"WHAT'S THE CURRENT SITUATION?"

"With the Empire in strict security due to Mars and the Crown Prince, the DM faction of the lower nobles held a speech at the central plaza. The masses are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the government."

Elvira raised a hand. "T-the mages from the southern part of the continent have been calm for the past few days. However, Oleander has been approaching them, probably under the orders of the Emperor. As for the warriors, we've been getting intel on the aristocratic faction smuggling

in zabiyas."

Ethel felt her heart race. Zabiyas were not rare, but… You could hardly spot them in such populous areas. Because of their highly resilient body and enormous strength, zabiyas were the pride of the warriors.

Unfortunately because of the era of a king down in the annals of history, zabiyas began to be associated with curses and such, rumored to be using forbidden rituals to attain their strength.

Even their white hair and red eyes were associated with the curse. That's the reason they are very distinguished from other people.

Fleur for once, looked serious. "My spy gathered intel on the Empress' moves. The pope had been frequently making visits in and out of Trevino Palace.

Acantha raised a brow. "We already know the Emperor's been allied with the Church in the beginning. But this… is he planning on toppling the balance?"

"I'd assume so. There's nothing that man cannot do."

The three of them, all women talking about politics; Ethel thought she had struck gold.

"What does the Pope have against the Emperor to make him move like this?" Elvira pondered over this.

Ethel couldn't hold herself back and said, "Didn't the Emperor need the help of the Church to ascend the throne? If that's true, then he must owe the Pope a favor."

Fleur smiled knowingly. She knew her friend is a clever one. Of course talks like these don't faze her.

"And here I thought you were all but brawn. I'm surprised."

"I told you she's a clever one. She would be a great addition to our numbers."

Numbers? Ethel was shocked.

If what she thinks is true, then these women before her were possibly a part of the DM faction of the lower nobles. Talks like these were uncommon for noblewomen to talk about. The only reason they would talk about it so openly with her should be because they wanted her to join them.

The very ones despised by the aristocrats. These ladies were essentially rebelling against the principles of their own family.

Elvira shyly nodded. "Don't think too badly of us, Lady Ethel."

"Yes. We haven't been doing so well the past few years. Taking a chance like this won't come again."

Fleur looked at her seriously. They wanted her to join their faction. But how could she? She wasn't a noble. Yet.

The only plan she could think of was either to win Mars or have an honorary title given to her by a high ranking noble.

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Since she expressed her desire for neither, then of course no one could force her. But if that was their plan… then of course she'd receive huge benefits for a small cost.

"Hold on. So three ladies from three high ranking families want me, a lowly commoner, to join forces with you? And this faction of yours, is the faction of the democratic monarchy of the people?"

Acantha closed her fan and replied, "Yes."

"And what use can I be of to three noble ladies, when I have no title to call my own?"

"That is no problem at all for us."

"You cannot be thinking of giving me the title of an honorary noble with no achievements?"

"Everything depends on your reply." Acantha stood up and approached Ethel. Her intimidating aura directed towards her made Ethel raise her brows. "So, will you join us or not?"

There were no downsides to it. Of course she would agree.

"I will."

Elvira and Fleur released a sigh of relief. Acantha, on the other hand, showed a sincere smile.

"Welcome to Rhyddid."

"Good name." Ethel commented. "Then who is your leading figure in the faction?"

"It's us of course!" Fleur said matter of factly. Her eyes shone as she puffed her chest full of pride.

Elvira nodded again. She wasn't much for words, but everything she said contributed to the conversation.

"You guys?"

Women were not leading figures in politics. This was the central world. A society that abhors women having anything to do with the dominant patriarchy.

In the far north, it was okay; since they were vastly different norms and cultures. But here, women who held outstanding achievements still faced quite a lot of contempt, especially from the opposite sex.

And now it was revealed that the three ladies before her were the leading figures of the biggest faction of the Empire?

"Of course, nobody knows our true identities. We at least made sure of that fact. Our proxies stand in for us when holding meetings."

"Then the speech at the plaza was…?"

"Elvira's proxy," Acantha curtly replied.

"And exactly how far does your influence go?"

"Elvira dabbles in finance while Fleur manages our numbers. We invest in a lot of businesses that essentially function as the center of the capital."

"And what do you need me for?"

"We don't have anybody to do the dirty work for us, you see. Everything we do is in the light, we lack someone to do business underground."

Ethel caught on. "You want me to gather intel for you in the shadows?"

"I'm glad you understand."

Acantha understood the aspects of a good leader. She had to have an iron grip on her pieces and compose herself to the utmost respect, so that others wouldn't dare to underestimate her.

Ethel nodded. But there was one thing bothering her.

"Can I ask something?"

Acantha nodded. "Go ahead."

"Why are you doing this? I mean, you are already a high noble with the freedom to live her life in blissfulness. Away from the political scene of the country."

Acantha turned around. Fleur and Elvira felt it was not right to intrude and kept silent.

Behind the gazebo was an old pond. Unlike usual ones, the algae had taken over the clean water and the weeds overgrown. Hardly did it look anything like the majestic pond it used to be.

"I had a brother, you see? But he was much older than me." Her eyes drifted to the dirty pond. "He was supposed to be the heir and inherit the Marquis position.

But then the war from 15 years ago happened and he volunteered to fight alongside the deceased First Prince. And then just before the tides of the war turned in our favor, he died in an ambush with the prince."

Ethel could feel the rage and frustration gnawing at her. Acantha clenched her fists.

"I couldn't do anything. Nothing to support my brother. I was merely a child back then, but even I knew that his death was not a noble one, but stained with the blood of the Imperial Family.”

The delicate hands that clenched the fan broke into pieces. The broken parts fell to the floor, just like the heart of the noble.