Noble tea parties were like duels in slow motion. Porcelain smiles, bitter leaves, and daggers in every sugar cube.
Today's battlefield was hosted by Duchess Mirelda Greystone, a lioness in lace with too many rings and not enough patience for rebellion. The guest list was lethal: wives of generals, high-ranking mages, and Arabelle, who looked annoyingly pleased to be seated at Seraphina's right.
The servants poured rosewater tea. The air smelled sweet.
[System Alert: Warning — Beverage Contains Mild Neurotoxin]
[Passive Skill Triggered: "Emotional Immunity – Lying Face Lv.1"]
[Suggested Action: Smile. Stall. Strategize.]
Seraphina didn't flinch.
Instead, she took a delicate sip.
Arabelle's eyes widened. "You drank it?"
Seraphina dabbed her lips with a napkin. "Why wouldn't I? Duchess Greystone has such… impeccable taste."
The duchess blinked slowly. "You've changed, Lady Nightshade."
"Yes," Seraphina said, setting the cup down. "I've stopped pretending poison doesn't taste like power."
[Achievement Unlocked: Tea With Murder On the Side]
[Skill Upgraded: "Verbal Decapitation Lv.2 – Adds Passive Intimidation Aura During Polite Conversation"]
Murmurs rippled down the table. Arabelle paled. The duchess just smiled — sharp and curious.
"Tell me, dear," Mirelda said, "how is your engagement holding?"
Seraphina smiled, cold as crystal. "Dissolved. Voluntarily. I prefer freedom to charity."
"Ooh," someone muttered. Arabelle stiffened.
[System Comment: She's sweating. Want to slap her? Emotionally or literally — dealer's choice.]
"I heard rumors you've caught the attention of a certain... foreign noble," Mirelda added, swirling her tea.
"Rumors are predictable," Seraphina replied. "Lucien Virellian, however, is not."
Every cup paused mid-air. No one spoke Lucien's name in polite company.
[System Alert: Reputation Change – "Villainess of Court Intrigue"]
[Lucien Affection +2: Intrigued by Recklessness]
Afterward, in the palace gardens, a voice emerged from the shadows.
"You're either brilliant," Lucien said behind her, "or begging to be assassinated."
Seraphina turned, unsurprised. "You're late. I already drank poison and traumatized three duchesses."
Lucien stepped closer, eyes gleaming under moonlight. "You said my name. In public."
"I was feeling bold."
He smirked. "Keep saying it like that and I might think you enjoy my company."
She looked at him, eyes glinting. "Let me make one thing clear. I don't trust you."
"Good," he said. "It's the ones who trust me that end up dead."
[New System Trait Unlocked: Court-Level Gambler]
[Bonus Perk: Charm Resistance – Dark Princes Only 40% Effective. For now.]
"Charming," she said dryly.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
As he vanished into the shadows once more, Seraphina stared after him — already calculating.