"Phew..."
Hazel took a deep breath and decided to change the subject first.
"Dad, do you want to become Secretary of Army?"
Councilman Macht had served in the army and had military connections, so Hazel instinctively asked that question.
The Secretary of Army oversaw the army's budget and administration. However, the position did not directly control troop deployments. Actual military command lay with the generals and the Royal Family, under an entirely separate system.
"It's an option, but not the best one." Councilman Macht shook his head with a wry smile.
Thanks to the recent scandals, positions connected to the army were hardly popular choices. Having come from the army himself, he knew better than anyone that it was riddled with factions, and that nearly all the important posts were held by nobles. Even with the Conservative Party weakened, certain deep-rooted problems could not be cleared up in a day or two.
Besides, the New Party had quite a few noble members as well. Many were political opportunists, but some had supported reform from the beginning. Although their motives were less than honorable, they were still a force that needed appeasing.
Without an illustrious noble background, he would find himself in an awkward position there, and probably struggle to achieve anything of note.
"Then do you want to become Chancellor of the Exchequer or Foreign Secretary?" Hazel tilted her head.
Those were the two most powerful ministerial posts beneath the Prime Minister. Surely her father did not command that much respect?
"That would probably be rather difficult." Councilman Macht gave another awkward smile.
Those top-tier positions were indeed beyond his reach, practically an impossible ambition.
They exchanged a few more words. Seeing that his daughter had clearly caught on but refused to spell it out, Councilman Macht sighed and told