Of all the men in Steiner household it would probably be fair to say that William was the least well known. Unlike his brothers, William did not actively engage in any politics, didn't fly much and generally tried to avoid any kind of shenanigans that his brothers were well known for, He was the administrator, oh Alfred was in charge, of that there was no doubt, but someone had to balance the books, or manage the estates, or ensure the Wards were looked after. That was his job, the Steiner Estate exists because he did his work, quietly and patiently. It was not expected he would do anything out of the ordinary and while the nature of his family was such that secrets were unavoidable, he was the one person who could never, under any circumstances, act on what he learnt from his brothers.
So when Elizabeth Hall came asking about corruption and government, he surprised even himself at how easily he fell into the role of politics. He did not worry to much about her intentions, knowing full well that she couldn't really do much without their approval. Without his approval. Still, with a shifting political climate and a complex series of alliances coming up her insights would be useful to have. More importantly, her interest in regaining power might benefit the family as well. But he was getting ahead of himself.
His ornate oak desk was covered in a variety of differently coloured paper folders, all neatly stacked according to what their priority was. A grandfather clock in the corner chimed 1 PM in the afternoon and the distant echo of the university clock tower could be heard replying. He sighed, and walked over to the window. From the 8th floor of the Colonial style brick building you could see across most of the city. Victor and Edmund didn't really want to return to Bretonia but He did, he missed the green fields and the sounds of children playing.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the sun on his face for a time. Life was good, he was happy and there really wasn't anything to worry about. God had been good to them, so long as they kept the faith, they would be fine.
William's reverie was shattered by a thud and then the sound of something fragile breaking in the hallway. A woman shrieked and then a lot of fragile things started rolling down the stairs. The shriek turned into very passionate scolding and it was getting nearer. This disarray made William feel uneasy, though he was sure the servants would clean up whatever priceless vase has fallen. But the voice, he recognised it. It must have belonged to Elizabeth Hall, whom he had invited to come urgently a few long days earlier. A gentleman through and through, he had to help. He grabbed the door, but it was immediately snatched from him and pulled away. It was indeed Elizabeth. In her other hand, she was pulling a servant, a gently built young man of Indian descent. He didn't seem in full agreement to being pulled, but he was too overwhelmed with shame over whatever he had just done. Elizabeth was not in a good mood. The wrinkles on her face were showing under the makeup and that was the last thing one should let her know at that moment. "Why did you hire this one!?", Elizabeth asked Steiner angrily while yanking the servant's skinny arm. "Get a Southerner! They can multiply alright, these Easterners, but they can't carry a lady's suitcase!" This must have offended the servant and his eyes displayed something that looked like spite. Elizabeth removed the black glove off of her left hand. As she leaned forward to land a disciplinary slap, she stepped over her extravagant and far too long skirt, and tripped.
A slightly bewildered William rushed in to catch her, which he managed with some success. Are you alright my lady? He asked, whilst silently gesturing with his hand for the servant to make himself scarce. Quite the introduction, but welcome to Cambridge all the same. He realized by now he had been holding her for quite some time and so helped her stand upright and invited her in to his office.
One might have thought that Lawyers would have some variation in their offices, but if there was any to be had, it was not to be found here. The rear wall was bookshelf full of legal texts, the right hand side, a large window with an outside balcony which could only be used 6 months of the year. On the right there was a fireplace and a smaller couch that faced probably the most obvious feature in the room, Steiner's desk. Just in front of the rear book shelf was the large and dark oak desk that had obviously seen some history. He shuffled in behind it and invited to her to take a seat wherever she liked.
It was supposed to be a quiet thank you, but the gleam that Elizabeth's eyes sent off to William seemed rather lustful than grateful. Her mood switched from peeved to... whatever that was, in just a moment. She sent one remaining angry gaze to the servant, like a thunderstorm that's finally passed but wants to have the last word. The servant took the cue and left.
He leaned back into his chair, his mind wandering for a moment. He was sure he read about her resignation from parliament somewhere when he was away, but he couldn't remember exactly. Please, enlighten me. I remember reading about your resignation but I'm not aware of the circumstances.
Oh, that was long ago!, she no more than scoffed at the embarrassing subject and made herself comfortable across. A treasure trove! The miners stumbled upon an ancient underground chamber... or part of a whole complex, who knows. I thought to bring Victor some artefact samples because some of them were still active. Yes, were... You have ancient alien garbage all over your stairway now thanks to Mr Scrawny-Singh and I've probably broken a law or two bringing it here. Something far more important now pushed the alien treasure into the background. Where's the tea?
He pressed a button under the desk, somewhere in the building a chime sounded and a servant would be sent to his office. So. You're running a mining operation. But why tell Victor? I'm sure he'd be interested, but you must know he'd shut down the whole thing. More importantly, who is the current governor of Sprague?
By now, a servant had arrived with a silver tray and china tea set, as well as two whiskey glasses and a bottle of scotch. William was known by the staff to treat his guests, although today they may have been a little too enthusiastic. Thank you Mary. Please tell mister Patel he can take the rest of the day off, full pay.
I forgot the name. A very reserved individual. The BMM are the true executive, the governor is just a face. She tried the tea, but it was quite hot. Instead, she inserted a cigarette into her long cigarette holder. It is our operation, I am just running it. The Company belongs to you and me as much as it belongs to Victor. He should know. Say, may I borrow your flame?
He reached into a draw and pulled out his pipe and tobacco, along with a silver lighter. He walked over to her and sat down on the couch Well in that case we ought to use what influence we have. I believe my family still has some contacts over in Rheinland that could be beneficial. He said as he lit her cigarette and began packing his own pipe. Truth be told I don't think Liberty is a worthy long term ally as far as economics go. Rheinland is a untapped resource hub, one that will be sorely needed if we wish to rebuild, and if we can get them to cut Liberty out of the market...well, we might just find a way to balance our repayments to them
He lit his pipe drawing the embers in, he was not in favour of cutting Liberty out of what they were rightfully owed, that would be poor business management. They were entitled to a good amount of money. Money Bretonia promised, and ought to repay. Still Rheinland offered the best chance at not only expansion, but economic growth in the long run. But of course to do any of this we required influence. Political as well as social. An economic crisis would provide the best opportunity for you to regain your old office, but you require allies. We have influence, but not enough to put you there on your own just yet. Furthermore you are standing against the establishment, a young single woman as Prime Minister? Tell me, did you enemies exploited that in your downfall? They would have been fools if they didn't. A smile ran away from his face, perhaps Hacker would be a suitable candidate as well, although the man was probably quite happy where he was at the moment. Still, Hall had a hero's last name and was a Ward of a powerful family. Perhaps there was something there.
Of course they did! Elizabeth puffed a toke and although it was too early for nicotine to act, classical conditioning made her feel less stressed. Observing the gentle sway of smoke, if only for a second, had a certain undocumented zen effect. Someone started sweeping the ancient alien treasure in the hallway with a broom. They photographed some woman that looked like me in lecherous scenes and defamed my dignity. Many criticised my attitude towards Liberty and I see that some still would. Yes, it was an unequal partnership, but we aren't yet in a position to be equal with anyone. I was buying time and the new government should do that too, because Bretonia is not ready to stand on its own feet yet. You are a pragmatist, I like that, but it makes you think that common interest can find us friends elsewhere. Yet, the supreme interest of most other Houses is vengeance for the defeats we have inflicted them. My project with Kusari was only directed against Gallia and nobody should trust them further than that. Did you know humans are emotional beings?