Chapter 166:  Master of the Trade Route (3)

After making a firm promise,

I headed up to the 9th floor, where Sir Bennet’s year-end performance was being held, alongside the Western Grand Duke’s House.

“Well now, is something good happening?”

I asked Helena casually as we stood side by side.

She had kept her eyes half-closed the entire elevator ride, then poked my shoulder with her finger.

“There was. Just a moment ago.”

As expected, she really was an exceptional businesswoman.

There was no doubt she was thrilled by the idea of extending her influence into the large-scale city that would soon emerge in the North.

Well, it was always important to be the first to claim something, and Helena would surely seize control over several commercial districts in the city.

Not that there was any problem with that.

The main goal of this competition was to build a proper city to support the trade route.

In any case, Echina would likely be the one with ultimate authority there, so both grand ducal houses would benefit.

Honestly, it was far better that those two took the lead rather than some clueless opportunists.

“Full-scale construction is still a long way off, so please wait comfortably.”

“Right. I’ll need some ‘preparation’ in many respects, too.”

A golden scarf that looked warm was tucked into the crook of Helena’s arm, which was folded neatly.

The plush material suited her well—just like the golden lioness she resembled.

――――――

Once the elevator arrived, I parted from them after politely excusing myself.

“I’ll be stepping out briefly to prepare for the performance.”

「As you should.」

“See you later.”

“I’ll be visiting you soon with the business proposal, Lord Roger.”

And with that, I concluded my greetings with one of the highest-ranking noble families in the Empire.

As I walked toward the stage where the rehearsal preparations were underway, a thought lingered in my mind.

‘If only the Luton family were half as harmonious as the Western Grand Duke’s House.’

With that thought, I stepped up the stairs to the stage.

There stood Sir Bennet Tolkien, adjusting his voice and personally inspecting the surroundings.

“Is the stage set to your liking, sir?”

“I’ve stood here many times before. Of course it is.”

The gentleman, with his silver hair swept over his forehead like transparent frost resting in a rye field, smiled gently.

His dignified presence and wistful gaze made it clear why women clutched at their hearts around him.

“Seems there’ll be quite a crowd today. You can feel the bustle on the first floor even from the ninth.”

“Haha… Didn’t you often perform on much grander stages in the capital back in the day?”

Recalling those memories, Bennet offered a faint, bitter smile.

“My mindset is entirely different now compared to back then.”

He, with one eye clouded by age, quietly looked out at the empty audience seats.

Soon, a familiar trio of golden-haired figures settled into one of the VIP seats.

Aside from them, no one else had yet earned the honor of seeing Bennet first.

“Back then, I stood on stage numb, simply with the intent of making money.”

Bennet had once been exploited by the family of his first wife.

Even though he had clearly loved music, back then he probably couldn’t truly enjoy being on stage.

“But now it’s different. Because I’ve come to stand here of my own will.”

“Please pour your heart into the music you’ve always wanted to share.”

I couldn’t begin to fathom the years of pain he had lived through.

But there was one promise I could make.

“No one will ever interfere with your life again.”

At the very least, this time around, he could live the life he wanted.

“…Thank you, Roger.”

The dignified gentleman looked at me with a serene smile.

His face had certainly aged since the past, and wrinkles had formed around his eyes.

And yet, he looked far happier than he ever did in his youth.

That happiness—I could somewhat understand it.

After all, I too had once lived not as myself, but merely as someone’s shadow.

And even though I had yet to fulfill my fate, I now felt a similar sense of contentment.

“Ah, your expression was so serene that I almost forgot.”

I had been swept up in the quiet emotion of the moment and lost track for a moment.

I pulled out a card I had prepared in advance from my suit pocket.

“I’m sure you know this already, but do you remember that among the high-ranking folks, there’s a particularly devoted fan of yours?”

“A devoted fan among the high-ranking folks… Ah, I think I know who it is.”

At the same time, we both recalled the same person.

“In truth, that person helped quite a lot behind the scenes to bring you here today, Sir Bennet.”

I handed him a note enclosed in the card.

As soon as he checked its contents, he slowly nodded.

“I see what this means. So I just recite it as written?”

“This is just a sample. If you truly wish to express your gratitude, feel free to speak in your own words.”

