The next morning came with whispers.
Soft, slinking things that slid between servant lips and noble heels. A forged letter had reached Steward Renlan—a man whose sharp eyes had overseen House Valen's records for over two decades.
"She wrote it herself?"
"No. The ink's not hers."
"But it bears her seal…"
"Lady Serena never made it to the tea. Yet somehow, this arrived before the Queen's guard."
Lady Serena Valen sat at her vanity, brushing her hair with slow, deliberate strokes. Her reflection stared back—no longer empty, but alive with cold fire.
A knock.
"Lady Serena," her maid, Maris, called gently. "The steward requests your presence. Something's wrong with your signature on a letter."
It begins.
She stood, smoothing the front of her slate-gray morning gown. No embroidery. No jewels. Just quiet elegance—and a mind sharpened like a dagger.
---
Steward Renlan's study smelled of wax and crushed violets. Her mother, Lady Camira Valen, sat stiffly in a corner, reading the letter with shaking hands. Across the room stood Alina Valen, her half-sister, in soft rose silk and a practiced expression of concern.
"My daughter," Lady Camira hissed. "You did not attend the tea. And yet this letter was delivered to the Queen's attendant from your seal."
"I never wrote it," Serena replied, stepping forward calmly. "Someone forged my words."
"But the seal…" Steward Renlan said.
Serena tilted her head. "Where was the seal kept?"
"In your desk drawer, as always."
"And who had access to my chambers yesterday morning?"
Alina's gaze flicked sideways—just for a second. It was all Serena needed.
> [Optional Mission: Shift suspicion without naming your sister.]
Reward: Shadowbrand — Temporarily silence a room for 5 minutes.
Penalty: None.
The system's whisper came like wind over glass.
Serena smiled faintly.
"I noticed Maris—my maid—lingering by my desk yesterday," Serena said, turning slowly. "I thought nothing of it at the time."
Maris, who had just entered with tea, dropped the tray.
"My Lady?" she whispered. "I—I was placing your gloves—"
"Were you?" Serena's voice was calm. "Then you won't mind a search of your quarters."
---
Within minutes, a crushed wax seal identical to Serena's turned up in Maris's apron pocket. Planted, of course. But it didn't matter.
Steward Renlan stood. "She must be punished. A public whipping. Theft and forgery under the house seal demand it."
Maris turned pale. "My lady, I swear—"
Serena looked at her. Really looked. The girl had served her for four years. She was kind, forgetful, often flustered but loyal.
But if Serena spared her now, the forged letter would become a mark on her own name. Alina's real goal wasn't the letter—it was to smear Serena's reputation just before the Queen's Selection. The trap had been laid perfectly.
> [Ruthless Decision Opportunity: Accept Maris's punishment to protect your status.]
Reward: Mind Sigil – Grants immunity to one illusion-based attack.]
Warning: Mercy may slow revenge progress.
Serena hesitated.
She remembered Maris braiding her hair as a child. Humming lullabies when Lady Camira's temper flared. She remembered warmth.
But she also remembered being dragged in chains through the palace court.
She turned to Steward Renlan. "Do as the law requires."
Maris let out a strangled sob. "Please, Lady Serena—I didn't—!"
Serena didn't look back. She left the room with ice in her spine and the weight of the system at her back.
> [Mission Complete.]
Reward acquired: Mind Sigil.
Hidden Trait Unlocked: Cold Grace – Increases persuasiveness when emotionless.]
---
Back in her room, Serena sat silently on her bed. She waited until the sounds of Maris's punishment echoed faintly through the estate courtyard.
She covered her ears.
Only then did she let the tears fall—hot and silent—where no one could see.
> "There's no justice without sacrifice," the system whispered again.
---