A meeting room within the imperial castle of the Arclesia Empire’s capital was currently filled with the nobles of the Reformist Faction.
Led by Empress Chris, these were individuals dedicated to modernizing an empire long burdened by stagnant, aristocratic traditions. Naturally, they stood at odds with the Conservative Faction, who fought to preserve the old regime.
However, thanks to the shifting tides of the new era and a series of successful policies—along with the immense influence of Miyama Kaito, the World’s Singularity—the Reformists now held an overwhelming advantage. Bit by bit, the Arclesia Empire was beginning to change.
Perhaps because of this favorable position, the atmosphere among the gathered nobles was remarkably pleasant, filled with a bright sense of optimism for the future.
"I must say, Marquis Hamilton, your daughter Eris is a truly exceptional young woman. Even I have heard the rumors, and her recent momentum is nothing short of spectacular."
"Indeed. Even setting aside my own parental pride, she has more than proven herself capable of inheriting the Marquis House. Though, to be perfectly honest, her recent success is largely due to that person’s influence..."
"Quite so," Empress Chris added with a faint smile. "He has a way of forming connections in the most unexpected places. It never ceases to amaze me."
Marquis Hamilton offered a wry laugh in response to the Empress’s comment. His daughter, Eris, had become the talk of the Social Circle lately, arguably making her the most scrutinized noble in the entire Empire.
It was only to be expected. Until now, Kaito’s only real ties within the Empire were to the Imperial Family and the fellow otherworlder house, the Neverlight Viscounts. The fact that he was now associating with Eris as a personal friend was bound to set tongues wagging.
"I apologize that political motives have become entangled in this," Chris continued, "but on a personal level, I am immensely grateful that a noble of our Empire has established such a positive rapport with Miyama-sama."
"Eris is well aware of her position as a noble’s daughter. She understands the political weight she carries, and I trust her to navigate these waters carefully without causing Miyama-sama any unnecessary trouble. Fortuitously, since she was not yet engaged, the Conservatives have had no grounds to complain about us neglecting previous political arrangements."
"Indeed. It is truly remarkable, but even if I were to look at every noble son and head of house in the Arclesia Empire, Eris-sama really does seem like the perfect person to interact with him. If Miyama-sama had asked me to introduce him to a noble of the Empire, I likely would have chosen the Hamilton Marquis House myself... When you think about it, he managed to find the single most optimal solution out of countless nobles. Good heavens, he really is something else."
Chris had been shocked when she first learned of Eris’s friendship with Kaito, but even from her perspective as the ruler, Eris was the most suitable candidate. Despite having no previous connection to the Arclesian nobility, Kaito’s uncanny knack for finding the right people had guided him straight to the best possible choice.
"...However, please remain vigilant," Chris cautioned. "Common sense simply does not apply to Miyama-sama. He can exert massive influence from the most unexpected places without even intending to. If you let your guard down, there's no telling what might happen. I myself was quite put through the wringer during the Founding Anniversary Festival."
"Yes, my house has begun to realize that in a very short amount of time. It really does feel like a series of surprise attacks..."
As the Marquis and the Empress shared a weary, knowing laugh, the door to the meeting room was thrown open. One of Chris’s subordinates rushed in, looking pale and flustered.
"Your Majesty! I have urgent news!"
"What is it?"
"A report from the Trade City Lufan! Miyama Kaito-sama has been spotted at the Dia Royal Chocolate store... along with... with Pope Olivia!"
"........."
At that report, Chris looked up at the ceiling with an expression that defied description. Marquis Hamilton’s usual mask of stern dignity vanished instantly, leaving him gaping in pure, stunned silence.
Information had reached Chris quickly only because a Reformist noble happened to be patronizing the shop at the time, but the revelation that the Pope herself had visited was a bombshell.
While they had no intention of interfering with Kaito and Olivia’s date, the fact that the head of the Divine Religion had visited the shop of an Arclesian noble meant that rumors would be spreading like wildfire within the hour.
They could no longer afford to be complacent; they had to prepare for the inevitable fallout immediately. Without a word, the once-relaxed gathering transformed into a high-stakes emergency meeting.
And yet, news of Rasal had not even reached them yet. They were destined for even greater shocks, as Eris was set to bring home not just the Pope’s favor, but a massive trade deal with the Death King Faction itself. Marquis Hamilton’s stomach was in for a very long night—though that was a trial for the hours to come.
Serious-senpai: "The daughter they sent out with such confidence has not only had her name remembered by the Pope but received a promise of a return visit—and she’s bringing a trade deal from the Death King’s camp back with her. Inflicting a double-stomach punch on both parents at once? Truly, the man is a master of his craft."