Albrecht pondered the Unioner's offer as well as that of the SIS agent for quite some time. His mind ticked over the various possibilities of what this would mean for both his family and for Rheinland. The future, he concluded, was clouded and uncertain, he could not say one way or another what would happen, but an answer was expected and although he struggled to find the right words, he replied in a serious tone that clearly showed his internal troubles You want me as a serious candidate for the Rheinland throne? I am flattered, but my name, though clearly remembered, will not be enough. There must be serious support, from you, the Rheinland Military and even a Rheinland corporation, as much as I know you detest this idea, the people of Rheinland, like other people of other houses, cannot and will not take a leap of faith based on a name nearly dead and gone. He paused, wondering if he should reveal his family, but he believed it to be no secret, they were both ordinary citizens.
I have two Brothers, Alexander and Christian. Alexander is a baker and Christian is...or was, I can't remember, a police officer with the RFP. We are all unmarried men, the last of our bloodline. I cannot promise you what you want until I have your assurance that my brothers will be hidden and looked after if this plan of ours fails horribly and I die. But back to my original point, we need the Rheinland Military on our side and we need Kruger, or Daumann.
He smiled, realizing that he had not said the one statement they sought I believe I can agree to be what you seek, once my one term is promised, but make no mistake he said, his voice once again taking a hardened tone of dead seriousness I am no puppet and I am certainly no slave. If you expect me to be either then you have another thing coming. His voice softened, his features died down and resumed their friendly professor like appearance I hope you understand me gentlemen, I hope I have not caused you offence and I hope you found what you were looking for in me.