Chapter 24.5– An Unexpected Gift
Seraphina stepped through the grand entrance of the royal castle, the familiar marble floors glistening beneath her heels. The palace was as extravagant as ever, adorned with golden chandeliers, towering stained-glass windows, and rich velvet tapestries. Servants bustled about, preparing for the royal ball, while nobles murmured in the hallways about alliances and upcoming festivities.
Yet, she had not come for leisure.
She walked past the court officials, heading toward her personal workspace within the Celestial Palace.
Unlike the rest of the castle, her office was tucked away in the west wing, where the shadows of power lingered. This was the place where she worked in the background, ensuring that everything within the kingdom ran smoothly.
A subtle smirk graced her lips.
"Shadow work, they called it. The quiet force that kept the kingdom intact."
It was ironic, really. She had no official position, no title, no direct influence—yet her words and decisions could shift the fate of the realm. Even her engagement to the Crown Prince had once been a political move to solidify her authority.
Of course, that was before he had broken it off.
A reminder that in this world, her own game setting had dictated such an event.
It was necessary.
For the grand impact of their upcoming interactions.
Seraphina's fingers drummed against the polished desk as she sat down, her gaze sweeping over the piles of documents waiting for her review. Taxation reports, diplomatic correspondences, internal security matters—issues that no one wanted to handle, yet they all landed on her desk.
"Ah, the joys of being indispensable."
Still, she couldn't complain. This was her world. Her kingdom. And she had a duty to ensure its survival.
Seraphina had just begun skimming through a report when a soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
A maid stepped into the room, bowing respectfully.
"The Crown Prince has sent a dress for you to wear at the ball, My Lady."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, setting her quill down.
"A dress?"
She had already selected three exquisite gowns with the help of her maids earlier, each more breathtaking than the last. Surely, there was no way the prince's selection could rival those.
But when the maid unveiled the dress before her, her breath hitched.
The fabric shimmered like liquid gold, cascading in delicate layers that glowed under the candlelight. It was designed to hug her curves perfectly, yet flow with a weightless elegance.
The embroidery was laced with intricate celestial motifs—stars, moons, and constellations woven in fine silver thread, each pattern shifting as the light touched it.
It was beyond exquisite.
It was divine.
Seraphina exhaled, fingers lightly brushing against the gown's intricate embroidery.
The Crown Prince…
"Just what are you playing at, Aldric?"
The game had begun. And she was more than ready to play.
As Seraphina stared at the exquisite dress, a familiar chime echoed in her mind.
A translucent blue system window materialized before her.
> [System Notification]
Imperative Command: The Crown Prince's Partner
You have been automatically assigned to attend the Crown Ball as Crown Prince Aldric Valmond's escort.
– This decision cannot be changed.
– All previous partner invitations have been overridden.
– Dress provided by His Highness, the Crown Prince.
Would you like to accept the attire?
[Yes] | [No]
Seraphina narrowed her eyes at the message.
"So, the system finally forced my hand, huh?"
She had been prepared to choose her partner, weighing the advantages of each suitor, but this sudden override left no room for argument.
She exhaled slowly, clicking [Yes] with a flick of her finger.
Another chime followed.
> [System Update]
Your attendance with Aldric Valmond has been confirmed.
– Increased Political Influence
– Increased Public Favorability
– ??? (Locked)
A locked notification?
Seraphina frowned.
"Something's missing. What is the system planning this time?"
She glanced at the golden gown once more.
One thing was certain—this ball was going to be anything but ordinary.