If Only I Could Disappear - Chapter 40

Sotis headed to the headquarters of the Lectus merchant group, which was in the center of the capital.

Fortunately, she had heard rumours that the head of Lectus, who’d been travelling around the empire, had arrived at the headquarters a few days ago. Since she needed to borrow a significant amount of money, she had to go and meet Lectus in person.

“I’ll go in first. Can you wait for me here?”

“Yes, I’ll wait for you.”

As Sotis waited outside the merchant group’s building for Lehman, she encountered someone unexpected even before meeting Lectus.

“Sotis!”

Before she could react, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into an alleyway. Taken aback by the rough action, Sotis’s eyes widened.

“…Father?”

“What on earth are you doing, wandering around like this?”

The Duke of Marigold scolded her in a low voice.

“You’d even dare to show your face at the Lectus merchant group now? Rumours are spreading throughout the capital about how you left the palace without the Emperor’s permission, and selling all sorts of accessories to collect money! Are you trying to besmirch your father’s face!”

“I left the palace rightfully, Father.”

“Rightfully?”

Veins popped on the Duke of Marigold’s forehead. He took a deep breath to calm down his anger before continuing to press for answers.

“Because of you, groundless rumours have permeated the entire palace. The fact that your exit permit was meant for that d*mned Imperial Consort has been revealed, and now rumours are saying that you seized documents and jewels from Fynn in exchange for stepping down quietly!”

“That was my responsibility!”

Sotis shouted in protest.

“Didn’t Grand Duke Abel speak up on my behalf?”

“He did, of course he did! The problem was that he did it too well! The relationship between the Grand Duke and the Emperor turned into something worse than enemies. For what reason are you doing such things when you could have lived quietly? What on earth are you doing with all that money, and what are you hovering in front of the merchant group for?”

Her lips were pursed sharply.

In the past, she was more afraid of her father’s words than anything else. But now, it is no longer the case.

It was a strange thing. How one’s heart could change so much in such a short period of time.

“I need a lot of money.”

“Where on earth are you going to spend it all on!”

“…Instead of hastily building a castle at the expense of the people’s lives, I’m willing to use it where it’s more valuable.”

Her sharp words caused the Duke of Marigold’s eyes to sink coldly.

He should have realised this from the moment he’d unintentionally heard rumours of her loitering around the slums.

“After being dragged down from the position of Empress, now you’re planning to stab your own father in the back?”

“I would never do that.”

Sotis spoke with a self-mocking smile.

“I have always done everything I could for you, Father. Haven’t you praised me endlessly as your good daughter?”

“Yes. Before you got divorced without even bearing a child, that is.”

“It was inevitable.”

She lowered eyes.

“His Majesty Edmund hated me for being your daughter. It was overshadowed by the fact that I inherited the name, Marigold.”

“Are you kidding me? If it weren’t for that name, you couldn’t even become the Empress!”

If she could undo the foolish choices she’d made because of love, Sotis would gladly work even harder.

She wanted to reproach her father, saying that it would have been better not to become the Empress. Enduring a lifetime of unrequited love, only seeing the back of Edmund and enduring his hatred, would have been better than forcing herself into that position.

Then, at least the ambitious duke wouldn’t have thought of buying land near the capital to build a castle. And people wouldn’t have died.

Was that all? Edmund, who brought in all kinds of women just because he didn’t like her, wouldn’t have gone to such extremes. Perhaps he would have settled for a woman according to his tastes and ruled the country together with her.

“The Duke of Marigold.”

But she couldn’t say such things now. Someday she might, but not now.

It wasn’t the right time to confront the Duke. Besides, she lacked the ability and popularity to do so.

“To become the Imperial Consort, I require Father’s help.”

The duke raised an eyebrow. It meant that she should continue talking.

Sotis continued calmly.

“Since I’m unable to win the Emperor’s heart, I’ll be driven out if I don’t do anything and stay there. I can’t even become an Imperial Consort, let alone a mistress. Then, what will happen to the Duke of Marigold’s position? You’re already a laughingstock in society, and you’d disappear completely in the political circles.”

“Hmm.”

“I need achievement. An objective evidence that I am indispensable to Mendez.”

Although she was just acting for the sake of the people, it could be seen as such if they closed their eyes and she packaged it like that.

Disguising her sincerity as a political strategy wasn’t something that she was inclined to do, but there wasn’t any other way for her right now. Sotis spoke as nonchalantly as possible.

“Just like how His Majesty Edmund couldn’t expel me with claims that I’m a virtueless Empress, they require a reason for them to accept me back as a member of the imperial family. Father may or may not know, but the death count of impoverished people is increasing. No matter how wretched they may be, they can become a formidable force when they unite. If the fact that you’re exploiting people to build a castle spreads into the capital, how will His Majesty use that information?”

