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Orasem Hatran’s death quickly spread throughout Galilianin. Under Fritz’s direction, messengers were dispatched early in the morning to all the Union Cities, announcing the state funeral and the schedule for the election of the new mayor.

The death of one man set the Galilia Union in motion, triggering significant changes in its structure.

—

“Why don’t you just not run for office?” (Nozette)

Nozette asked suddenly as she and Fritz were talking at her house. She had just suggested that he might want to avoid visiting for a while to not show any weakness to Berbeo Hatran’s side.

“Why not? If I don’t run, I can’t become Consul.”

Fritz didn’t understand what she meant and responded almost as if he were replying to a child.

“You can’t possibly not understand.” (Nozette)

When Fritz had first met her, she was working at the governmental office, sorting through various documents sent from the Union Cities, categorizing them by importance and subject. Although she didn’t handle top-secret documents related to war or espionage, she had signed a confidentiality agreement upon leaving her job, indicating her role’s significance. Fritz had to pull some strings for her, showing she had deep knowledge about state affairs.

“I think it’s fine if you don’t become Consul.” (Nozette)

Nosette quickly replied, as if she had thought this through already.

“You have plenty of money. I have a job, too. We could move to a southern country and live a normal life. Orasem-san, to whom you felt indebted, has passed away, and wouldn’t your wife be happier if you divorced her?” (Fritz)

Fritz was speechless.

“Listen, you’re not someone who wants to live a lavish lifestyle with lots of money. So, you don’t need to take on a heavy position like Consul to live a happy life. Do you really think living with the burden of such a heavy responsibility, with your wife and occasionally visiting me, is happiness? Wouldn’t it be much more relaxing and happier to live in a tropical country with me and Muzette?” (Nozette)

Fritz still couldn’t find the words to respond.

“I’ve heard that Gerizim has fallen. If you get elected, you’ll undoubtedly face war during your term. If you go south now, no one will hold it against you, but if you lose the war, you’ll be treated horribly. Do you still want to continue being a politician?” (Nozette)

“Even if you say that…” (Fritz)

Fritz could only mutter.

Nozette’s reasoning was entirely logical to her, but Fritz had many objections. Firstly, being a politician was a unique job that could only be done in one’s home country. Unlike craftsmen whose skills could be utilized anywhere, politicians couldn’t simply relocate and find work in another country. Since it was impossible to become a politician in a foreign country, going abroad would mean denying the life Fritz had lived up to that point.

Moreover, the Galilia Union needs Frintz. Unlike Berbeo Hatran, who had built his career within the Galilia territory, Fritz had walked the path of diplomacy. He had an audience with the Kururuan Dragon Empire’s emperor. Although it might be an exaggeration to say he was honored by the meeting, having had an audience with the emperor held special significance in his country and made it easier for him to make connections in various areas.

Such valuable experience was not common even on a national level. In fact, even if one were to try to train someone like him, only a limited number could be cultivated. Considering this, abandoning the country by such a limited person would have a special meaning. Even if Fritz were to lose the election and Berbeo Hatran became the Consul, Fritz’s abilities would still be in demand by the country.

“I cannot abandon the country. If I do not run for office now, it will mean that the acting Consul, who understands the national conditions the best, has fled. That would make it impossible to win a war that could be won.” (Fritz)

“Then, you should just run for office and lose the election.” (Nozette)

“You mean, not do any campaign activities?” (Fritz)

“Yes. If you do nothing, Berbeo will win, right? That way, you won’t have any responsibility.” (Nozette)

If he did not engage in campaign activities, it was likely that Berbeo would win. The method for selecting mayors was left to each city, but in Galilianin, it was decided that the deputy governer would inherit the term of the governer. Therefore, Berbeo would remain as the Galilianin governor for the next two months.

On the other hand, Fritz’s current title was Vice-Consul of the Galilia Union, but this was only valid until the election, and it would disappear as soon as the election was over. He couldn’t inherit the term of the Consul. This was because, unlike the lengthy governor elections, the Consul election was decided quickly by the mayors of each city. However, if a major war was expected within a month, it could be postponed, but this was an emergency measure, and it was estimated that it would take more than three months before the Shaalta Kingdom’s army arrived. Therefore, Fritz had already summoned the mayors.

Historically, there had been many cases where the deputy-governor and vice-consul competed, but the vice-consul was overwhelmingly disadvantaged. So, there were almost no cases where they won. The Galilianin governor held voting rights from the Galilianin city in addition to symbolic elements like fame and titles.

The number of votes each city had was distributed based on the amount of the union tax paid, and since Galilianin was an overwhelmingly large city, it paid a quarter of the total tax. Therefore, Fritz must fight with a quarter of the difference from the beginning.

To bridge that gap, it was necessary to offer bribes to the mayors of each city. Of course, Berbeo would also give bribes to the mayors. If Fritz, who was already at a disadvantage, did not engage in campaign activities and did not offer any bribes, there would be no chance of winning.

“But…” (Fritz)

Fritz hesitated. After all, Fritz had always intended to make an effort. It was the last wish of Orasem. Moreover, from a normal perspective, having a chance to reach the pinnacle of the country and then abandoning it to move to the south is an inconceivable choice by common sense.

