:

·         Support Dante → Reward: +1 heart with Dante. (Diplomatic option)

·         Support Max → Reward: +1 heart with Max. (Forceful option)]

[Quest progress: 40%]

[Objective status:

❤❤❤Dante Inovov: (3/5)

❤❤Max Smirnov: (2/5)]

[Kira: Attention, human! This choice could sway the course of your relationship with both. Think carefully before deciding.]

Marlene closed her eyes for a moment, seeking calm amid the chaos. Dante represented influence, power, and political protection, but his cold, scrutinizing gaze intimidated her. Max, on the other hand, was a wall of strength and loyalty, someone who would put his life before hers.

If I trust Dante, I gain authority… but also too many watchful eyes, she thought. If I trust Max, I gain protection… but perhaps the nobles will think I prefer a knight to a prince.

She took a deep breath, remembering the tension that still lingered in the shadows of the hall. Every word counted, every measured gesture could give her away.

“I believe… that Max is right,” Marlene said finally, in a voice that was firm yet elegant. “The intruder did not act alone, and someone must get the truth with decisiveness and speed.”

The silence that followed was absolute. Dante turned to her, his eyes like deep ice:

“Are you sure of your choice, Miss Volkov?” he asked, in a tone that mixed curiosity and disapproval.

Marlene nodded slightly.

“Yes, Your Highness. His strength will be necessary to unravel this mystery before it causes more harm.”

Max stepped forward, his jaw set, his gaze determined.

“Thank you, Miss Volkov. I won’t let you down.” His voice boomed with authority, and a murmur ran through the room: the nobles began to exchange glances, surprised by Marlene’s firmness.

The captain of the guards, holding the captured intruder, spoke:

“Gentlemen, we have secured the intruder. We found maps with routes to the private rooms and strange symbols on his clothes.”

The intruder, hooded and breathing with difficulty, raised his head. His eyes shone with a fierce hatred.

“I am nothing more than a pawn… and the shadows never walk alone,” he spat in a hoarse voice, defying the entire hall.

Marlene looked at Max.

“Proceed with caution,” she whispered, letting him handle the interrogation without breaking her villainess facade.

[Kira: Quest progress updated. Affinity with Max +1 heart. Dante watches with suspicion. Keep your identity intact.]

[Objective Status:

❤❤❤Dante Inovov: (3/5)

❤❤❤Max Smirnov: (3/5)]

Max leaned toward the intruder, his voice firm and direct:

“Speak. Every word you say will decide your fate.”

The intruder gave a twisted smile:

“Do you think you know everything about me?” he muttered. “There is someone in this palace who suspects nothing… but knows your secret, Volkov.”

Marlene felt a shiver. A clue that the system highlighted immediately:

[Emergency side quest: Intruder’s clue discovered. The intruder knows something about your true identity. Investigate who might be secretly watching you.]

Dante tensed, his gaze fixed on Marlene, as if measuring every gesture, while Max continued to press the intruder firmly.

The nobles murmured with growing unease:

“A conspiracy inside the palace!”

“Who could be aware of these shadows?”

Marlene swallowed, feeling adrenaline course through her body. The choice was made: she had trusted Max, but every word from the intruder reminded her that her identity was still in danger. The novel she was living was more dangerous than any political calculation.

The system blinked softly, showing the quest progress: 60%.

[Kira: Well done, human. You have chosen strength over influence. Your physical protection is secured, but your secrets are still vulnerable. Investigate discreetly and maintain your facade. Every action now will decide your future.]

Marlene watched the intruder, aware that every clue she obtained could change the course of her story, and that the more strength she showed, the closer she would be to dominating this world and protecting herself.

The game of shadows had just begun, and Marlene knew that, although the night had passed the first danger, the secrets hidden inside the palace were only just beginning to reveal their true face.

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