Chapter 36
Chapter 36
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Two Men Who Recalled Their Memories
-----------------------------------------------------------------
At the emperor's question, Carter lowered his head in a formal bow.
"I apologize for not visiting sooner due to these sudden circumstances. I am Carter, the new representative of the Elpis Merchant Group."
"What is this nonsense?"
"Our previous guild master took a sudden turn for the worse, and the physician recommended she rest. I ended up in this position unexpectedly myself, so I'm only now able to pay my respects."
The emperor scowled and glared at Carter, but he pressed on undeterred by the imperial gaze.
"Even as she lay unable to rise from her bed, she insisted I deliver this letter to Your Majesty."
No sooner had Carter finished speaking than the emperor snatched the letter from his hand and tore open the envelope to scan the contents.
[I regret having to respond to Your Majesty's proposal in this manner. It seems my ailing health has finally reached its limit. I apologize for only now replying via this letter now that I've come to my senses, as I would only burden the guild otherwise.]
In that instant, the emperor recalled the reports he'd received over the past few days.
He'd heard that the guild master was staying indoors without venturing out and that physicians came and went, but something had felt off.
Esther, whom he'd met not long ago, had suddenly fallen ill, and the nagging doubt prompted the emperor to question Carter.
"Her health is poor?"
Moreover, the letter explicitly rejected his proposal.
He wondered if her condition was truly so dire that she would boldly refuse terms that were exceptionally favorable, with no reason to decline.
"She'd been unwell for some time but pushed herself out of a desire to fulfill her father's wishes. However, now that the physician has insisted she must rest and avoid further strain..."
"Strange. There was no sign of it when we met recently."
"We're hesitant to say it was only recent ourselves, but it seems it had been going on for a while."
As the emperor pressed him, Carter continued with a sorrowful expression.
"She collapsed suddenly after returning from business outside a few days ago and couldn't even get out of bed for a time. That's how we learned of it."
"I see."
"She was deeply regretful that she couldn't greet Your Majesty in person."
"Hah, I imagine so."
The emperor curled one corner of his mouth as he recalled Esther's appearance from their recent meeting. Come to think of it, her face had seemed unusually pale.
"It's so sudden, I can hardly believe it myself."
But the emperor had no intention of believing anything he hadn't seen with his own eyes. After giving Carter a perfunctory reply, he turned back to the letter.
[However, I am well aware of how beneficial maintaining ties with the Imperial Palace would be for our guild. To that end, I have passed the position to someone I have been particularly grooming.
She has shared in charting the guild's course and handled dealings with the palace as well as Dran-related business, so there should be no hindrance to our future transactions.
It is my fault for revealing my refusal due to my poor health. Allow me to apologize once more. Henceforth, I wish only positive fortunes for Your Majesty's path.]
As the emperor read down to the end, his gaze shifted to Carter standing before him.
The emperor knew this man as well. He had been at Ete Elpis's side from the start, so his competence was no secret.
"So this is your answer that benefits both the palace and the guild."
Esther's outright rejection was somewhat infuriating, but if she was removing herself from his sight to recuperate in the countryside, it wasn't a bad outcome for him.
He could simply discard cards he couldn't claim, and here she had fallen away on her own.
The emperor alternated his gaze between the letter and Carter before him, then asked.
"You say you handled the Dran-related business. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is."
It was regrettable not to have secured Esther, but he could always lure her back to the capital and bring her to his side.
"I've observed your work for some time, so there's no need to verify it."
"Thank you."
The emperor, ever stingy with praise, offered Carter a positive assessment and a smile.
In truth, how this man conducted his affairs was of no interest to him.
To the emperor, both Carter and Esther were mere commoners—indistinguishable, destined to grasp at power and ultimately take his hand.
And now that the opportunity was presenting itself, he saw no need to cling to a departed card when alternatives existed.
"Esther Elpis recommended you to me."
As long as he recouped his investment, the method mattered little.
Yes, once that guild was firmly in his grasp, all would be well. The emperor curled his lip as he eyed the man who would soon be under his control.
"...I am aware."
Carter bowed his head in response.
"She even visited me personally, and I have business with you as well. Does the timing suit you?"
"Of course."
Sharp gazes clashed in the air, eyes probing each other. The emperor curled his lip at the sight.
