Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: I Wonder If That Man Is Doing Well
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"Your Majesty, I've brought the records."
The Emperor took the unexpectedly thin stack of documents—clearly already organized—and scanned them from top to bottom.
"No major changes in decades, truly. You've prepared thoroughly, I imagine."
"It was no small matter, with our merchant group's fate hanging in the balance."
"I rather like those who are as meticulous in their preparations as you."
The Emperor examined the contents a bit longer, found nothing amiss, and closed the documents before handing them back to his attendant standing nearby.
The attendant accepted them without a flicker of expression, passed them to a servant waiting outside, and promptly returned.
"We can't cover all your costs, I'm afraid. The palace is taking on some risk by purchasing them, and we made no mention of shelf life to you."
"Of course. How much would Your Majesty like to purchase? Given the positive response so far has been hard-won, perhaps the smallest amount possible..."
The Emperor raised one eyebrow, visibly displeased. He had tasted it himself; he knew the potential. Surely, he intended to buy as much as they had within safe limits.
"First, how much do you have in stock?"
"Around 10,000 bottles."
"...Ten... thousand bottles?"
Startled by the larger-than-expected quantity, the Emperor stuttered before stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Considering the amount that could maximize profit without shelf-life issues, he soon made his decision.
"With 4,000 bottles, we could use them for palace banquets or as gifts to other nobles—enough to spread the word. What do you think?"
"We are always grateful for Your Majesty's proposals."
"Good. Then it's settled. Summon the scribe. We'll draw up a new contract with the Elpis Merchant Group."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
The attendant replied mechanically, betraying no emotion, and spoke to the officials outside.
Moments later, a knock sounded at the door, and a man entered holding pen and paper.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?"
"We're proceeding with a contract. Get it written up at once."
The attendant handed over what appeared to be a summary of the earlier discussion, and the scribe copied it onto the paper without hesitation. After about fifteen minutes, he capped his pen and passed the documents to the attendant.
"Here you are."
"Hm, yes. It seems all the details are included. Once you and I sign, our contract will be successfully sealed."
"May I review the contents as well?"
"Of course. You ought to, naturally. Don't just stand there—follow me to my receiving room."
The Emperor descended the dais in the audience chamber with purposeful strides, passing Esther on his way to the door. His attendant stepped forward to open it.
"Come along, now."
"My apologies."
The Emperor urged Esther, who had paused under his gaze.
With no time to spare, Esther hurried after him into his receiving room.
"Sit across from me."
The Emperor settled into his chair and gestured to the one opposite.
Esther sat and quickly scanned the documents before her.
To her relief, they didn't seem to underestimate her this time—unlike her previous life, there were no suspicious clauses.
Reading the final section once more, she addressed the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, might we add a clause stating that the palace holds no responsibility for any issues arising after purchase, such as shelf life?"
Her tone was deferential, but her gaze meeting his was bold and unwavering.
The Emperor met her eyes, let out a hollow chuckle, and nodded.
"Indeed. My word must be honored. Add it."
They were buying just the right amount to sell out anyway. Afterward, she could coax trade ship support out of them, shifting the risk while importing more.
Feeling the money already in her grasp despite the Emperor not yet signing, she spoke generously.
"Thank you."
Only then did Esther add the new clause at the bottom and sign.
She rolled up her copy, tucked it into her bag, and offered the remaining one to the Emperor.
"The contract is complete. I'll have the goods prepared for immediate delivery to the palace."
"Your swift handling is always reassuring. Yes, I trust in your abilities."
They exchanged what seemed like amicable smiles, but a chill hung subtly between them.
Esther inwardly sneered at the absurd power play as she left the audience chamber and boarded her carriage.
"To the Elpis Merchant Group."
"So, how did it go?"
Helios asked without taking his eyes off the carriage receding into the distance beyond the window.
"It seems the contract with His Majesty went through. I don't know the details, though..."
Helios's attendant, Elick Lucas, trailed off. But both knew what he left unsaid.
It wouldn't be favorable to Esther.
Helios sighed lowly, inwardly cursing his pathetic self. His jaw clenched with a grinding sound.
"Inform me immediately of anything that happens from now on."
"Understood."
The sound of the door closing couldn't break his focus.
Staring at the now-empty path the carriage had taken, Helios raked a hand roughly through his hair.
He absolutely could not let that man exploit her.
"I won't let you..."
Helios had vowed never to leave Esther alone again. Or had he...?
I've lent money to the Elpis Merchant Group and told them to bring in more of those goods. The nobles quite like the oil, and after gifting some, we're short. Well, at least we secured purchase rights under the guise of investment...
"Ugh!"
Helios clutched his head at the voice invading his mind without permission.
It's not a bad idea to hedge your bets. Yes, Helios. How about a temporary engagement with that woman? I could grant her a countess title for a while. Think of it as fleeting amusement. You too...
"...Krrgh!"
Helios knew who owned that voice.
The vile, insidious laugh and the fact that it addressed him by name left no doubt.
She seemed quite to your liking. Why not enjoy a bit of romance this time? Of course, you'd know it must end as mere diversion.
...And if I refuse?
As Helios's own voice responded to the Emperor in the memory, his legs gave out, and he collapsed.
It couldn't be.
The idea of him rejecting an engagement to Esther? Unthinkable.
Well, I've never pondered such trifles myself, so I'm not entirely sure...
"No way!"
Helios cried out almost in anguish, but the Emperor's voice dismissed it lightly.
Won't that hasten the downfall of her and her merchant group?
With a flicker, Helios blacked out from the relentless headache. In that final shred of consciousness, he realized.
This was no illusion.
He had definitely witnessed all of it before.
Upon arriving at the merchant group, Esther hurried underground and called for Carter, who was still working.
"Carter, got a moment?"
"What is it?"
It pained her to see him counting unsold inventory, but this would soon be resolved.
She vowed never to burden her family again.
"I secured a contract with His Majesty at the palace. We need to deliver 4,000 bottles there quickly."
Carter took the contract she offered, skimmed it, and exclaimed in shock.
"That's 10 silvers below cost! And payment for the investment only if sales succeed?"
"Carter."
Esther called to calm him as he glared at the paper like it might burst into flames.
He looked up at her summons.
"I know the terms are absurd. But this is the last time. Can't you trust me once more?"
Carter met her earnest gaze and sighed deeply.
He didn't know her full scheme, but this spirited guild master was plotting something. The conviction in her eyes proved it.
Still, she needed to hear the facts.
"You brought in this huge quantity and guaranteed the product's success. You know that, right?"
"Yes."
He rolled up the contract and asked gravely.
"You know this was Ete's dream, and the merchant group's fate rides on it?"
"I do."
"And if you fail to see this through, you'll bear all the losses and the blame?"
"Yes. But I know I'll succeed. Trust me one more time. Please."
"..."
Carter tapped his foot irritably, wrestling with the headache of a dilemma.
"If it fails, it's partly my fault for not stopping you. Very well. I'll trust you and send the goods to the palace."
"Thank you, Carter."
Overjoyed at earning the trust of someone who had dismissed her in her past life, Esther pulled him into a tight hug.
Carter stiffened briefly, awkwardly patted her back twice, then stepped away.
"Then I'll get busy. Excuse me."
"Oh, Carter. One more thing. About the shelf life of these goods."
"Ah, yes. But doesn't the palace know about that?"
"No, it's not about the palace."
"Then what?"
He raised an eyebrow. Esther smiled, thinking of that man.
"I want to find someone in the neighboring village."
"Pardon?"
"I've heard quite the famous rumor about him."