Chapter 24: The Power of Influence

Aric stood at the back of the castle hall, observing.

Lord Valmont, the Duke's accountant, sat in the grand study, laboriously going through page after page of account books. The dancing candle flames cast shadows on his face, showing an expression of complete absorption.

The chap got the work done—to excess.

Aric had read men for years now, and he could sense that Valmont was no fool. If he didn't get halted sooner, he would find out everything.

Aric's silver eyes sparkled with the faint light.

Then I'll simply have to ensure that he gets to see precisely what I want him to see.

His fist tightened up when the System engaged.

[ Ding! ]

[ Sovereign's Embrace – Active Influence Mode Engaged. ]

[ Target Identified: Lord Valmont. ]

[ Strength of Effect: Moderate – Subject is firm in analysis and resistant to influence. Care is needed.]

There was a flash of sneer on Aric's lips.

Perfect.

Let him try and test the depth of his ability.

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---

Aric walked into the room, his strides slow and controlled.

Valmont looked up, his brow furrowed. "Master Aric?"

Aric smiled politely with courtesy. "Lord Valmont. I hope your inspection is going along well?"

Valmont let out a sharp breath. "If by 'well,' you mean tiring, then yes." He put down his quill. "It appears there are… discrepancies. The ledgers of the treasury do not quite agree with its reports."

Aric leaned his head to one side.

Found something already?

Too quick. Too reckless.

Aric crept forward slowly, standing at the edge of the desk. He allowed his presence to bear down on the room, lightly nudging against Valmont's consciousness.

The man stiffened—but did not back away.

Good.

[ Sovereign's Embrace Active. ]

[ Target's mental defenses are holding. Applying additional influence… ]

Aric's voice was husky, his tone shifting—slowing, smoothing the rasps like silk.

"You work night and day, Lord Valmont," he considered. "So much devotion is to be praised. The Duke is fortunate to have someone so. precise."

Valmont stilled for a moment.

His jaw relaxed by an inch—just so.

A breach in his resistance, as small as a pinhead.

Aric pressed on.

"But tell me," Aric went on, his tone firm but level, "you only wish to serve the Duke, yes?"

Valmont winced, his eyes widening.

"Yes… naturally."

Aric's smile grew wider. "Then I may request something of you. Something minor."

Valmont's forehead creased as if struggling with something within his head. "I… I cannot change the records, if that is what you're asking."

Aric smiled, shaking his head. "Oh, Lord Valmont. I would never suggest such a thing."

He leaned in a little, whispering.

"All I ask… is that you read the numbers correctly."

A gentle prod.

A subtle urging.

The enchantment of Sovereign's Embrace wrapped around Valmont's mind like a sly coil.

[ Ding! ]

[ Effect Amplified. Target's mental defenses are weakening. Probability of successful influence: 73%. ]

Valmont's breathing was slower.

".Interpret them aright?" he echoed, his voice far away.

Aric's smile grew wider. "Arithmètician of the realm." The Duke prizes loyalty over numbers, don't you think so?"

Valmont's hands trembled.

His thoughts wavered.

Aric sensed it—the victory within reach.

---

---

Valmont shook his head wildly, blinking furiously.

"No. No, I must be impartial. The Duke demands—"

Aric's eyes blazed.

He took a step forward, bridging the last space between them.

"Of course, the Duke desires fairness," Aric said smoothly. "That's why we have to be cautious, Lord Valmont."

He rested a light hand on the man's shoulder.

"You wouldn't want to submit a false report, would you? One that would lead to… unwarranted suspicion?"

[ Ding! ]

[ Sovereign's Embrace at Maximum Effect. ]

[ Target's will is bending. ]

Valmont's eyes tightened, his mind clearly wrestling.

Then—his shoulders relaxed.

".Of course not."

Aric's smile widened.

So then, he said, his fingers closing ever so slightly, "perhaps some figures were transposed. Perhaps… the missing money was merely a simple bookkeeping mistake."

Valmont paused—then nodded slowly.

"Yes… a mistake. That would be understandable."

Aric let go of his grip, stepping back.

Valmont let out a breath, his tension easing noticeably.

It was accomplished.

[ Ding! ]

[ Quest Complete: Silent Manipulation. ]

[ Outcome: The audit report will show no hint of treachery. The Duke is none the wiser.]

[ Reward Unlocked: Charisma Stat +5. Whisper of Command Effect Strengthened. ]

Aric grinned.

Too easy.

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By the time Aric exited the study, he still felt the afterglow of power coursing through his veins.

That worked better than I thought.

His new skill was not just persuasion—it was command.

And he had hardly even started to experiment with its edges.

As he strode through the castle corridors, the voice of the System gave one final warning.

[ Ding! ]

[ Warning: Excessive use of Sovereign's Embrace has unforeseen effects. Some minds fight against extended influence… and some recall. ]

Aric's grin nevered—just a little.

There was a limit, then.

Sequestered.

For the time being, the crisis was over. The Duke was none the wiser.

But Aric would not be so foolish as to relax.

The next step was his to take.

And it was time to choose his next victim.