Read Online Ambition by Yoshiki Tanaka - Free Book Online

the reception room. “Did you know he has a bit of a history with the von Mariendorfs?”
    “Yes, of course. He saved my father’s life during the Kastropf Rebellion last year. I’ve never met him in person, though.”
    After a moment’s silence, Reinhard said, “So then, you say you have business with me today?”
    Coffee was brought in by a young boy who looked like a cadet from a military preparatory school. Reinhard was picking up the jar of cream when Hilda spoke.
    “On the occasion of the coming civil war, House Mariendorf will side with you, Marquis von Lohengramm.”
    For a split second, Reinhard’s hand froze, but then he completed the operation in a series of offhanded motions.
    “Civil war, you say?”
    “The one against Duke von Braunschweig, which could break out tomorrow for all we know.”
    “You’re a bold one, aren’t you? Supposing such a thing were to happen, my victory would hardly be assured. Yet even so, you say you’d support me?”
    Hilda steadied her breathing and related to the young imperial marshal the points she had explained to her father. Reinhard’s ice-blue eyes shone.
    “You have remarkable insight,” he said. “Very well. If that’s how things stand, I could use an ally. Your consideration will certainly be rewarded. I promise to take good care of House Mariendorf—naturally—as well as any other houses with whom you might put in a word for me.”
    “Your generous words will make it easier to persuade our acquaintances and relations—as well as ourselves, milord.”
    “What’s that? You’ve only just become my ally. I couldn’t possibly treat you with discourtesy. Repaying your efforts and courage is only the natural thing to do. If there’s any way I can be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    “In that case, then, if I may avail myself of your kind words, I do have one request.”
    “Certainly,” said Reinhard. “Go ahead.”
    “In recognition of our loyalty … I would like an official document of guaranty, recognizing House Mariendorf and guaranteeing its lands and titles.”
    “Oh? An official document?”
    A certain wariness had crept into Reinhard’s tone. He looked at Hilda with a gaze slightly different from the one he had regarded her with up until now. Count von Mariendorf’s daughter gazed fearlessly back at the young lord.
    Reinhard thought it over for a moment, but it didn’t take him long to reach a decision.
    “Very well. I’ll put it in writing and get it to you by the end of the day.”
    “You have my utmost gratitude.” Respectfully, Hilda bowed her head. “House Mariendorf swears to Your Excellency our absolute loyalty and shall endeavor to be of service to you in matters great and small.”
    “I’ll be counting on you, then. And Fraülein von Mariendorf?”
    “Yes?”
    “Will such documents of guaranty be necessary for any other houses you may persuade to join us?”
    “I would ask that you give them to those who request them of their own accord. For those who do not, I see no need.”
    Hilda’s words rolled off her tongue without the slightest hesitation.
    “Well, well …” Reinhard said, smiling.
    Reinhard’s intention was to thoroughly purge the empire of the old system that served as the Goldenbaum Dynasty’s support structure. For five centuries now, the aristocrats had engorged themselves on privilege, and Reinhard had no intention whatsoever of allowing them to survive into the new regime.
    Once his power was absolute, he intended to eliminate all but the most useful of them, or cast them to the multitudes, perhaps, should the people cry out for blood. Let them perish who lack the ability to survive —that had been the belief of Rudolf, whom their ancestors had served. And now on the present generation would the sins of the fathers be visited.
    Hilda had seen what was coming and had come to Reinhard seeking an official guaranty written in his own hand. Unlike a spoken promise, one that was