I love the excellent use of descriptions to create a sense of place in this chapter. The characterizations are spot on, also. Hans and his parents. The awkward dinner from hell. And his explanation for his actions in Arendal are very revealing. It's always good to get insight into a character's motivations. Even a guy we love to hate.

Well...no surprise considering Hans' birth was descended from Ariel.

I still had to compose myself to read through the part where Melody was introduced however. I mean...she's the damned Queen of the Southern Isles who shed blood and bone next to his father and is recovering from a life threatening illness and yet can still be more chilling than ice on the dining table in front of her regicide attempting son. (Nervous laughter)

Indeed, you really put her off as something much more...different than Ariel.

This plot point where the King was strongly aware of the involvement of magic in Hans' china product...what exactly does he have in thought about that?

One part he's still having hopes for him...but he actually did wanted for Arendal to win this one here outright to make things easier?

Don't tell me...he's scared? Scared that Hans might have greater potential than necessary?

What really got my blood pumping however was the entry of...that English industrialist who just sweet talked Hans like that.

Cue in, England is still strong with the Industrial Revolution going on. Hundreds of businessman and capitalists alike present. England is already having a foothold in this revolution.

What's to say about these other capitalists?

(Rubs temples)

Hans is about to enter uncharted territory, that's for certain about now.

And when money rolls in...that's when the game really begins.

This chapter continues to fill in the background of Hans. Also, providing characterizations of his father and twin sister. I was intrigued by the King's description of Hans smiling as he left Anna to die. It may not be a popular interpretation, but it could certainly be true. You have a way of looking at things and finding new angles. A sign of creativity and willingness to look past the obvious.

But I still don't buy the claim that Hans isn't interested in revenge against Elsa and Anna. Nope. Nosirree Bob.

The dice just continues to roll...even as the situation for Hans' plan apparently gets more complex with Johanna finding out the 'truth' and Hans being allowed to visit Kesselburg after the trials.

Either way, he's in it for the greater scheme of things...and he'd do anything for that.

Great chapter, excellent court drama - and I loved that word from Stalin, as well as the paraphrasing by the King of the Southern Isles. Hans would definitely make a good Stalin; the reason being that he's not an irrational, psychopathic, emotional Hitler. He thinks things through and plans ahead - he just doesn't care who he has to remove or hurt to get things done.

He is definitely a ruthless bastard who gets things done - and might just improve the world around him. Stalin, like it or not, played a greater role than anyone else in defeating fascism - you've certainly succeeded in making Hans that person.

I especially like how Hans sheds his noble uniform for a Tycoon's suit and hat. He certainly makes for a good ruthless CEO capitalist, just as Stalin would have if he had been born American.

Great work overall! It would be interesting to see Hans as King in the future. He might guide his kingdom well - but at what cost, due to his mentality of all people being totally expendable? I look forward to it.

Holy crap a review at long last! Sorry it took me fivever to read and review this, it's just as enjoyable as all the other chapters. Poor Johanna and Kristina. Hopefully they reconcile, though the thought of Kristina joining up with Elsa would be interesting...
KEEP ON WRITING!

Johanna is NOT going to be happy. i hope she won't turn against Hans...

"Game of Thrones"... any chance by being a fan of the series?

I swear to god, I was laughing so hard at Hans provoking porselain! He has guts, I give him that, to send that to the sisters! I hope they will meet again... while he burns arendal to the ground. hehe. But, can you make more scenes between Johanna and Hans? I love their relationship and banter, It would be lovely to see more developement in it.

holy mother of god! ariel is hans grandmother? good lord! I did not expect that twist!

I'm a helsa lover, but honestly, I love Johanna's cold heart! I love evil!Hans revenge fics as much as redeem!hans, I can't wait to see him burn Corona down!

whoah! i believe johanna and Hans are going to be a terrifying couple together! awesome! she's as ruthless as him!

I love this! I'm very curious how he and his bride will get along on the wedding night!

Troll level: Master. Well played, Hans, well played, indeed. Another good chapter that shows Hans for what he truly is: a sociopathic pragmatist. If it will better his position, he will use it, no matter what the source. Can't wait for the next chapter.
KEEP ON WRITING!

Whoa. Like WHOA?!

Hans is a traitor to them all?

Damn that line just made me bite into my pillow deeply. I have never considered THAT possibility being present here in many of the governing systems that exist in Europe here.

Oh sure, we got the aristocracy, the monarchy...the oligarchy, everyone's perfectly normalized with that. But take the one rare fine, the geniocrat who wants to make his own way with his government, with...porcelain as a booming trade. God knows what the hell he could do more...

SO yeah, hate him all you want. But he's gonna topple the market sooner or later...I am craving for that moment. :)

Same goes to you two Elsa and Anna. Sorry but...he's outta your reach and you can't do shit about it. For once I have a legitimate reason to laugh at them instead.

Man I'm evil...

Thankfully Hans is much more evil than me. He's the master of the game after all.

But how long can he roll the dice without losing a single round...I wonder...

Like how Hans is making waves in the SI court and the region in general. Wonder if he might just cause an upheaval in his kingdom? It is the 1840s, after all. Dennmark will definitely be one of his enemies if he does eventually become king. You certainly make him more far-sighted than other "nobility" of the time. Even Ariel kept legal serfdom - liked that.

The scene with Elsa and Anna livid about his economic success was pure gold too. It almost makes you want to root for Hans (which is saying something). Good job!