Chapter 158: The Mass Exodus
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 158: The Mass Exodus
“Oh my, did you see that?”
One of the noblewomen sharing the carriage pointed out the window.
“Isn’t that where Lumina used to be? What’s moved in there?”
The lady sitting opposite her shifted closer to the window, her interest piqued.
“It’s still Lumina. I heard they repainted the building.”
Amidst the drab, grey buildings, a bright shop painted in a pale pink stood out vividly.
With gold trim bordering every arched window and rose vines climbing the pillars, the shop looked far more elegant and luxurious than before.
“Goodness, how romantic!”
The noblewoman couldn’t take her eyes off the carvings on the pink pillars. Never before had she seen a shop on Gold Lane with such a beautiful exterior.
“Doesn’t it look even more radiant than the shops in Rondoris?”
“It certainly does!”
To think a simple change of color could draw the eye so much.
The romantic sight of the shop made her heart flutter. As it happened, she hadn’t commissioned any new earrings for the summer yet. She had originally planned to do all her shopping when she visited Rondoris, but…
Maybe I should just buy them here on Gold Lane this time?
“Since we’re already out, shall we stop by?”
As if reading her mind, the lady opposite her made the suggestion first, her eyes sparkling.
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
At the lady’s command, the maid promptly halted the carriage.
Upon stepping out, they noticed several other buildings that had been partially repainted. When they saw a charming tapestry shop painted in yellow and sky blue, the large Cafe Delitar standing next to it didn’t even register in their minds.
“Let’s check that place out after we’re done here.”
Full of excitement, the noblewomen stepped into the pink building.
*
Baron Gelfry, returning to the Merchant Association office after a long absence, narrowed his eyes at the mountain of documents piled on his desk.
The top line of every single document bore the same title in large letters: ‘Merchant Association Withdrawal Application.’
Marie’s Inn, Lumina…
Even a cursory glance revealed the names of several highly significant establishments.
As he gripped the edge of his desk, his knuckles whitened, and the documents beneath his hand crumpled mercilessly.
“This is preposterous!”
He gnashed his teeth.
After Lady Meisel was expelled, he had been forced to keep a low profile. If it were revealed that he was the root of the problem, Count Arbor would likely try to kill him before the Grand Duke could even issue a punishment.
Even while he remained holed up in his manor under the pretext of an illness, the shopkeepers had bombarded him daily with letters and requests for meetings.
They want me to find a way to save Gold Lane? Do they think the Association President is some kind of god?
He had only locked his doors for a short while to avoid the nuisance.
—“Jamer has established a new Merchant Association. I heard it has already been authorized by the Grand Castle. More than thirty members of our association have already jumped ship.”
It was only after his subordinate visited his manor this morning that Gelfry realized things had taken a dire turn. And the first thing he discovered upon returning to the office was this stack of withdrawal forms.
He was just beginning to feel a throbbing headache, wondering how on earth to fix this, when the door swung wide. Norben, the owner of a leather trading company, marched inside.
“Ah, you’re finally here.”
Noticing him, Norben approached with heavy strides and thrust a withdrawal form toward him.
“I’m leaving the Merchant Association.”
“Leaving?!”
Gelfry was already at his wit’s end; seeing the man walk in so boldly to hand over such a document made his blood boil.
“Have you lost your mind?”
At Gelfry’s roar, Norben raised a threatening eyebrow. As he took a step closer, Gelfry’s shoulders flinched.
Wh-what a giant…!
Norben was from the Haelion family, famous for their hunters, and he was built like a bear. Fearing his cowardice would show, Gelfry raised his voice even louder.
“Only members of the Merchant Association can operate shops on Gold Lane! Leaving the association? Are you saying you’re leaving Gold Lane entirely?”
“Haven’t you heard?”
Norben gestured with his chin toward the stack of withdrawal forms on the desk.
“Jamer has started a new association. I’m joining that one.”
With that, Norben turned his back without a hint of regret.
“W-wait!”
Gelfry called out to him in a panic. He couldn’t afford to lose a major merchant like Norben.
“Tell me what you want! If you want an executive position, I’ll give it to you! Or… I’ll lower the association fees! I’ll only take four percent of your monthly profits—no, three percent!”
Norben snorted at the offer.