Bennet read the words I had written with a thoughtful gaze.

Then, as if something had clicked, he quietly nodded to himself and returned to his rehearsal preparations.

In the meantime, I stepped down from the stage.

After that, I returned to the elevator area and waited.

The most important guest arriving today.

The woman who would be the key to this trial held by the Grand Duke of the North.

――――――

I heard the sound of the elevator ascending.

At the same time, a powerful surge of mana began to press in on me.

A force so pure, refined through years of intense discipline.

That power began to grip me tightly, starting from the soles of my feet and crawling up my legs.

And then, when the golden doors finally opened—

“We greet Her Majesty the Empress.”

The most exalted woman on this vast continent—

Empress Margaret made her entrance.

Beside her stood the escort knight whose presence had been constricting my legs.

A Swordmaster—so powerful that even a child would feel chills just being near her.

He was strong enough that no one ever felt uneasy even when the Empress was guarded by him alone.

“It’s been a while, Lord Roger.”

The Empress greeted me, draped in a white platinum-colored dress with a coat lined in fox fur over her shoulders.

Her golden eyelids fluttered beautifully.

“Have you been well?”

“I’ve always been well under His Majesty the Emperor and Your Majesty.”

On either side of her stood one familiar face, and one I was seeing for the first time.

It was none other than Saint Istina, who exuded an aura no less exalted than the Empress herself.

“Hello, Lord Roger?”

“……”

And beside her stood her current top rival, Bishop Valdes.

To think that they had both accompanied Her Majesty to attend the performance.

It seemed that, likely due to the year-end festivities, they had joined her in the Northern pilgrimage in place of the Archbishop.

“I greet you, Saint and Bishop.”

“Just look at those dark circles under your eyes. Haven’t you been working too hard?”

“It’s nothing compared to the efforts of Your Majesty and the Saint.”

Even in front of the Empress, the Saint greeted me with a warm, friendly expression.

I returned the courtesy with a light kiss on the back of her hand.

Though not quite to Echina’s extent, her body temperature leaned cold as well.

Just like her pale, porcelain-like skin.

“Come to think of it, isn’t this Bishop Valdes’ first time meeting Lord Roger?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. This is our first time.”

The young, blond bishop met my gaze.

Even when looking into my bloodless, jet-black eyes, he showed no visible reaction.

“It’d be good to get acquainted while we’re at it. After all, it’s not every day that two capable young men meet.”

The Empress rarely used the word “capable” to describe someone.

To earn that term, I had raised Sonia and revived the city of Haman.

Valdes must have made accomplishments worthy of the same.

In our previous lives, we simply hadn’t crossed paths due to working in different regions.

But as someone close to the princes who supported the Grand Dukes, he was unquestionably one of the strongest enemies.

“I’ve heard much about you, Lord Roger. I’m Valdes Guderian.”

“I’m Roger Julius.”

We exchanged a handshake.

He was just like me—his body radiated heat.

“Shall we go in? The performance preparations are nearly complete.”

“Let’s. Will you be joining us, Dark?”

The royal escort knight and current Swordmaster bowed his head quietly and accepted the order.

He had hair just as black as mine, and he gestured respectfully for me to lead the way.

In response, I led the guests—representatives of the Imperial family and the church—toward the VIP seats.

There, I had already arranged a row of chairs in advance.

“These are fine seats.”

“I had the layout remodeled so the stage would be even closer than last time. It bothered me seeing you watch Sir Bennet through a telescope.”

The Empress looked at me with gentle eyes, as if touched I remembered that.

“How very thoughtful of you, Lord Roger. I can’t believe you remembered something so trivial.”

“Not at all. And since it’s been a while since Your Majesty last visited, I’ve also prepared a small gift.”

I gestured to each of their seats.

At that, Istina glanced down at her chair, then lifted a thick box.

“A gift box?”

“Please, open it.”

The Saint gently lifted the lid, and her blue eyes, catching the light, softly blinked.

Inside was a scarf made of silver fox fur, an animal native only to the North.

“Oh my, this is silver fox fur.”

“Yes. I always noticed that when you’re cold, you just pull your hood up, so I thought I’d prepare a scarf.”

