'I'm the Villain, But the System Made Me OP'-Chapter 40: The Gala

The Royal Palace was ridiculous.

Three stories tall. White marble. Gold trim everywhere. Towers. Spires. Flags flying. *Flap flap flap.* The whole thing screamed wealth and power.

Draven’s carriage pulled up. *Clip clop clip clop.* Slowed. Stopped. *Creak.*

A servant opened the door. *Click.* "Lord Arclight. Lady Mara. Welcome."

They stepped out. *Thump thump.*

Immediately. People stared.

Dozens of nobles arriving. Carriages everywhere. *Clip clop clip clop.* But everyone stopped. Looked.

Whispers started.

"—that’s Lord Arclight—"

"—S-Rank at eighteen—"

"—he had destroyed two noble houses already—"

"—is that an church Inquisitor with him?—"

"—former church Inquisitor she quit the Church—"

"—for him?—"

Mara smiled. Took Draven’s arm. *Rustle.* Deliberate. Public. Showing everyone.

They walked toward the entrance. *Tap tap tap tap.* Red carpet. Guards everywhere. Nobles parting. Letting them through.

Fear. Respect. Curiosity.

All good reactions.

[System]: *Everyone’s watching*

*They see you*

*S-Rank prodigy*

*With former Church official*

*Looking GOOD*

*Perfect entrance ♥*

Inside was even more ridiculous.

Grand ballroom. Massive. Crystal chandeliers. *Sparkle sparkle.* Gold decorations. Marble floors. Orchestra playing. *La la la la.*

Hundreds of people. Nobles. Merchants. Officials. Military. All dressed fancy. All drinking. Talking. Scheming.

Classic noble party.

Herald at the entrance. *Tap tap.* Staff hitting the floor. Loud voice. "LORD DRAVEN ARCLIGHT. LADY MARA."

Everyone turned. Looked.

The music kept playing but conversations stopped. Just for a moment.

Then resumed. Louder. More urgent. Everyone talking about him.

Draven scanned the room. Looking for targets.

There. Far end. Raised platform.

King Aldwin. Sitting in a throne-chair. Old. White hair. Royal robes. Looking bored.

Next to him. Crown Prince Aldric.

Twenty-five years old. Blonde. Handsome in that noble way. Blue eyes. Fake smile. Crown on his head. Royal formal wear.

Looking directly at Draven.

Not smiling anymore.

[System]: *Target spotted*

*Aldric sees you*

*He’s PISSED*

*You destroyed his ally*

*Implicated him publicly*

*Now you’re at HIS party*

*This is beautiful very sexy i am impressed ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*

And next to Aldric.

A woman. Young. Beautiful.

Blonde hair in an elaborate style. Expensive dress. Blue silk. Diamonds. Cold blue eyes. Sharp features. Standing close to Aldric but not touching him.

Vivienne Corvus.

Aldric’s fiancée.

Draven’s target.

She was looking at him too. Not glaring like Aldric. Just... studying. Calculating. Like she was appraising merchandise.

Interesting.

[QUEST UPDATE: Political Seduction]

[Target Located: Vivienne Corvus]

[First Contact: Pending]

[Analysis: She’s already interested. Use this.]

"That’s her," Mara whispered. Quiet. "Aldric’s girl."

"I see her."

"She’s pretty. In that cold rich girl way."

"Yeah."

"You gonna talk to her?"

"Eventually. Let her come to me first."

"You are Confident .hmm ."

"Always."

They moved into the crowd. Nobles approaching. Wanting to talk. Network. Kiss ass.

"Lord Arclight." An older noble. Fat guy. Sweating. "Congratulations on achieving S-Rank. Remarkable. Simply remarkable."

"Thanks."

"And the Thorne trial. Masterfully executed. Everyone’s talking about it."

"Are they?"

"Oh yes. Aldric’s implicated now. Whole court’s buzzing. People wondering what happens next."

The noble leaned closer. Whispered. "Between you and me. Many of us think he shouldn’t be heir. Too corrupt. Too dangerous."

"You should tell the King that."

"Ha! I’m not that brave. But... perhaps you could. You’ve got the influence now."

Politics. Always politics.

Draven smiled. Polite. "I’ll think about it."

The noble bowed. *Rustle.* Walked away.

More came. One after another. Congratulations. Questions. Subtle offers of alliance.

Draven answered. Polite. Noncommittal. Building connections without commitments.

Finally. A break in the crowd.

