Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Because I'm About to Get Hurt
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"You're a lot like me. I don't dislike people like that. In fact, if someone's that clever, I tend to want to bring them under my wing right away."
"What do you mean by that?"
"If you help me and contribute to the Empire's achievements, I could grant you a countess title. What do you say?"
Esther actually felt relieved by the Emperor's unchanging demeanor. That same worst-case version of him from before, staying exactly as he was—that was for the best.
"Our relationship could change a great deal depending on what you say."
"......"
"I've already shared one of my secrets with you, after all."
That way, she could end things without a shred of pity.
"Well then, let's hear your thoughts."
Esther sneered inwardly at the Emperor's threat, forcing her to choose between enemy or ally.
She knew full well that what he'd revealed wasn't a weakness to him at all.
She had already caught him manipulating the markets long before this.
And yet here he was, trying to blackmail her with it—it was utterly ridiculous.
"Isn't that a pretty good offer? Becoming a countess, no less. Something worth mulling over?"
"Entering noble society would be a fascinating proposition for me. Changing from commoner to noble is unprecedented, isn't it?"
"Exactly. You'd be the first woman in history to rise to nobility like that."
The Emperor nodded in agreement, but Esther's response was already set.
"That's precisely why I'm worried whether I'd even understand the noble way of life."
"Didn't I say I'd have your back?"
The Emperor tried to coax her any way he could, but he had no idea. In this life, she had zero interest in chasing a countess title ever again.
"If I became a noble, it would affect the merchant group too. I'm sorry, but I don't think this is something I can decide on the spot. Your Majesty, could you give me some time to think?"
"......Time to think?"
The Emperor's eyebrows shot up, his voice dropping into a low, threatening tone.
"That's as good as a refusal."
Esther met the Emperor's even fiercer glare without flinching and spoke.
"Your Majesty, the market dynamics are shifting dramatically before our eyes. Wouldn't it be even more laughable to assume those people could deliver the same results now? They're the ones who'd use Your Majesty's authority purely for their own gain."
"What?"
"I'm seeking a path that benefits both the merchant group and the palace. Please grant me a little time for that. Isn't that why Your Majesty is saying all this to me?"
The Emperor pondered, lightly tapping his chair with his fingers, then accepted her words.
"However, you'll need to decide before the Crown Prince's twenty-first birthday banquet. I have high hopes for your merchant group. No need to hide it now. I'm expecting a positive answer at the banquet."
"Thank you. Then how shall we proceed with the contract?"
"Just as it's written. Even I can't change the circumstances."
As the deal wrapped up, Esther rose from her seat and addressed the Emperor.
"I'll have everything delivered within the week."
"Good. I have no doubts about your capabilities."
"Then I'll take my leave, Your Majesty."
"Yes, you're a busy woman. Go on."
Esther bowed properly before the Emperor and left the audience chamber without hesitation.
"My eyes never deceive me."
If she had accepted the offer so quickly as that woman suggested, he would have been plenty suspicious. But she had passed the test he'd set up without batting an eye.
"Haha!"
The Emperor slammed his chair arm down hard and burst into hearty laughter.
"......No reason to refuse, but it wouldn't hurt to make some moves in advance."
His eyes gleaming like a child who'd found a new toy, the Emperor glanced at the signed contract on the table. It had been a while since something this entertaining came along.
The first thing Esther did upon returning from the palace was call an emergency meeting with the merchant group's executives.
Fortunately, they were all in the building, so the meeting started right away.
"What in the world...... Did the Emperor really say that?"
"He has the nerve to siphon off our goods, sell them, and now he wants you to become one of his people?"
Dana and Garan vented their excitement in raised voices.
"Where's Carter?"
Esther asked when she didn't see Carter, even though he'd supposedly been inside.
"Oh, he's running a bit late—something came up with work," Dana replied.
Esther nodded and leaned back in her chair. It was time to lay everything out for them.
"Actually, I wanted to discuss this incident, but there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"Yes?"
As their gazes focused on her, Esther quietly revealed her plan.
