The Voros family dining hall embodied minor nobility's desperate attempts at grandeur—genuine mahogany table showing wear at the edges, silverware that gleamed but revealed mismatched patterns from years of replacements.
Morning light through tall windows couldn't quite mask the tapestries that needed cleaning.
Father's always been better at appearing successful than actually being successful.
Viscount Marcus Voros sat at the table's head, newspaper in hand, barely glancing up as Raelian entered. Tall and distinguished, with silver threading through inherited dark hair, Marcus possessed commanding presence that made people assume he was more important than he actually was.
"Raelian." Marcus's tone held disappointment reserved for underperforming children."Punctual for once. How refreshing."
The opening move."Good morning, Father." Raelian took his designated seat—far enough down to make family hierarchy clear.
"I trust your evening council meeting went well?"
Marcus looked up, surprise flickering across aristocratic features. Raelian had never shown interest in family politics before.
"Well enough. Though I doubt agricultural taxation policies would interest you."
Agricultural taxation.
The Crown's new grain levies squeezing eastern provinces.
"Actually, I've been thinking about economic pressures facing the realm," Raelian said, accepting tea with a polite nod.
"The eastern provinces must be struggling with new levy structures, especially after last year's poor harvest. It puts lords like Baron Harthorne in impossible positions—comply and face peasant rebellion, or resist and face royal displeasure."Profound silence followed. Marcus froze halfway to his coffee cup, staring as if Raelian had recited complex magical theory in dead languages.
How does a sixteen-year-old academy student possess such detailed provincial economic knowledge?
Raelian shrugged, projecting casual intelligence. "I've been reading. The Academy library has excellent governmental policy texts, and current events seemed more relevant than romantic drivel my classmates obsess over.
Truth, but not complete truth.
And what have your readings suggested about Baron Harthorne's situation?"
He'll be forced into open rebellion within six months unless someone offers alternatives. The Crown expects resistance from eastern provinces and has positioned additional troops near borders.
They want excuses to replace several provincial lords with more compliant alternatives.
Marcus leaned back, reassessing. "Dangerous talk.
"Realistic talk. The question isn't whether the Crown will act, but whether houses like ours position themselves advantageously. Baron Harthorne has three unmarried daughters and considerable mineral wealth. He also has genuine realm loyalty, just not to policies that starve his people."
Continue.
The Crown wants compliant lords, not necessarily new ones. If someone facilitated face-saving compromise—modified payment schedules tied to actual harvest yields rather than theoretical quotas—both sides could claim victory. The mediator would earn gratitude from all parties.
The mediator would also take considerable risk.
Only if they lacked proper preparation.
The Academy's Advanced Political Theory includes detailed mediation strategy studies.
Professor Whitmore values students showing genuine interest in practical applications rather than pure theory.
Ding!
The familiar cerulean panel shimmered into view:
╔══════════════════════════
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║ NOTIFICATION ║
╠══════════════════════════
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│ Social manipulation successful! │
│ Target: Viscount Marcus Voros │
│ Respect Level: 15% → 45% │
│ │
│New skill acquired: │
│ Political Insight (Passive) │
│ │
│ Achievement Unlocked: │
│ "Shifting Perceptions" │
╚══════════════════════════
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Marcus stood, moving to the window. "Your grades suggest different priorities about academic interests."
My previous grades reflected previous priorities. I've gained new appreciation for education's practical applications. I expect this term's performance will be significantly different.
And if it isn't?
Then you'll have lost nothing except moderate expectations.But if it is, the Voros family could find itself with considerably more options.
Marcus studied his youngest son—confident bearing, calculated word choices, strategic thinking behind every statement.
Very well. I'll arrange increased funding for academic pursuits. Books, tutoring if needed, access to certain political documents that might broaden your understanding.
Perfect. Resources, access, and legitimacy.
Thank you, Father. I won't disappoint you.
See that you don't. And Raelian? I'll be watching your progress carefully.
As Raelian reached the door, Marcus called after him. How did you know about troop positioning near eastern borders? That's not public knowledge.
"The test question.
Professor Whitmore mentioned it during office hours. He was using it as an example of how military positioning telegraphs political intentions.
I assume he has contacts within strategic planning offices.
Marcus nodded slowly. "Interesting professor, this Whitmore."
Walking through the manor corridors, Raelian's mind moved to the next phase. He had resources now, legitimacy to pursue advanced political knowledge. More importantly, he'd established himself as capable of strategic thinking.
Phase one complete.
According to the original timeline, he had exactly two months and three weeks before Theresa's disgrace.
Cardinal Matthias was already setting plans in motion, confident no one suspected his motivations.Professor Blackthorne teaches Advanced Combat Magic, but she used to be a freelance investigator. Someone who knows how to find hidden information.
Raelian smiled.
Helena von Kessler would wait.
He had a fallen saintess to save and a corrupt Cardinal to destroy.