Seize the Opportunity

Rosamund was sipping some tea in the hallway, looking out the window at the workers preparing his garden. What a lovely morning it was! He woke up to Adanita gently stroking his cheek, but he fell back asleep because it was simply far too early. When he woke up for real, he found she braided two small braids in his hair, and he was careful not to ruin them when he was tying it all back in a ponytail. She was so sweet. She was so caring. She didn't try to go further than hugging him or holding him while he was asleep, and she certainly didn't try to kiss him. She picked up on his boundaries all on her own without him having to say anything.

Sadly, by the time he woke up, she was gone.

Well... that's life. She had work to do. And so did he. The small, playful smile faded as he heard footsteps approaching down the hall.

A servant in his livery was on his way, careful not to rush nor walk too slow past him. He curiously observed to see how this would play out. The man gave him a bow, perfect to a fault, before attempting to proceed past him.

Hah.

"Keep walking and I will shoot you in the back," Rosamund said.

The man stopped in his track and turned on his heel, giving him a deep bow. "M-my lord?" he asked, his voice perfectly quivering in fear and surprise. Rosamund almost fell for it. Almost.
"Drop the act before I decide to lock you away for good," he warned.

The man sighed with his shoulders slumped. He dramatically put a hand over half his face, looking at him in an almost pouting manner. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"
"Afraid not," he nodded.
"What gave me away?"
"I remembered your face."
"We barely spoke for a few minutes! That's not fair."
"Don't be a sore loser, Mister Proporcionales. And take off that coat."
"Did anyone tell you you are too self-assured?"
"Forgive me for not falling for the oldest trick in the book. I assume my guards just let you out of your room, but where did you get those clothes?"
"I knocked out your servant when he came to bring me food. I timed it with the guard shift so they wouldn't notice a different man coming out. They should be- there we go." A ruckus could be heard in the distance. Partes didn't take his coat off yet, and he took a pose of an attentive servant standing next to Rosamund.

A few guards ran past them, raising alarm and searching for the missing scammer. One of them had the audacity to report it to Rosamund while the man was standing right next to him, face completely out in the open, before running off to continue the search.

"I see you are a seasoned professional," Rosamund commented when they left.
"I don't think I could've pulled it off without you to give me credibility, Lord Governor."
"Hah. Follow me. And take off that coat, you don't deserve to wear my colors in my house."
"How dramatic. I didn't deserve this treatment either, why are you even keeping me as a prisoner?"
"The fact this is your fourth escape attempt tells me you know exactly why you're here."
"I am an honest businessman, my lord."
"I will be sure to let your victims know."
"Businesses fail. It's not my fault."

There was nothing more disgusting than a scammer. To make a profession out of playing other people, actively making their lives worse because they chose to put their faith in you, was worthy of a life sentence if you asked Rosamund. However, this man's charm was undeniable and even he found himself somewhat fond of his antics. He was a professional and his incredible demeanor reminded him of George Parker. If he recalled correctly, there was a story of him escaping from the courthouse by putting on a sheriff's coat and simply walking out. This man's perfectly calculated personality truly made him a con artist, not just a conman.

But that didn't mean Rosamund was going to let him get away. Just because he was impressed, it didn't mean this little flea wasn't a criminal. He didn't know whether this was his first Ponzi and how many schemes he pulled before this one. There could be a long trail of people completely robbed blind behind him. Acting cute wasn't going to help. Rosamund was angry.

Keeping Proporcionales in sight turned out to be quite a game, the man seemed to just be waiting for a moment for Rosamund to look away to give him the slip. He led them into his office anyway, where the man finally relented and took off the coat and the vest. The livery ended up carelessly tossed over the couch and Partes shamelessly headed for the cabinet to pour himself a drink.

