The quiet terror of what had happened just now continued to hum in the grand ballroom. The public humiliation of General Rodrick by Vincent Maximillian Von Amsberg shocked the noble court. As the guests feigned celebration once again, whispers fluttered like moths in the shadows, glancing warily at the Crown Prince.
On the other hand, Vincent had keen and concentrated eyes. It was more important to secure his future tonight than it was to scare his adversaries. His true task was still far from over.
With effortless grace, he made his way through the ballroom, causing the nobles to part like the Red Sea in his wake. Although their fear was evident, it wouldn't ensure his long-term survival on its own. Strong allies who could assist him in strengthening his hold on the Amsberg family's power.
Vincent's gaze fixed on three figures as he neared the far corner of the ballroom: Marquess Eldric Ravenshade, Duchess Lila Blackthorne, and Lord Reinhardt. Among the elite of Avalonia, they were strong, well-liked individuals who, more significantly, had long opposed Vincent's ascent to prominence. But that would all change tonight.
Vincent nodded slightly to his butler, who stepped back out of sight to avoid being seen. We needed to have this conversation in private.
Vincent walked up and said, "Lord Reinhardt, Duchess Blackthorne, Marquess Ravenshade," his voice full of charm. "I hope you're having fun with the festivities this evening."
The three of them tensed, but their noble disguises did not move. The first to answer was Reinhardt, a stocky man with thinning hair and a cold, hard stare.
Reinhardt remarked, "Quite the display, Your Highness," in a cautiously neutral tone. "General Rodrick is not likely to bounce back from this humiliation."
Vincent grinned, but his eyes remained closed. "While Rodrick was a useful example, I wasn't here to talk about the past. I arrived to talk about the future, our future.
The formidable Duchess Blackthorne, with her sharp features and raven-black hair, raised an eyebrow. "Our prospects? Your Highness, I had no idea you were so eager to make friends.
"Not friends," Vincent skillfully corrected, sounding like a conspirator. "Partners. You three have some of Avalonia's strongest voices, and I think we can really help one another out. The strength of the Amsberg family cannot be disputed, but even I recognize the value of cooperation.
Leaning forward slightly was the tall, gaunt man with cold blue eyes, the Marquess. "Crown Prince, what precisely are you offering?"
Vincent grinned more broadly. "Power, protection, and influence. Even the Amsberg family does not have access to the resources I do, and I am prepared to share them with my allies. In exchange, I need your steadfast support within the Amsberg family and on the council, which is more crucial.
Reinhardt had a curious look in his eyes. "And why should we think that once you've established your dominance, you won't abandon us?"
Vincent laughed, his voice deep and full of unfulfilled vows. "Lord Reinhardt, I know the difference between partners and tools." Furthermore, you've seen what happens to my opponents.
He allowed the threat to hang there, subtly but indeniable.
The three aristocrats looked at one another as Vincent's offer began to sink in. Sleek as silk, Duchess Blackthorne was the first to speak.
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"Your Highness, you've caught our attention. However, more than just words will be required to cement this alliance.
Vincent's eyes grew angular. This was what he had expected. Naturally. I'll set up a private meeting for us to talk about the specifics of our arrangement tomorrow. You'll discover that when it comes to people who demonstrate their loyalty, I'm very giving.
The Duchess Blackthorne grinned, her eyes glimmering with curiosity. Excellent. We eagerly anticipate it.
After securing their interest, the three bowed slightly and vanished back into the crowd. Feeling a sense of satisfaction, Vincent watched them leave. He would soon gain their support and strengthen his position in the Amsberg family because the first steps had been taken.
But as the evening drew on, Vincent's attention strayed to another issue that was very important to him. Even though the Villain System had stopped speaking since his previous power show, it was still very much there, a sinister force that was always present beneath his skin.
[Ding! New Mission: Overcome the Lead Character.]
The sound of the Villain System's familiar voice caught Vincent's breath.
"A main character?" With his heart starting to race, Vincent thought. It was the arrival of his first real rival, the moment for which the System had been waiting to prepare him.
The icy voice of the System went on:
[Quest: Arlen Stormrider, the First Protagonist, has arrived in Avalonia. He'll be announcing his arrival soon. Goal: Break Arlen Stormrider's will and defeat him. 500 Villain Points as well as extra access to Forbidden Knowledge are the rewards.]
Vincent's gaze grew strained. Arlen Storm-rider. Just the name made him feel a little uneasy. He had anticipated the arrival of a protagonist at some point, but the timing seemed... off. Arlen would be a formidable opponent if he was anything like the stories depicted, a hero destined to defy fate.
Vincent, though, would be prepared.
His mind raced, formulating a strategy. He had to first fortify his ties to Ravenshade, Blackthorne, and Reinhardt. He would be able to strengthen his position within the Amsberg family and the court with their help. Then he would learn more about Arlen, identify his vulnerabilities, and take advantage of them.
Still, there was more to think about. No Arlen would come by himself. Protagonists were frequently surrounded by devoted friends who would do whatever it took to keep them safe. Vincent had to be careful not to undervalue that component.
Again, the ballroom doors creaked open as he considered his next move. Vincent's eyes narrowed at the sight of the man in the plain cloak who was an informant, not a general or a nobleman.
The man moved quickly through the crowd, looking around the room nervously until he came across Vincent. With his head bowed, he spoke in a barely audible whisper.
"Your Highness, there is new information. The Stormrider has arrived already.
A shiver went down Vincent's spine. The match was under way. The first of many protagonists, Arlen Stormrider, was already moving.
A chilly smile curved Vincent's lips. Alright. Permit him to enter.
The source looked up, clearly uneasy about the prince's composed expression. It's not just him, Your Highness. He has reportedly assembled a number of expert fighters, including former soldiers and mercenaries. They have been creating havoc in the territories to the south.
Vincent's gaze became gloomy. Arlen did not waste any time. Already, he was organizing people, probably with the intention of upending the Amsberg family's authority. Vincent, though, didn't hang around for an assault.
Vincent turned to face his butler and his voice faded to a foreboding whisper. Make the first preparations. I want to always have eyes on Arlen and his allies. and let our new friends know. They need to demonstrate their loyalty now.
With a nod, the butler vanished into the darkness to execute his commands.
Gazing back over the ballroom, Vincent saw the long shadows cast by the flickering candlelight. He would soon demonstrate true power to Avalonia and Arlen Stormrider as the pieces were starting to come together.
Within him, the Villain System throbbed, providing him with fresh vitality and insights. Now that the game was under way, Vincent wanted to win.
But one thought lingered in the back of his mind, in the shadows: What if this protagonist is different? What if Arlen is actually the one who will defeat him?
Vincent brushed the idea out of his mind. No. He was not going to be defeated. Not by anyone, not even Arlen.
As his enemies closed in and his alliances formed, Vincent readied himself for the impending storm that would hit Avalonia.