Chapter 67

The current Senate meeting was taking place at Hrudwig Palace. Dietrich, standing on the podium, continued his speech.

“I propose the abolition of restrictions on promotion eligibility for military officer ranks.”

“Are you out of your mind?!”

A furious outcry erupted from one of the members seated in the House of Lords. It was Earl Derdreta Vicari.

“Command authority has always been the honorable duty and right of the noble class of Rohadin. Moreover, the military is a hierarchical organization where the chain of command is of utmost importance. And now you’re suggesting that commoners command nobles? Do you think this will help the morale of the army?”

Born into the traditional knightly family of Vicari, Derdreta had earned her title through sheer competence among her male siblings. Her outburst was the catalyst for other enraged members of the House of Lords, who joined in her indignation.

“Commoners already have the rank of non-commissioned officers available to them. There are plenty of ways to serve Rohadin without becoming officers. What could possibly be the reason for the newly appointed Speaker of the House to make such a proposal?”

“What is your intention in sowing division in the military with your silver tongue?!”

The jeers directed at Dietrich continued unabated from the House of Lords. Expecting such backlash, Dietrich merely regarded the members with a calm gaze, his expression unchanging. Instead, it was the members of the House of Commons who erupted in anger on his behalf. The first to shout was Schweiger.

“Does it make sense to differentiate service to Rohadin based on social status?”

“What about those who were ennobled by Emperor Rufus? Do you believe they contribute to the morale of the military?”

Though the House of Commons was usually divided between radicals and moderates, the issue of status united them in their outrage. Similarly, the House of Lords saw this as a direct challenge to their authority, and the two sides hurled jeers at each other across the assembly hall. Eventually, the presiding Senate Chairman, Grand Duke Manfred Bazedo, shouted desperately from his position in the center.

“Order! Order!”

As one of the only two Dukes in Rohadin, and the King’s representative in his absence, Grand Duke Bazedo’s intervention momentarily silenced the assembly hall. However, the faces of the members on both sides remained flushed with unresolved anger.

Once the atmosphere had cooled slightly, Grand Duke Bazedo turned to Dietrich and spoke.

“Please proceed with your statement.”

Dietrich nodded. Alternating his gaze between the still-hostile members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, he calmly continued to present his argument.

“We live in an era of firearms. The time when individual prowess in swordsmanship or magic determined the tide of battle is over.”

Rohadin had once boasted numerous mages, led by the legendary Duke of Rosenheim, who possessed unparalleled magical power in the continent’s history. However, no new mages had been born since, casting doubt on the certainty of victory in any future wars. Furthermore, the rise of commoners to nobility served as irrefutable evidence against the claims of the House of Lords. Examples included Earl Essen, who had inherited his title as a son-in-law, and Charlotte, along with six others, who had been ennobled for their contributions during the coup.

“In this era, legally barring commoners from officer promotions and their refusal to pursue such paths despite opportunities are entirely different matters. Just as you granted us, the members of the House of Commons, a chance, I ask that you do not block the loyalty of commoners to Rohadin based on their status. I appeal to your wisdom and ask for equality in patriotism.”

Having concluded his speech, Dietrich stepped back slightly and bowed respectfully toward the assembly members.

Thunderous applause erupted from the House of Commons. In contrast, the House of Lords remained silent, though none continued to jeer at Dietrich as they had earlier. Even Earl Vicari, who had been the first to attack him, maintained her silence.

Satisfied with the reaction, the corner of Dietrich’s lips lifted slightly as he bowed his head.

After the inaugural speech ended, as the assembly members exited the hall, Grand Duke Bazedo approached Dietrich and greeted him.

“For a first speech as Speaker of the House, that was quite ‘revolutionary,’ Sir Dietrich.”

“Ah, Your Grace.”

Dietrich bowed deeply.

“I hope I haven’t caused unnecessary division in the previously peaceful Senate.”

“No, no. In a madhouse filled with every kind of human folly, this is exactly the level of disruption needed to assert yourself as Speaker.”

“Haha.”