"Sit there in that chair," Rosamund ordered. "And I don't want to hear a peep from you. I trust I don't need to tie you down."
"No, no. At this point I am curious. Why am I here, really? If I was arrested, I'd already be sent off to prison, right?"
"Sit and be quiet."
"But if you did mean to arrest me, you'd have given me to your men just now in the hallway. So the only conclusion I can have is that you need me. What can I do for you, Lord Governor?"
"If I answered that, you'd have no reason to stay and find out. Consider your own curiosity as a form of shackles. And be quiet. Otherwise I will call those guards, and they will take you away for real."
Partes gave him a friendly smile. "Come now, Lord Governor. I've heard of your exploits. You aren't a very threatening man, there's no need to put up this charade. You wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone send me to the gallows. So, just tell me what you need me for. I like you, you are clearly a clever and skilled man. I will be happy to help."

With this type of people, the only winning move was not to play. Tuning him out enough he wouldn't register his words, but not enough the man could use the chance to escape, Rosamund got to work.

Partes made a few more attempts to start a conversation before giving up and finally sitting in silence. He seemed impatient and annoyed, sitting with his legs crossed and tapping his knee. Good. The wall Rosamund put up created the first crack.

Alberic walking into his office shattered the scammer completely.

"Is that him?" he brightly asked before he even had the chance to speak. As usual, he didn't bother with the niceties. They didn't apply to him. "Mister Proporcionales, you caused quite a stir. I got five letters from various ladies so far about your behavior during Lord Governor's event. Something about an... 'unsustainable financial scheme'? I believe those were Viscountess Kuplung's words."
"Good morning, Prince Alberic. I'd worry more about the people who didn't write you. He advertised a classic robbing Peter to pay Paul type of a scheme," Rosamund politely said. "Considering his skill, it is highly likely there have been previous scams. I recommend looking into him and keeping him on a very short leash, Your Highness."
"If I make it any shorter than I planned, it might just turn into a noose," Alberic said, friendly placing a hand on Partes' shoulder. "And we wouldn't want that, would we?"
"Of course not!" he said. His voice pitch shifted to a higher register and he was staring at Rosamund, begging for help. "Whatever can I do for you, Your Highness?"
"We will discuss that in time, worry not," Alberic brightly said. "Lord Governor, why are your guardsmen claiming he is missing? They are turning the manor upside down."
"He made an attempt to escape and they let him walk out of his own room without noticing."
"But you caught him."
"Yes. This is a form of punishment, too. I will let them know the situation has been handled soon."
"Oh, I know this face quite well. Mister Proporcionales, you made Our Governor angry," Alberic brightly said. "How did you succeed?"
"I didn't do any-!" Partes' excuses wilted under Rosamund's cold stare. "...thing," he said weakly.

Finally.

"What will do to me?" he asked, defeated.
"Even dirt like you finds its use on the bottom of a shoe," Rosamund coldly said, "and I know just the man to walk over you. Prince Alberic, he is all yours. Get him out of my house."
"Gladly. Guards!" Alberic called. Two men in uniforms of the Royal Guard entered. "Shackle this man and take him to my office. If he tries to escape, kill him."

And so, the scammer was taken away. Rosamund felt his headache fade. He felt better now the man was gone. He stood up and served a cup of tea for the two of them while Alberic took a seat.

"Thank you, Lord Governor. Do you have any advice on managing him?"
"He will try to gain your trust. Don't let him, or else you will become another pawn."
"I asked for ideas and you gave me a snake," he complained.
"A weasel. Weasels can be useful, if you know how to aim them at your enemies."
"Speaking from experience?"
"Have you noticed Serah Sanjar, a lawyer following me around lately?"
"Not really, no. What did they do?"
"They offered to represent me during my trial."
"Ah. Hm."

Alberic thoughtfully sipped his tea. Rosamund decided not to disturb him and let him sit in silence for as long as he wanted. He decided to think of this as a break from work, although he'd much rather spend it with Adanita. He wondered what made Partes tick. Money, power, the idea he was the smartest man in the room... all of those could be used against him. If Alberic is competent, he will find a way to sic him against Ravenel's supporters. And then it will be up to Ravenel to manage the situation and significant financial losses those people will certainly suffer. It will be a grand first step on Alberic's journey towards the crown... if the young man manages to pull it off, that is.

