Night fell over Barielle Castle.
Lucien sat on the sofa, reviewing the documents in his hands.
Across from him, Priscilla and Aldebaran appeared to have accepted their fate.
Their earlier arrogance had vanished, replaced by a quiet submission.
During the day, Lucien had demonstrated the depth of his control over life and death; he could manipulate their thoughts and bodies effortlessly.
From the moment they became Ghouls under his power, they had lost all autonomy.
Now, his attention shifted to other royal candidates: Kursiu Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin.
Emilia had already perished, and Felt remained at Reinhardt's house, with her candidacy unconfirmed as the Royal Selection had not yet begun.
Other characters, including Reinhardt, Filis Argyle, Wilhelm, and Julius, were present, all appearing in the first season of the anime.
Some could be considered secondary supporting characters, others important depending on their future roles.
Lucien had no intention of immediately killing Priscilla.
Her influence and resources were useful, and these documents saved him significant time.
"Can you arrange for these two to meet tomorrow?" he asked, tossing the papers onto the table and crossing his legs.
"I'm not sure if they will come," Priscilla replied, flicking her long orange hair, "after all, we are competitors."
"Invite them. I want them here tomorrow."
"Take me to the bath," Lucien added, rising and lifting Priscilla's chin gently.
"Yes," she whispered, her face flushing, her form trembling subtly beneath the confines of her dress.
The next afternoon, to Lucien's satisfaction, Kursiu Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin accepted the invitation.
In the reception room, Lucien positioned himself behind Priscilla, observing Kursiu and Anastasia seated on the sofas.
Kursiu, a stern and striking woman dressed in men's clothing, had long green hair and amber eyes, her demeanor calm yet alert.
Behind her stood Filis, a mischievous male demi-human disguised as a cat-girl, playful yet attentive.
Nearby, Wilhelm, an elderly man in a butler's tailcoat with perfectly slicked-back white hair, and Julius, vice-captain of the Royal Guard, who had relentlessly tortured Subaru during the first Royal Selection, were also present.
Felt and Reinhardt were absent; Lucien had opted not to include them, knowing Reinhardt's local strength would make him a dangerous variable.
"Priscilla, state your purpose," Kursiu said, sipping her coffee as her gaze swept over the group.
She had noticed subtle changes in their expressions but chose not to question them.
"My company is very busy," Anastasia said impatiently, setting down her cup.
"Everyone, step outside," Priscilla commanded, turning to include Lucien, Aldebaran, Filis, Wilhelm, and Julius.
Kursiu and Anastasia frowned but complied.
Outside, Aldebaran directed the group while maids brought refreshments and wine.
"Aldebaran, what does Lady Priscilla want?" Julius asked, swirling the wine thoughtfully.
"We received intelligence that the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, has appeared, as well as the White Whale, one of the Three Great Mabeasts," Aldebaran explained.
Wilhelm's eyes sharpened.
"Where is the White Whale?"
His wife had perished at its hands, and thoughts of revenge stirred uncontrollably.
"Grandfather Wilhelm, do not lose composure," Filis warned, nearly spilling his wine.
"The White Whale is on the kingdom's border," Aldebaran continued, "but intelligence confirms it has already been killed."
Lucien sat beside him, swirling the wine smoothly.
The beverage was rich and full-bodied, enhanced with a touch of his spinal fluid.
Filis lacked significant combat ability, but Wilhelm and Julius were masters — particularly Julius.
The addition of spinal fluid ensured their compliance, undetectable in taste yet subtly influencing their minds.
Returning to the reception room, Lucien entered with Aldebaran.
Kursiu and Anastasia were conversing, yet the atmosphere was tense.
Priscilla, sensing the plan's success, stayed close to Lucien.
"Lord Kursiu," Priscilla greeted, and "Lord Anastasia," she added, her tone respectful yet subtle.
Julius, Filis, and Wilhelm entered behind Lucien, their faces wary.
"Who is this?" Julius asked.
As competitors, they had investigated other candidates, but Lucien was unknown to them.
"He is our master," Aldebaran revealed.
Inside, Priscilla volunteered to sit in Lucien's arms, peeling grapes and feeding them to him personally.
Kursiu and Anastasia's expressions flickered between surprise and disbelief.
"I have always deeply loved you, Kursiu, Anastasia," Lucien declared, his voice calm yet commanding.
He snapped his fingers at Julius, Filis, and Wilhelm.
In an instant, golden lightning engulfed them, transforming the three into Mindless Titans.
The air roared with violence as walls trembled.
Lucien had feared some resistance to Titanization, but his growing strength ensured his powers surpassed the limitations of the worlds he interacted with.
Even abilities like Titanization and Ghoul Body strengthened alongside him.
As he grew, even gods could be manipulated.
Kursiu and Anastasia raised their hands defensively.
When the storm of energy subsided, the three deformed Titans lay prone, utterly transformed.
Shock and disbelief were etched into Kursiu and Anastasia's faces as they witnessed the impossible.
"Priscilla, what did you do to them?" Kursiu demanded, drawing her long sword.
Priscilla remained silent, pressing close to Lucien.
"If you want them returned to normal, put down your weapons," Lucien said, lighting a cigar.
His calm, commanding presence left Kursiu and Anastasia no choice but to weigh their next moves carefully.
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