It wasn’t like the duke hadn’t expected this. However, he did expect Sotis to have at least one child by the time the castle was completed. As she was the Empress, it was a natural tradition to continue the lineage with a legitimate son.

“Ahem. Hem.”

With an uncomfortable look on his face, the duke glared at Sotis.

“Now is the time for carrots, and not whips. I will personally step in to help the people and solve their problems. Please, support me just this once. Father’s reputation will naturally rise through the Lectus merchant group.”

“Pathetic. Going around in circles like this just because you couldn’t have a single child. Tsk!”

“……”

“If I’d sent Cheryl instead of you, this…”

Then, a low voice echoed behind Sotis.

“Young Lady Sotis.”

It was a familiar face. Although they didn’t see each other frequently, they’d met a few times in public settings.

The head of Lectus merchant group, which was named after his own name, as well as Cheryl Marigold’s husband.

“Lord Lectus.”

“I apologise for keeping you waiting. Your companion is waiting for you inside.”

The Duke of Marigold, who had come to the merchant group for his castle’s construction materials, cleared his throat and put on his usual airs.

“Let’s go in together. It’s my daughter’s matters after all, so I, too…”

“No, Sir Duke.”

Lectus cut him off firmly.

“I’m only escorting Young Lady Sotis inside.”

“What did you just say?”

“If you’ve come for a transaction, the person in charge is waiting inside, so you can head that way.”

Sotis looked at Lectus, astonished by his unexpected reaction, but he didn’t even glance at her and turned away and walked ahead.

He was the head of the merchant group that held the capital within his grasp.

Even if it was the duke, his father-in-law, he couldn’t act as he pleased.

The Duke of Marigold was filled with anger at being unable to control everything. However, just glaring at the innocent Sotis wouldn’t change Lectus’ mind. With a frustrated sigh, he clicked his tongue and headed inside first.

“Please come this way, Lady Sotis.”

What was he thinking? She followed him into the reception room awkwardly. It was good that the duke didn’t follow along and meddle, but it felt strange to have someone that she’d never met with her privately take her side so naturally.

Lehman, who had already arrived in the reception room, was waiting for her. Sotis felt happy just to see his familiar face, and took a seat next to him quickly.

“Why did you help me?”

While pouring a gold-coloured tea into her teacup, Lectus answered.

“Because there was a need for it.”

“A merchant moves with the skilled. Grasping not only the other party’s current situation but also their future potential is the essence of commerce.”

“Did you see potential in me?”

“It depends on what the Young Lady decides to do.”

Lectus continued in a composed voice.

“Of course, you can never surpass the Duke if only the present is being taken into account. The Duke was born with the ability to make the most of the hand he’s been dealt.”

“Then…”

“However, Lady Sotis, you’ve shown remarkable progress after leaving the palace. The future is ever-changing. I simply thought it might be worth investing in you.”

Sotis felt his assessment of her was more generous than what she was about to propose. She chuckled embarrassedly as she fidgeted with her teacup.

“I’m not that remarkable of a person. I don’t have any grand plans or anything like that. It’s just, the people’s problems… I mean, I was just looking for minor issues that I can solve. I came here to borrow money because I don’t want people to go hungry helplessly. And it’s not a small sum that can be solved by selling a few jewels, but a rather substantial amount.”

Hesitating, Sotis glanced at Lehman.

Lehman listened to her talk and slowly nodded. A gentle smile spread across his face.

“I am considering starting a relief project for the impoverished. It involves reclaiming barren lands and planting simple crops. For that, we will require vinyl and iron rods to shield against wind and rain, as well as potato seeds.”

“But that’s not all. We must also ensure that the people that were employed in constructing the Marigold ducal castle are properly compensated to secure their livelihoods. Only then will they not fall into the clutches of poverty easily, and have a chance to build a stable life. It would also be good to have personnel to care for orphans and the sick. However, these things require…”

Lectus, who understood Sotis and Lehman’s intentions, spoke quietly.

“All these require money.”

“I know it won’t yield significant profits in terms of commerce. Even if we lend money to the people, let alone the interest, it would take considerable time for them to repay the principal sum.”

“That’s right. Besides, Young Lady Sotis is no longer the Empress, so we won’t have the means to prevent financial losses.”

“Yes. So I’m not asking for everything. If I can just provide a glimmer of hope for the impoverished to lead a decent life…”

Lectus interrupted Sotis’ words.

“I will provide it.”

“……What?”

Her eyes widened as she stared at the head of the merchant group.

He’s willing?

……To give money?