"You seem to be in a better mood than usual," Alberic commented.
"I am," he replied. And here he thought he kept himself under control. But he supposed it was difficult to keep up the cold appearance when he was radiating joy on the inside. Adanita loved him ♥
"I like your braids."
"Thank you."
"How long do you intend to sit here in silence?"
"You seemed lost in thought. I didn't intend to disturb you."
"Get to the point, Lord Governor. Why'd you invite me here?"
"For a discussion regarding you and your potential future as the King."
"Oh? Are you telling me you plan to pull your support?"

A hilarious idea. The Prince knew all about his plans with Adanita. Turning him into an enemy was the last thing on his mind. "I am offended you have such a low opinion of my intelligence. We are partners and I certainly do not intend to do anything to jeopardize my standing with you. And instead of turning this into a race to see which one of us can squeeze out what we want from the other first, so that we can freely discard each other once our goals are met, I propose a different approach. Tell me your policies. Tell me what you plan to make of the Kingdom if you reach the throne."
"Do you expect me to be a copy of you?"
"Absolutely not. Of course there are policies we will disagree on. I am always open for discussion and advice. No, I am offering you more than a partnership. I offer you a proper alliance, perhaps even friendship. My full support, not because you threaten me or because I need your help, but because we share the same goals and beliefs."
"Really? After everything?"
"You are too principled a man. The few times I exposed your allies, you managed the problem yourself. I believe we can work together."
"What an incredible offer. Why don't you start, then?" Alberic asked.

He was cautious. Rosamund could understand that. He leaned back in his seat, carefully choosing his words.

"I believe that for a country to truly prosper, all its citizens must prosper too. We need to avoid wars as much as possible and solve our international disputes with diplomacy. I believe I proved it was possible with Verlice experiment. We must provide the people with social services that will ensure everyone has their barest needs in life met - food and housing are an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to build a life for themselves. If a man doesn't need to worry about whether or not he will eat today, he can focus on his work and learning, and providing for other people in his life. The money for those services should come from the government taxes. The people are a higher priority than building grand castles for the nobility. Cleaning services, sewage systems, and promoting public health and cleanliness will decrease outbreaks of disease. We need hospitals. Public schools will provide us with more intellectuals who can think of new ways to solve issues. New inventions, technological and magical progress... And legal equality for all, nobles and commoners alike to lessen the abuse of servants and peasants."
"What goals you have. What would be your reasoning behind them? Why should I do all of that?"
"You would otherwise deny people an opportunity for growth."
"I am impressed that you seem to think that a commoner could invent something a nobleman could not."
"People need to be able to read."
"What for? Explain your position, Lord Governor."

This little punk was intentionally trying to rile him up. Amazing. Rosamund took a deep breath. Just another case. He can do it. He started this all on his own.

"Power comes in many forms," he started. "But there is no greater power than the one that comes from the people. It is the people of Bretonia who permit your mother to have power over them. If that power is used against them, if she ever decided to line her pockets with gold while her people starve, you will face a revolution as bloody as the one in Franac Republic twenty years ago."
"And if people were allowed to prosper and grow, such a thing wouldn't happen?"
"I do not believe in the divine right to rule. The correct bloodline sitting on the throne won't help the nation if he is an incompetent fool."
"You are saying some extremely dangerous things, Lord Governor."
"Your food, your furniture, your clothes, and your jewellery all come from your subjects. All the fine things in life have been provided to you by your people. The least you can do is keep them safe, warm, healthy, and fed. New land policies will ensure growing of various kinds of food without damaging the ground. New industries, regulated to prevent abuse of workers, will open opportunities for everyone while growing your economy. Social policies... to prevent abuse of people, children, workers, family members."
"Every word you say is an invitation to spend money."
"It is an investment in the future."
"Hm. I suppose I will be willing to hear you out if you have any specific plans. Considering you currently have an entire colony to yourself, I do expect to see some results first."
"Do you disagree with me?"

Alberic was careful to keep himself perfectly neutral during the entire conversation and Rosamund didn't miss that.

