—Merisbaton.
That's the title for the first seat of alchemists.
An official position in nations valuing alchemy magic.
"As it happens, the Merisbaton position is currently vacant. Therefore, placing you in the first seat would be simple."
"Won't the second seat person be angry about that?"
If Merisbaton is vacant, the next candidate naturally would be the current second seat.
Princess Charlotte answers:
"Well, sudden great promotion would cause opposition, but seeing these wonderful technologies should silence any fool. Right, Yuleila?"
"Yes. Even from my perspective, not very knowledgeable in alchemy magic, Erine-dono's techniques seem exceptional... though only concern is unknown background. Might Erine-dono be nobility from another country?"
Yuleila-san asks this.
Since I have a maid, she probably deduced I'm nobility or similar wealthy status.
I answered:
"More precisely, former nobility..."
"Former... you say?"
"Yes. Actually, I was exiled for various circumstances. Originally raised as youngest daughter of the Blangier family in the Ranverl Empire."
I wanted to hide the Blangier name, but decided to reveal everything.
Admitting exile would make declining Merisbaton easier.
Yes.
I don't desire Merisbaton.
My desire is peaceful slow life.
Becoming court magician would mean exhaustion from politics and socializing, preventing that desire.
Finally free from noble society, re-entering troublesome constraints is absolutely intolerable.
...And.
Mentioning the Blangier name shocks Princess Charlotte.
"Blangier family... Eh!? Did you just say Blangier family!?"
"Y-yes. That's correct but..."
"You... might you be Fred von Blangier's sister!?"
"Ah... as expected of Liznis Kingdom's crown princess, you know my brother's name."
Though Fred is a viscount's son with his own "von" viscount title, he's certainly not high-ranking nobility.
Nevertheless, he was famous in neighboring countries.
For accomplishing brilliant war feats.
Especially well-known is driving the powerful [Great Kingdom] to destruction.
The war where the Ranverl Empire earned fearsome reputation for having Fred.
Nations considering invading the Ranverl Empire actually retreated hearing the [Great Kingdom]'s destruction.
Princess Charlotte says:
"I've met Fred von Blangier before—truly an exceptional person. With him leading the military and his commanded Seras, the Ranverl Empire would be secure."
I say:
"That might be true, but Fred died and Seras was annihilated."
"...What!?"
Princess Charlotte is astounded.