Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1425 - 487: Opposition Within the Federation (Part 2)
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
It appeared that my previous strategy of pairing up with Rebecca was completely out of the question now.
"This... Senator Trena, while Miss Rebecca is undoubtedly stunning, our conversation was entirely focused on the craft of Demon Statue creation. I believe she deserves a partner more suited to her," Lord Rein stated, offering a polite refusal.
To enter a marriage with someone I have no feelings for, just for the sake of Fourth Level Witchcraft?
Rein dismissed the notion instantly.
"Is there any other way I can assist you?" Rein inquired.
"Lord Rein, would you be willing to serve as the Guardian Knight for the Heidelberg Duchy?" Trena suggested after a brief pause.
She had her own motivations for making such a request.
If Rein accepted the role of Guardian Knight for the Duchy, he could eventually transition into becoming a Guardian for the entire Federation.
A Guardian Knight?
Rein understood the responsibilities attached to such a title perfectly.
A Family Guardian Knight, as the term implies, protects a specific lineage. Rein had only pledged such a thing to one: the Crawley family, to which Jennifer belonged.
Since Jennifer was currently the head of the Crawley family and was one of his own people, that commitment carried no risk.
Regarding the role of a personal Guardian Knight, Rein had only committed himself to Cleya thus far.
"I apologize, Lady Trena, but my current standing is quite sensitive. It is difficult for me to agree to that particular request."
"However... how about this? I can agree to become your personal Guardian Knight," Rein proposed after reflecting for a moment.
The other party's terms weren't overly strict—in fact, they were quite lenient—but his position as Vice Chief of the Imperial General Staff made it inappropriate to serve a Duchy under the Federation's banner.
Having turned down the beautiful woman twice already, Rein offered a compromise he could live with.
Acting as a personal Guardian Knight was a much simpler matter to justify.
Furthermore, Rein was playing it smart; as a Federation senator, Trena was unlikely to face any real physical danger. This meant his title as Guardian Knight would be largely symbolic.
Trena’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red upon hearing his counter-offer.
After all, requesting to be her personal Guardian Knight was practically the same as openly pursuing her, wasn't it?
"I... I see. Very well," Trena agreed after some thought.
This certainly represented a significant step forward in their relationship.
Nevertheless, it was still a long way off from meeting the minimum goals set by the intelligence department.
...
When Rein and Trena finally exited the lounge together.
Rebecca, who had been waiting impatiently, rushed over. She gave Rein a sharp, indignant huff before pulling her mother away.
From her position at the head of the hall, the Red Queen Menia’s striking eyes briefly tracked Rein and Trena as they emerged before she quickly looked away.
Beside her, Vice Speaker Bertrand noticed the interaction as well, his grin becoming even more pronounced.
"Prince Menia, would you care for a dance?"
"You have my thanks. It has been a long time since I last danced."
...
Once the banquet concluded.
The Imperial Delegation began preparing to head back to their quarters for the night.
Just as Rein was about to step into his carriage, Menia suddenly called out to him.
"Rein, ride in my carriage."
"As you wish, Prince Menia." Though Rein was confused as to why Menia wanted to speak with him, he agreed without hesitation.
Rein followed Menia, who was draped in a crimson Wizard Robe, into the carriage compartment.
As Menia entered the cabin, the hem of her red Wizard Robe flared outward as she stepped up, releasing a subtle fragrance and revealing a glimpse of her long, shapely legs.
Because she was leaning forward, the form-fitting Wizard Robe perfectly accentuated Menia's alluring curves right in front of Rein.
The sight caused Rein to pause for a second.
He couldn't help but admire Menia’s incredible physique, which was easily a match for the beautiful Trena.
However, Rein took only a fleeting glance before averting his eyes.
He was well aware that the Red Queen Menia was a seasoned Dawn Wizard with incredibly sharp senses; if he stared for too long, she would surely notice, leading to a very awkward situation.
Once they were both seated, Menia fixed her beautiful eyes on Rein and spoke plainly:
"Rein, you must stay vigilant against the Federation’s 'sugar-coated shells'."
Her words caused Rein’s face to warm slightly, though the flickering light of the oil lamp inside the cabin hid his blush.
"Understood... Prince Menia."
"Furthermore, if you receive private invitations, try to decline them. It is best not to attend."
"There are many within the Federation who do not want us here. Moreover, I have received a report from the Empire’s spies embedded here; certain opposition factions may be planning to move soon."
"Oh? Opposition factions?" Rein replied, falling into thought.
He was aware that similar opposition groups existed within the Empire.
Many influential Nobles remained staunchly against any alliance with the Federation for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal interests to ancient blood feuds.
These historical grudges could be traced all the way back to the era when the Federation was first founded.
It was clear the Federation suffered from the same internal friction.
"Indeed. There is one group in particular called the Zaral Rebellion that has been exceptionally active lately," Menia explained with a nod.
"The Zaral Rebellion?" Rein’s brow furrowed.
That name was quite familiar to him.
Back in Meister, he had personally eliminated a high-ranking member of that group who held the rank of Quasi-General.
During his interrogation of the enemy, he had discovered that the Zaral Rebellion appeared to be receiving clandestine military and financial backing from within the Federation itself.