The chateau in the Swiss Alps stood like a forgotten memory — regal, remote, and utterly silent.
Snow dusted its ancient spires as if trying to hide its past. A generation ago, kings and queens had walked these halls. Now? Just echoes.
Arthur stepped out of the helicopter, the wind tugging at his coat. He scanned the property — a mixture of gothic architecture and royal decay.
Waiting at the arched entrance was Aurora van Delis, the crownless princess of the former Kingdom of Estaria. Once royalty, now a relic.
But Arthur saw her differently.
To him, she wasn't discarded.She was untapped nobility.
Target Identified: Aurora van DelisStatus: Princess (Royal title revoked)Age: 25Bloodline: Estarian Royal House (dissolved after treaty collapse)
Psychological Profile: Proud, composed, sharp witPrimary Weakness: Irrelevance
Empire Role Potential: Head of Royal and Aristocratic Integration
Loyalty Projection: 61%Projected After Vow: 100%
Strategy:
Reinstate Prestige > Mutual Respect > Strategic Alliance > Purpose Reinforcement
Arthur smiled faintly.This wasn't about seduction or money.
This one… was about restoration.
Inside the Frozen Throne
Aurora led him through a hall that smelled of age and memory.
She wore a dark blue dress and long fur coat, her hair platinum and braided like old queens of war-torn Europe. Her gait was measured, every step echoing a childhood of choreography.
"So," she said, offering no handshake, "you're the one who buys continents?"
Arthur shrugged. "Only if they're underperforming."
A flicker of amusement touched her lips. "Charming. And why did you come here? To ask for my hand in rebuilding a crumbling empire?"
"No," he said. "To offer you a seat in mine."
She didn't smile. Not yet.
The Fire and the Offer
They sat by a massive stone hearth, a fire cracking between them.
"You know," she began, swirling red wine in her glass, "I've been offered thrones. Silly ones. Virtual kingdoms. Crypto royalty. Fantasy monarchies from men who thought I could validate their delusions."
"I'm not asking for validation," Arthur replied. "I'm offering vengeance. Legacy. A new hierarchy."
Aurora arched a brow.
"Explain."
He leaned in.
"You will manage the elite. From fading nobles in Eastern Europe to modern dynasties in Saudi, India, and beyond. You'll dictate status. Define legitimacy. You'll decide who deserves to be called royalty."
"And the cost?"
"Loyalty," he said. "And trust."
She studied him in silence.
Then she rose, gliding across the hall to a faded Estarian flag.
She touched it gently.
"When I was ten, they told me I'd never matter again. That my name meant nothing."
Arthur stood beside her.
"They were wrong," he said. "Your name will decide who matters next."
The Ritual
She demanded a private moment to think.
Arthur gave her one hour.
She returned dressed in ceremonial black — no crown, but her presence made the room hold its breath.
"I'm ready."
He stepped forward.
Initiating Unbreakable Vow...
Binding Terms Accepted.Host Permission Granted.
Loyalty: 100%
Role Assigned: Global Head of Aristocratic & Royal Oversight
Rank: Dame
The system shimmered with updates:
System Update
Arthur Ashford → Duke
Bella → Duchess (Food World Overseer)Roxy → Duchess (Stock Market Head)Nora → Marchioness (Underworld Queen)Candy → Countess (Global Sports Authority)Carmen → Countess (Diplomatic Affairs)Aurora → Dame (Aristocracy & Royalty)
As the firelight bathed the old Estarian tapestries, Aurora turned to Arthur and asked:
"Will I ever wear a crown again?"
He met her gaze.
"No," he said softly. "But you'll make others kneel to your name."
A small, knowing smile curved her lips.
"Then let the nobility bow."