Mara grabbed champagne. *Clink.* Two glasses. Handed one to Draven. *Clink.*

"You’re very popular no3w ," she said.

"They smell blood. Aldric is wounded. They want to be on the winning side."

"They are Smart."

"No .Cowardly. But they are useful." Draven sipped. *Glug.* Expensive champagne. Actually good.

The orchestra stopped. *La la... stop.*

Herald again. *TAP TAP TAP.* Staff hitting floor. Loud.

"LORDS AND LADIES. HIS MAJESTY KING ALDWIN WISHES TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT."

Everyone turned. Faced the platform.

King stood. Slow. Old bones. *Creak.* But his voice was strong.

"We gather tonight to celebrate Prince Aldric’s twenty-fifth birthday. A milestone. He comes of age. Fully. Completely." King looked at his son. Proud. Maybe. Hard to tell. "The Crown Prince has served the kingdom well. And soon. He will be ready to rule."

Applause. *Clap clap clap clap.*

Forced. Political. But loud.

"However." King’s voice got serious. "Recent events have troubled us. Allegations. Accusations. House Thorne’s trial revealed... concerning information."

Silence. Everyone listening. This was unexpected.

"We have decided. The Crown Prince will undergo review. Investigation. To clear his name. To prove his innocence. Or..." King paused. Long pause. "To prove otherwise."

WHAT.

The entire room erupted. Whispers. Gasps. Talking.

Aldric’s face went white. Then red. Angry. But he didn’t say anything. Just stood there. Fists clenched.

Vivienne’s expression didn’t change. Just watched. Like she expected this.

[System]: *HOLY SHIT*

*The King just ANNOUNCED* 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

*Aldric’s under investigation*

*Publicly*

*At his OWN birthday party*

*This is SAVAGE*

*And you didn’t even do anything*

*The trial fallout is REAL ♥*

King sat down. *Thump.* "Continue the celebration."

Orchestra started again. *La la la la.* But quieter. Nobody was celebrating. Just talking. Gossiping.

The King basically said Aldric might be guilty. Publicly. In front of everyone.

Political suicide. Or political brilliance.

Draven smiled. This was better than expected.

Mara leaned close. "Did you know about this?"

"No i dont know anything but. But it’s perfect."

"Aldric looks like he is ready to kill someone."

"Let him. That Shows he’s guilty."

Suddenly. Someone approached. *Tap tap.*

A woman. Blonde. Cold eyes. Expensive dress.

Vivienne Corvus.

Alone. Walking straight to Draven.

Everyone watched. Whispers getting louder.

She stopped. Two feet away. Looked at him. Then at Mara. Then back to him.

"Lord Arclight," she said. Voice smooth. Controlled. "I’ve been wanting to meet you."

"Have you?"

"Of course. Everyone has. The youngest S-Rank in history.who bring down corrupt noble houses. The hero of the Thorne trial." She smiled. Polite. Calculated. "You’re quite famous now ."

"Fame is overrated."

"Perhaps it is . But power isn’t." Her eyes flickered. Sharp. "And you have power. Real power. Not just strength. Influence. The King listens to you. The nobles fear you. Even the Church can’t touch you."

Direct. No games. Just stating facts.

Draven liked that.

"You’re Vivienne Corvus," he said. Not a question.

"I am. Crown Prince Aldric’s fiancée." She said it flatly. No emotion. "Though that may change soon. Given tonight’s announcement."

Bold. Very bold.

"You don’t sound upset."

"Why would I be? I’m engaged for political reasons. Not love." She looked at Aldric. Still on the platform. Talking urgently with his father. "If he’s under investigation. If he loses his position. Then the engagement is void."

"And you’d be free."

"Exactly." She looked back at Draven. "Free to make better choices."

Was she...?

[System]: *OH SHIT*

*She’s PROPOSITIONING you*

*Already*

*First meeting*

*She sees Aldric sinking*

*Wants to jump ship*

*To YOU*

*This is just TOO EASY for you now HaHaHaHaHa 😆 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*

Mara squeezed Draven’s arm. Warning. Or encouragement. Hard to tell.

"Better choices," Draven repeated. "Like what?"

"Like aligning with someone actually competent. Actually powerful. Someone who doesn’t need daddy’s throne to matter." Vivienne stepped closer. Subtle. "Someone like you."

Damn. She was forward.

"We have just met."

"I know all I need to know ". Just acknowledgment. "You get what you want. When you want it. That’s power."

