Chapter 33
“He did what…?”
Matthias had just arrived at his private dining table to have a peaceful breakfast after a very hectic week. Instead, his friend and aide Clemens von Rabenberg crushed what little relaxation Matthias had allowed himself before the impending turmoil.
“...He and a group of armed men marched into Sonnenfeld Hall in full dress uniform, planted the Hohenfels banner in the foyer, ignored Prince Ludwig, and insulted the Housemaster.”
“Why in Christ’s name would he do that?” Matthias mused, not yet certain how he felt about this situation.
In some ways, Arnold’s actions would prove highly beneficial. They would play right into Matthias’ hands by dragging Ludwig’s many failings into the spotlight. Hohenfels would undoubtedly enjoy a surge in popularity among those unsatisfied with the ‘Establishment’. It was a clear signal that the margraviate was not cowed by Western posturing and games.
On the flip side, the message was too effective. Coupled with the duel, it turned subtle antagonism into open rivalry – meaning that anyone without clear-cut stakes would be much less likely to openly side with Hohenfels lest they risk directly provoking Sonnenfeld.
It was an incredibly polarizing move, and it had come months, if not years, too early. Princess Maria might simply declare neutrality now, as was tradition for Greifenau. And speaking of tradition, the newly arrived Princess Charlotte would do as Schwarzwald always did and try to place herself as a bridge between the factions, while subtly supporting Western dominance.
It really was a shame that Princess Klara was so useless. Another ducal scion supporting Hohenfels’ ascension and the subsequent end of the status quo would be a game changer in a few years. But Klara as well as the Hohenfels cousins were too hung up on pastsquabbles to even consider such a thing.
But if there was a way to convince Duke Albrecht…