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Chapter 61
This time, it wasn’t the Empress who summoned him—it was the Emperor. Viscount Aros stiffly bowed his head.
In truth, nobles like Viscount Aros, who had little connection to politics, rarely had private audiences with the Emperor.
Yet something that was almost impossible in one’s lifetime had now come to pass.
The Emperor spoke with a kindly voice.
“I hear you’ve been selling a treatment for the new disease. They say more and more lives are being saved because of it.”
Aros bit his lower lip slightly. Not long ago, the Emperor had sided with Kiera, putting the retainers of Catieron in a tight spot.
Back then, he had seemed nothing short of a wicked tyrant. But now that they were face-to-face, the impression was quite different.
He had the refined charisma of a seasoned ruler, the kind of man who would never easily reveal his inner thoughts.
He was the one who mediated and made decisions.
Aros came to a realization—it wasn’t that the Emperor supported Aites or Catieron. He simply followed what benefited him most at any given time.
The very reason Aros had been summoned now was because he suited the Emperor’s current agenda. That meant if he displeased the Emperor, he could just as easily be discarded.
Aros resolved not to hold on to any expectations.
“I only sold the medicine I was supplied with, Your Majesty.”
He spoke the truth. The medicine had been developed by the people of Catieron.
The Emperor looked intrigued.
“Then who created it?”
“A doctor named Merrill, as far as I know.”
Aros recited what he had been instructed to say.
Catieron’s name was not to be mentioned—at all. Bowing his head, Aros continued:
“He wished to remain anonymous, so I can’t share more. In fact, I barely know anything about him myself.”
The Emperor clapped his hands.
“Remarkable! That a doctor from outside the palace could accomplish what even our imperial physicians could not. It’s truly extraordinary.”
“Talents often remain hidden in the shadows.”
“I hear the Del Trading Company is selling the medicine at a remarkably low price, too?”
“That was also Merrill’s wish.”
“What a commendable person.”
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction.
“Of course, we mustn’t overlook your role. Even if Merrill wanted to sell it cheaply, it would have been impossible without your approval. As a merchant, you had to forsake your own profit.”
“I couldn’t ignore Merrill’s desire to help people. And besides, most of the buyers were commoners. The medicine needed to reach those who needed it most.”
The Emperor laughed heartily.
Having dealt with nothing but people trying to raid the imperial treasury, this young man’s fairytale-like response was unexpectedly refreshing.
His laughter made Aros smile as well.
“If only the Empire had more young men like you.”
After all, everyone seeking an audience with the Emperor lately had come to talk about their own gain.
“And I heard the root cause of the disease was discovered, too.”
“That too was Merrill’s achievement, Your Majesty. It was caused by a parasite found on snakes, possibly worsened by the seasonal heat.”
“A lone doctor solved what countless renowned experts could not…”
The Emperor let out a sigh of admiration.
“I want to grant him a great reward. Can you deliver it on my behalf?”
“It would be an honor for my family.”
“Of course, you deserve a reward as well. You resolved something that had been troubling me deeply.”
Aros bowed again.
“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty!”
“No need for thanks. I truly am the one who should be grateful to you.”
After offering more words of praise, the Emperor dismissed Aros.
That very afternoon, the imperial newspaper was published in the capital:
[A Disease Identified: Now Named “Snake.”
The imperial palace has confirmed the outbreak of a contagious illness now referred to as “Snake.”
A cure has already been developed. Those showing symptoms reportedly recover quickly after taking the medicine.
The medicine is available at the Del Trading Company.]
This was as good as an official imperial endorsement of Del Trading Company as the designated seller.
People who had been snooping around to uncover the recipe could only turn away in frustration after seeing the crowds pouring into Del Trading Company.
✦ ✦ ✦
Merrill checked the pile of gifts in front of him, his face flushed with excitement. He was, after all, a man of conscience.
“These all belong to Miss Rani.”
“Consider it payment for the use of your name, Merrill.”
While speaking, she quickly registered Merrill as her supporter:
[Name: Merrill Crison
Status: Heart feels like it’s going to burst. Extremely excited.
Betrayal Points: 0]
A valuable asset secured for future use.
And surprisingly, the Emperor turned out to have a conscience after all. When he seized the emerald mine, he seemed like a scoundrel—but the gold bars and medical tools he sent for Merrill were astonishing.
Truth be told, she had no use for the medical tools—she’d probably just end up selling them. They looked like they were made of real gold and silver.
And while the gold itself was tempting, she already had enough wealth.
“Still, this doesn’t feel quite right…”
“Then just continue doing great research instead!”
Merrill hesitated.
“Are you sure it’s really okay?”
“Of course, Merrill!”
A doctor who wouldn’t betray Catieron—there was nothing more important than that.
✦ ✦ ✦
The opening of the Aites tourist site in the east was slightly delayed but eventually launched.
The Marquis of Aites sent invitations to nearly every noble in the Empire, and the Empress herself encouraged them to visit.
Rumor had it that the Empress and Princess Siela would appear publicly with Young Lord Carte, making it almost impossible for the nobility to refuse a trip to the east.
As a result, the capital grew quiet.
It became easier to move about without fear of being spotted. Sornia would likely return from the east having contracted the disease—but unlike the original story, she wouldn’t die.
“She really ought to be grateful. But she’ll never know.”
A short click of the tongue. Of course she wouldn’t.
Soon, people would hail the east as the foundation of Aites’ power, proclaiming that the marquis would soon repay all his debts.
But those dreams would collapse.
Along with the tourist site—utterly and completely.
She simply hoped they enjoyed the glory while it lasted.
Just as predicted, through that fall and winter, the capital remained calm. Nobles constantly traveled to the eastern resort.
The capital’s winters were notoriously harsh, while the east enjoyed mild weather all year round.
There were even rumors that spending winters in the east might become a new aristocratic custom.
Eastern land prices soared, and nobles scrambled to build vacation homes there, causing endless noise and bustle.
Those who had bought land early and sold it now enjoyed enormous profits. The east became a land of opportunity.
Kiera slowly began to forget not only the Del Trading Company but also Count Zeck and Viscount Nathan.
Time passed.
Both I and Hider aged. He turned sixteen, and I turned eighteen.
And then, one spring, news struck the capital like a storm.
“Extra! Extra! Lord Tybern Catieron has returned! He’s alive!”
“He’s on his way back to the capital with Duke Herden! Extra!”
The long-awaited news had finally arrived.
Tybern Catieron—was alive.
