In this world, nobles held near-absolute power within their territories.
Commoners were subjects of the local lord first, and the monarch second.
Taxes were paid, and military service was expected in times of war, but beyond that, a noble’s authority often surpassed even the king’s within their own lands.
Alexander saw it clearly: noble status was the perfect foothold.
If Ruby/Britney could reclaim her father’s title as Baron Osvid, he could marry her and become the rightful consort.
In a society where bloodline and birth determined everything, such an identity opened doors that wealth alone could never unlock.
A true noble was welcomed in high circles, commanded respect, and could rally support even in turbulent times.
Without that lineage, even immense riches marked one as nothing more than an upstart.
Little Red Riding Hood/Ruby/Britney, was his chosen shortcut.
With time and guidance, she could reclaim her place.
He would help her recover her memories and prove her identity.
In return, he would gain the status he needed to move freely among the fairy tale figures he intended to meet: Snow White, Cinderella, and others.
After storing Ruby safely back in his Personal Space, Alexander made discreet inquiries in town about Baron Osvid.
“You mean Baron Oswald? He died three years ago,” a merchant told him.
“He had an older sister who married a count in a neighboring kingdom.”
An aunt who was a countess.
That carried weight.
If she could verify Britney’s identity, the claim would be nearly ironclad. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
Proving noble inheritance was difficult to deny outright in this world.
Still, traveling to another kingdom would take time.
Alexander noted the information.
If that route proved too slow, he had a backup: find a suitable noble, use potions to brainwash him into a cooperative puppet.
It was riskier and more time-consuming, but viable if needed.
“Let’s head back for now.”
Two and a half days had passed since he stepped through the portal.
He didn’t want unnecessary complications back home.
Finding a secluded spot, Alexander opened the Space-Time Gate and stepped through.
A wave of dizziness passed, and he was back in his familiar apartment.
He dropped onto the bed with a satisfied sigh.
“Home really is the most comfortable place.”
After a short nap, he cooked two steaks in the kitchen.
Just as he finished eating and was preparing to rest, a knock sounded at the door.
Alexander frowned.
Who would visit at this hour?
He opened the door to find a middle-aged couple and a young girl of about seven.
The man was tall and thin, dressed in a sharp uniform that suggested a professional career, perhaps a doctor or lawyer.
The woman wore casual loungewear.
Her long golden waves fell down her back, and her figure was naturally attractive, moderately full curves, fair skin, and a soft, approachable beauty even without makeup.
Their daughter wore a cute white dress.
“Hello,” the woman said warmly.
“We’re your new neighbors. We just moved in today and wanted to bring some small gifts.”
“I’m Tasha, and this is my husband, Brewer,” the man added with a friendly smile.
Alexander accepted the gift, keeping his expression neutral.
“I’m Alexander. Nice to meet you.”
He invited them in, but they politely declined, saying they still had other neighbors to visit.
“Feel free to stop by our place anytime,” Tasha said with a bright smile before they left.
Alexander watched them walk toward the only unoccupied house nearby, a three-story detached villa in the distance.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Something felt off.