Black market auctions were usually simple:

Gold. Power. Forbidden spells. Corpses.

This one should’ve been no different.

All Aria wanted was a scroll—one that could supposedly track all system users across the continent, maybe even find Yvonne.

Easy. Quiet. Clean.

Until she accidentally raised her hand.

“100,000 gold! Sold to the lady in black!”

The auctioneer slammed the gavel, grinning like a devil in silk.

“Congratulations—you’ve just purchased a Royal Marriage Contract!”

Silence.

Then chaos.

System Alert: You have successfully acquired a binding royal marriage pact.

Bound Party: Unknown Royal Bloodline Holder

Status: Magic-sealed. Irreversible (unless you burn the kingdom).

Suggestion: Explain. Immediately.

Aria: “…”

Elin, her assassin-handmaiden, leaned in. “Did you mix up the item numbers again?”

“They changed the order,” Aria muttered. “The tracking scroll is next.”

Elin nodded. “Sounds about right.”

Thirty minutes later, Aria was politely escorted into a private lounge.

Two people waited.

One was the Night Master of the auction, all polite smiles and cold eyes.

The other was already sipping wine by the window, wearing black and gold and a face full of trouble.

Prince Kael.

He turned to her, smirking.

“You have an impressive talent for unexpected decisions.”

Aria rolled her eyes. “You dragged me into this.”

“You raised your hand.”

“You rigged the auction.”

Kael held up a scroll. “Royal Contract: Automatically binds the highest magical system host to a royal-bloodline match.”

He glanced at her. “Congratulations, we’re compatible.”

“You tricked me,” she snapped.

“I didn’t even touch you,” he said. “You basically proposed.”

System Prompt: Hidden Event Triggered – Royal Engagement (Pending)

Options:

[A] Rip up the contract and lose influence

[B] Stall for now – exploit future advantage

[C] Hack the bond to gain system access privileges (High Risk / High Reward)

Aria stepped closer, eyes gleaming.

“Fine,” she whispered. “Let’s see who tames who.”

Kael blinked, then chuckled. “You’re getting more dangerous.”

She took the contract. “Don’t worry. I haven’t decided I want you yet.”

Then—glass shattered.

Assassins.

Three shadows dropped from the ceiling, blades gleaming, aura seething.

Aria didn’t flinch.

She raised one hand—just in time to activate Queen’s Presence, her aura slamming outward in a burst of pressure.

Kael moved in front of her instinctively.

But Aria was already faster.

She ripped off her veil and activated her newest power.

New Skill Unlocked: Mimic Thread Matrix (Lv1)

Effect: Temporarily copies another user’s aura and system frequency

Bonus: +70% chance to confuse enemy targeting

Side Effect: Look ridiculously hot while doing it

She slapped the nearest wall. Her energy signature shifted.

The assassins blinked—then struck at her shadow.

Kael, sword already drawn, finished the rest.

After the dust settled, Kael stared at her.

“That wasn’t regular magic,” he said quietly. “You evolved again.”

Aria wiped blood from her lip.

“I’m chasing someone far stronger than you know,” she said. “I’m not here to run away.”

She looked him in the eye.

“I’m here to rise so high she has to watch me do it.”

System Evolution: 32%

Skill Proficiency: Mimic Thread Matrix Lv1 ➜ Lv2

Marriage Pact Status: Pending Activation (Resonance 21%)

Next Chapter Preview – Chapter 11: The Duel Invitation, the Dressmaker Spy, and the Downfall of a Duke