Chapter 55: The Eldritch Godness and the Politician

"Iris, Felix. Are you free this weekend?"

Klaus asked this in the student council room the day after we’d read Frieda and the others’ work.

"No particular plans."

"Yes, I’m available."

What was this about? An invitation to hang out somewhere?

"This might be a bit of a bother, but my father’s throwing a party soon. Part of it’s to formally introduce me to the politicians. He told me to invite friends from the academy who’ve looked out for me. I’d like the two of you to come."

That was Klaus’s request.

"A politicians’ party… I don’t mind, but is it really alright to invite Iris?"

Right. I was no longer human—an aberrant dark goddess, even involved in the insanity incidents since April. Was it really okay to invite me to a VIP gathering like this?

"It’s not like Iris drove people mad out of malice, right? Besides, she’s your partner. You can’t show up to a formal party without one. I’ll turn a blind eye to a little risk."

Klaus seemed to think it was better than letting people assume Felix had no influential friends or social credibility.

"If you say so. Iris, what do you think?"

"Lord Klaus has been very kind to me. If I’m permitted to attend, I’d be delighted."

"Then I’ll go too."

Felix and I responded in turn.

"Thanks! Here’s the invitation—don’t forget to come."

We took the invitations from Klaus, thus agreeing to attend the party hosted by his father, Alexander.

Party Day

Felix and I arrived at the venue in impeccable formal wear—a high-end hotel in the imperial capital, where countless carriages and cars were parked. We’d come by the Starkburg ducal family’s carriage.

"Welcome, Lord Felix von Starkburg and Lady Iris zu Lauenstein. This way, please."

After showing our invitations at reception, we were led into the hotel’s grand reception hall, where crowds of guests were already mingling.

"Felix! Lady Iris!"

"Lord Klaus."

Klaus came to greet us.

"Glad you made it. Let me introduce you to my father right away. Come on."

Guided by Klaus, we approached His Excellency Alexander, the Imperial Chancellor.

"Father, these are my friends—Felix von Starkburg and Iris zu Lauenstein."

The man Klaus introduced had a dignified Kaiser-style mustache and the kindly face of an elder statesman. When we were presented, he flashed us a wild grin.

"A pleasure, Felix, Iris. I’m Alexander."

"The honor is ours, Your Excellency."

Felix and I bowed, then shook the Chancellor’s hand.

"I hear you’re both part of the same student council. Fine colleagues, from what I’m told. But tell me—is my boy doing a proper job as president?"

Alexander’s question was light but probing.

"Yes. Lord Klaus is an excellent president. He has a remarkable talent for unifying people and always demonstrates true leadership."

"Klaus knows how to delegate better than anyone."

We answered with wry smiles, but our words were sincere.

"Hah! You’ve got a knack for using people. That’s good. You’ll make a fine politician."

Come to think of it, it was His Excellency Alexander who taught Klaus that a politician should know how to wield people, huh~. Is that really what makes a good politician~?

"My Klaus must succeed me. To do that, he’ll need many friends. Ties to powerful houses like the Starkburg ducal family or the Lauenstein marquessate are essential. Bloodlines still carry undeniable influence."

Champagne glass in hand, His Excellency Alexander delivered this with authority.

True, the nobility’s power is waning, but they’re still objects of respect—titles remain unshakable status symbols in high society. If Klaus is to become a politician someday, he can never have too many well-connected friends.

"Of course, we don’t just take from others. We repay our debts. If you two support Klaus in the future, he’ll undoubtedly return the favor."

"Yeah. As long as I’m aiming for politics, I’ll make sure to remember the art of give-and-take."

His Excellency and Klaus spoke in turn. Like father, like son~.

"Your Excellency."

Just then, a suited man approached and whispered into Alexander’s ear.

"Ah. I must take my leave soon. Enjoy the party."

With that, His Excellency strode off briskly.

"Well, Klaus, you really are your father’s son, aren’t you?"

"Yeah. He’s always influenced me. Since I was a kid."

Klaus grinned as I shared my thoughts.

"He’s been a dependable, admirable man since forever. Made me wanna be like him more times than I can count. So I’ll learn everything I can from him while I have the chance."

His expression burned with genuine admiration.

"Oh, and there’s someone I want you to meet at today’ party. Felix already knows her, but Iris, this’ll be your first time."

Klaus then introduced us to a certain someone.

"Fräulein Adelheid zu Oldenstein. My fiancée."

The woman he presented was a stunning beauty, two or three years our senior. When introduced, she smiled warmly, bowing her head. Felix and I returned the gesture after giving our names.

"I’d heard rumors Klaus had a fiancée, but this is my first time meeting her!"

"Yes. A pleasure, Iris. Klaus has told me so much about you—like how close you are with Lord Felix. Are the two of you also… engaged?"

"W-w-wait, no! Absolutely not! Nope, nada, no way!"

"Ah, my mistake."

Had I protested too vehemently? Now she was apologizing. Felix looked downright heartbroken. Oops.

"We’re not engaged, but Lord Felix has been incredibly kind to me. We get along very well!"

Quick damage control.

"Adelheid, Iris has… circumstances. She has to leave the capital by the Golden Festival in December."

"Oh, I see."

Klaus’s explanation seemed to satisfy Adelheid.

"Though who knows if Felix’ll let her go."

Huh?! "Won’t let me go"—what’s that supposed to mean?!

"Now, let’s make the rounds with the bigwigs. Starting with the Senate Chairman."

"R-right."

But what about that loaded comment just now?! Is Felix planning to follow me when I leave the capital?!

"You’re staying in the capital, right, Lord Felix? …Right?"

"…………"

Felix stayed silent. This is bad~!

……………………