The courtroom buzzed with whispers like a hive disturbed. Some nobles glanced at Li Na with curiosity, others with thinly veiled disdain, but all eyes were locked on the Duke.
Kaelrith Voss — the infamous Final Boss — had accepted her outrageous marriage proposal.
Li Na's heart hammered against her ribs. She could almost hear the System's quiet beep in her mind.
> [System Update]
Mission Status: Marriage contract secured.
New Mission: Navigate court politics and gain Duke Kaelrith's favor.
Warning: Emotional attachments risk mission failure.
She swallowed hard, reminding herself that the System's words were not a suggestion.
The Duke's cold gaze didn't waver as he slowly lowered himself back into his seat. His cloak swept the floor, his silver gauntlet tapping rhythmically on the armrest.
"Seraphina," he said, voice low and unreadable, "you understand this union is political. There is no affection here."
"Of course," she replied, steadying her voice. "I have no illusions."
The Crown Prince sneered. "This is absurd. A traitor marrying the man who holds the Empire's fate in his hands? This court will never accept this farce."
Kaelrith's eyes flicked to Elric, ice cold. "The court will obey the decree of the Emperor, not your petty grievances."
Before Elric could retort, a herald banged a gavel.
"The trial will proceed under this new arrangement. Seraphina Darkmoor, you will be placed under house arrest until your wedding day."
The guards moved forward. Li Na's limbs trembled, but her mind raced faster.
House arrest? She had to figure out how to live inside this treacherous court while winning the favor of a man who had been her story's executioner.
---
Back in her chamber, the room was both lavish and cold. Dark tapestries hung on stone walls, and the only warmth came from a dying fire.
Li Na sank onto the velvet chair, pulling the system's interface into view.
> [System Manual]
Host Role: Villainess
Primary Goal: Marry Duke Kaelrith Voss
Secondary Objectives: Avoid death, prevent rebellion
Restrictions: No romantic feelings allowed toward the Duke
Progress Tracking: Favorability Score
Current Favorability: 5 (Neutral-Low)
The words "No romantic feelings" echoed inside her head.
This is going to be harder than I thought.
Suddenly, a sharp knock interrupted her thoughts.
The door creaked open to reveal a tall figure cloaked in midnight blue — a palace steward.
"Lady Seraphina, Duke Kaelrith requests your presence."
Li Na nodded, steeling herself.
---
In the vast courtyard, Kaelrith awaited, his silhouette sharp against the moonlight.
"Why?" she asked bluntly as she approached. "Why marry me?"
He didn't smile. "Because the empire needs a bride who can survive the throne's poison better than any other."
His gaze flickered briefly to her hand, still bound by the invisible chains of destiny.
"You must learn to play the game, Seraphina. I am not your enemy. Nor your friend."
She swallowed. "Then what am I to you?"
He turned, cloak billowing, and vanished into the shadows.
Li Na stood alone under the moon, the weight of a thousand fates pressing down on her.
Married to the Final Boss, she thought. And the game has only just begun.