Age: 8 Years
Influence in noble society was not built solely through politics or reputation.
It thrived in secrets, in whispers exchanged in the dark, in knowledge gained without anyone realizing they had been watched.
And tonight, Lucien Silver Star was about to learn exactly how deep that world went.
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### The Meeting with the Shadow
His manipulator recruit—the mysterious spy from House Ashen—had finally agreed to speak with him privately.
It was not a formal gathering, not a political discussion, but a lesson in the art of deception, offered without trust, without allegiance, but with a mutual understanding that knowledge was power.
"You wish to wield influence beyond noble discussions," the spy murmured, their voice barely above a whisper. "Then you must learn how to move through the world unseen."
Lucien listened carefully.
"Manipulation is not about forcing a decision," they continued. "It is about leading people toward a choice they believe is their own."
And just like that, the lesson began.
---
### A Test of Skill
His first task was to gather information on a noble conversation without ever being noticed.
Not through illusions.
Not through direct questioning.
But through presence alone—subtle, quiet, invisible.
And as Lucien positioned himself near the discussion, adjusting his posture, altering his gaze, blending into the background of noble court, he understood exactly what his new mentor meant.
Power was not always about being seen.
Sometimes, it was about being completely forgotten—until the moment one struck.
And strike, he would.