The divide between Blessed and Common expands every new generation of reincarnated. The Commons give us quests, and we go out and fight their wars. One day I hope to close the gap, to bring equality to this world. It’s a dream that unites our party, Mariah, Connor, and Qun.

Charlan Kestings was a woman of impeccable bearing and composure. It showed in her demeanor, cold as icy blue eyes. It showed in her clothing, the fashionable woman’s dress made of white dire wolf pelts. It showed in the way she walked, always carrying herself with the highest level of discipline and grace as she strode across the Capital Hearth’s ballroom, causing even Great Lords to split apart as she walked through them. She was a woman of ambition and resolve, and it showed by how aggressively she approached the Elder Lord Chastings.

“My lord.” She bowed her head to the elder.

“Charlan.” The old man greeted, his own expression as cold as hers.

To his right side stood a younger man with the same face, his blonde hair combed back, a common style for nobility. The younger man looked at Charlan, and greeted her with a brief warmth, causing even her composure to break a bit. To his right stood a young girl, dressed in a black and white maid’s outfit, her hair cut into a neat bob, short but matching to her round face. She held a ledger to her side, which she was writing into just before Charlan had approached.

“Oh how cute.” She said, regarding the young servant. She approached her, placing her hand under Fel’s chin to get a better look at her face. “Silver hair with a doll like face. Must have some nobility in her heritage. Very risky Lord Chastings, where did you find this one?” Fel squirmed, trying to hide her discomfort, all while trying to maintain an air of respect towards Charlan.

“What do you want Charlan?” Elder Chastings asked, voice firm.

“I wish to discuss the Supreme One’s plan with you is all.” Charlan frowned, letting go of Fel, who quickly retreated to Elder Chastings’s side.

“And what of it? I intend to bolster patrols as well as curfew. Is there anything else you’d like to add to that?”

Charlan grit her teeth in anger. The Elder sees himself as superior to her simply because of his age, even though their status as Great Houses should have made them equal. She regained compsure, smiling softly at the elder.

“No. Although I would propose postings Rangers to help track rebels down.”

“Of course.” Elder Chastings nodded. “But that is a manner I will discuss another time.”

“My Lord.” Fel interrupted.

“Not very well trained this pup. To speak up when the Great Lords are talking…” Charlan said.

Elder Chastings raised his hand to stop Charlan’s anger.

“It is time?”

Fel nodded meekly.

“I will have to relieve you all. I have manners to attend to. If you wish to speak on this, my son here will happily here you out. Good day Charlan.” Elder Chastings turned and walked away towards the exit, Fel following close behind, brushing past Thaim as he entered ballroom. He bowed to the girl, who bowed back, before catching up to Lord Chastings.

“Care to dance, Lady Kestings?” The younger Chastings asked.

“But of course, Lord Chastings.”

The two approached the ballroom floor. Though musicians played, the Great Lords contented themselves to the side lines, discussing policy and the like, leaving the circular dance floor empty. Obadiah Chastings and Charlan Kestings took to the floor in stride, twisting together in a waltz.

“Your father undermines us as always.” Charlan whispered to him.

“As he always does. My father is weak. He clings to that servant girl. I suppose to make up for my runaway daughter.” Obadiah said.

“Our plan is coming into fruition.” Charlan said. “Obadiah, do you know how long it took me to climb this ladder? How long my family has fought?”

“I am well aware. You Kestings are descendants of the First Rebel. Which is why the Supreme One made your house a Master’s house for the longest time.”

“And finally, after two thousand years, I stand as it’s First Great Lady. And yet, I am not done.”

“Your ancestor’s dying edict.” Obadiah nodded.

“I want the throne.” She said as she leaned in, so quiet Obadiah could barely hear. “And you’re father is the second to the last obstacle to that. I have several investments into the every other Great House, The Kestings household holds more power than the Supreme One cares to realize. But your father, he refuses to do business with me. I think he sees what I’m trying to do.”

“But there’s one thing he hasn’t considered. Me.” Obadiah smiled warmly, Kestings returning it, finally breaking her composure. “Us.” He reaffirmed.

They spun and flourished, taking over the dance hall with wonderous grace and poise.

“Once I inherit the household, we can unite our houses.” Obadiah said, leaning down to kiss her hand.

“And with that, we’d control the Eternal Empire. It doesn’t matter how powerful the Supreme One is if his subjects will not follow.”

“The key to his downfall will be the Chastings household.”

Obadiah smiled at her again, before dismissing himself, walking towards the drink table. Charlan regained her composure, and strode towards a gathering of houses Morganna, Solas, and Aramere, all of which were allied with her.

Thaim thought that entire conversation was very interesting. He had flared the Flame towards his ears, enhancing his hearing. The Chastings household was key. He needed to get this to Merrill as soon as possible.