[Ding!]
[Main Quest Triggered!]
Main Quest: Subjugate Selene Glimor
Rewards: +500 Domination Points, +50 Exp, +5 to all stats
Penalty on failure: System will be terminated. Enjoy your slave life, permanently.
Time Limit: 5 Days
Alaric froze. His eyes narrowed at the glowing screen hovering in front of him.
Subjugate?
"What do you mean by that?" he muttered, voice low enough that the passing servants wouldn't hear.
[Host must assert dominance over the target— Selene Glimor. Subjugation can be achieved through mental, emotional, or physical domination. Seduction, manipulation, or establishing control—method is up to host.]
Alaric's brow furrowed. "Why her? And why should I even try something like that?"
[This is your path to power. The stronger the target you subjugate, the greater the rewards. Selene Glimor is currently the most influential figure in this estate. She holds the real power, not her pathetic husband. Starting with her will accelerate your growth.]
Alaric exhaled sharply through his nose, glancing toward the hall where Selene had vanished.
"She's married. I'm not going to stoop to that level."
[Married—on the surface.]
A pause.
[Let me ask you something, host.]
[Have you never wondered why Baron Ferick Glimor, despite remarrying over a decade ago, has only one child.]
Alaric paused.
He had noticed it.
Everyone in the mansion knew Elina was not Selene's blood. She was born of his first wife, who had died during childbirth.
After that, Ferick had married Selene… and yet, in all these years, Ferick never had another child.
[Your task is not to force. It is to conquer. To turn her from queen of this house... into your pawn.]
Alaric's eyes flicked back to the quest window.
"Five days?" he muttered, stunned. "You expect me to subjugate her—a noblewoman—in five damn days? Look at me. I'm now a slave. She's..."
[Weren't you a king once, Host?]
[Don't tell me you've forgotten what it means to command hearts and minds?]
Alaric clenched his jaw, exhaling through his nose.
[If host is really clueless, here's a hint. Gain Selene's trust. Unlock her weaknesses.]
[Good luck, Host.]
The window vanished, leaving him alone in the corridor, the faint bustle of maids still echoing behind him.
He rolled his neck and gave a dry chuckle.
"Tonight's event might turn out… lively."
------
The time came.
The estate gates creaked open under the golden hue of dusk, and number of sleek, lacquered carriages rolled into the cobbled courtyard.
Guards snapped to attention. Servants bowed in practiced unison as the guests descended—each figure dressed in deep forest green and silver, the proud colors of House Duskwood.
First came Baron Varell Duskwood,a tall man with a sharp jaw and silver-streaked hair, his posture exuding quiet command.
Beside him, the Baroness Mirenna stepped gracefully down in a wine-colored gown, her smile thin, composed, and her gaze assessing the estate with mild disapproval.
Following them were their children.
Caleb Duskwood, a broad-shouldered young man of about twenty, golden-brown hair slightly tousled, a confident smile playing on his lips.
And Livia Duskwood, a girl not much younger than her brother, quiet and pretty.
Her Inky black hair braided into a crown braid circling her head.
The head butler welcomed them with a deep bow. "Welcome, my lords and ladies. Baron and Baroness Glimor await you inside."
With poised steps, the guests were led through the grand corridor toward the dining hall. Their heels echoed across the marble floors, past oil paintings and ornate vases, until the great oak doors of the dining hall opened.
Inside, the table was already set—silver cutlery, porcelain dishes, and wine glasses arranged with precision.
Long chandeliers glowed above the polished oak table.
Baron Ferick Glimor, already seated, rose unsteadily with a too-wide grin. "Ah! Varell, Mirenna—what a joy to see you again!"
Selene Glimor stood beside her husband, poised and serene in a navy gown.
"Lord Varell," She greeted smoothly, dipping her head with noble grace. "A pleasure to host you and your family again. Please, be seated."
"A pleasure, indeed," Varell said, "Your home is as impressive as ever."
The guests from House Duskwood had just taken their seats.
Baron Ferick Glimor raised his goblet lazily. "To the continued friendship between our Houses."
Varell Duskwood gave a small smile and mirrored the toast.
"May it endure. And may the food tonight not kill us."
The two men chuckled, though Selene merely smiled politely and gestured for the first course.
Baron Varell turned to Selene's and spoke, "And I hear congratulations are in order. Elina is doing well at the Academy?"
Selene's smile tightened slightly. "She is excelling. As expected."
Servants began moving. Alaric stood among them, his expression blank, his posture perfect.
Food was served.
Roasted duck, buttered vegetables, and dark wine.
As the conversation shifted.
Alaric moved along the table, refilling wine with quiet precision.
He stopped behind Livia, silently tilting the decanter to refill her goblet.
She glanced at the wine, then at the hand holding it.
And then—just for a breath—up at him.
Their eyes met.
Her storm-grey gaze lingered a second too long.
Alaric, expression unreadable, dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Livia turned her face away, adjusting the fall of her napkin.
Selene turned her attention to the Baroness beside her.
"It's been some time, Mirenna. I was told you spent the winter in Highvale?"
Baroness Mirenna dabbed her mouth with her napkin before answering, her voice smooth.
"Yes. Varell thought it wise to avoid the lowland fogs. I didn't object. The air's clearer in the mountains... and the court's less noisy."
"A rare combination," Selene said with a small laugh.
"And I heard Livia's begun studying at the Crystal Enclave?"
Livia, seated quietly beside her mother, looked up at her name, her grey eyes meeting Selene's emerald.
She gave a small nod, shoulders straight. "Yes, my lady. I've only just begun. Mostly history, some diplomacy. I'm hoping to join the Ambassador's Circle in a year or two."
"A noble goal."
Livia gave a polite smile, then resumed silently slicing her food.
"And Caleb," Selene said, shifting her gaze toward the young man lounging a bit too comfortably in his chair, "Still training at the Gilded Fortress?"
Caleb grinned. "Yes, my lady. They've finally let me into the outer spell drills. The captain says I've got a solid grip of shieldbreaking."
Ferick snorted. "Tch. Spell drills. What happened to steel and blood? Boys these days want magic to do the cutting for them."
Mirenna gave him a measured glance. "And yet it's spellweavers keeping your borders intact these days."
Then a pause.
And.
"So, the engagement," Mirenna began, "Is progressing well, I trust?"
"It is," Selene answered. "We await Elina's return before we make it formal. But I believe the alliance between our houses will benefit both sides."
Caleb chuckled lightly. "I look forward to seeing her again. It's been... what, two years?"
Selene gave a pleasant nod. "Two years, yes. She's matured quite a bit."
Ferick snorted into his goblet. "Let's hope she hasn't picked up too many 'Academy ideas.' Damn place fills heads with rebellion and—"
"Ferick," Selene interrupted softly, still smiling. "Please."
Ferick scoffed and waved a dismissive hand. "Just name a day, and the deal's done."
Selene's fingers twitched slightly, but her smile never wavered.
Across the table, Alaric poured wine into a goblet, eyes flicking to Selene just long enough to catch the tightening of her jaw.
Just then, Selene's sharp eyes flicked to him, a quick, silent cue.
The signal.
Alaric gave a faint nod and stepped slightly closer to Caleb's seat, hand tightening around the wine decanter.
But then he turned his head, sensing something.
When he did, his eyes met Livia's once again. She quickly averted her gaze and began drinking her wine from the goblet hastily—only to choke.
-------------x------------
Sorry for late update...