Aric leaned against the railing of the balcony in his quarters, looking out over the city. The wheels of his plan were finally in motion.
With Renfield in his grasp, the financing of the rebellion was assured. The Duke's coffers would run dry before he even knew they were missing.
Or at least, he hoped so.
A knock on the door brought him back from his daydreaming.
Aric turned, his face unreadable. "Enter."
A guard walked in, bowing. "My Lord, the Duke summoned an emergency gathering. He requests your attendance at the war chamber—now."
Aric's eyes narrowed.
An emergency gathering?
Something was amiss.
But he could not help himself.
Tightening his coat, Aric walked past the guard, keeping his curiosity hidden behind a pose of irritation.
Whatever the Duke had in store, he would be prepared.
---
The war room was dark, the torches casting shadows upon the stone walls covered with battle maps and strategy reports.
Several of the upper nobles were already seated--including Renfield.
The treasurer was pale, sweating beneath his robes.
Aric was sitting in his position at the head of the table, his mask-like face not changing.
Then the doors creaked open.
The Duke strode in, his heavy presence almost overpowering.
"Gentlemen," the Duke said, his words slow and measured. "We have an issue."
Aric did not even blink.
But he could sense Renfield tighten beside him.
The Duke's cold stare swept the room.
"I have reason to believe that there has been. financial misconduct in my treasury."
An uncomfortable silence fell.
Renfield's hand shook against the table.
Aric simply cocked his head.
"Misconduct?" he repeated, pretending to be confused. "That's a serious charge, Your Grace."
The Duke nodded. "Indeed."
He turned to Renfield. "Treasurer. What do you have to say?"
Renfield's throat bobbed. "I—I assure you, my Lord, everything is accounted for."
The Duke nodded forward, his eyes glinting. "Is that so?"
Renfield winced visibly.
Aric suppressed a smile.
The man was already disintegrating.
Pathetic.
---
---
The Duke gestured to a man standing in the shadows—a scribe with noble robes.
"This is Lord Valmont," the Duke said. "A renowned auditor. He will be making a complete financial audit of the treasury."
Aric's smirk came very close to failing.
An audit?
That was… inconvenient.
Renfield looked like he was about to faint.
Aric, however, remained composed.
"If there is truly nothing amiss," he said smoothly, "then I'm sure the treasurer has nothing to fear."
Renfield twitched.
The Duke studied him for a moment before nodding. "Precisely."
He turned back to the group. "Until the audit is complete, no funds will be moved without my direct approval."
Aric's mind raced.
This wasn't just a setback—it was a direct obstacle.
If the Duke locked down the treasury, the rebellion's funds would dry up.
He needed to act—fast.
---
The meeting ended shortly after, and as the nobles filtered out, Aric made sure to stay close to Renfield.
The treasurer was breathing heavily, his hands shaking as he fumbled with his robes.
Aric placed a firm hand on his shoulder. The contact made Renfield jump.
"Calm yourself," Aric murmured. "You're acting guilty."
Renfield looked up at him, terror in his eyes. "You don't get it! If they dig deep enough, they'll find inconsistencies. If Valmont discovers so much as a misplaced coin—"
Aric's grip on his arm tightened.
"Then we'll ensure he doesn't."
Renfield gulped. "How?"
Aric grinned. "By playing another game."
Renfield blinked. "I… I don't get it."
Aric leaned in.
"Let that be my concern."
---
As Aric turned away, the System tickled.
[ Ding! ]
[ New Side Quest Unlocked: Silent Manipulation. ]
[ Objective: Prevent the audit from being able to reveal the truth.
Options:
1. Bribe Lord Valmont.
2. Use Sovereign's Embrace to bias the result of his audit.
3. Kill him before he finishes the audit.
Reward: ??? ????
Aric's smile grew wider.
He had three options.
And failure was not one of them.