Summary [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] In a not so distant future, automation has completely replaced human labor.  Society has been divided into the ultra-wealthy 'nobles' who hold the reigns of control, and the destitute, unemployable masses. Markus Marcellinus, a member of the elite nobility, lives a life of luxury and entitlement. But when he meets a desperate orphan girl from the slums, he will have to confront the human cost of the opulence he enjoys. With his manipulative skills and cunning, Markus must outmaneuver his powerful adversaries and seize control of the system in order to bring about the change he desires.  But can he do so without becoming just the kind of monster he seeks to destroy? This is my first attempt at writing long-form fiction, so all feedback is appreciated! Thanks for reading! PS: I am strongly opposed to the use of generative AI in the creative process.  This story is 100% hand-written.  No AI. Structure The story will be organized into a series of 'arcs' which are relatively self-contained short stories that will develop the characters and contribute to the overall narrative. I'll label each arc in the chapter titles, to make it clear where each starts and ends. Schedule One chapter per week. The Arcs Arc 1: Trickster (Complete) - There's been a theft inside the Marcellinus mansion and Markus says he'll get to the bottom of it.  But can he prove it wasn't him all along? Arc 2: Slum Girl (In progress) - "Alexia" must escape from starvation in the slums, but when she wanders into the rich part of town, she has an unexpected encounter that will change more than her own fate.