“If we can’t end this within 3 years, then the Arcgate territory will likely fall into chaos. 3 years is also the limit I can foresee King Blonsall holding off on. Luckily for us, my record is rather pristine in court. He has no way to immediately remove me from my position unless he’s willing to risk a fall out with his ministers. I expect minor issues will crop up from now on and he will slowly undermine my public image.”

Duke Reviarra gave his opinion on their working timeline. He knew the methods King Blonsall used to remove ministers from power and his unique position as the King’s aid would prevent most of those methods from being used.

Assuming the King wants to retain his reputation, anyhow. Christopher kept his opinion but noticed the various documents spread across his father’s table. “Are these Sol’s plans?” Duke Reviarra nodded his head before laying back in his seat.

“They’re all well thought out, but we’ll need to bring her back to shorten the timeline. As it stands, she planned a decade out. Christopher, how would you proceed in this?” Christopher read across the executive summary for each proposal and his eyes flashed with a hint of admiration.

Though he couldn’t understand all of the implications, Christopher had seen enough of his sister’s plans to determine the general effect she wanted to achieve. His mind churned thoughts and ideas about their current situation and their immediate future. He placed the final document down before delivering his opinion.

“I want to bring Sol in on this. Her plans are too interlinked for me to accelerate their timeline.” His response didn’t surprise either man in the room. Duke Reviarra just waved to him as if to say ‘continue’. Christopher gritted his teeth and pushed an idea that crossed his mind when he encountered Sol during the banquet.

“Father, I believe the Blonsall family should be replaced by our Reviarra household. Since we’ve already decided to remove them from power, we should go all the way. Queen Blonsall has abused her power for decades now in order to keep Prince Elric relevant and limited his siblings to a few competitors. Now that the family has started bending to the whims of a third party, I believe the Reviarra household can replace them without causing too much damage to the Kingdom.”

While he chatted, Christopher signaled a servant to bring Sol to the office. He continued his thought a moment later. “From what I’ve gathered at the University, most of the populace is dissatisfied with the Royals. I can’t claim it to be 100% accurate since it’s word of mouth from the Lords of each territory, however Sister’s actions of boosting Arcgate have long spread among the populace. Although they don’t understand it was Sol’s actions, merchants and travelers have already spread word on Arcgate’s standard of living. If I recall, there has been an influx of immigrants from the surrounding regions. It should be due to the news spreading out.”

Just as he finished, Sol entered the room with a cautious smile. Without giving his father face, Christopher jumped right into the topic. “Sol, can you accelerate the timeline of these proposals to within 3 years?”

Somewhat surprised by the question, Sol took a moment to consider the implications. Her response shocked no one. “Impossible. I could squish it to 5 years if you’re willing to enter mortal combat with the Royals, but any earlier and the Royal family will pick up on the changes. The economic flux between the capital and the surrounding territories will immediately alert them in about a year or so. As soon as they understand the economic shift is moving away from them, they will take action against Arcgate. Considering they’ll still be the accepted ruler of the Kingdom, I expect Arcgate will be slapped with tariffs, taxes, and technologic ebargos.”

Her mind continued to chase an optimal solution even while explaining the limitations of the current plans. Schemes were constructed and dismantled instantly in her head. Each attempt was put through a simple simulation to see if it even survived the first year. Anything that failed was discarded while anything that survived was tossed onto a mental shelf for later review.

Surprisingly, her perspective shifted in one of her new plans and the rest of her thoughts froze. A smile crawled across her face. Her eyes squinted and with a voice laced in mischief, Sol asked the crowd. “Exactly how aggressive can the Reviarra household be?”

Christopher deflected the question to his father who only smiled wryly at his daughter. Last time he saw that smile on her face, Prince Roland was forced to withdraw from business in Arcgate. He shrugged his shoulders and answered. “As long as it brings the Royal family down and doesn’t leave permanent damage on the citizenry, then I’ll accept it.”

