Meeting with the Second-in-Command

“This election will be an easy victory.”

“It’s all thanks to the brilliance of Mr. Erdoff and Congressman Paulo, haha!”

“Finally, we won’t have to see the faces of those wicked Bolsheviks anymore. How annoying they were, barging into speech venues without permission…”

“I believe that the Prime Minister will transform Bern into an excellent nation.”

As I entered the room after opening the door, bright lights and dozens of people came into view.

…It’s like I’ve been invited to a medieval noble gathering.

Each person exuded an elegance not felt from ordinary people. Diamond-encrusted necklaces and luxurious dresses that would exceed the price of an average citizen’s house.

“Here’s the champagne you ordered.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Even the sight of expensive desserts and liqueurs that one might have barely tasted at past receptions were displayed everywhere.

Indeed, it was a scale befitting a banquet hosted by Erdoff.

“Hmm, the protagonist of this festival has finally arrived.”

Needless to say, the caliber of people gracing this occasion was also of the highest level in Bern, no, in the entire country.

“Yena Freud?”

“I heard she was invited, but…”

“They say that child gave such a good speech?”

Starting with the first words of an unnamed man, the gazes of the surrounding crowd instantly converged on me.

The situation was similar to the previous one on the street.

However, if there was one difference to point out, it was that these men and women of all ages, with appearances no different from ordinary citizens, were Bern itself and the true masters of the Empire.

Labor Party election management members, the Minister of Interior of Bern, followed by generals from the military rumored to have poor relations with the party, leaders and core members of other minor parties, and so on.

Anyone who had even a slight connection to the Labor Party had arrived at this palace, regardless of their position.

“Yena Freud?”

“It’s been a while, Party Leader.”

Of course, Ernst, who leads the Conservative Party, was no exception.

Click! Click!

I naturally picked up a cocktail placed on the table and approached Ernst.

“This is our second meeting today.”

At the same time, I raised my other hand with the palm facing forward and placed it against my forehead, giving a cheeky salute.

Although the banquet hall was filled with high-ranking officials to whom even the most skilled people would bow, the only person I was here to meet was Ernst von Stresemann, the leader of the Imperial Conservative Party.

“…Your dress is really pretty.”

“Thank you.”

Ernst couldn’t even receive that greeting and just stood there muttering. It was quite amusing to see him maintaining silence, not even putting the cherry he had picked up into his mouth.

He must be at a loss for words. After all, how did he evaluate me in our previous meeting just now?

“By a fortunate chance, I had the opportunity to express my true feelings at an honorable occasion.”

“You…”

“I expressed my sincere thoughts as a Bern citizen without being constrained by status. I think this is enough to prove my worth.”

Gulp!

“Party Leader.”

Since Ernst had told me to come back after I had grown, and I had indeed returned much bigger than before, he probably didn’t have much to say.

“Are you acquainted with Yena Freud?”

The reason was that I showed no discomfort despite committing the rudeness of interrupting while he was in conversation with a politician who seemed to be from his faction.

He must be busy trying to compose himself from the surprise of seeing that Yena had indeed proudly fulfilled her promise and returned.

“…Minister. I’m sorry, but could you excuse us for a moment? I know it’s rude, but I have something I must do.”

“Ah, it’s fine. After all, she’s a guest invited by Prime Minister Erdoff himself. As the person who should shine the most at this occasion, I completely understand, Stresemann.”

It was only after a few minutes that Ernst sent away the elderly man who had been standing blankly next to him.

“Let’s talk while getting some fresh air.”

Then, lightly taking my hand, he led me out of the crowded interior to a spacious terrace behind the building where a few chairs were placed.

Whoosh!

It must already be late into the night, as a cool breeze was blowing strong enough to make the hem of my carefully arranged dress flutter outdoors.

“Yena Freud.”

“Yes.”

“In my decades-long political career, you’re the only one who has given me such bewilderment. You’re remarkable in many ways.”

