Chapter 89
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 89
“I suppose I was destined to be a scandal maker.”
It wasn't a frightening thought. She had already steeled herself for this the moment she decided to return to Genoa.
“This matter is more or less settled. Now, let’s go back and see how my cousin reacts.”
Her eyes finally began to spark with a brilliant light.
* * *
“What? Someone’s been prying into our client list?”
Albert received the report from his subordinate alongside Benedict. He furrowed his brow, his fist clenching tight.
It wasn't the first time he'd heard of someone sniffing around the company. It was only natural; people flocked to profitable businesses like flies to honey, eager for a taste of the profits.
But the recent reports felt different.
They aren't investigating the Darsenger supplier or the manufacturing process. They’re looking for the buyers. That wasn't the behavior of someone looking for a quick buck.
Albert had a good idea who was behind it. It was likely the same person digging into the 'Shipboard Parties' he hosted.
“Cedric Kailas!” he hissed, grinding his teeth. “Instead of helping his cousin’s business, he’s secretly hunting for weaknesses, isn't he?”
He’d clearly incurred Cedric’s wrath after getting caught trying to drug him at Count Laurel’s party. But there had been signs of Cedric digging into his affairs even before that, so that couldn't be the only reason.
Benedict grimaced as he listened to Albert’s theory.
“Surely he doesn't already know what happens on the ‘ship,’ does he?”
Thanks to the Second Prince’s influence, <Angelic> had been easily approved as a 'therapeutic drug' and was being sold through official channels.
However, the true value of <Angelic> only emerged at night. The 'Shipboard Parties,' which grew more successful by the day, were proof of that.
Those who tasted the heights of pleasure through <Angelic> always craved more. Constant stimulation eventually led to desensitization. When daily life could no longer provide a sufficient thrill, they naturally sought out fantasies that defied social norms and morality—fantasies that Albert’s parties provided.
The very fact that the venue was a ship adrift at sea made it unique. Furthermore, if anything dangerous occurred, they could simply send the ship into international waters. It was a foolproof way for Albert to rake in gold.
“He won't find any evidence of tax evasion. How could he possibly know what was sold on that ship, or for how much? Besides, the production volume of <Angelic> matches our official sales figures. The paperwork is airtight.”
However, if they were caught with a crowd of intoxicated nobles, it would be a disaster. That was a far greater crime than tax evasion.
“This could get troublesome. We need a solution.”
“We need to make Cedric invest in <Angelic>. If he’s implicated, he won't be able to expose us without ruining himself.”
“But how?! We already tried that!”
They had approached Cedric for investment when the pharmaceutical company was first established.
“Would you consider a small investment? It would be much easier to launch if the Ducal House were involved.”
“This is Albert’s first venture. As his cousin, I’m sure you’d be happy to help, Cedric.”
Cedric had declined their request with a flawless, polite smile.
“I would love to help, of course. But as you said, the name of the Kailas Ducal House carries great weight. I cannot blindly endorse a drug whose ingredients and efficacy have not been fully disclosed.”
Neither Albert nor Benedict had been able to argue. To push further would have meant disclosing the formula—and Cedric, who was constantly targeted by assassins from the Firma Kingdom, would never permit a drug that significantly benefited the Firma Royal Family.
Albert rubbed his face with both hands, teeth gnashing.
I worked so hard for this success! I won't let him drag me down now. I have to find Cedric’s weakness!
But Cedric was a man who never showed a crack in his armor. Perhaps his only vulnerability was his late father...
Wait. If my uncle is his weakness...!
Albert’s eyes snapped open.
“Father. The only memento Uncle left for Cedric was that brooch, right?”
“The brooch?”
“The Ruby Brooch. The one he made such a fuss about losing at the Victory Banquet.”
“Ah, that? It’s hardly the only memento. He must have left plenty of personal effects. But why do you ask?”
Albert’s snake-like green eyes darted back and forth as he searched his memory.
The scene at the Victory Banquet had been completely uncharacteristic of Cedric. For the head of a Ducal House to lose his composure over a mere trinket—and one pinned to some woman’s chest, no less...
“It seems to be the only memento Cedric actually cares about. I’m thinking of using it as bait.”
“I don't know. Would he really be moved by something so trivial?”
“We have to try everything.”
Time was not on the Kingsley family's side. If the plan failed, it would only fan the flames of Cedric’s rage. But if it succeeded, the Ducal House’s investment would give their business wings. Since they were facing ruin anyway, the risk was worth taking.
Albert formulated his plan, preparing for the worst. Negotiating with Cedric using Rowan’s memento was the most moderate approach he had.
Benedict’s voice turned serious. “How do you intend to get your hands on it?”
Albert let out an ominous chuckle.
“I anticipated a day like this might come, so I planted a mole inside the Kailas Ducal Mansion long ago. I haven't had a use for them until now, but finally, they have a purpose.”
His smile widened.
* * *
Thud.
A thick report was tossed onto Cedric’s desk.
“Your cousin has been quite bold this time, hasn't he?”
Edgar threw himself onto the couch, looking like a man whose work was done. Cedric skimmed the string-bound documents.
「...30% of those surveyed responded that they had encountered <Angelic>...」
「...Prescribed by doctors for depression, debility, and lethargy; effects were evaluated positively...」
「...Reported side effects include dry mouth, heart palpitations, insomnia or hypersomnia, auditory and visual hallucinations, memory loss, etc....」
There were concerning points, but it was less damning than he’d hoped.
“As a pharmaceutical, the grounds for banning <Angelic> are weak.”
“Yeah. Especially since so many patients reported positive results. But it’s not like we have nothing. Look at the last page.”
Cedric skipped to the final section.
[The Secret Shipboard Party]
The title alone was ominous.
“I heard rumors that Albert was hosting parties, but he’s doing it on a ship?”
“The location is the least of it. Read what’s happening on board.”
Cedric read the contents. A wave of nausea hit him, and his brow furrowed in disgust. If even Edgar was stunned, it had to be bad, but he hadn't expected anything this vile.
“Adultery, debauchery, prostitution... even child trafficking? That absolute bastard.”
“Whew! Looks like our Duke is getting heated.”
“Anyone with a sane mind would be.”
“Unfortunately...” Edgar sat up, his expression darkening. “We can file a report based on this, but it will be difficult to move His Majesty the Emperor.”
Cedric ground his teeth.
Against an ordinary person, this would be enough to bury them forever. But Albert had Prince Michael in his corner.
“The Second Prince suffered from depression so severe there were rumors of his engagement being called off. Since he started taking <Angelic>, his condition has improved significantly.”
“Which means His Majesty feels he owes Albert a debt for saving the Prince’s marriage.”
“On top of that, while the Imperial Family grants benefits to the pharmaceutical industry, the taxes are enormous. Forty percent of the revenue goes straight to the Imperial coffers.”
“So, attacking a top-selling drug would be seen as an affront to the Emperor himself?”
“Exactly! You really are the star pupil, aren't you?”
Edgar chuckled, but neither of them found it funny.