"You mean the All Things Unity Society is backing another prince to compete with the Second Prince... for the throne?" Kruze asked with a frown.
"That is certainly a possibility! The All Things Unity Society is a commercial organization. Putting a prince on the throne could yield returns as great as any investment. It would be a business with immense profits for a tiny outlay!
"I remember a wealthy merchant in our Twin Stars' ancient history who invested early in a down-and-out prince and eventually became a prime minister whose power extended across the realm," Victor added.
Kruze did not immediately draw a conclusion. Instead, he looked toward Ishar, seated at the far end of the conference room.
"Lady Ishar, you are our frontline commander against the Wulf Empire. What do you think of Lord Leon's conjecture?
"I would also like your professional opinion on the potential consequences of sending our forces against the Locke Conglomerate."
Everyone turned to Ishar.
She had leaped from corps commander to supreme frontline commander of the Gallente Region, the equivalent of being promoted from a division-level officer to the commander of a military region.
Well, although the appointment was still temporary, she already had one foot in the Twin Stars' highest circle of power.
Recently, Ishar had moved decisively to consolidate the Gallente Region's military forces, reclaim lost territory, reassure refugees, and retake the wormhole.
None of these operations had been spectacular, but they had been steady and faultless. They had greatly stabilized the Gallente Region's postwar situation and demonstrated military command abilities sufficient to lead an entire region!
Naturally, every faction paid close attention to Ishar's meteoric rise.
In particular, the small group formed by Ishar, Alsace, and Reynolds showed signs of becoming the Gallente Region's largest military faction, drawing considerable attention.
Reynolds