He leaned back in silence, focused on his cup of tea. Rosamund let him have as long as he needed.

"Quite lofty ideals indeed. I didn't expect you to be so openly anti-theistic considering your blessing..." he pondered.
"If I were you, I'd keep the Church far away from the matters of your kingdom."
"Did you think I'd hand them even a portion of my power? Don't be ridiculous. Let them beg for money from the peasants, I have no interest in permitting priests into the palace."
"I am of belief that being born is a game of chance. You could have been born to any family. You are simply lucky to be the Second Prince. Use the opportunity for those who had less luck."
"I am of belief it was Divine Will. I suppose the moment the gods awake again, we will see who was right. If they send blights upon the Franac Republic, I will win that bet."
"But now, while the gods are sleeping, they are prosperous. Some would think of it as a sign," he friendly pointed out.
"Ah, yes. The people are happy and fed and whatnot. I can't say I disagree with your ideas about public health and programs. However the ability to read can spread some... unwanted ideas. In fact, I'd say that a movement from intellectuals could be as dangerous as keeping my people in poverty. Your ideas of equality would weaken the perceived power of nobles, which will in turn weaken the power of the Crown."
"So you would allow a baron to do whatever he would like to the men and women in his land? Or, let's say... a duke to his wife?"

Alberic froze up.

"That was an incredibly low blow, Lord Governor."
"Equality betters the lives of everyone equally, Your Highness." Including his twin sister Linden, currently engaged to one of the most notorious men in the Kingdom. Rosamund had time. Rosamund did his research. He kept his tone calm and patient, disarming Alberic's anger with utmost care. The young man managed to keep his cool. Barely.

"You have given me a lot to consider," he managed to say. "Enough to enrage me, but not enough to turn me into your enemy. I... cannot say I agree with everything you've said, so I will wait for you to prove to me you are right. And until that day comes, I will continue as I have now. I no longer see the need to undermine the peace between Bretonia, Franacs, and Karpathians now that I have your support." He did WHAT?! Was that why the peace treaty fell apart in the original timeline- gods he will kill him. Actually. "I agree with your public health concerns as it lessens the likelihood I will catch a disease. I support your ideas of social services to prevent abuse between family members, orphanages, hospitals..."
"But not schools?"
"Why should a blacksmith know how to read?"
"Where will his sons learn to be doctors?"
"You... are impossible."
"I know." What an idiot. In his desire to take down Ravenel he was willing to lead Bretonia to ruin. Rosamund was intent to rein in the maniac. He was twenty-one. He should be in school, not on the throne, the accelerationist little piece of shit. He kept his voice calm as he continued. "We learn while we live. I hope we will find ways to come to agreements once you see the results on Teuta. You do not need to copy me. I simply need you to work for the best of the people."
"I need to protect the interests of the nobility, too. I refuse to let you take me down the path of your personal insanity. You can't help everyone, Lord Governor."

"No. But I can try."

Alberic picked up his cup of tea again. "What do you know about Linden?" he quietly asked.
"Nothing. I've never had the opportunity to speak to her."
"She is... a part of the reason why I want the throne. She is already going mad, I think she is becoming dangerous both to herself and the servants. I need to break off the engagements before... something happens. I managed to keep them away from each other. For now. But this status quo won't last. The wedding is set to be in a year and a half and she is being consumed by fear. I need to seize the throne before that day comes."
"And your mother, I assume, won't break off the engagements?"
"She was the one who arranged this. Linden was a little too popular with the nobility. She was becoming a threat to Ravenel, even if she never wanted the throne."
"I am sorry."
"Your sorrow doesn't help me."
"I know. I will do my best for you, nonetheless. Prove to me you are the best option and I will gladly follow you."
"And if I fail, I suppose you will attempt to dispose of me after we are done with Hannau."
"Yes," he frankly said. Alberic's lip twitched.

"Find that little pest of yours, I need to fetch some books for your father. We will see how things play out in time, I suppose."
"I wish you the best of luck."

"Actions," Alberic mumbled. "Not thoughts."