This BL Novel Is Ruined Now - Chapter 262
Chapter 262
Translator: Yonnee
—
‘Compassionate plan…’
The beginning of that feels uneasy. House Jehardt had traditionally been far from ‘compassionate’.
“And if a new era dawns, we, House Jehardt, would like to be at the forefront to gladly welcome it.”
Upon hearing this unexpected good news, Reina’s expression brightened.
“Does that mean—”
“However, we do not think that now is the ‘new era’.”
“……”
The chairman of the elders more formally bowed and added one last sentence.
“Equality is merely an ‘ideal’, Saintess.”
“What I am talking about is not ‘equality’ but ‘fairness’.”
“But isn’t that fairness ultimately a stepping stone towards achieving equality?”
It was then Reina realized.
‘It’s useless.’
Their way of thinking was fundamentally different from hers.
No matter what she said, like Grace, they wouldn’t be persuaded.
‘This is… a matter of belief.’
The environment they grew up in, their parents’ educational methods, and all their experiences combined to form an individual’s belief and conviction.
How could such a thing be swayed by mere words?
Thus, Reina wiped all hesitation from her face.
“Understood. If that is Jehardt’s will, then there is nothing to be done.”
Would you then choose to stand with Grace Bohr?
The question surged to her throat but she held it back.
The outcome was predictable.
‘Their interior is different, but the conclusion is the same.’
They have no intention of overturning the current system and power structure.
So, they will undoubtedly side with Grace.
“Thank you for your valuable time. I hope the glory of the empire continues with House Jehardt.”
As calmly as she spoke those words, the situation had shifted against the empire. There was no time left.
Leaving the council room, Reina immediately passed a brief greeting to Eli.
“Eli, I’m sorry. With things having turned out this way, there are many places I must go to. I’ll contact you once things are somewhat settled.”
Her next destination was Stymist. Right next to Jehardt, it was the empire’s treasury and the pride of the craftsmen.
* * *
Meanwhile, as Reina was on the way to the Stymist County—
“I apologize, Your Majesty and Your Highness.”
The middle-aged man standing in front of Emperor Enoch and Grand Duke Benedict was Viscount Hansen Weir Penfound, the next Count of the Penfound family and the current head of the Bureau of Palace Management.
“My family has decided to maintain a neutral position, as we always have done.”
The two dragonkin didn’t seem very disappointed, perhaps because they had anticipated this response. They hadn’t been actively planning to lead the reforms, nor had they particularly pressed the count for support.
It’s just.
“Since House Penfound has always been closer to the Imperial Family than any other, perhaps Your Majesty and Your Highness could persuade them.”
Ethan had somewhat imperiously requested this.
But the beginning of this situation was ultimately about encouraging ‘human self-reliance’, so they had reluctantly brought the viscount in.
“There are various reasons, but the most significant one is that if our family were to side with one party, it would disrupt the balance of power.”
In terms of power, House Liam undoubtedly leads. But if asked which family is most loved and trusted by the empire’s citizens?
Naturally, it might be House Penfound, responsible for ‘food’ in the basics of clothing, food, and shelter.
“That’s a reasonable point. Thus, I grant permission.”
Having swiftly completed the homework given by Ethan and Reina, the emperor and the grand duke sent the viscount away with understanding faces.
As the two dragonkin remained alone in the audience chamber, the grand duke leaned back in his chair and casually remarked,
“This is going to be quite the ordeal for that kid Reina.”
The starting signal had been fired in an unprepared state.
Enoch nodded slowly in agreement with Benedict’s words.
“This too is a rite of passage that humans must endure.”
Like measles, which had been as common as a rite of passage that everyone experiences at least once in life. How many centuries ago was it that humans first encountered it?
“I wonder if there are any humans who even remember what measles are.”
Benedict remarked with a bittersweet smile, as if tasting the bitterness of the peace they had created.
“It’s time to end the paradise we’ve created.”
Both of them knew it. If they openly supported ‘Resa’ now, the long-prepared reforms would likely succeed swiftly.
However, they couldn’t sprinkle ashes on a cooked meal.
If they were to achieve success that way, the essential meaning of ‘reform’ would be lost.
“Moreover, our strength isn’t going to last much longer.”
Thus, humans must quickly learn to stand on their own.
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