After countless failed attempts, I start to think if there’s something fundamentally flawed about the idea. The mana just dissipates under the pressure instead of gathering together more tightly.

It’s like how air disperses under pressure. The mana particles just dissipate into the surroundings in reaction to the spell.

Soon after, I feel that my body was running out of mana, feeling rather light-headed.

I start reading some of the reports that Leticia prepared for me.

I’m trying to look for someone of political background to support me. In return, he or she will gain my support in his endeavours, of course.

Currently I don’t have much to offer except for my newfound wealth. I can’t expect someone to see “the potential” in me and bet on that afterall. My so-called potential lies solely on the fact that I’m perceived as the frontrunner to the throne of the Duke.

My easiest option would be one of the princes or princesses. In terms of princess, however, the only princess able to lend help to me would be Princess Sera. Unlike the other princesses who hold little political sway, her foreign mother hails from a distant Kingdom and the marriage between her and the king is more diplomatic than anything.

As such, her actions have the weight of a competing kingdom with them. She holds nearly as much power as the Prime Minister of the country. Besides the King, no one can speak to her without honourifics.

As for the other princes, there is obviously Lei Zong, the second prince from my class. He appears too arrogant for my liking though. Then there’s the Crown Prince, who’s adept at literature and archery. He’s also a genius magician. Currently there’s little doubt that he’s almost set for the throne unless… an accident happens.

I’m not a fan of those ‘perfect’ types though. They tend to exude an aura of superiority and disregard others. Maybe I’m being influenced negatively by my previous self, but I strongly protest against working with him.

Then there’s the third prince. He’s inconspicuous, and rather quiet compared to his shining brothers. He’s known for his few acts of kindness, giving out food in the slums and building orphanages. He distances himself from the race for the throne as much as possible. He’s known as the “Peace-loving Prince”.

These are the candidates with the highest chance of succession, there are other princes but frankly, they don’t stand out enough.

I have time, so I’ll try to meet up with them before deciding who to work with. There’s a youth ball coming up, and the princes will definitely be there to gain support for themselves. Even the third prince would be there since there’s a charity auction organised by him.

It’s my best chance at getting to know them better.

Thinking about this, I begin to think about plans to use subsequently.

As I do so, suddenly a knock comes up from behind the door.

“Qiu Xue, are you in?”, a high-pitched voice rings out.

My mother has a more mellow voice, so it could only be ‘her’.

I tense up for a bit, before relaxing myself.

My eyes glint for a moment before dimming.

I cough lightly, before calling out, “P-Please, come in.”

“I guess I’ll stop for today, nothing seems to work…”, I mutter to myself.

As expected a well adorned woman with heavy makeup saunters in. She’s accompanied by 2 maidservants, who open the door for her as she remains poised.

One of them pulls out a chair near my table, wipes it before inviting her to seat on it. Throughout this process, she doesn’t stop or flinch for a second, seemingly accustomed to it.

This elegant woman glances at me for a while.

I tense up, feeling uneasy, not knowing what to say as silence echoes.

But before long, she lets out warmly, “How are you doing, dear boy?”