The world already knew the story of Karen's childhood. However, to enrich that narrative a little more, some topics will be addressed superficially, without hindering or unnecessarily prolonging her origins.
After being rescued by Hidalgo and reuniting with Fausto's family, Karen lived under their care. They considered her a daughter and sister, although her status was never officially recognized by any state entity, remaining simply as a “tenant” or “guest” with free and indefinite residency.
Karen led a normal life with Fausto’s family until he became interested in politics. She recounted that Fausto attempted to register twice with the JW party, but was rejected by the party leader, who told him he "did not meet expectations." In response, Fausto decided to join the RIU party, more specifically its youth wing. At that time, there was no clear educational path to become a deputy, as his participation in the Directory was considered almost nonexistent and irrelevant. The requirements were to know how to read, write, and to have the support of a thousand people to run for office.
When Fausto secured his seat, he moved to the capital, and Karen accompanied him. She was worried about him, as a consequence of his childhood experiences; Fausto felt invincible. He had survived monsters and believed he could also survive any person. This mindset terrified his parents and relatives, so Karen decided to follow him on his journey, ready to stop any madness that might cross his mind.
Upon arriving in the capital, Fausto lived for a time in a hotel paid for by the party, but he had to share a room with other deputies. Unwilling to accept that offer, as Karen was with him, he looked for a place to rent. However, prices in the capital were unsustainable. It was then that he noticed there were accommodation offers with discounts of up to 60% for married couples. Without hesitation, he proposed this idea to Karen, and she agreed.
Despite this, Karen decided to keep her surname, as she did not want to relinquish the valuable legacy left to her by her late father.
While Fausto attended the Capitol of the Directory, Karen met with Rivas Hidalgo, who kept in touch with Fausto's family. Rivas sought ways to help her, even if just a little, in her new role as a wife. During that meeting, Rivas confided that the Directory would soon disappear, and if she truly wanted to make a difference, they needed to join the reform he and a certain Erick Victorino were promoting. He mentioned that they were gathering votes to abolish the Grand Directory.
Karen hesitated but promised to discuss the matter with her husband. Meanwhile, Fausto told her about his first days in office. He confessed to feeling "very disillusioned." No one in the Directory had a clear stance. They spoke of trivial matters more than politics. It seemed nobody was interested in being there. Karen listened attentively as Fausto, frustrated, wondered, "Did I do the right thing by coming here? Is this what I wanted? Is it worth fighting for anything?"
Karen recounted how Fausto wanted to give up after two months in the Chamber, but she convinced him to carry on and spoke to him about Rivas's idea of a reform. Fausto felt a flicker of excitement at her words and wanted to visit Rivas, as it had been a while since they last saw each other.
At a party meeting, Fausto and Karen attended to hear the speeches from the leaders of the reform: Rivas Hidalgo and Erick Victorino.
"We are tired of this archaic system of the Grand Directory. It lost its greatness more than twenty years ago. Lots of voices and discussions, but no real solutions," said the unknown Erick Victorino in a firm voice.
"Many of us are trying to change the government, reform the State, and create unity with the other republics," added Rivas Hidalgo excitedly.
Karen watched Fausto intently; he was completely focused on the speeches. After all, they were both judges of the Grand Directory, and what these men proposed directly threatened their own work. Nothing guaranteed the success of the reform.
However, we all know what happened: an election was called in which, curiously, the participation of Bélua and Argentum was not allowed. The reason was clear: these two republics had the necessary votes to block the reform. In fact, with just five votes (two from Argentum and three from Bélua), the reform would have failed. To prevent this, Rivas devised a plan behind Erick's back: he ordered that the senators from those republics be blocked from entering, using the army to prevent their access. Rivas had already secured 100% of the votes from the other five republics in favor of the reform and the abolition of the Grand Directory. According to the regulations, to put a government reform to a vote, it was necessary for five of the seven republics to agree unanimously.
Rivas feared that if the representatives from the other two republics showed up, the unanimity of the votes could waver, as many were not entirely convinced. So, he made a drastic decision and barred them from participating.
Erick was very upset to learn this, as Rivas's actions behind his back revealed a lack of trust between them. It is still believed that the creation of the Grand Confederation of the Seven Republics was made possible by Rivas's boldness.
However, it was Erick who resolved the tension that arose. Instead of threatening the republics by cutting off their goods and services, he negotiated a series of concessions: access to natural resources, control of trade routes, and additional strategic territory. These agreements enriched the union and prevented a possible division.
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What was meant to happen, happened: the new form of government was established, and a dispute broke out over who would be president. Fausto ran for office and eventually became the first president of the unified republics.
Karen was elated that Fausto had achieved his goal, although she noticed he was nervous; after all, he held the power of seven nations in his hands.
While Fausto governed, Karen campaigned in his name, tirelessly fighting for workers' rights. She became the public face of the president and gained notoriety. When the cabeluces uprising occurred, Fausto felt overwhelmed, unsure of what to do. But it was Karen who urged him to make a decision. Years later, Fausto would confess that it was she who planted the idea of freeing the cabeluces, as she had witnessed how they were treated up close.
