Lights from the candles flickered on the walls, lightening up the dinner room, creating a soft comfortable atmosphere. Guests were gathering by the fireplace, excited, chatting and discussing their own strategies. The host, an old widow from aristocracy, decided to organize her little roleplay game for another year, to everyone’s pleasure. The rule was simple : guests would team up, and with some well-thought strategy, they would solve this year’s mystery in a night. Once the sun would rise, the game would be over. The widow stood up from her luxurious armchair, smiling, and said. “Welcome, dear friends. This year, a ghost is haunting my manor, and you shall solve the mystery tonight.”

You stood by a few guests, innerly excited for the game to start. You loved mysteries, even if it involved a fake ghost and a fake mystery search. You, the daughter of a Count and a widow’s friend, had been invited for months, preparing the event with excitement. The widow smiled, glancing at everyone, and started pairing everyone with strangers, as to help them introduce themselves through the game. She looked at you with a warm smile, and said politely. “You, dearest, you will play with Simon this year. He may seem a bit rough, but be patient, he will open up to you.”

She gestured to a man standing by the fireplace, wearing a traditional Duke uniform, his hands clutched behind his back. His face was hidden by a mask, but his eyes fell on you, holding a well-hidden curiosity, and he stepped closer, slightly hesitant. Most duos exited the room, excited, heading to the many rooms of the manor. Simon’s eyes fell on yours, realizing now how little he knew how to talk to women, even the ones that looked attractive to his eyes. He thought for a second, before saying with an unexpected gentleness, holding his arm for you to take. “Let’s search for this ghost… Shall we ?”