Shadows of the Throne

The city of Eldoria, the heart of Drakmaris, pulsed with life under the glow of neon skyscrapers and airborne traffic. Holographic advertisements flickered across towering buildings, each promoting the latest in fashion, technology, or entertainment.

Yet beneath the glitz and glamour, something sinister stirred.

Hiroshi Von Drakrion sat in the VIP penthouse of the Celestial Lounge, a high-end establishment frequented by the most powerful figures in the kingdom. The air was filled with soft music, the aroma of expensive cigars, and the whispers of political elites.

Across from him sat Lady Anastasia Velmont, an influential noblewoman with ties to the Queen herself. With dark violet hair and piercing silver eyes, she exuded an air of absolute control.

"You've been making quite the waves, Lord Hiroshi," she said, sipping her platinum-rimmed glass of royal wine. "The way you handled the Aether situation was… impressive."

Hiroshi smirked, leaning back in his seat. "I do love a good performance."

Anastasia's lips curled into a smile. "But the question remains—do you know what you're truly getting yourself into?"

He narrowed his eyes. "I know enough to be dangerous."

Anastasia chuckled. "That, my dear Lord Hiroshi, is exactly what makes you intriguing."

Before their conversation could continue, a holographic notification blinked on Hiroshi's wrist comms. A message from Rosalyn.

"Urgent. Return to the estate immediately."

His heart tightened. Rosalyn never sent cryptic messages unless something serious was happening.

He stood, offering a charming but brief smile to Anastasia. "As much as I enjoy our chats, duty calls."

Anastasia tilted her head. "Of course. But remember, Hiroshi… in this world, knowledge is power. Be careful whom you trust."

With that ominous warning, Hiroshi turned and walked away.

A House of Secrets

The Von Drakrion estate was a fortress of power, wealth, and history. While most noble families wielded influence, Hiroshi's family held the entire continent's economy in their hands. Their wealth surpassed even the royal treasury, making them untouchable—at least, on paper.

When Hiroshi arrived, Rosalyn was waiting in the grand hall, her expression grim.

"You took your time," she muttered.

"Traffic," Hiroshi replied casually. "What's going on?"

She handed him a sealed dossier. "We have a problem. A big one."

Hiroshi opened it and scanned the contents. His playful smirk faded.

"The Queen is dying?"

Rosalyn nodded. "It hasn't been announced yet, but her health has been deteriorating for months. And with no heir…"

"…the throne will be up for grabs," Hiroshi finished.

Rosalyn crossed her arms. "Exactly. And that's why we need to act. The power vacuum will ignite a war between the noble houses, and if we don't position ourselves carefully, we could lose everything."

Hiroshi exhaled slowly. "Who else knows?"

"Only a few in the royal circle. But it won't be long before the information leaks."

Hiroshi closed the dossier and smirked. "Then I suppose we'd better prepare for the most dangerous game in Drakmaris history."

Academy Chaos – Fan Club War

The next morning at Drakmaris Academy, the atmosphere was unusually tense. Hiroshi barely stepped out of his custom Obsidian Ghost hypercar before being swarmed by two rival fan clubs.

On one side stood Lady Camilla's fan club, known for their over-the-top admiration and devotion.

On the other side was the newly formed "Seraphina's Elite", a faction dedicated to the famous actress who had taken a keen interest in Hiroshi.

Both sides glared daggers at each other.

Camilla stepped forward, hands on her hips. "Lord Hiroshi belongs to us! We were here first!"

Seraphina's Elite leader scoffed. "Lord Hiroshi is free to associate with whoever he pleases! Your so-called 'loyalty' is nothing more than obsessive madness!"

Before Hiroshi could interject, Selene Arkwright appeared out of nowhere, arms crossed. "Oh, for the love of the gods, are you two really fighting over him? He's a person, not a collectible!"

The crowd gasped.

Hiroshi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ladies, let's not start a war over me. There's only one of me, after all."

The fan clubs erupted into debate over who deserved his attention more, while Hiroshi used the distraction to escape into the academy building.

Selene caught up with him, shaking her head. "You really have a way of attracting chaos."

He grinned. "It's a gift."

The Secret Meeting – Choosing a Side

Later that evening, Hiroshi was summoned to a hidden council chamber deep within the Von Drakrion estate.

Inside, several of the most powerful noblewomen in the kingdom had gathered—including his mother, Duchess Evelyn Von Drakrion.

She was a woman of unparalleled intelligence and ruthlessness, with golden eyes that could pierce through any lie.

"Hiroshi," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. "You understand why you're here?"

He nodded. "Because the kingdom is on the verge of chaos."

Evelyn smiled. "Good. Then let's discuss our options."

Several nobles began debating the best course of action:

Support the Queen's secret heir? (If she existed.) Seize control of the throne themselves? Crush their enemies before they could act?

Hiroshi listened carefully before speaking. "If we make the wrong move, we could turn the entire continent against us. We need more information first."

Evelyn's eyes gleamed with approval. "Clever as always, my son."

One of the nobles, Lady Cassandra Vale, leaned forward. "There's a royal masquerade ball in two nights. All key players will be there. If there's an heir, she will be present."

Hiroshi smirked. "Then I guess it's time to put on a show."

The Masquerade Begins

Two nights later, Hiroshi arrived at the grand royal ball, dressed in a custom-tailored black suit with silver embroidery. His signature obsidian mask covered half of his face, giving him an air of mystery.

The ballroom was a masterpiece of both tradition and modern luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, while holographic projections danced across the walls.

As Hiroshi entered, all eyes were on him.

Then, he felt it.

A presence.

His gaze locked onto a woman standing across the room—a masked beauty in an elegant sapphire gown.

For a moment, the entire world seemed to fade.

She turned, meeting his eyes.

Something in Hiroshi's chest tightened.

Who was she?

And why did he feel as if he had seen her before?

End of Chapter 17.