“Please.” (Nozette)

Nosette grasped Fritz’s hand from across the table. Her warm, slightly roughened hand enveloped his.

“If you want to become Consul as a culmination of your life, I won’t stop you. But if that’s not the case, then please reconsider your future. A peaceful life with me and Muzette is certainly not a bad option.” (Nozette)

—

Frankly, Nozette’s offer deeply shook Fritz’s heart. After leaving Nozette’s house and returning home, Fritz retreated to his study. After much contemplation, he approached Marjorie.

“Marjorie, I’m sorry to interrupt your prayers, but I’d like to talk to you for a moment.” (Fritz)

Marjorie, who was praying in the chapel, turned to face him as she stood up. She was still dressed in her nun’s habit today.

“Yes, what is it?” (Marjorie)

“I want to ask you one thing. Do you wish to divorce me and enter a convent?” (Fritz)

Fritz wanted to repay his debt to Orasem. Even though Orasem was already gone, the debt had not disappeared with his death. Marjorie’s happiness was something Orasem had desired as strongly as the future of the country.

“No, I do not wish to.” (Marjorie)

However, the answer that came back was unexpected.

“There’s no need to hide your true feelings from me. After all, wanting a divorce is not against the teachings of Isus, right?” (Fritz)

“Do you want to divorce me, Fritz-sama?” (Marjorie)

“No… it’s not like that. To be honest, until now, being connected to Orasem through you was important for my position. But now that Orasem is gone… well, the situation has changed. In other words, I no longer have a reason to hold you back.” (Fritz)

To be precise, the situation hadn’t changed much. As a politician, Fritz still needed the functions that Marjorie provided. However, with Nozette having provided him with a new perspective, Fritz had stopped calculating how to maintain political advantage.

“I love you, Fritz-sama. I have no complaints about continuing to be your wife. However, I also understand that you do not love me. A wife who dislikes sharing a bed with her husband cannot be blamed if she is divorced. As for life in a convent… I have love for God, of course, and I do not dislike it. So, if you wish, I will gladly go.” (Marjorie)

You love me? What do you mean?

“Then, why do you resist so much?” (Fritz)

It would be understandable if she had used it as an outlet for her perverse sexual desires, but even a simple touch on her body while she was lying down caused her to show an abnormal level of disgust. It was hard to believe she truly enjoyed it.

“I am afraid of becoming pregnant.” (Marjorie)

Fritz was left speechless.

“Are you still concerned about that…?” (Fritz)

“Yes. Is that a problem?” (Marjorie)

“—It’s not that it’s a problem, but…” (Fritz)

Marjorie had once been pregnant but had a miscarriage. It wasn’t a case where her belly had visibly grown. It was simply that her period didn’t come, the doctor said she was pregnant, but the baby never was born. She remembered being comforted when her period returned the following month, but Fritz had almost forgotten about it.

This was different from a situation where a baby grew in the womb for ten months and died after being eagerly awaited. Moreover, it was already about eight years ago.

“So, have you been praying for that child’s soul for eight years?” (Fritz)

It was an unbelievable story.

“Yes.” (Marjorie)

However, Marjorie nodded as if it were a matter of course.

“Why did you keep silent? When I asked about it, you didn’t answer.” (Fritz)

It made one want to believe that she had awakened to her love for God.

“…Because I knew I was abnormal. I was also afraid of being told to try again…” (Marjorie)

“Ah—” (Fritz)

Fritz felt a sense of understanding. Marjorie wasn’t averse to sharing a bed. She was afraid. He felt conflicted between the thoughts of why he hadn’t realized it and the idea that one couldn’t know such things without being told.

“Can those feelings change?” (Fritz)

“…No, I’m afraid. I’m sorry, Fritz-sama, but I don’t think they will change. I want to spend my life praying for the soul of the child and my father in the afterlife.” (Marjorie)

“I see…” (Fritz)

Fritz couldn’t fully grasp Marjorie’s state of mind. It might be a type of issue inherently difficult for men to understand. If there was one thing he did understand, it was that Marjorie indeed seemed to have a rather extreme aspect to her personality. Fritz couldn’t imagine a life without children and without physical intimacy. The future of continuing to live with Marjorie only with affection was unimaginable to him.

“I see. I understand your feelings well.” (Fritz)

“…I see, then…” (Marjorie)

“Is it alright if I give you an answer after the election? In any case, I intend to ensure that you won’t fall into poverty.” (Fritz)

If Marjorie were to enter a convent, it would likely be a women’s monastery, but he could arrange for her to receive proper treatment through donations. Although it was possible to divorce and then challenge the election, Fritz wanted to avoid doing so as much as possible. If it became a big commotion, the reasons for the divorce would be investigated, potentially affecting Nozette and Muzette. If he lost the election afterward, he would fall from the main role to a minor one in the political arena. By then, it would likely not cause a stir.

“Understood. I am willing to accept any answer.” (Marjorie)

Marjorie, with the attitude of a truly obedient servant, bowed deeply and respectfully.

“I see. Then, please wait a little.” (Fritz)

Fritz left the chapel with those words.

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