Cassian frowned. Great. Just what he needed—an awkward family meeting.
Carefully, he separated from Anna and got out of bed. She murmured something in her sleep but didn't wake up. Cassian covered her with the sheets and headed to his private bathroom—one of the few luxuries he had as the Duke's son, even as a bastard.
He washed up quickly, dressing in appropriate clothes for breakfast: a white linen shirt with golden embroidery, fitted black pants, and a short crimson jacket with the emblem of House Valcrest—an eagle over a sword.
He looked at himself in the mirror. With his golden hair slicked back and his red eyes shining in the morning light, he looked… imposing. Handsome, but also dangerous in some way.
Perfect.
Before leaving, he focused on the ability [Mask of Falsehood]. Immediately, a new window appeared.
[MASK OF FALSEHOOD – ACTIVATED]
Select the fake ability you wish to display:
Suggested options:
Enhanced Memory (Rank F)
Deep Concentration (Rank F)
Quick Calculation (Rank F)
Sense of Direction (Rank F)
[NOTE: Choose a believable ability for someone who "awakened late." Higher-rank abilities will raise suspicion.]
Cassian considered the options. Enhanced Memory sounds good. It's useful but not impressive. Perfect for not drawing attention.
He selected the option.
[MASK OF FALSEHOOD CONFIGURED]
Displayed Ability: Enhanced Memory (Rank F)
[Anyone using detection abilities will see this ability instead of "Essence Devourer."]
Satisfied, Cassian left his room. The hallways of the Valcrest mansion were wide and luxurious, decorated with paintings of ancestors and ceremonial armor. Servants hurried about, preparing the mansion for the day.
Several of them looked at him as he passed—some maids blushed and quickly looked away. A guard saluted him respectfully, something he had never done before.
Is my increased Charisma working even on men? Cassian thought. Interesting.
He reached the family dining room, a set of double carved wooden doors with the Valcrest emblem. He could hear voices on the other side. He took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.
The conversation stopped immediately.
The dining room was a huge hall with a long oak table that could easily seat twenty people. Today, only five were present.
At the head of the table sat Duke Roderick Valcrest, an imposing man in his late forties with graying black hair and ice-cold blue eyes. His presence filled the room—an aura of absolute authority that made you instinctively want to obey him.
[AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS]
Name: Roderick Valcrest
Age: 48
Title: Duke of the Northern Region of Valdoria
Magic Affinity: Fire
Latent Ability: Voice of Command (Rank B)
Description: His orders are difficult to disobey. It's not mind control, but people WANT to obey him.
Estimated Stats:
Charisma: 52
Strength: 68
Magic Power: 71
Relationship: Distant (15/100)
[Cannot be target – Incorrect gender]
To his right was Duchess Margareth Valcrest, a beautiful but cold woman of about forty, with black hair tied in an elegant bun and storm-gray eyes. Her expression upon seeing Cassian was one of barely concealed disgust.
[AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS]
Name: Margareth Valcrest
Age: 42
Title: Duchess
Magic Affinity: Water
Latent Ability: Icy Presence (Rank C)
Description: Projects an aura that makes others feel cold and uncomfortable. Useful for intimidation.
Estimated Stats:
Charisma: 38
Attractiveness: 44
Magic Power: 65
Relationship: Hostile (5/100)
Attraction: N/A [Married/Unavailable]
Conquest Difficulty: [ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE]
[WARNING: This woman hates you. Proceed with extreme caution.]
Further down sat Lady Isabella Valcrest, the twenty-four-year-old older half-sister. Black hair like her mother's, but with her father's blue eyes. Beautiful in a fierce and dangerous way. When she saw Cassian, her lips curled into a cruel smile.
[AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS]
Name: Isabella Valcrest
Age: 24
Title: First Heir of House Valcrest
Magic Affinity: Fire
Latent Ability: Vital Flame (Rank C)
Description: Her body temperature rises with her emotions. When angry, she can burn with her touch. Immune to fire.
Estimated Stats:
Charisma: 32
Attractiveness: 56
Magic Power: 58
Relationship: Very Hostile (-10/100)
Attraction: Contempt (2/100)
Conquest Difficulty: ★★★★★ [EXTREMELY DIFFICULT]
[NOTE: Isabella enjoys tormenting you. Conquest will require humiliating her first or demonstrating overwhelming power.]
Next to Isabella was Lady Elise Valcrest, twenty years old. Light brown hair and kind green eyes. She was the only one who didn't look at him with disgust or cruel amusement—only with genuine curiosity.
[AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS]
Name: Elise Valcrest
Age: 20
Title: Second Heir
Magic Affinity: Light
Latent Ability: Emotional Resonance (Rank C)
Description: Feels the emotions of nearby people (10m). Does not read thoughts, only emotions.
Estimated Stats:
Charisma: 28
Attractiveness: 52
Magic Power: 48
Relationship: Neutral/Curious (40/100)
Attraction: Low (12/100)
Conquest Difficulty: [MODERATE]
[NOTE: Elise feels compassion for you. She is your best opportunity within the legitimate family.]
[DANGER: Her ability can detect your true emotions. Keep your composure.]
And finally, sitting directly across from where Cassian was standing, was his twin sister.
Cassandra Valcrest.
It was like looking into a mirror. Identical golden hair, though hers was longer and elegantly braided. Red eyes exactly like his. The same angelic features.
But while Cassian radiated warmth (thanks to his Charisma), Cassandra was cold as ice. Her red eyes studied him without any emotion, as if he were an interesting insect under a microscope.
[AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS]
Name: Cassandra Valcrest
Age: 16 (twin)
Title: Bastard Daughter
Magic Affinity: Darkness
Latent Ability: Shadow Mirror (Rank B)
Description: Can copy ONE latent ability she has seen in action. Can only hold 1 copied ability at a time. Lasts 30 minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours.
Estimated Stats:
Charisma: 32
Attractiveness: 45 (physically identical to you, but her cold personality reduces perceived attractiveness)
Magic Power: 42
Relationship: Distant (25/100)
Attraction: Confused (8/100)
Conquest Difficulty: [VERY DIFFICULT]
[CRITICAL WARNING: She is your twin sister. Taboo relationship. Additionally, her ability could be dangerous if she discovers your secret.]
[NOTE: Cassandra has ignored you for years out of shame. However, she feels guilty about it.]
The silence in the dining room was almost tangible.
Cassian smiled charmingly—a smile that even made Elise blush slightly—and walked to his usual seat at the end of the table, far from everyone else.
"Good morning, family," he said in a soft but clear voice.
Isabella was the first to speak, her voice dripping with venom.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up. Did the bastard finally leave his room? Or were you too busy admiring yourself in the mirror?"