“Do you know how much the fees are at the other association? Twenty Danir. And I hear you only have to pay it once a year.”
“That’s impossible! How can they run an association on such pittance?”
“Indeed. I was wondering that myself. Why the fees between the two are so vastly different.”
With those final words, Norben slammed the door behind him and left.
Gelfry collapsed into his chair.
Common sense dictated that there should only be one Merchant Association in a single territory. To create a new one and spark competition—the only person who would pull such a stunt was…
It’s that Consort again.
He tore at his thinning hair. He had poured more than half of his family’s fortune into Count Arbor’s pockets just to secure the position of Association President.
I’m nowhere near recouping that investment.
He had an ominous feeling that this was only the beginning.
*
“Are you out for a stroll?”
A low voice reached me as I walked through the gardens of the main castle.
Lucion was walking toward me from across the flower beds. If it weren’t for his golden hair fluttering handsomely in the sunset, one might have mistaken his face for a garden statue come to life.
“I wanted to walk a bit before the sun goes down.”
The sun was already dipping low, staining the garden in shades of orange.
“I see. May I accompany you?”
I let out a silent, dry laugh at his appearance, which had become all too familiar. It had been over ten days since the Prince arrived at the castle. And every day, the moment I stepped outside the main castle, Lucion would appear from somewhere as if he had been waiting for me.
—“What kind of flowers does Your Highness the Consort prefer?”
—“Did you alter this dress yourself, Your Highness?”
His questions were mostly trivial, making it hard to tell if he had some ulterior motive. When I didn't answer immediately, Lucion lowered his eyes slightly and looked at me.
Normally, Cecilia would have stepped in with a sharp excuse to decline… but today, she was away finishing the final touches on the script.
Norton is right behind me, so it shouldn't be a problem if we're together.
Thinking it would look strange to refuse, I nodded.
With a bright smile, Lucion politely offered his arm. I placed my hand upon it, and the Prince began to walk slowly.
Well, it’s a bit strange to compare, but…
Having only ever held Loik’s arm, holding another man’s felt foreign. Loik’s arm always felt incredibly hot, thick, and solid—like a boulder heated by fire. Lucion’s, on the other hand, felt much lighter and leaner.
I stole a glance at Lucion’s profile as we walked in silence. His straight bridge of his nose was as beautiful as a painting.
He probably won't give me a straight answer if I ask indirectly.
I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind.
“Prince, have you been waiting for me every day?”
“Did you notice?”
Lucion smiled, showing no sign of being flustered.
“I circled the garden three times hoping I might run into Your Highness. I was beginning to think I wouldn't see you today, but I suppose I’m in luck.”
His overly candid answer made me stammer.
“…Wh-why were you waiting?”
If he had business with me, he could have just sent a messenger.
“Does there have to be a reason?”
His lips curved into a soft line.
“I simply wanted to see you.”
His tone was so nonchalant that, if one weren't paying attention, it could be mistaken for mere courtly politeness. Seeing my bewildered expression, Lucion tilted his head slightly and added an explanation.
“Your Highness is beautiful, and you are someone whose mere presence lifts one's spirits. Isn't it only natural to want to strike up a conversation by any means necessary?”
Behind us, Norton’s footsteps rang out harshly, as if he wanted his presence to be felt.
“I appreciate the compliment, but those are rather troubling words to say to a married woman.”
Instead of apologizing, Lucion gave a faint smile and continued walking in silence for a while.
It was only when we reached the very edge of the garden that we came upon a bed of roses newly planted by the gardener. Lucion led me down the narrow path between the flower beds, seemingly to get a better look at the roses.
Because the space was cramped, Norton couldn't follow us in and had to stand a short distance away.
“How do you find living in Blenheim?”
Lucion asked casually, toyed with a rose for a moment. Not quite catching his meaning, I tilted my head, prompting him to elaborate.
“This place is different from the capital in many ways, is it not?”
“Is it?”
Sensing a somewhat suspicious intent behind the question, I replied with a calm smile.
“I didn't go outside my manor much even before I was married… so I don't really notice much of a difference.”
Lucion gave a thin, bitter smile.
“Have you not experienced the cold of Blenheim yet?”
“I’ve always liked winter.”
“Enough to endure the people here as well?”
For some reason, the smile had vanished from Lucion’s face.