"You sound like you’re interviewing me."

"I am. For a partnership."

"What kind of partnership?"

"The useful kind. You want to destroy Aldric. I want to not be tied to a sinking ship. Our interests align."

Smart. Ruthless. Calculating.

Exactly what Valerius said she’d be.

"And what do you offer?" Draven asked. Testing her.

"Information. House Corvus’s shipping network. My father’s financial records. Evidence of crimes. Enough to destroy him if needed." She didn’t hesitate. "I’ll betray my own family if it means survival."

Cold. Very cold.

"Why would I trust you?"

"You shouldn’t. Not yet." She smiled. "But I’ll prove myself. Give you something now. Free. Consider it a down payment."

"I’m listening."

Vivienne leaned in. Whispered. Quiet enough only Draven and Mara heard.

"Aldric’s planning to flee the kingdom. He knows the investigation will find proof. He’s got money hidden. Offshore accounts. Escape routes prepared. Probably gone within a week."

Draven kept his face neutral. But internally.

THAT WAS HUGE.

"How do you know?"

"I’m his fiancée. He tells me things. Pillow talk. Drunken confessions." She pulled back. Normal distance. "Use it. Stop him. Or don’t. Either way. I’ve shown my value."

[DING! QUEST PROGRESS]

[Political Seduction: 15%]

[Information Gained: Aldric’s Escape Plan]

[Vivienne Trust: 20/100]

[Analysis: She’s a snake. But a useful snake.]

"Interesting," Draven said. Calm. "I’ll consider it."

"Do more than consider. Act. Aldric running proves his guilt. Makes the King name a new heir. Opens the throne." Vivienne’s eyes were intense. "You could influence that. You already have the King’s ear."

"And you’d want what in return?"

"A new engagement. To someone actually competent." She looked at him. Direct. "Someone like you."

There it was.

She wanted to jump from Aldric to Draven. Complete swap. Political marriage to political marriage.

Mara made a noise. Quiet. Disapproving maybe.

Draven ignored it. Focused on Vivienne.

"I don’t do political marriages."

"Everyone does political marriages. Even love marriages are political." She tilted her head. "But fine. Not marriage. Alliance then. Partnership. Whatever term makes you comfortable."

"I’ll think about it."

"Don’t think too long. Aldric will act soon." She reached into her dress. Pulled out a small card. *Rustle.* Handed it to him. "My private address. Contact me. When you’re ready."

Draven took the card. Pocketed it. *Rustle.*

"Pleasure meeting you, Lord Arclight." Vivienne smiled. Turned. Walked away. *Tap tap tap.*

Nobles parted for her. Whispers everywhere.

"Did that just happen?" Mara asked. Quiet.

"Yeah."

"She just offered to betray Aldric. Her own family. Everything. For you."

"Yep."

"That’s..."

"Smart. From her perspective. Aldric’s sinking. She’s jumping ship before he drowns her too."

"You’re not actually gonna—"

"Take her up on it? Maybe. She’s useful. Information. Access. Evidence." Draven sipped his champagne. *Glug.*

Hmm .Plus she’s part of the also quest. Seducing her gets VP.

Mara sighed. "You’re thinking with your dick."

"I’m thinking with my brain. My dick’s a bonus."

She laughed. Couldn’t help it. "You’re terrible."

"You knew that when you quit the Church for me."

"Fair point."

They stood there. Watching the party. Nobles still gossiping. Aldric still looking pissed. Vivienne talking to other nobles. Networking.

[System]: *QUEST UPDATE*

*First contact: SUCCESS*

*Vivienne interested*

*She APPROACHED YOU*

*Offered alliance*

*Gave valuable intel*

*This is going PERFECTLY*

*Keep pushing ♥*

Suddenly. *Tap tap tap.* Footsteps.

A guard. Royal colors. Serious face.

"Lord Arclight. His Majesty requests your presence. Privately."

The King wanted to talk.

This was big.

"Now?"

"Yes my lord. Please follow me."

Draven looked at Mara. She nodded. Understanding.

He handed her his glass. *Clink.* "I’ll be back."

"Be careful."

"Always."

He followed the guard. *Tap tap tap tap.* Through the ballroom. Nobles watching. Whispering.

Out a side door. *Click.* Down a hallway. Quieter. *Tap tap tap.*

To a private study. Door opened. *Creak.*

Inside.