Ernst let out a hollow laugh while looking at the full moon high in the sky.

“…I’ve lost.”

Only when there were no eyes watching did he shake his head and raise both hands to the sides, pretending to surrender.

“If my words to you last time caused you any concern, I sincerely apologize. However, I had no intention of belittling you. It was truly meant with the expectation of your growth.”

“I see.”

“Who could have known that you would not only catch the arsonist of the Diet building but also captivate the whole world with a great speech…”

Sincerity was evident in each of his sentences. I too was convinced by Ernst’s claims.

Even at the time when I had dinner with Ernst, I was just a cadet with slightly above-average grades. It was understandable for Ernst to judge cautiously.

It was an environment where he couldn’t possibly have predicted that a girl not even reaching his shoulder would arrest a criminal and give a speech that would soothe the hearts of the people.

“The very fact that we met at the banquet hall must indicate your ability, haha.”

From his actions of placing the champagne glass on the terrace railing and absentmindedly chewing on cherries, I could sense how great the impact of the shock was.

“So what do you want, Yena Freud? As I mentioned before, do you need the promise of financial support for you and the establishment of a continuous cooperative relationship?”

Click, hiss!

As if he had no intention of adding any more flowery words, Ernst took out a pipe from his chest, lit it, and blurted out his words.

It was the question I had been waiting for.

The fact that Ernst approached me first means he’s willing to accept the proposal. This was the perfect timing to close a deal with Ernst.

“I need your trust and protection, Party Leader.”

“Trust and protection?”

Therefore, I continued without hesitation.

“To be direct, I need your absolute trust in my future actions. Additionally, I want your power as a congressman to offset many threats.”

“Is there a reason why this must be so?”

“After the general election, you’re planning to merge with the Labor Party soon, aren’t you? Then you’ll become a Labor Party member.”

Clatter!

“I don’t want to remain just as a speaker who luckily got on broadcast by chance. I have ambition, the ambition to raise up the stagnant Bern.”

I put down even the glass I was holding in my left hand and put my all into persuading him.

“I’ve been waiting all along. I’ve been praying for a day like this to come. I entered the military academy to uphold my father and mother’s will for Bern’s resurgence.”

“……”

“Now I’ve become a member of the Labor Party for the revival of the fatherland and revenge for the Great War. Ernst, I want to accomplish the task I’ve dreamed of all my life.”

Having come outside where there were no attentive gazes from others, I appealed to Ernst with sincerity, just like on that day when I gave an impassioned speech rather than maintaining decorum.

I must make this man my ally somehow.

Considering his known power and position so far, it was highly likely that he would establish a solid position within the Labor Party even after the merger, without crumbling.

In the end, if I could get his approval for the conditions I saw from Ernst, it would mean gaining a strong ally within the party.

“I’m not asking for resources empty-handed. If you ‘invest’ in me, I swear I will pay back sufficiently in return.”

“How can I believe that?”

“I’ve proven my growth potential as you requested. I’m certain that the news you’ve received about me today will be sufficient evidence.”

Of course, there was a possibility of failure. Regardless of his relationship with Wolf, I was the main culprit who had destroyed his son.

It was a gamble where I couldn’t say much whether it succeeded or failed. However, I believe in Ernst’s rational judgment and the instincts that brought him to the position of Conservative Party leader.

Hiss─

The speed at which the tobacco burns inside Ernst’s ripe pipe seems like the perceived speed of time passing impatiently.

I have no more arguments to present.

All that’s left is to wait.

Clang─!

In the strong predawn wind, the pendant around my neck sways, the brooch adorning my hair shakes, and the dress woven from high-quality silk flutters.

Eventually, my salivary glands dried up and my lips became parched. It could be said that this was the most nervous moment since coming to this world.

What will Ernst’s answer be?

Swish─

I clenched both fists tightly as his mouth began to open.