The court was abuzz with whispers. Ministers wore tense expressions, messengers moved faster than usual, and servants flinched at shadows.
Something had shifted.
Liora felt it the moment she returned to the court. Her side still ached, but the wound was healing physically, at least. The deeper tension, the war building beneath silk and smiles, had only worsened.
[12 Days Remaining in World 1.]
[Final Mission Active: Expose the Prime Minister. Survive Lady Mei.]
The Crown Prince had grown quieter since the assassination attempt. More controlled. Strategic. Liora could feel it in the way he watched the ministers, every word measured like a blade.
And he hadn't touched her since that night. Not out of distance out of protection.
He's waiting. Planning.
Still, silence didn't stop war.
And today, war came wrapped in a gift box.
It began with a royal decree.
The Crown Prince was called away temporarily on a diplomatic inspection of the border camps. Two days.
That was all the opening Lady Mei needed.
Liora had barely left her quarters when a group of handmaidens arrived with honeyed smiles.
Lady Liora, they said sweetly. "Her Grace, Lady Mei, has arranged a special tea in your honor.
Liora's eyes narrowed. "How thoughtful.
[System Alert: High-risk event triggered. Location: Lotus Pavilion.]
Of course.
The Lotus Pavilion was one of the oldest in the palace beautiful, but secluded. Too secluded. The perfect place to disappear.
Still, Liora went. She had no choice. She couldn't expose Mei unless she had proof.
Lady Mei stood by the koi pond, looking radiant in deep purple robes, her lips curved in a serene smile.
I was so glad to hear you recovered," she said without turning.
You must be heartbroken," Liora replied calmly. "You missed your chance to celebrate my death.
Mei laughed softly. "You're sharper than I expected. That's what makes this part so unfortunate.
She turned at last. Her eyes were hard. Cold.
I warned you once, didn't I?
And I ignored you.
Mei stepped closer. "Tell me do you really think the Crown Prince will choose you in the end? A mystery girl with no name, no title, and no family?"
If he doesn't, I'll survive. If he does… you won't.
Mei's smile twisted. "So confident. Shall we test that?
She clapped twice.
From behind the silk curtains, two guards stepped out not royal guards, but private ones, dressed in dark armor and red sashes.
Liora's heart pounded.
[System Alert: Combat event initiated. Options A: Attempt Escape. B) Stall for Reinforcements. C) Use Political Leverage.]
Option C, Liora thought grimly. Always play the game.
She folded her hands, calm despite the fear twisting in her gut. "Before you do something irreversible," she said clearly, "you should know one thing.
Mei raised a brow. "Do enlighten me.
The Crown Prince entrusted me with something. Something that would burn your family to ash.
Mei's lips parted. For a fraction of a second, she looked uncertain.
What are you talking about?
Liora stepped forward, lowering her voice just enough to bait her closer. "I know about the falsified land grants. I know your brother is handling the transfer points for the smuggled weapons. I even know your family's connection to the Minister of Trade's disappearance last year.
That shook her. Just enough.
Liar.
"I don't need to lie. I just need to stall you for
Footsteps thundered behind them.
long enough."
The guards parted like wheat under wind as General Kael stormed into the pavilion, followed by two real royal guards and an official court messenger.
Lady Mei turned white.
Lady Mei," Kael barked, "by order of His Highness, you are to be detained for questioning regarding treason, blackmail, and conspiring with enemy forces.
Mei stepped back. "You can't He's not even here
The messenger stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. "Signed by the Crown Prince, sealed in wax. His orders are clear."
She looked at Liora. Fury. Hatred. Panic.
You think this is over?" she hissed. "You haven't won. You're just a distraction. A toy he's using.
I'd rather be his distraction than your pawn, Liora said coolly.
Kael gave a curt nod, and the guards escorted Mei out, her screams echoing down the pavilion corridor.
[System Update: Lady Mei Defeated.]
[Progress: 90%. One threat remains.]
[Final Target: Prime Minister.]
That evening, the Crown Prince returned sooner than expected.
Liora stood by the open balcony as he entered, wind tugging at her hair. His face was unreadable.
You moved early," he said.
She made the first strike.
He nodded. Then, after a pause: "You did well.
Liora turned toward him. "She said I was just a toy. A distraction.
He took a slow step forward. "If that were true, I wouldn't be standing here.
Then what am I?
He stopped before her. "The person who saw the truth when no one else dared to. The only one who didn't run when the blade fell.
His voice dropped. "And the one I trust more than anyone.
Liora blinked back sudden heat in her eyes. "Then let me help you finish this. Let's take him down.
His expression darkened. "We will.
[Final Mission Stage Unlocked: Expose the Prime Minister.]
[Crown Prince Affection: 92%. Trust Status: Bound.]