Holly von Strauss came to a stop amid the crowd, her steady gaze sweeping across the room.
Her eyes lingered briefly on Dorothea. The excessively composed gaze behind that monocle seemed to have caught her attention, but that was all.
"Please, dispense with the formalities." Her voice rang out, not loud, but exceptionally clear and steady, with a compelling resonance.
"I have come on behalf of His Highness the Third Prince to convey his regard for knowledge and talent."
"Yes, talent, not bloodline."
"I know many of you harbor ideals, yet find yourselves trapped by the barriers of reality. Class, birth, resources-these invisible walls obstruct the free flow of talent."
Holly looked around. People were gradually being drawn in by her words, and even Dorothea could not help tightening her grip on her wineglass.
"His Highness is committed to breaking down these walls. In his vision, a true system, a stage where anyone with talent can put their abilities to use, is the future of the Empire."
"The old order stands like solid rock, its foundations deep, yet the erosion of time has covered it in cracks, breeding thorns that obstruct our progress!"
"His Highness values practical action and admires the courage to bring about change. He never begrudges talented people opportunities or trust!"
Her voice was not loud, but it cut through the room like a sharp sword.
The banquet hall fell utterly silent.
These words were bold and direct, all but challenging the foundations of aristocratic rule.
When had the Empire ever truly offered people opportunities based on talent rather than bloodline?
Miskatonic University was already one of the Empire's most prestigious schools, yet even its finest graduates could expect little more than to become advisers to some noble, scarcely able to reach the true heart of power.