The moment Aric emerged from the warehouse, a familiar tingling crept up his spine.
A shiver. A pulse. The System was waking up.
You Have Entered a High-Risk Scenario.
[ Ding! ]
[ System Notification: You have entered a High-Risk Scenario. ]
[ Betrayal Detected! Your actions have put you between two warring factions. The road of dominance becomes increasingly perilous. ]
[ New Quest Unlocked: Serpent in the Court ]
[ Objective: Gather intelligence on the inner circle of the Duke without making itself known.]
[ Reward:??? ]
[ Penalty for Failure: Instant System Punishment ]
Aric smiled. So, it finally woke up.
It had slept for too long, allowing him to roam unseen in the shadows without opposition. But now? Now, it was active once more.
And it wanted something from him.
---
---
It wasn't until Aric arrived back at the Duke's castle that the atmosphere thickened.
He walked through lit corridors, boots ringing off stone. Servants passed by with lowered heads, too timid to linger.
Something was different.
Aric made his way to the Duke's private quarters and knocked once.
"Enter," the cold voice growled.
The instant Aric pushed open the door, he knew—the Duke was wary.
The old man sat behind his desk, stirring a cup of wine, his face unyielding.
"You were slower than anticipated," the Duke said.
Aric smiled. "Had to make sure the job got done tidy."
The Duke's eyes narrowed. "Did you?"
Aric didn't even flinch. He'd done this dance before.
"Yes. The rebellion is smaller now."
The Duke sat back, studying him. The tension lingered—too long.
Then—
"I have a new mission for you," the Duke said.
Aric struggled not to release a sigh of relief. If the Duke suspected him, he would never have offered him another mission.
"Name it," Aric replied.
The Duke's lip curled. "I want you to be keeping an eye on someone."
Aric raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
The Duke sipped his wine. Then—
"Lady Evelyne."
---
---
Aric kept his cool face.
The Duke was testing him.
[ Ding! ]
[ System Notification: Warning! High-Risk Mission Detected. ]
[ Sub-Quest Activated: Deceive the Duke ]
[ Objective: Convincing the Duke of your loyalty while keeping Evelyne's secret alive.]
[ Failure:??? ]
Aric laughed, forcing his muscles to uncoil. "You think she's a traitor?"
The Duke regarded him calmly. "Let's just say… I question her loyalty."
Aric shrugged. "Then consider it done."
The Duke smiled once more, his lips curling up. "Good."
Aric stepped forward to go, but the Duke stopped him first—
"Oh, and Aric?"
Aric hesitated.
"If she is a traitor… you know what to do."
There was a pause of silence.
Then Aric grinned. "Of course."
He walked off without a second look.
But the moment he closed the door behind him, his heart started racing.
---
Aric walked through the castle corridors, his mind in a whirl.
Then the System spoke once more.
[ Ding! ]
[ Hidden Effect Triggered: Throne of Desire ]
[ Your current presence has greater impact on high-ranking nobles. ]
[ Effect: Lady Evelyne's resistance to your influence has dissipated. Your next meeting could be the turning point.]
Aric's smirk was back.
So that was how it was.
The System wasn't satisfied with him merely living.
It was not satisfied that he should simply exist.
And Evelyne?
She would fall further into his trap.