Chapter (Series) 1: Values of Versailles
Set in 1665, the tale follows Rene de Noailles, the daughter of a marquis. Her name begins as Rene by default, but players may rename her. The story opens in a quiet village near Paris, inviting the reader to shape her physique, appearance, and first hairstyle as the journey begins.
Path Scene: (each path in this narrative is explained and explored for clarity)
Path of Altruism: Altruism means lending a hand to friends and family, serving the king and the nation, often at personal cost—putting others first with little regard for risk or reward.
Calculation Path: Calculation centers on thoughtful decision making designed to protect oneself and loved ones, planning ahead with patience and rationality.
Path of Hedonism: Hedonism embraces pleasure, living in the moment, and sharing joy with others as freely as possible.
The heroine worries about unexpected visitors arriving. The family is not in its best shape, and she lacks a dress suitable for the meeting, adding tension to the moment.
Choice moment: I just want…
- Make daddy happy (+1 Altruism);
- Get respect (+1 Calculation);
- Feel the soft side on your skin (+1 Hedonism).
The father mentions that a king’s servant named Alexander plans a visit. After their encounter, Alexander wonders why the heroine has not appeared at court.
Timing: Monsieur, the point is…
- I’m still too young (+1 Calculation);
- I can’t leave daddy alone (+1 Altruism);
- I love rural life (+1 Hedonism).
Alexander asks if the heroine is considering marriage. The family has no money for a dowry, so a falsehood becomes a possible necessity.
Choice: I’m twenty, monsieur. And no, no one is claiming my hand (no effect)
- By the way, I’m not interested at all;
- If I met someone worthy;
- Are you proposing to me, monsieur? — Your relationship with Alexander improves.
Alexander’s flirty interest grows. He asks what qualities the heroine desires in a partner.
Choice: What am I looking for in my chosen one?
- Only love (+1 Altruism);
- Are you familiar with the term “accomplice”? (+1 Hedonism);
- The highest ranks, titles, and wealth of course (+1 Calculation);
- My heart cannot be conquered (no effect).
Aunt notices rising thefts and questions the pattern. The heroine holds knowledge that Aunt Susanna does not suspect.
Choice: I wonder if my aunt will ever understand that the thefts started with my arrival?
- Daddy would burn with shame if he knew (+1 Altruism);
- I will do anything to survive (+1 Calculation);
- I hate to admit it, but it’s fun (+1 Hedonism).
The question becomes which room should be searched. Options unlock new pathways and extra choices depending on the selection:
- Alexandra – opens an extra choice;
- Susanna’s Aunt – Unlocks an extra choice;
- Free guest room – opens an additional choice.
Regardless of the choice, exploration covers similar spaces in the available room three times, with valuables shifted in position each time.
If the heroine decides to search Alexander’s room:
Timing: I don’t have much time before they start looking for me. I will go and see
- Chest of drawers (pearl necklace);
- Chest (brooch);
- Dressing table.
Choice: should I take this?
- To take;
- Back to place.
Timed Choice: Now I’m going to Check…
- Luggage (money found)
- Bed under the mattress – nothing;
- Wardrobe – nothing.
Choice: should I take this?
- To take;
- Yield.
Timing: One last thing I’ll check…
- Desk – nothing;
- Wardrobe – old francs.
If the decision is to steal from Aunt Suzanne’s room, the outcome appears later. If the choice is to loot an unoccupied guest room, that path will be revealed in time.
Alexander notices the heroine. He grasps the situation quickly and asks for an explanation.
Choice: what to say?
- The truth – no effect;
- Lies – Alexander won’t believe you.
Path Scene:
Path of Altruism: you tell Alexander you don’t want to dishonor your father.
Calculation Path: you ask Alexander why he is so interested in what you stole.
Path of Hedonism: you tell Alexander that you only steal for pleasure.
If two or more items were stolen, a banner appears: You impressed Alexander.