Istina gently stroked the fur of the silver fox, which resembled her hair.

Apparently pleased by the silky feel that followed her hand, the corners of her red lips lifted.

“It’s warm. Thank you, Roger.”

She slowly wrapped the scarf around her neck.

A small black mark engraved on her neck disappeared beneath the silvery fur.

“It’s a bit of a shame it’s not a black fox, though.”

“Pardon?”

Well now, I had chosen the same color to match her silver hair.

It seemed Istina’s preference leaned toward black.

I hadn’t expected that, given how she always insisted on wearing pure white clothes…

Perhaps I’d lost my touch, having been away from secretary work for so long.

“I’m just teasing. Thank you, Roger.”

She chuckled quietly and stepped closer to me.

Fine, dandelion-seed-like fuzz covered her pale face.

“I’ll bring the black fox myself next time.”

The Saint narrowed her eyes and whispered with layered meaning.

I promised that I would be sure to prepare it before the next time we met.

At that, Istina’s deep blue eyes curved like a crescent moon, as if that was exactly the answer she’d been waiting for.

“Is that a promise?”

The Empress watched our exchange with gentle interest.

Then, as if struck by a delightful idea, a mischievous light began to twinkle in her eyes.

“Lord Roger, I feel it every time I see you, but you truly have a warm heart. You always seem to consider what others might need.”

“You flatter me. It’s probably just an old habit from my previous line of work.”

When I tried to dismiss it with a wave of my hand, she rested her chin on her palm and replied,

“No, truly. Actions always come from the nature of one’s heart. You’re a good person.”

Everything I had done up to now had been solely for my own advancement.

Still, the Empress continued, saying that regardless of my intent, many had benefited from those actions.

“You’re still without a partner, correct?”

“……?”

A partner.

At those short but weighty three syllables, Istina’s smile froze completely.

The same went for me, who had been maintaining a polite service smile at her side.

Only Valdes looked on at the scene, clearly unimpressed.

“No, I’m not currently with anyone.”

“Is that so? Then, would you like me to introduce you to someone?”

A royal matchmaking offer.

I had lived through many strange things, but this was new.

“Is Your Majesty saying this personally?”

“Yes. I have many remarkable women by my side, but quite a few have yet to find a proper partner.”

Empress Margaret, still gazing toward the empty stage, spoke softly.

“For example, my daughter.”

“Her Majesty’s daughter…”

I echoed her words with a dazed expression.

There was only one person who could be called the daughter of the most exalted woman in the Empire.

The imperial princess.

A woman whose beauty was unmatched across the continent, having inherited her looks from Margaret.

And whose mind, sharp and commanding, resembled the Emperor’s—so much so that people said had she been born male, she would have outshone the other princes and become the crown heir.

“Yes, my daughter. Elena Leonidas.”

Everyone in the VIP seats parted their lips in shock.

Even Darko, the Swordmaster who had been standing watch from a distance, was no exception.

In truth, in my past life, the man who had married Elena was none other than him—so naturally, this would have shaken him to the core.

But what was the reason Valdes’s expression had twisted so completely?

It was likely because he already regarded me as an enemy.

He had already allied himself with the Grand Duke of the North—if I became aligned with the Imperial Family…

Then it would become impossible to counterbalance the fight for house leadership.

Still, in truth, the person whose expression had soured the most in this moment was someone else entirely.

“Um, Your Majesty the Empress.”

Saint Istina.

Though she still maintained a noble smile, her voice—unusually polite, even for her—began to assert itself toward the Empress.

“I recall hearing in the past… that Lord Roger still wishes to focus on his household for the time being.”

Had any other noble lady dared say such a thing, she would have been immediately buried socially, never to recover.

But it was a claim that only the Saint could barely get away with voicing.

“Oh my, but isn’t marriage a must if one wishes to focus on their household?”

Yet the Empress was not someone to be taken lightly.

She looked straight at me, continuing her words as though teasing the Saint.

“After all, a strong maternal family makes a household even more secure.”

Istina, whose body had always remained cool to the touch, now flushed with heat. She pushed her long, graceful hair out from under her scarf.

She had never considered any woman to stand above herself.

But now, for the first time in her life, a woman of higher rank had suddenly appeared before her.

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