Chapter 73: CH 72

Lehman chewed his lower lip.

Compared to the neighboring countries, the empire was still, at its core, a meritocracy.

At the very least, if a person had enough capabilities, they would be recognized as a public official, and the opportunity to raise their own status was available to them.

For example, one such man was Count Karr, whose roots were from the northern region and had immigrated to the empire.

It’s just that… the threshold of how high you could rise was painfully evident.

“No matter how hard he’ll try, us nouveau riche will never rise to the highest spot. At best, just a vice minister.”

Lehman had a vague impression of the Pluntria Empire. Others would praise it as the land of opportunity and success—when in fact, that was not the case.

Rather…

‘God.’

It was a theocratic society in which people are ruled by God, and through the people called the dragonfolk and the nine households.

If you work hard, you can also use the dining hall next to the one that the nine families use.

If you’re talented, you’ll be able to assist the members of the nine households in each ministry that they govern, and you’d just narrowly have connections with the dragonfolk.

If you’re enthusiastic enough, you’d get to have the opportunity to add to the agenda that the ministers—who were members of the nine households—would be presenting in the cabinet meeting.

Ah, what a wonderful thing!

As long as you do not forget the magnanimous grace that has been extended to you, as long as you do not foolishly covet the positions reserved for the gods, and as long as you do not make any errors amidst this system that’s made by those absolute beings who could not be faulted, then yes! You can enjoy paradise in this world without any pain or suffering!

But Lehman, pitiful as he was, refused to do so. In that kind of peaceful paradise, where power reigned as the absolute authority, Lehman could never smile alone.

“Ahh, actually. Since you’ve got such a good head on your shoulders, you can also become a vice minister, just like Father, huh?”

Lehman knew. His talent and efforts would not make any difference. At most, the highest position he would be able to reach would be until what his father had reached as well.

Even though he knew this to be the absolute truth, Lehman nevertheless clung to his studies. Even if he were to be condemned for daring to covet what’s reserved for the gods, he ran forward without fail. He comforted himself by saying that the opportunities available in this land were for humans, not gods.

However, as if he could read what’s going on in Lehman’s mind, Martin snickered cheekily and turned around. He sat on the couch again, propped his legs on the tea table in front of him, then picked up an apple.

“It’s all useless anyway. Do you think that those great and mighty people would ever let you into their circle? Just look at Father.”

“……”

“So don’t bother working hard. Just use your face, yeah? What those people need isn’t someone with a smart brain, they just need someone decent enough to become their spouse. Just like you.”

When his own brother mentioned that only outward appearances counted, that’s when he snapped. In the end, Lehman could not resist— he threw the quill that he was holding.

“If you’re just here to spout such drivel, just piss the hell off.”

“Aww, how cute. You almost hit me, too.”

After avoiding the quill that’s been flung, Martin patted one shoulder to shake it off.

“What’s so wrong about taking advantage of this world that values appearances?”

“I’m going to succeed with my skills. My own skills. Don’t lump me with the likes of you when you don’t even seem to own a brain.”

“Lehman. I think you’re under a misunderstanding here. Using your looks can also be considered as a skill.”

Empty words, just like his empty head.

Lehman loathed the fact that he’s related to this guy.

“I’m being serious here.”

With that, Martin rose from his seat while shaking his head as though feeling pity.

“Think it over. You’ll just tire yourself for a long time trying to make this household soar. Even if you manage to fly over the heads of half of those nine households, you still won’t be able to soar higher than the other half.”

Lehman’s hands started shaking. He’s just being told about the reality that he’s already had enough of. He didn’t want to be reminded of it by Martin.

“Well, just for example, look at that youngest child of House Chantra. All she has is nothing but useless poison, but she’s living the life anyway.”

“……”

“And do you think that’s all? One of the children of that same family is easily going to be the next Minister of Education, right? The same position that our dear Father would never be able to reach, even if he tries his damnedest for the rest of his life. After all, the highest position in the Ministry of Education has been occupied by House Chantra for generations upon generations.”

“……”

“Wow, but seriously, if that idiot Reina becomes the next minister, that would just be a clean slap across the face of someone like you, huh?”

Lehman could feel his eyes starting to sting. Even if he wanted to forget that cruel fact, Martin made sure to twist up his insides with a reminder every once in a while.

“So just forget cooping yourself up in here. It’s useless. Go out and seduce those members of the nine households and walk down an easy path, yeah? Oh, but don’t get your hopes up when it comes to your dear love, Young Master Jeremy.”

Unlike how it was in other countries, getting into relationships with people of the same gender was common. However, it could never lead to marriage.

“Just to marry you, do you think a member of the nine households would dare to go against the fiery wrath of the elder council? You, someone from an immigrant family? Rather than you, they’d much rather settle for a daughter from a branch family.”

Even if it’s not the path that his older brother was telling him to do right now, Lehman knew that he could still reach the top.

He was convinced.

“I… I can wield magic, too.”

However, at his feeble rebuttal, Martin couldn’t help but laugh.

“Bwahahaha! That magic of yours that you’re not even sure if it’s really magic?”

“……”

“What use could there be for magic that can only move things a smidge? You know better than me that the Ministry of Magic wouldn’t give you a single glance.”

Yet again, Martin handed down his acrimonious view on reality.

Eventually, Lehman bit his lips tightly.

Watching as his younger brother trembled in place, the older brother spoke in a benevolent tone.

“If I were you, I’d rather take good care of my beautiful appearance right now and think only about marrying into the nine households. If you’re good enough, hmm… You might just be able to snag someone not just from a branch family, but someone from the main family of one of the nine households.”

Martin brushed off Lehman’s clothes with one hand.

“Think about it.”

After making a total mess out of his younger brother’s psyche, Martin soon opened the door widely and sauntered out.

And, alone now, Lehman said under his breath.

“Is it really impossible… with my own power?”

Those miserable words carried a hint of pain and desolation.