Then, there's also the idea which she garnered from reading other novels where they can attempt some coup and then take over the throne. Just thinking of it already gives her a headache. Even if it's the last option, she would never want them to take it. 

First, she would never want Charlton to betray himself. Though he would be quite the treacherous character in his plan, it was nothing unforgivable. Second, she does not want to become some Helen of Troy, not that she's presumptuous but just in case Geoffrey goes that far. Third, well, Geoffrey was also a good guy, how pitiful would he be if even his crown gets stolen from him. That, and well, he was the Male Lead, he might have some male lead halo so there's that. Lastly, fine. Let's be honest. She's afraid of anything that has to do with killing people. She was born and lived in peaceful times. War, coup, etc. were only things she ever watched in the news, movies, or read in novels. If all else fails, she would rather go to the mentally ill route. Perhaps it would even be effective.

Anyway, going back to Charlton's plan, she thought of being like those Mary Sue protagonists in the different novels she has read, but reality was not as kind to her. Her friends were all girls from other kingdoms, and she only has Bernard and Beatrice with her as her aids. She had no other informants aside from Charlton, she doesn't want to venture to find some guild (she can't even because she's too popular), and aside from that, what can she do with her current standing? 

Yes, she's popular, but she was still some one hit wonder now. Then, although she was a daughter of a duke and a queen in waiting, she was still a girl. Come on, her only political power comes from being a queen-in-waiting, but she can't even use that. Without it, will people in power really listen to an 18-year-old girl? Just do an eye-roll.

So, at the end of the day, she realized that she can only leave the political arena to Charlton. She trusts him and she also wants to show him that he has her confidence. That however does not mean that she'll be some idling princess waiting for her knight in the shining armor. 

Reflecting, given her current circumstance, her strong point lays in the social arena and she could build on that. Right now, she's quite popular with the nobles and the masses through her songs. She also projects that given the project 'we are the world', her name would be even more popular. She understands that popularity is a double-edged sword. But it is only through it that she can be her own person and at the same time, be of help.

--

Edward started chuckling as he held his hand up. "Okay, I'm guilty as charged. I was not so innocent but to be fair, I also had your best interest in mind."

Charlton just raised a brow and kept his eyes straight at him waiting for him to continue explaining.

Edward knew that he could be misinterpreted, so, not wanting to hide anything, he just went out with it in the open. "I will be honest with you Charlton. You really have the talent for music, but that was not the main reason why I approached you. I think you already know that the court is now divided into 2 major factions, and both sides are persuading people to join them."

"Now, the thing is, there are people who doesn't want to join any of the two for certain reasons. Whether it be not believing their ideals, or because they don't want to gamble to protect their wealth or loved ones. But the problem is, they are being forced to make a choice. And, this is where I need your help." Edward explained as he stared at Charlton waiting for his response.

Charlton did not answer immediately. He first let his words sink in. From here, he can establish that Edward is not from the radical faction, that was all he needed to know. "You give me too much credit."

"We both know that that is not the case."

Charlton chuckled. Indeed, he was not wrong. If he did not have any ulterior motives, being tied to him was the safest bet if they want to remain neutral. The monarchist will think that they will be inclined to side with them as Charlton is the king's nephew, while the radicals won't touch them because of the grand duke. "You do know exactly that I am not doing this out of the pure goodness of my heart."

"Well, everyone is doing it for their own benefit. And only you, my friend, are the only person who is doing it for love, and for me, that reason is far nobler than any of the others. So, despite being not the safest boat anymore, I would still sail with you." Edward replied with a grin.

Charlton sighed, "Who else are with you in this? Also, what is your main objective?" 

"To be honest, not a lot. Mostly merchants like me who does not want to become milking cows of whichever faction and get embroiled in court. So basically, our main objective is to get protection from those trying to recruit us to become some sponsors of their faction. Though we have other aspirations, they're quite premature to talk about for now as that will depend on the route you will choose to take in the future." 

Charlton finally nodded his head. Thinking that he can work with that. "If it is only protection that you want, although I'm not the Marquis yet, I suppose my presence in your company will suffice. As for the others, well, I only have my name and you do know what that entails." 

"Regarding that, I'll talk to them about it. But in my case, I'm all in." Edward replied with a smile. He sees nothing wrong with Charlton's suggestion. There is no such thing as free lunch in this world.

Serena's eyes mooned as she listened at the sidelines. It was the first time she witnessed Charlton being so serious and mature. He also handled it so well that she did not have to add any of her input. Anyway, was he thinking what she's thinking? If he is, then by Gods, they are about to strike gold.

--

TBC

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