Dietrich let out an awkward laugh, caught off guard by the Grand Duke’s blunt remark, which contrasted with his seasoned appearance. The Duke patted Dietrich’s shoulder a couple of times with his gloved hand.

“I look forward to your future endeavors.”

With a tone of enjoyment, the Duke concluded his words and hurried off with his attendants.

Martin, Dietrich’s secretary, approached him from behind and whispered into his ear.

“Malena has been captured.”

Dietrich’s face froze, though he maintained his smile.

“And the other person?”

“They are still safe.”

Dietrich clenched his fist. With the King’s suspicions already directed at him, Malena’s capture meant that Kaiserliche agents were likely observing him closely. Dietrich began walking naturally. He now had a reason to accelerate his plans, no matter the cost.

***

The royal capital was bustling, with the grand festival just around the corner. The capital housed several palaces, including Michael’s residence, the administrative Godfrey Palace, the Princess Palace known as Tilda Palace, and Hrudwig Palace, where the Senate convened.

For the past few days, Charlotte had been visiting the royal capital almost daily, inspecting the cafes under renovation in various palaces. While these cafes did not require the level of detail typical of standalone establishments, Michael’s unusual interest in palace cafes meant that Charlotte had to conduct thorough inspections.

Today, she was scheduled to inspect the cafe being set up in the Royal Research Institute.

Charlotte lightly grasped her skirt. Given that the Royal Research Institute was practically Erhen’s second home, there was a chance she might run into him. It was only natural for her to feel more nervous than usual.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” 

Lida asked anxiously.

Lida, who often seemed to know Charlotte’s state better than she did herself—or perhaps worried excessively—was clearly concerned. Seeing her overreaction, Charlotte felt she couldn’t show any signs of struggle. The problem wasn’t just Lida but the entire Rothschild household.

Suppressing a sigh, Charlotte smiled faintly.

“Of course. It’s my responsibility.”

The progress of the cafe renovation in the Royal Research Institute was no different from that in other palaces. Given that the researchers here spent more time in their labs than in the cafe, the structure was simpler.

Charlotte had planned to finish her inspection quickly, but she hadn’t expected to find herself drinking tea in the Director’s office with the Director herself.

Marchioness Marie An, the Director of the Royal Research Institute, spoke with a smile.

“The Royal Research Institute owes its continued vitality not only to His Majesty’s vision but also to the support of the Rothschild family. I’ve always wanted to express my gratitude.”

“It’s not my support; it’s my parents’ work. Besides, I know you already send your thanks every month, Director.”

Before the institute was renamed the Royal Research Institute, Emperor Rufus had cut off its funding entirely, indulging instead in luxury and decadence. Despite this, the researchers couldn’t abandon their critical studies. To keep the research going, Marchioness An had even spent her own personal wealth.

During this time, the Rothschild family had stepped in to help.

“Still, I can’t simply overlook the fact that you yourself have come all this way, Viscountess.”

The company Sonne, operated by the Rothschild family, was renowned for being ahead of its time. Its forward-thinking investments had supported the Imperial Research Institute.

This support had also allowed the second son of the Rosenheim Marquisate to continue his work, preventing his talents from going to waste. The research funds Erhen received had even alleviated some of the Marquisate’s debts. Without the Rothschilds, the current Duke of Rosenheim might not exist.

Following the coup, Emperor Michael had revitalized the Royal Research Institute with aggressive investments. Yet, the continued prosperity of the institute was also due to the unceasing support from Sonne and the financial oversight of Earl Essen, the eldest son of the Rothschild family.

Thus, it was no surprise that Marchioness An was delighted by Charlotte’s visit, regardless of her intentions.

“I owe the Rothschild family a great debt. If the time ever comes when my assistance is needed, I will help without any conditions. Please don’t hesitate to call on me, Viscountess.”

“Your words alone are an honor to me.”

Though it was clearly a polite gesture of flattery, Charlotte smiled, feeling that it wasn’t unpleasant. The cheerful conversation continued until—

Knock, knock. The door opened following a knock, and the Director’s attendant entered.

“Director, the Duke of Rosenheim has requested an audience.”

At those words, Charlotte’s hand involuntarily tensed.