Chapter 16: Political Parties and Black Tea
"In that case, Mr. Adrian, what kind of butler are you looking for?"
Rolls had already considered this thoroughly the previous night. He replied without hesitation, "An experienced butler, preferably one who has served the nobility, and whose political leanings align with the Conservative Party."
For Rolls, the political affiliation was the most crucial of his three requirements. Only a butler inclined toward the Conservatives would be beneficial to his future path.
The Kingdom of Loen had two major parties. One was the Conservative Party, supported largely by the hereditary nobility. Every noble was a member of the House of Lords, representing the most powerful interest group in the kingdom. The current Prime Minister, Lord Aguishid Negan, was a Conservative, and his brother, the current Duke Negan (Pallas Negan), was the party's primary backer.
The other was the New Party, whose members generally consisted of factory owners, bankers, and prominent lawyers, holding significant sway in the House of Commons.
Of course, these lines weren't absolute. Some hereditary nobles leaned toward the New Party—such as Earl Hall, father of "Justice" Audrey—while some wealthy bankers and industrialists sided with the Conservatives in hopes of securing a title.
In Loen's current climate, the Conservatives were far more powerful than the New Party, especially following the passage of the Grains Act. Since the Conservatives were largely composed of great landowners, this act significantly bolstered their strength.
However, Rolls knew the future: the Conservative Party's power was destined to wane. The Grains Act was soon to be repealed, which would shrink the nobles' income and their political funding.
Furthermore, the assassination of Duke Negan would deal a devastating blow. His successor lacked the influence to unite the party, and the hereditary nobility, shaken by the assassination, would choose to retreat into their homes in fear.
The repeal of the Grains Act would merely cause the "Conservative Giant" to suffer muscle atrophy, but its foundation would remain. But Duke Negan's death would snap the party's spine. Without that support, the "ribs" would scatter, leaving the party's vitals at the mercy of the New Party.
One could say that even the assassination of Prime Minister Aguishid Negan would have been preferable to the death of the Duke. This was why the Twilight Hermit Order targeted the Duke so relentlessly, offering two Blasphemy Cards as bounties for his life.
Rolls's reason for choosing the Conservatives was simple: it is better to provide help in a time of need than to add to a man's abundance. When George III's attempt to ascend as the "Black Emperor" eventually failed and the Royal Family's power diminished, they would naturally huddle with the Conservatives for warmth against the New Party.
All of this would happen quickly—within a mere three years. By then, if things went according to plan, Rolls hoped to have a seat at the Conservative table, allowing him a hand in rebuilding the order of the Loen Kingdom.
As for whether he would struggle to find a butler based on political leanings, Rolls wasn't worried. Since their inception, butlers had been linked to politics. They served the powerful and were expected to align with their masters' views. Moreover, as butlers were traditionally exclusive to the high nobility, they naturally tended to favor the Conservative Party.
"Such butlers are rare," Delia paused. "As you know, noble families seldom replace their butlers unless they can no longer provide effective service. Even then, they often take on other roles within the household."
She continued, "Furthermore, wealthy merchants are quite desperate for such butlers and are willing to pay a premium. Mr. Adrian, we do have the type you're looking for, but the annual salary starts at no less than 100 pounds."
"That is not a problem for me, provided they meet my requirements."
While money hadn't quite reached the level of "just a number" for Rolls yet, it was close. Unless he spent a fortune on Beyonder items or potion formulas, his liquid assets were enough to place him among the standard wealthy.
If Klein Moretti could pose as a tycoon with only a few thousand pounds, Rolls could certainly do the same. Besides, Rolls knew many potion formulas; at this stage, he was more likely to be a seller than a buyer.
"Very well. I will prepare the relevant files. I'll let Belin keep you company for a moment."
At that moment, Belin arrived with the "Marquis Black Tea" she had brought from home. She placed a white glazed porcelain cup with gold inlay before Rolls and smiled. "It needs a moment to cool."
Rolls looked down. Three or four lemon slices floated in the reddish tea. Against the gold-inlaid porcelain, it was a fine sight. He knew Belin had added the lemon specifically to neutralize the bitterness of the Filmer coffee he'd had earlier. He smiled. "This gives me just enough time to express my gratitude."
"No, no, it's just my job. The Association wasn't well-prepared, leaving you with only... that," Belin said, waving her hands, unaware she had just criticized her own employer.
"Miss Belin, have you only recently started working here?"
"Yes... I'm sorry, I don't have much work experience." Belin looked apologetic and slightly aggrieved, thinking Rolls was dissatisfied with her service. She had even brought out her private tea; as a gentleman, she felt he should be more understanding.
As a "Lawyer," Rolls was keenly sensitive to such shifts in emotion. He chuckled. "There's no need for apologies. I think no amount of work experience is as important as a cup of Marquis tea with lemon."
He pointed to the steaming cup. "Though I haven't tasted it yet, I am certain it will satisfy me."
"Thank you for the compliment."
The subtle flattery caused Belin's mood to clear instantly, and a smile returned to her face.
Rolls noted that she still hadn't realized her previous comment had "sold out" the Association. He sighed inwardly, reminding himself this wasn't a courtroom—he couldn't be too blunt.
Everything in the Loen Kingdom tended toward conservatism, at least on the surface. Learning how to express oneself subtly was a vital skill; being too direct often led to mutual embarrassment.
Thus, Rolls changed the subject, turning the conversation to the rare appearance of the sun today.
Weather had been a popular topic in Backlund for a century. As pollution worsened, the topic had become inextricably linked to criticizing the Aguishid Cabinet's lack of progress in atmospheric governance. Discussing the weather and then bashing the Cabinet had become the standard routine in recent years.