This one's no ordinary fellow, he thought.
"Then I'll step out for a moment."
As the emperor rose from his seat, Helios bowed toward him. Watching this, the emperor clicked his tongue softly and spoke in a cold tone.
"Why not mingle with the other young ladies for a change."
As if unwilling to see Helios merely bowing in silence, the emperor turned and glanced at Carter.
"To my study."
"...Then, if you'll excuse me."
With the emperor's permission, Carter turned and signaled a servant, who soon approached carrying something and placed it before Helios.
"What is this?"
Carter smiled in reply to Helios's question.
"Our lady suffers from poor sleep, so this is imported incense we brought in. I heard Your Highness struggles with insomnia as well, so I thought it might help..."
At the same time, a far more intense headache than usual struck Helios. He'd heard those words somewhere before.
Your Highness.
And it was the voice he'd been waiting for. Helios lifted his head, scanning the area.
The one who should be giving this to him was someone else. And he knew who that was. But she was nowhere to be seen.
...It felt like I was back to being a commoner.
The fragile image of a woman standing unsteadily and shouting flashed through his mind.
He knew who she was. And who should be standing before him now.
I heard you have trouble sleeping...
Helios exhaled raggedly amid the onslaught of memories flooding in without mercy. The situation was deteriorating rapidly.
"Es... Est..."
His blurring vision sharpened on her face. The forgotten memories slotted into place like puzzle pieces.
He needed her. Only she could calm this version of Helios.
"Esther."
Why these emotions, these memories tormented him. Why Esther had looked at him that way. All the answers appeared before him.
And Helios despaired. The fact that he was the one who had driven her to that state clawed at his heart.
"Your Highness? Are you alright?"
"...I'm fine. You may go."
"Yes."
Even as Carter followed the emperor away, Helios's mind held only one thought: he had to find her.
This was no place for him. He had to see her somehow.
A count who had been awaiting his turn ascended the stairs. But before he could set down his gift, Helios shot to his feet.
"Leave all the gifts here."
Helios, pale as a ghost and clutching his head, looked unwell to anyone watching. He staggered briefly, then turned sharply as his words ended.
"Everyone, enjoy yourselves."
As Helios hastily departed down the corridor, murmurs rose among the nobles, but they meant nothing to him.
"Your Highness, if you leave like this..."
"I'm going to the Elpis Merchant Group."
Helios cut off Elick Lucas's worried pursuit without mercy, his steps quickening.
To Helios, who had recovered all his memories, the emperor was no longer a figure to fear.
His eyes gleamed with sharp light.
"His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly retired, they say. The host of the birthday banquet leaving his seat—what a thing."
"The count says he abruptly stood up and left without looking back."
Noel, overhearing the murmurs, glanced at Marquis Micarus beside him.
Seeing the marquis smiling, pleased at the royals providing gossip fodder, Noel cautiously spoke up.
"Father, may I step away briefly? I'm feeling a bit fatigued and would like to rest."
With the imperial family gone, there was no one for House Micarus to mind, and the marquis granted permission more readily than expected.
"Very well."
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
Noel hurried toward the terrace. He wanted no interruptions now.
"Haa..."
Once inside, Noel drew the curtains. Lovers whispering nearby was none of his concern.
Gazing at the darkening sky, Noel felt a bitter pang at being left alone.
"No different for me."
Noel let out a low scoff and leaned back in his chair. He wanted to think of nothing.
As that thought took hold, he closed his eyes and placed his hand over them.
The music from behind, the splendid attire and lights—all felt like crumbling lies as his consciousness drifted far away.
"...Gasp, gasp."
Suddenly, Noel's eyes flew open, and he gasped for breath as if barely returning from the brink of death.
"Esther."
Her name flashed in his mind, draining the color from his face. He shot to his feet, patting himself down frantically.
"What in the world is this?!"
His movements, filled with disbelief, were utterly unlike before.
Looking around frantically as if pursued by something, he scanned his surroundings.
"Why am I here?"
Taking in his environment, Noel realized this was the Imperial Palace. At the same time, he recognized his own attire as familiar.
"No way, this is..."
He had returned. Truly, to the exact moment when everything with Esther began to go awry, just as he had wished.
"Esther!"
The realization spurred Noel to act: find Esther.