A New Model

Once people reached a certain position, they always wanted to accomplish something great. Theodore was no exception.

The Minister of Agriculture might not wield much power, but the position was a precious ticket into the corridors of power, a stepping stone that could help him get things done.

Theodore made some inquiries about the Rhine Alliance's budget shortfall. The figure turned out to be even larger than he had expected, like a massive boulder weighing down the nation's already fragile finances.

At the manor, the King remained sunk in drink.

At the Royal Palace, the ministers kept slacking off and couldn't come up with a practical plan.

In the salons, nobles whispered among themselves.

In the streets and alleys, merchants fretted over the prospect of higher taxes and a sluggish market.

Theodore attended another fruitless court meeting. He came away with nothing but exhaustion and a dozen Cream Sandwich Cookies.

The Rhine Alliance's finances, from the royal family down to the nobility, had gone from the brink of collapse to preparing for it. Even the Duchy of Weissen was in trouble.

Meanwhile, agriculture—the traditional foundation of society—had suffered a drop in wheat yields because winter had arrived early and lingered late the previous year. It had not only failed to provide new vitality but had become a source of instability.

When he returned to his residence, the butler handed him an invitation.

The affairs of state might be dire, but the songs still played and the dances went on.

Talking politics at banquets was very much in fashion.

"Perhaps we need to look at things from a different angle." A calm, confident voice sounded beside him.

Theodore turned and saw that the speaker was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark Weissen-style suit, impeccably tailored and strikingly modern. He radiated