"I'm thinking of stepping down as head of the merchant group."
"Wh-what? Why?"
"What do you mean?!"
Unlike Esther, who had made up her mind, the two of them looked shocked, their eyes wide.
But Esther knew her resolve wouldn't waver, so she shared her thoughts.
"I know this business succeeded largely by luck. I've always worried about my shortcomings. Whether someone like me really deserves this position."
"What are you talking about? You've done such an amazing job!"
Esther shook her head. She'd merely voiced what they had already pointed out first.
"I've always felt it—taking on these responsibilities, I get them done, but it never quite felt like my place."
"Why would you think that......"
Esther gave a soft smile at Dana's warm hand grasping hers in sympathy.
"I wanted to talk to you all once this matter wrapped up. I've already decided on my successor."
"Who?!"
Just as Esther was about to name the person, Carter burst through the door into the meeting room.
"Sorry. There was a discrepancy in inventory, so I had to check......"
"Carter."
"Yes?!"
Dana and Garan's eyes went wide at her words, all attention turning to Carter in the doorway.
"You've been with the merchant group a long time and know it inside out...... I couldn't find anyone who loves it as much as I do—or as much as my father did. And you fit perfectly."
Carter stood frozen by the door, not even sitting down, listening blankly to Esther. He surely knew what she meant.
"I was greedy, wanting to finish what my father left undone with my own hands. But now I know we can't rely on luck alone."
"......"
"I'm going to the place where my father first learned the business, to shore up my weaknesses. I've already sent a letter there."
"We know Carter's capable, but......"
Garan, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. It wasn't dissatisfaction with Carter taking the position.
Esther could tell from their eyes: hurt that she hadn't told them sooner, confusion at her sudden departure.
"I'm sorry I didn't say anything before."
"Everyone starts out that way. Don't be too hard on yourself......"
"I want to visit Mother's grave too."
"......"
Everyone fell silent at Esther's next words.
"Mother's buried in Rabins—she probably doesn't even know Father passed. At the very least, I want to tell her."
"......"
"I know how much she cherished me like her own daughter. And how she watched me carefully after Father died. I don't want to be a burden to any of you."
"......Miss."
Tears welled up in Dana's eyes. Garan turned away wordlessly, his expression unreadable, but Esther knew it wasn't a good one.
"I know it's selfish, but...... is that okay?"
No words came from the two of them.
Growing anxious, Esther bowed her head. They might feel betrayed. And who could blame them? It looked like running away.
As Esther tried to suppress her heavy heart, a small, trembling voice spoke up.
"Do it. I agree."
"Carter?"
Dana and Garan turned to him, the source of the words, but he ignored them, smiling at Esther.
"You've never been one to ask for anything since you were little. How could I refuse your first request?"
"......"
"Just don't forget what you promised me. You have to come back. That's all I need."
"Thank you, Carter."
"No need, Miss."
Esther swallowed the surge of emotion at Carter's warm smile directed at her.
"Understood. If that's your wish, Miss, I agree too."
Garan, who had quietly listened to the exchange, stood with a resigned expression.
"Garan?"
As he approached, Esther couldn't hold back her tears. He gently took her hand.
"Promise you'll come back to the merchant group. That's all I need. And Carter's skills? No question there."
"......Thank you."
Dana fidgeted with her hands, gauging the mood, then spoke as Esther teared up but smiled.
"Miss."
"Yes."
Esther waited for Dana to sort her thoughts. Finally, Dana smiled warmly, unable to hold back.
"......Business is business—we've done it long enough, so it'll be fine. But going there really will help you, right?"
"Yes, I think so."
Dana wiped Esther's tears with a gentle expression on her resolute face.
"Have a safe trip, Miss. We'll guard the merchant group well, so don't worry."
Nothing had changed from her past life. They all cared for her, trusted her sincerely—it remained the same.
That alone warmed Esther's heart.
"Thank you. And one more favor, if that's okay?"
Feeling their gazes on her again, Esther spoke.
"Find me a doctor who can visit regularly where I'm going. Because to get there, I'll need to get hurt a little."