Published: September 6, 2025
After asking Richarda to request a meeting with my Foster Father, I exchanged information with Charlotte, who was supposed to be listening to the close aides in her room about the consensus of the Reizegang faction. Since many of the nobles in my close circle were affiliated with Reizegang, it seemed Charlotte’s close aides had fewer Reizegang nobles, and thus had little information about their consensus.
However, there was plenty of information from the relatives of the close aides my Foster Mother had brought from Froebelthark. Apparently, there was news that Wilfried’s life was being targeted by radical nobles. They said that if only Wilfried were gone, it would become easy to place me as the next Aub.
When I mentioned that my Foster Father and Brother Wilfried were undertaking secret tasks from Reizegang, Charlotte looked very worried and asked, “Is it possible that they are being deceived by Reizegang?”
…There’s even information about assassination attempts; it’s obviously suspicious, isn’t it?
“I think they are probably under conditions or pressure that they can’t refuse. So, I don’t believe their words in the meetings truly reflect their hearts.”
“It’s frustrating not to be informed of the true situation.”
Charlotte, who seemed to feel left out, mumbled, “Is it because I’m unreliable?”
“You are very dependable, Charlotte. Also, I believe information is being hidden because they desperately want to protect us amid these unstable circumstances.”
“My older sister?”
“If I, who could become the banner that Reizegang tries to raise, weren’t here, there would be no need to lower the ranks by bowing to Reizegang. I think I am currently protected by my Foster Father.”
Since even my Foster Mother’s close aides brought information warning that Wilfried was in danger, my Foster Father must be aware as well. Although it would be easiest to simply kill me, a former commoner, they have not done so and have accepted Reizegang’s tasks.
“Therefore, I intend to fully support my Foster Father. Charlotte, please cooperate as well.”
I shared with Charlotte my plan to form a new faction centered on motivated young people within my Foster Father’s and Brother Wilfried’s supporters.
“I’m just suggesting this, but if we can successfully win them over, wouldn’t it strengthen my Foster Father’s position?”
“Generational change is effective, but it will take time until the younger generation acts as your Father’s faction. I don’t think it’s enough yet to suppress Reizegang.”
Charlotte calmly assessed the current chaotic situation as a good plan but still weak.
“Also, it’s not only the elderly who are confused or rebellious toward rapid changes. Even within the noble academy dorms, there was resistance to your proposal, wondering if children of the old Veronica faction would be treated the same or if high-ranking nobles would have to earn money themselves.”
My comment that if they wanted to learn mana compression they should work hard to earn money was accepted by middle- and lower-ranking nobles, but it apparently sparked resistance among the high nobles who had never earned money before. Charlotte said she heard this from her own aides.
“Although your high-ranking noble aides led by example, reducing resistance, role models are necessary to adapt to rapid change, and it’s important to lend a hand to those who are confused.”
Impressed by Charlotte’s skillful perspective in mediating opinions, I asked what she thought we should do to help everyone accept the changes.
“Probably, your Father marrying a second wife from Reizegang is best.”
“Why is that?”
“Reizegang has stabilized its power by doing so till now, right? So, if a flexible woman from Reizegang is welcomed as a second wife, it would reassure Reizegang that things are the same as before, buying time while accelerating generational change. It would be the most peaceful way to unify.”
Charlotte said this while lowering her gaze slightly.