A.N. This is a double update, make sure to read Chapter 37 if you haven't
To Jessica Schleiden,
My dear daughter,
First, let me address the matter you wrote about in your last letter to me, the—as you wrote it—'matter of utmost import' that you wish to discuss with me when we meet in person. As I understand it, this is something you have kept for a long time without confiding to anyone, not even me. I would be lying were I say that I am not disappointed in you. However, by now I know you enough that you would not do it without reasons, therefore I shall settle to be glad that you wish to finally confide in me. I will also trust your words that this 'matter of utmost import' is not currently placing you in any danger.
As for what transpired in Crossbell, what you saw there was concerning. I concur with your assessment that the Railway Guns placement in the new fort they are building on Tangram Gate is a provocation for Calvard. It seems that the Blood and Iron Chancellor is trying to pressure President Rocksmith into making moves that could be used as a casus belli for Erebonia. I for one, could not fathom what purpose would there be in engaging Calvard in an open conflict. Due to the series of annexations Chancellor Osborne had done—with Crossbell as his magnum opus—we are well on our way to surpassing Calvard economically, making trade wars the clear choice if he wants to keep Calvard in check. On the other hand, not only does engaging Calvard in an open conflict would come at a high cost to us, Erebonia has not exactly been garnering political goodwill under the Chancellor, and it would open the door to a global coalition against Erebonia.
I am still unsure of what we could do on this matter, the Chancellor controls too much of Erebonia's government. Therefore, any who dares move against him and his faction would be struck down with impunity. As for the Noble Faction, I do share your suspicion that there is someone behind the scene that is trying to unite the Noble Faction. The propaganda using Thors' Branch Campus—especially of Kurt and yourselves—was much too organized without a guiding hand. Furthermore, among the nobility, many alliances have been made through trade deals, marriage, or other means. These alliances seem to be disparate at first, but put together, they form a tapestry of a giant coalition that will no doubt seek to swallow the entire Noble Faction in its wake. I do not know who is orchestrating this from behind the scene, but whoever it is, I have no doubt that they are a match for the Chancellor in the political arena, perhaps even more.
I wish that this is a cause for joy, to see the Noble Faction rallying under one banner to challenge the Chancellor who is dragging our Empire into a bloody war, but I cannot. I have written to you before, that a nation upon which its political climate is one that demonizes the other side and offers its own citizens on the altar of political efficacy is unsustainable. And this is what I fear would happen to our empire if the Noble Faction persists down this path. Many of the methods used to secure the alliance are merciless, blackmails, heirs framed to make way for their more pliant brothers, marriages 'encouraged' to end to make way for new more politically advantageous marriages, and more. Even if the person behind this new coalition does this out of sheer benevolence for the greater good, it will set the precedence that will normalize such methods. These are the evils that the nobility has been doing throughout history. However, until now, the general consensus is exactly that, a 'necessary evil'. But no longer will they be seen as such were these to be the sort of things that finally topples the seemingly invincible Blood and Iron Chancellor. Rather, they will be seen as how things have to be in order for any progress to be done. It will truly be a dystopia.
I truly hope with all my heart that Prince Olivert succeeds in finding a third way forward. It is rather idealistic, to be sure. However, I believe that Erebonia has no future besides a third path. It will be an uphill battle. However, it is one that cannot afford to be lost. It is good then, that I have heard of some movements within the Reformist Faction that have been trying to distance themselves from the Chancellor, mostly led by Governor Regnitz. I only hope that it is not too late.
I suppose that is enough doom and gloom, for the time being. Let us move to more pleasant matters. First, I have good tidings for you—and Kurt as well—though you have written on the altercations between Kurt and Prince Cedric, I have heard of a wandering Knight-errant claiming to be Kendric Lenheim shows up in several towns in the suburbs of Heimdallr. This 'Kendric' has been assisting the people by helping to eliminate local monsters as well as doing miscellaneous tasks, with various degrees of success. In short, this individual is doing the job of a bracer, I can only imagine a certain wandering bard put him up to this. I cannot say anything as to how he feels in regard to Kurt's position as the Auric Awakener, however at the very least, he seems to have a healthy and productive outlet for his frustrations. Second, regarding your requests for some wooden furnitures to be used in an impromptu café, I have managed to find artisans that would acquiesce to providing those furnitures, once they heard that the profits would be donated to the victims of the Sutherland air raid and the cryptids appearance in Crossbell. Of course, the fact that you are the one asking helped. You are after all, quite well-liked by our people. Not to mention that you would be doing this in collaboration with St. Astraia, which would include Princess Alfin.
Finally, as you know, the Imperial Provincial Council is coming up soon. I have written enough about how this would be a pivotal moment for the Noble Faction. As such, the Imperial Provincial Council—being a gathering of all the highest-ranking nobles—would be crucial. House Schleiden has been invited to attend, as fortuitously, we managed to avoid being a persona-non-grata after the fall of Prince Olivert's factions as we were not as closely tied to His Highness as the Vander are. I did wonder if I could have done more to prevent His Highness's faction from being neutered politically, but I suppose the silver lining is that we still have some pull within the nobility in this scenario. But I digress, the reason I am telling you of this is that I need you to attend on my behalf, as there is something that I need to take care of in Valdrand. It is not something you have to concern yourself about, as you have enough matters to attend to as it is, but regardless, I do not think that I would make it to the Imperial Provincial Council. Therefore, I need you to represent the Schleiden House. I have attached a letter for Countess Le Guin explaining your predicament along with this one, please pass it on to her.
The main issue would be the sucession of House Cayenne. My only direction to you is this, do not support Marquis Ballad's bid to take the position of Duke Cayenne. That buffon has no business being anywhere near the position of ruling the most influential Duchy in Erebonia. His current provisional rule of the Lamare province only reinforces that. As for other matters, you should follow Angelica's lead. She is quite rambunctious, but her father, Marquis Rogner has assured me that he has prepared her sufficiently for the Imperial Provincial Council. Of course, if she reverted to her old ways and made any unwanted advances feel free to put the fear of Aidios into her. Do not mind her position as the heir to House Rogner—our liege in our province, Nortia—the Marquis might even thank you. Aside from Angelica, I have met with the current Duke Albarea a few times, and our positions align on most things. I understand you are on cordial terms with Lord Jusis from your time in the Courageous, it would do well for you to follow his lead and learn from him.
Regardless, I am sure you will do me proud. Take care, Jessica, and I look forward to when we can finally meet in person,
Your Father,
Johann Schleiden