By the end of the game, I had lost miserably but I had also laughed more in one hour than I had in the entire day.
I barely had time to process that rare moment of lightness before a familiar voice echoed in my mind.
[ New Mission: Win at least one round of this game. You're embarrassing me. ]
I choked.
I didn't even have time to argue before the system continued.
[ Reward: A new skill Political Acumen (Passive). Your ability to detect lies, manipulate negotiations, and navigate royal court intrigue will improve. Because, let's be honest, you need it. ]
I straightened in my chair.
That… was actually useful.
Winning a game of cards might not sound like the most dignified way to unlock a political ability, but I wasn't about to question the system's logic. If it wanted to hand me an advantage in this absurd court of tyranny, I was taking it.
I glanced at my mother, who was absentmindedly twirling a coin between her fingers while she observed me with a knowing smirk.
