Just Because I Gave Some Advice?
People always dream of commanding from the highest seat, wielding power over others. But there aren't many who'd willingly endure the exhaustion and crushing responsibility that soaks into those ornate cushions. In the end, most folks' idea of power is just snapping their fingers to summon money and minions—no real accountability, not even for a simple mouse click, right?
I was one of those people in my previous life, and even after reincarnating into this medieval fantasy world as a noble who inherited a barony, that mindset never really changed. On top of that, my past self was just your average history major—no genius at business or politics. The territory I inherited? A rundown rural village. Sure, I could try spicing things up with half-baked modern knowledge, but in a backwater like this, it'd take decades to see any results. And honestly, I didn't have the patience to cling to that.
So the life plan I chose as Baron Werner von Hebel was simple: serve loyally as a vassal to my lord, Margrave Albert von Beletia of Ruticia, and live off whatever crumbs fell my way. Luckily, he was about my age with a genuinely kind personality, treating even a lowly retainer like me as a friend. And since I'd helped him out a few times while growing up, I even earned the honor of this invitation.
"Werner. I'm heading to the capital soon to enroll in Sponheim Academy. If you're up for it, why not come with me? Oh, and don't worry about tuition—I'll cover it, no problem."
"Really? Thank you so much!"
"No need for thanks. After everything you've done for me, this is the least I can do."
Of course, "everything I'd done" amounted to just offering a hand in a few tight spots...
Whatever the case, I ended up as his friend and devoted vassal—not to mention his academy classmate. Sponheim Academy was the empire's premier institution, after all; just graduating from there meant no one would look down on you. As long as I didn't screw things up, I could've coasted through life with this generous high noble as my solid backing...
"A talent like you wasting away in another department is an unforgivable loss! Come on, let's hurry up and file those transfer papers to the Military Research Department! This isn't a request!"
For some bizarre reason, I'd been firmly marked by Charlotte Laura von Ahenmetis—Her Imperial Highness the princess of the empire herself.
The reason? Just one. Our margrave was so terrible at the game that I offered a bit of coaching, that's all.