Karen, unlike her husband, maintained a good relationship with Rivas Hidalgo. They met frequently, though they spoke of matters unrelated to politics, more related to personal life. Furthermore, Karen had a different stance on the military. While she understood Fausto's perspective, she did not share it. The military had saved both their lives, and this was something Rivas always respected.
Another interesting point, according to historian Juárez Casillas, was that Erick Victorino had suggested that Rivas be his vice president. However, due to Fausto's tense relationship with him, Karen decided not to accept the proposal.
"I do not intend to put political ideals above my marriage. I'm sorry," Toni Azcuré wrote in her book The Eyes of the Lady, about Karen's life in politics. This statement showed that Karen was not going to be a pragmatic leader but rather a sentimental one.
At party meetings, it was evident that some members doubted her leadership for the upcoming presidential elections. The RIU had gained prominence thanks to Fausto's management, and many citizens were joining the party due to his popularity. This growing influence led the party to seek strategies to consolidate and maintain the power they were beginning to acquire.
However, Karen showed great composure in defending her position. She wanted to make it clear to the party members that she was not simply "the president's wife," but someone capable of governing. She knew how to demonstrate what she was made of.
"The concern you have is understandable. I won't stop to say that I’m here simply because I’m a woman or that now the nation needs women. I believe in equality, and I’m sure you all do too. The state policies that have been taken so far have yielded results; my position is clear: continue as is, continue building roads, homes, and families. A nation of equals, a nation of opportunities."
Karen had a cold gaze on that angelic face, which made her a woman of iron in the eyes of those present. Her political adversaries held her in respect.
When Fausto witnessed the defeat of his bill in Congress, she supported him. Unlike other defeats he had faced, this one was very surprising for him, as he thought he had the support of the majority, including Victorino. Above all, she was already a public figure. It was suspected that by the fourth year of his presidency, Fausto was paving the way for his wife. Evidence of this was her first appearance at a state event, which took place in the year 4774.
In the vast hall of the Republic, cameras followed Joaquín Fausto's every gesture as he firmly discussed new plans for economic reconstruction. Beside him, Karen smiled calmly, exchanging words with some first ladies and representatives of non-governmental organizations. She had quietly led an educational program for marginalized youth in the poorest areas, but headlines still referred to her simply as "the president's wife."
The opposition didn’t even direct their gaze toward her, focused instead on criticizing Fausto and his ambitious vice president, Erick Victorino Sullivan, whose decisions garnered all the attention. After all, the “honeymoon” had ended. However, some observers noted how, from time to time, Karen whispered something in Joaquín’s ear, and he nodded, as if her words carried more weight than they appeared.
Over time, as Fausto navigated various political crises and Karen grew more influential, their relationship transformed from a marriage of convenience to a powerful partnership. However, it was evident that this was only a facade, as the shadow of a growing crisis loomed. Years later, Karen would be the one to intervene when Fausto’s health declined, and their unity would be put to the ultimate test.
Karen was not seeking immediate prominence. She knew that her moment would come, and she played her role with caution. In the meetings of the RIU party, while the leaders discussed policies that continued to attract more citizens thanks to Fausto's administration, Karen defended her own stance. She was seen as more than just the president's wife; she slowly built an image of strength, clarity, and leadership. Her discourse on equality and the need to continue along the path laid out by her husband showed everyone that she was a woman of conviction and a political figure in her own right.
In the year 4775, a year later, Karen was still leading humanitarian projects, though her work did not generate much media noise. However, she was beginning to attract support from certain sectors, especially among women and young people. While Joaquín and Sullivan faced off in the heated debates of Congress, Karen continued her work quietly. The initiative she had started a year ago in the educational field had expanded, now offering scholarships and vocational training to hundreds of young people. Some began to call her "The Red Lady," but the opposition continued to ignore her, too busy launching attacks against Fausto.
In informal party meetings, some leaders started to notice Karen's impact on the most underserved communities.
"It’s surprising how she connects with them," commented one of the senators, Laura Ventura, during a private dinner attended by Aníbal. But the conversation quickly returned to the day's more urgent issues, without giving her much attention.
In a private conversation within the party, some leaders began to view Karen as a relevant figure, although this was still not discussed publicly.
"Karen? Fausto's wife?" one of the younger members frowned. "I don't see her as a serious candidate," Aníbal remarked.
As the opposition member said this, at a public event related to one of Karen's humanitarian programs, she casually mentioned topics that would later become central to her presidential campaign.
"Nation of equals, nation of opportunities. Change, dear young people, doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes it takes generations. But if each of us works with a long-term vision, the future we imagine for our republics can become a reality."
Karen's approach was strategic: she entered public life discreetly, leading social causes that did not seem threatening to the opposition. However, she was gaining support where no one noticed, and her influence within the party began to grow. When she finally launched herself into politics openly, the surprise was enormous, as the opposition did not see her as a threat.
"I'm blind," Aníbal said when he heard her candidacy on the radio.