Allen, the Wisteria Earl's timid second son, undergoes a profound transformation after regaining vivid memories of his past life as Meredith, who was exiled and assassinated by his older brother. Determined to avoid this grim fate, Allen asserts himself when his father, Earl Wisteria, attempts to remove him from the succession race. The pragmatic Earl, who values capability over birthright, grants Allen a chance, tasking him with successfully hosting his debutant ball to prove his worth. Allen's older brother, Lloyd, is arrogant and manipulative, believing his birthright ensures his succession, while his adopted older sister, Chris, is a talented magical tool developer and also a contender.
Allen gains his first ally in Leonard, an astute advisor appointed by his father. Leonard initially tests Allen's resolve, but Allen's newfound strategic thinking and assertiveness earn his loyalty. As Allen prepares for his debutant, he discovers Lloyd sabotaged Chris's own event by stealing her magical tool research and intercepting her special sweets. Lacking concrete proof, Allen offers Chris his unique past-life dessert, Baumkuchen, for her debutant. This act of generosity and strategic foresight leads to Chris's success and her subsequent withdrawal from the succession race, acknowledging Allen's superior worth. The Earl formally recognizes Allen as a candidate, impressed by his ability to gain allies.
Allen is then offered a political marriage with Fiona Astley, daughter of a financially struggling Marquis family. Allen deduces the strategic benefits for both houses, but during their meeting, Fiona shockingly reveals she is Ellis, Allen's past-life sister. She proposes the marriage as a strategic alliance, offering her unique knowledge from their shared past world to aid Allen and her family. Despite his internal conflict over marrying his sister, Allen agrees to an engagement as a temporary measure, also negotiating a delay for Chris's own political marriage in exchange for the Baumkuchen recipe.
Next, Allen is assigned to govern Jenice Town, a diverse community of humans and various beast-folk (Inumimi, Nekomi, Usamimi, Elves). He encounters Kaede, the protective Inumimi town representative, who is wary of outsiders and resistant to change. Allen discovers the town suffers from Black Boar attacks, which hinder foraging and agriculture, leading to hardship for families like young Aoi's. Kaede explains their lack of trained soldiers and the Earl's limited intervention. Allen, drawing on his adventurer past, offers to help. Soon after, Chris arrives in Jenice, offering her magical expertise to repay Allen. He tasks her with developing a water-pumping magical tool for irrigation and specialized traps for the Black Boars, solidifying his faction and demonstrating his commitment to the town's welfare. This period marks Allen's transition from personal survival to actively leading and building support for his claim to head the Wisteria family.