King Aldwin. Standing by a window. Looking out at the city. Old. Tired. But his eyes were sharp.

"Lord Arclight," he said. Not turning around. "Thank you for coming."

"Your Majesty." Draven bowed. Slight. Respectful. "You wanted to see me?"

"I did. Close the door."

Draven closed it. *Click.*

They were alone.

King turned. Looked at him. Long look. Assessing.

"You’re young," the King said. "Too young to be this powerful. This influential. But here you are."

"Here I am."

"S-Rank at eighteen. Destroyed two noblev houses. Exposed my son’s crimes." King walked to his desk. Sat. *Thump.* "You’ve done more in six months than most do in lifetimes."

"I am Just doing what is necessary."

"Necessary." King smiled. Tired. "Everyone says that. Aldric says his schemes are necessary. Corvus says his corruption is necessary. The Church says their control is necessary."

He leaned back. *Creak.* "What makes you different?"

"I win. They lose."

King laughed. Actually laughed. "Honest. I appreciate that."

Silence for a moment.

Then. King’s face got serious.

"Aldric’s guilty. We both know it. The investigation will prove it. Evidence is overwhelming." King looked old suddenly. Sad. "He’s my son. I love him. But he’s corrupt. Dangerous. I Can’t make him King."

Draven said nothing. Just listened.

"I need a new heir. Someone capable. Someone strong. Someone the kingdom can trust." King looked at him. Direct. "I need someone like you."

Wait.

WHAT.

[System]: *HOLY FUCKING SHIT*

*Did the King just—*

*Is he OFFERING—*

*THE THRONE?!*

*TO YOU?!*

*THIS IS INSANE*

*ANSWER CAREFULLY ♥*

"Your Majesty," Draven said. Careful. "I’m flattered. But I’m not royal blood. I can’t—"

"You can. Adoption. Royal decree. I name you Prince. Make you heir. It’s been done before. Precedent exists." King stood. Walked around the desk. "I have two years. Maybe three. Then I die. Old age. Illness. Whatever. The kingdom needs a strong ruler after me. Someone who won’t let it fall to corruption."

"What about Princess Elara? Your daughter?"

King shook his head. "Married to a foreign lord. Lives in another kingdom. Hasn’t been home in ten years. She doesn’t want the throne."

"Other relatives?"

"Cousins. Nephews. All weak. All corrupt. All useless." King put his hand on Draven’s shoulder. Heavy. "You’re the only one qualified. The only one strong enough. The only one the nobles fear and respect."

This was insane.

The King. Offering him. The throne.

Draven’s mind raced.

Accept? Become Crown Prince? Future King?

Or refuse? Stay independent? Keep scheming from outside?

[DING! MAJOR DECISION]

[Option 1: Accept throne offer]

[Become Crown Prince → Future King → Ultimate Power → New Quest Line]

[Option 2: Refuse throne offer]

[Stay independent → More freedom → Continue current path]

[This decision is HUGE. Choose wisely.]

"I need time to think," Draven said. Honest. "This is... big."

"Of course. Think. Decide. But decide soon." King walked back to the window. "Aldric will try to run. Or fight. Either way. Chaos coming. I need to know who’s with me. Who I can trust."

"I understand."

"Do you? Because if you accept. You’ll have enemies. Real enemies. People who want the throne. People who’ll try to kill you."

"I’ve had people trying to kill me since I was born."

King smiled. Grim. "Good answer. You’ll need that attitude."

He waved his hand. Dismissive. "Go. Think. Enjoy the party. We’ll talk again soon."

Draven bowed. Turned. Left. *Tap tap tap.*

Out the door. *Click.* Down the hallway. *Tap tap tap.*

Mind spinning.

The throne. The fucking throne. Offered. Just like that.

[System]: *HOST*

*That was INCREDIBLE*

*The King OFFERED you the crown*

*You could be KING*

*Ultimate power*

*Ultimate authority*

*What are you gonna do?*

Draven didn’t answer. Just kept walking.

Back to the ballroom. *Tap tap.*

Mara saw him. Rushed over. "What happened there you looks ? You look very shocked."

"We will talk about this Later.i will Tell you later."

"But—"

"Later." He grabbed champagne. *Clink.* Drank it. *Glug glug glug.* Finished.

Across the room. Vivienne was watching. Knowing smile.

Aldric was glaring. Hateful.

The King was gone. Back to wherever kings went.

And Draven.

Draven had a decision to make.

The biggest decision of his life.

———

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