“Fantastic! Then how about we become the pitied victim?” Immediately after hearing her opening, An’s lips curved into a devious smile. He knew exactly where Sol was going and admired the girl for being able to flip her perspective. Duke Reviarra and his son exchanged glances, however their faces expressed the same desire for Sol to continue.

“The idea is simple. The commoners do not have a way of receiving information aside from word of mouth. With some creative engineering, we could salt the public’s opinion with whatever we want. A little misrepresentation here, a few leaks there. After enough public sympathy is targeted towards our household, we can flip the script and use the ‘known facts’ as a reason to rebel and replace the Royal family. If done correctly, it will accomplish the same thing as my previous plans, however we can accelerate it to about 2 years.”

Duke Reviarra fell into thought over the proposal. Although it was a rough outline, he was fond of it. His questioning eyes flickered to his son as if to ask his opinion. “What fallout do you think we’ll have to deal with?” Christopher’s question was immediately answered by Sol who had long been prepared.

“Primary repercussions is father will likely be removed from his position. The Royal family will likely engage in a propaganda war against us. The aristocracy will turn against us initially and Arcgate will likely receive heavy tariffs.”

“With proper planning, how much of that can we deflect?”

“I don’t know. As far as the aristocracy goes, I think they can be placated if we provide them the correct benefits. Provide me a list of those you consider a threat and some background information on their territories and businesses. I’ll do what I can through Iridescent to curb their involvement. IF we’re lucky, we might even be able to garner allies to our cause.”

Christopher felt his father’s gaze on him. He had already told him up front that the future of the family was in his hands. Since his faith in his sister was beaten into him for years now, Christopher was more than willing to toss the strategic planning her way.

Without addressing his father, Christopher simply made the decision. “Sol, write up a detailed proposal on our way forward. If Iridescent is lacking funds to accomplish something, feel free to tap into the Reviarra household’s funds. Father, while we’re still on neutral terms with the Royal family, please collect any information about the aristocracy Sol needs. I’ll return to University and try to sample the younger generation’s stance. If we can’t win over their parent’s we might have a way forward through their successors.”

Sol felt rather proud of her commanding brother. It was rare for her to see sucha dominating and authoritative side to him. She noticed her father’s intent to step down and pass the mantle. Inside, she couldn’t help but question if it was due to her. Despite her timid thoughts, she returned to the subject at hand.

An shivered as a pair of eyes full of excitement peered into him. His smile twisted uncomfortably under Sol’s gaze. “W-what is it?” Sol only chuckled before walking up, grabbing him by the wrist, and then dragging him out of the office. Before she closed the door, Sol left her final message.

“While you two come to an agreement on the future, An and I will start strengthening the Knights and preparing Iridescent for our next move.” The door slammed as she ran off with An in tow. Duke Reviarra could only watch the exchange with an astonished look. His thoughts were rather straightforward: ‘That boy really does treat her differently…’

Moments later, he returned his attention to his Son and the two started clarifying what they could until Sol delivered the official proposal. While the two discussed the future, Sol had dragged An outside the manner and into a flat dirt expanse.

The field had nearly 30 men on it exchanging blows with wooden swords. At the side of each exchange, an instructor provided feedback. Since Sol wasn’t silent upon her arrival, the men on the field finished up their last exchange before coming to attention in front of their boss.

“Where is Sir Leory? This Lady has a task for him.”

“Lady Reviarra; Captain is with Lieutenant Dirk in the main office. This servant will notify them at once.”

“Mmmm. Go, quickly. Bring Sir Dirk with you.”

An watched the man sprint across the field and enter a moderately sized cabin. Although Sol had yet to say anything, how could her intentions escape him? Rather than complain, he just allowed the situation to continue and before long, two men dressed in casual attire genuflected before Sol.

“At ease. The future is uncertain and combat will likely be a major part of it. This Lady is here to lend you a new training aid in preparation for that time.” Saying so, she pushed An forward much to the excitement of the Knights. They had all seen An in combat and knew the boy was far deadlier than his looks portrayed. “Sir Leory, this Lady approved expanding the regiment to 500 men. Train them well.”