Rebuilding

Kael sat at the edge of the bed, still catching his breath.

His heart pounded from exertion, but it wasn't just his body that felt alive, it was his mind.

His fingers flexed instinctively, as if trying to grasp the strange power now coursing through him.

The voice of the Netorare System came in, cutting through the haze of post-coital bliss like a sharp blade.

---

System Notification:

Quest Complete: Seduce Mila, the Loyal Maid.

Reward: 10 SP

Bonus Objective Complete: Mila has revealed critical insights about the barony's internal struggles.

Bonus Reward: 15 SP

Total SP Earned: 25 SP

Skill Unlocked: Desire Sense.

---

Kael read the floating screen with a mixture of satisfaction and unease.

The quest wasn't just about seduction.

The system had drawn more from Mila than her loyalty and her body it had mined her mind for knowledge she likely didn't even realize was important.

He turned, his gaze settling on her as she slept soundly beside him, her lips slightly parted, a peaceful expression on her face.

She looked so innocent, so unassuming.

Yet, Mila had given him a window into the disarray within his own territory, knowledge he hadn't been able to obtain through spies or brute force.

The barony was more fractured than even Kael had anticipated.

Crops weren't yielding as they should. Workers whispered of abandoning their posts.

Some of the nearby lords parasites, Kael thought bitterly were making moves to undermine his control while he was still finding his footing.

And then there were the Elstrands. Always the Elstrands.

Kael exhaled heavily, raking a hand through his dark hair.

His satisfaction was short-lived.

There was no time to revel in personal conquests when his land, his inheritance, was on the verge of crumbling beneath him.

---

System Notification:

New Skill: Desire Sense

Ability: Detect hidden desires and emotional vulnerabilities in those within a short range.

Usage: Insight into targets' motives and potential weaknesses, essential for manipulation and seduction.

---

"Desire Sense," Kael muttered under his breath, staring at Mila as the system's explanation rolled through his mind.

With barely a thought, he willed the skill to activate.

The effect was immediate. Mila's aura seemed to shift there was no visible light or glow, but he could feel her emotions.

Subtle whispers brushed against his thoughts.

Longing.

Security.

A faint edge of guilt and confusion.

But overriding all of it was the intense need to be valued, to belong.

It was more than Kael had gleaned from her words or actions.

So, this is what the system meant. A tool like this wasn't just about conquest it was about control.

Kael shook his head, standing up from the bed.

This wasn't the time to obsess over new abilities.

He needed to get ahead of the problems festering in his lands.

The Elstrands weren't his only concern, and if he didn't stabilize his barony, there'd be nothing left to fight over.

Soon Kael found himself in his study later that morning, poring over maps and scattered reports.

It was clear from the disorganized state of the paperwork that his stewards had been either overwhelmed or utterly incompetent in managing his affairs.

Mila had spoken hesitantly the night before about dwindling morale among the villagers and how the steward in charge of the barony's grain stores was rumored to be skimming from the supplies.

The man wasn't loyal, just opportunistic enough to take advantage of Kael's distracted position.

He ran his hand along his jaw, thinking.

The people who worked the land were terrified of starvation.

The tension between his people and the overseers needed immediate attention.

Kael summoned his chamberlain, a middle-aged man named Aldric who had served his family for years.

Despite his loyalty, Aldric had grown complacent, too accustomed to the relative calm of Kael's father's rule.

"Aldric," Kael began, his voice low but firm. "How are the food stores?"

The older man flinched slightly at the question. "My lord, the stores are adequate for the season—"

"Don't lie to me," Kael interrupted sharply. "I'm not a fool, Aldric. Mila told me what the villagers are saying. If the people are worried about food, then something's wrong. Is the steward stealing from us?"

Aldric hesitated, his lips tightening into a thin line. "I... I cannot confirm it, my lord, but I've heard rumors. Grain disappears faster than it should. A few coins exchanged in the market are said to come from questionable sources."

Kael's jaw clenched. "That's not good enough. I need confirmation, not rumors."

The chamberlain nodded quickly. "I'll have it looked into."

"No, you won't," Kael said, standing. "I will." His eyes darkened as he stared down at Aldric. "And if I find out you've turned a blind eye to this for your own convenience, I'll deal with you just as harshly as I will that thief."

Aldric paled, bowing stiffly. "As you command, my lord."

After Aldric went out, Kael sat back down, his hands resting on the desk.

The truth was, he needed to deal with this swiftly and decisively.

If his people lost faith in his ability to provide and protect, he'd have uprisings on his hands or worse, defections to the Elstrands.

Kael felt the system noise in the back of his mind, its presence oddly comforting in moments like this.

It wasn't just a tool for lust or manipulation. It was power.

Pure, unyielding power, if used correctly.

Later that day, Kael walked through the fields himself, speaking with workers and listening to their concerns.

Many were hesitant to talk openly, afraid of reprisals if they were seen speaking ill of their overseers.

But with a few carefully placed questions and subtle nudges assisted, of course, by his new Desire Sense Kael began to piece together the truth.

The steward was indeed stealing grain, likely selling it off to merchants in the neighboring towns.

The villagers weren't just upset; they were desperate.

Families were going hungry, and tempers were beginning to flare.

As Kael returned to the manor, his boots coated in mud, he realised his role wasn't just about conquering individuals it was about ruling.

Properly. If he couldn't manage his own lands, all the ambition in the world wouldn't save him.

He summoned Lysara, his trusted aide, that evening.

She arrived swiftly, her sharp eyes taking in his disheveled appearance without comment.

"You're going to track down the merchants buying our grain," Kael said without preamble. "I want names, locations, and proof."

Lysara raised an eyebrow. "And the steward?"

"Don't worry," Kael said, his voice cold. "I'll deal with him personally."

Lysara gave him a small, approving nod. "Consider it done."

As she left, Kael allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

This was only the first step, but it was a vital one.

Stabilizing the barony was just as important as any seduction or manipulation.

The system was a tool, yes but Kael knew it was only as effective as the man wielding it.

Mila found him in his study later, bringing a tray of food.

She hesitated at the doorway, her cheeks coloring slightly as their eyes met.

Kael smiled faintly, motioning for her to come in.

"You don't need to serve me, Mila," he said as she placed the tray on his desk. "Not anymore."

Her lips parted in surprise, but then she smiled shyly. "I want to, my lord. It feels... right."

Kael reached out, taking her hand in his. "Good. Because I'll need you by my side in the days ahead. This barony needs more than just strength. It needs trust. I'll need your eyes and ears as much as your loyalty."

Mila's smile widened, and she nodded earnestly. "Anything you need, my lord."

As she left, Kael sat back, his thoughts racing. The steward. The Elstrands. The broken trust of his people.