Alexander turns the situation into leverage and imposes demands that must be followed.
Choice: What to answer (no effect)
- Yes, Alexander;
- I don’t like it when people talk to me like that;
- What if I don’t agree?
Alexander then sets the next move. The heroine must decide which carriage to ride in the journey ahead.
Choice: Who am I going with?
- With Aunt Susanna and Dad;
- With Alexander – Your relationship with Alexander has improved.
Relatives worry about the heroine’s fate as the trip is arranged. The road ahead becomes a test of poise and self-control.
Choices: I have to calm Aunt Suzanne and Dad
- I always behave carefully and wisely (+1 Calculation);
- I will return our good name to the king, Daddy (+1 Altruism);
- It all sounds pretty exciting (+1 Hedonism).
If Alexander is chosen, a new decision arises: I’ll have to get rid of him.
- I come with a plan (+1 Calculation);
- As soon as the opportunity arises (+1 Hedonism);
- The most important thing is not to harm anyone in the process (+1 Altruism).
Alexander ends up in a chapel scene with the heroine. He asks if she prays before bed.
Choice: I don’t even know why he’s asking this (no effect)
- Yes I read;
- But how. ruthless;
- I never speak as if God hears it;
- I pray, but I am not a Gallic Catholic;
- I do not pray to a Christian god. And other gods.
You hear voices in the chapel and approach a confession scene. The whispers from the confessional hint at a figure of interest, Chevalier Philippe.
Choice: Don’t know what to think about this (no effect)
- The king’s favorite should be ashamed of himself;
- Blame the King
- This is none of my business;
- People have the right to love who they want;
- I would also become the king’s favorite if I had the chance.
A man notices the heroine and asks if she would like to confess.
Choice: What should I answer? Did he notice that I was eavesdropping?
- No, I was about to leave (no effect);
- I have nothing to confess (no effect);
- Why did you decide that I should confess? – opens the next selection.
Choice: Shall I take the rose? (relationship with Chevalier Philippe changes). This option appears only if the rose was offered in a prior selection.
- To take;
- To refuse.
The street scene unfolds as a wild stallion is spooked by the bright outfits of the ladies and charges toward a man the heroine doesn’t know.
Choice: what should I do?
- Saddle a horse to save a man (18) – relationships with Katerina, Arman, and Alexander improve;
- Freeze in fear (no effect);
- Call for help – Alexander appreciates the rescue.
After calming the horse, Alexander is impressed and Arman and Katerina express their gratitude.
Choice: all right? (no effect)
- Ask Armand;
- Comfort Katerina;
- Ask them both how they feel;
- Have Alexander inquire about their well-being.
Only visible if the heroine received the rose from Philip in the church, this selection explores impressions of Chevalier Philippe.
- He seemed handsome;
- I didn’t like the way he spoke about Louise de La Vallière;
- It was a short conversation.
New acquaintances tease the heroine in a light manner. Choices reflect uncertainty and the budding social dynamics, with responses ranging from flattery to humility.
- It’s flattering even to me;
- This is starting to annoy me;
- I will remain humble and silent.
Questions arise about a person named Michel Millo. The heroine weighs the absurd humor of the moment against the reality of social dynamics at court.
In a hat shop, a girl appears peculiarly unfamiliar. The heroine considers approaching her, or continuing to browse in quiet exploration.
Choice: Maybe I should talk to her?
- Talk to her;
- Keep looking around the store (no effect).
If conversation begins, Bonnet’s moment becomes a playful exchange. The girl’s questions invite a light heart and a touch of romance, with options to spark Bonnet’s smile.
Hair and attire selections follow, offering freedom to choose a finish that suits the moment. Hair clips include various options, each signaling subtle mood shifts. Clothing choices influence style rather than stats, letting the narrative ride a sense of mood and presence rather than numeric outcomes.
The adventure resumes as the heroine makes for Versailles, and the chapter concludes, leaving the reader eager for what lies ahead.
Source: VG Times