By the time Isaac turned three, everyone was aware of his unusual nature.
His older brother Nathan, at four, acted like a normal child—obsessed with play and sweets.
But Isaac behaved far beyond what a three-year-old normally would.
When his father was around, he would play in the yard, rolling balls and running about.
Isaac preferred reading, yet he understood Randolph's desire to spend time with his child.
(Well, some exercise isn't bad. A little is fine.)
In truth, Isaac was conforming to his father's expectations.
His attendants noticed, but Randolph did not.
Everyone else thought it unnecessary to mention it.
No one wanted to tell a master, "Your three-year-old is keeping you in check," and as a parent, it wasn't something to highlight yet.
Isaac's friends were mostly girls of the same age.
At first, he wondered if they might be future fiancées, but soon realized otherwise.
Boys of similar age were all playmates of Nathan.
The reason was simple: most assumed Nathan would inherit the Wellrod Marquis family.
His mother's relatives were far more influential.
Even if Isaac currently held priority, Melinda would surely pressure her family to sway Randolph later.
She would want her son near Nathan in preparation for the future.
Yet, this revealed a valuable piece of information.
Lucia's niece Tiffany had been brought along as a friend.
Recognizing the cousin was important.
Lucia's family was the Halifax Viscount family.
――Tiffany Halifax.
She still bore a faint resemblance, but in the game Kimi no Hate Made wo Kimi ni (T/N: "To the Ends of This World, for You"), she was one of the noblewomen whose fiancé was stolen.
The kingdom of Reed, the Halifax Viscount family—these details made Isaac realize he had been reborn into the world of the game.
(But why an Otome Game? Why not a normal eroge I played in my previous life...)
Pursuing power was tempting, but so was the happy harem life surrounded by beautiful girls.
(Or maybe I'll create it myself.)
His father, Randolph, already had two wives, Lucia and Melinda.
Even adding a concubine wouldn't break ethics.
Minor complaints could be suppressed with power.
(For that, I need more influence.)
Fortunately, being born into the game world meant a bright future.
A foolish Prince Jason broke his engagement with Pamela during the Royal Academy graduation.
Pamela was the granddaughter of the chancellor.
By rescuing her from execution in advance, Isaac could gain the support of the Windsor Marquis family.
If other nobles were gathered by age eighteen, a coup might be possible.
――From a full-time employee at an izakaya chain to the king of a nation.
An incredibly enticing future.
After all, this was his second life.
He could attempt things he couldn't in his previous life.
(For that, I need to gather knowledge first.)
Small mistakes might happen, but gaining knowledge to avoid major errors was wise.
"Adela, I want to study."
"Certainly, that's fine."
For a child his age, reading picture books was common.
Yet Isaac read by himself.
At first, the adults thought it unusual, but concluded, "Better him being smart than not."
Still unsteady on his feet, he was led by Adela to the study room.
Being an easy child to care for made her job simple.
He first selected books aimed at children.
Yet, they weren't books for typical three-year-olds—more suited for slightly older kids.
The book he picked summarized the kingdom of Reed.
Thanks to the Otome Game origin, the text was in Japanese, making it easy to read.
It wasn't a completely foreign world, a definite advantage.
The kingdom of Reed was founded five hundred years ago.
Those who contributed to its founding were elevated to the nobility.
Among them, four families distinguished themselves and became Marquises:
Wellrod family
Windsor family
Wilmente family
Warwick family
Known as the "4W" for the first letters of each house, these families formed the pillars of the kingdom.
Toget}her, their lands covered more than half of Reed.
Lower nobles, like Barons or Viscounts, didn't have their own lands, working as bureaucrats or on Marquis or Count estates.
(Even allying with the other two Marquis families leaves a slight disadvantage. I'll need to gather some Counts and weaken the king's loyalists.)
The rift between the royal family and Windsor Marquis would become decisive at the Royal Academy graduation.
He had fifteen years to prepare a rebellion.
(And first, Nathan must be removed.)
He considered how to bring the Wilmente Marquis family onto his side.
Not just removing them, but making them feel indebted while doing so.
Though loyal to the royal family, if their actions could be restrained, it would benefit him.
Luckily, he might secure the Warwick Marquis family as allies.
――Amanda Warwick.
She, too, would have her fiancé stolen by Nicole Netherhalls, the protagonist of Kimi no Hate Made wo Kimi ni.
In a reverse harem ending, Nicole would be surrounded by many men, including the prince.
If handled skillfully, Warwick Marquis could be swayed to resent the royal family.
But Nicole needed to reach the reverse harem ending, not an individual one.
(Wait... that means I'd have to support Nicole too?)
Nicole was a Baron's daughter.
Her parents were minor royal officials, living a common life.
Strategy guides suggested efficient ways to earn money or work part-time.
It would be better if her efforts were used to pursue main characters rather than side work.
(Bad... I need to record this on paper.)
But writing down plans was risky.
Everyone would want to know what a child was writing.
If someone discovered the rebellion plans—even from a child—the consequences could be severe: confinement at best, death at worst.
Everything had to stay in his mind.
He skimmed the guides but didn't memorize everything.
Important details needed regular recall to avoid forgetting.
(There seems to be time, but there's much to do. Focus on immediate tasks first.)
Isaac set his first goal: improve his position within the Wellrod Marquis household.
Next, gather information on inter-family relations.
As a noble, knowing "who is related to whom" was crucial.
Despite the challenge, he looked pleased.
Solving new problems and planning his rise was far more enjoyable than repeating daily routines.
Even if the plans involved manipulating others.
Adela watched, smiling at the childlike joy on Isaac's face.
Notes:
• Ran - She is a gentle orphan, appeared as Mobu's close friend, surviving the demon attack in their secret hideout.