Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight

Chapter 157

157: The Third Main Episode [2]

A few days ago. At the building of Rivalin Merchant Group in the 4th Commercial District. A group of prominent merchants gathered around a long rectangular table. At the head of the table sat Eleanor, owner of the group. Around her were the investors and Rick.

All of them had quite stiff expressions.

The proof was that they were not even touching the refreshments the maid had served and focused on Eleanor’s words.

‘Of course they would be, this is a matter that concerns their lives’

Rick thought to himself, hands clasped together.

In fact, the reaction of the nobles gathered here was extremely natural.

Because the topic of their conversation wasn’t just about profit, it was deeply intertwined with political issues.

Precisely, they were gathering opinions about the two people speculated to be the next emperor.

’[Esteban the fool]. The current emperor doesn’t have much time left. At this point, the choice is whether to support the first prince, Louis von Arkheim, or the first princess, Penelope von Arkheim. They’re all standing at a crossroads’

Rick mused with a slight grin.

‘But the power struggle isn’t just happening within the imperial family. Instead, the real maneuvering is happening outside.’

The competition for Arkheim’s throne was limited to the imperial family? There’s no way

Although they don’t say it, forces like the radical factions led by the Dark family, and the resistance groups fueled by grievances over noble discrimination from time to time, had grown uncontrollably large.

Now, four major forces were baring their fangs and watching each other carefully. The current Arkheim was essentially on the brink of civil war.

‘That’s why they’re all gathered here, these nobles who are desperate to protect their own interests’

Rick looked at the cautious nobles as if they were pathetic.

Their purpose for gathering here is only one.

House of Rivalin. To see who, the family that ranked 1 as the wealthiest, that not even nobles can act carelessly towards them, would support. To confirm whose side they’re on.

The side with the most resources—food supplies, skilled knights, and powerful mages, naturally will win the war. Money was essential to secure all of those.

Right. The bottom line, the choice Eleanor and the many nobles here made could shift the balance of power across the continent. If we consider the size of capital at their disposal? What is certain is that when they support one faction, the other faction’s power can be diminished.

Of course, the imperial family will impose a sanction, but there was no way they would be able to completely suppress them.

…..However that was only true if all the wealthy merchants could unite their opinions. From olden times, when large groups of people gather, it’s never easy to align their opinions.

Such was the case with Eleanor now.

“So, are you saying my judgment is wrong? This is the perfect time. If we want to expand the influence of the Rivalin family and pressure the imperial family, we must strengthen our position now!”

“But how can you say we should support neither the first prince nor the first princess? No matter how dire things may seem, aren’t we citizens of the Arkheim Empire? I’m against this”

The one who speaking now was Goff, the head of the second-largest merchant group after Rivalin’s.

She had thought he would side with her this time too due to his greediness. Eleanor was perplexed by it.

Why is this man, who has no loyalty whatsoever, suddenly bringing up the citizens and saying that someone from the imperial family should take over the throne?

Eleanor calmly continued as she spun her thoughts.

“Regardless of which side we choose, there’s nothing to gain. The fall of the imperial family is inevitable.”

“Huh…!”

“How could you say that so easily?!”

“Who do you think is the reason we’ve been able to conduct our business so freely?”

Nobles fierce’s protests continued.

It was obvious. At any rate, as Goff pointed out, they were still citizens of the imperial family. for them, Eleanor’s words were akin to dropping a bomb.

Not a kingdom, but predicting the fall of the empire, especially the Holy Arkheim Empire. This can be seen as a serious offense.

But Eleanor stood firm in her beliefs. She saw no potential in either the first prince or princess, nor did she see any real movement from them to expand their influence.

“It’s already a sinking ship. Emperor Esteban’s foolishness is impacting the entire continent. Do you still think centralization can hold in this situation?”

“Eleanor-nim”

At this moment, Rick, her attendant who usually kept quiet, spoke up while looking her directly in the eyes.

Her auburn hair and the gaze that scatters a subtle fragrance turn towards Rick.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too early for such talk? Even though His Majesty is suffering from an incurable disease, there’s still time before he passes. And if we act rashly, we might end up losing everything we currently have”

“Rick!”

“Yes, my lady”

Eleanor’s brow furrowed. It was very much unexpected situation.

Rick responded with a slight smile, though inwardly, his thoughts were far from that.

Eleanor’s trait as a [Genius of Acting] quickly picked up on this.

‘He’s hiding something from me.’

She had sensed it before, but now she was certain. Rick had definitely been hiding something from her for a long time, though she didn’t know the details. It must have been something he had prepared for quite a while.

‘Could he have influenced the nobles’ reactions too?’

The thought crossed Eleanor’s mind. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. As the head of the merchant guild, she had to finish what she had started. Just as she straightened her neck and was about to speak.

“The accountant seems to have a sharper eye.”

“That’s right! There are still too many risks to abandon the imperial family just yet. Please be aware of that.“

“We’ll pretend we didn’t hear anything!”

The nobles abruptly stood up, left the meeting room, and each climbed into their carriages and disappeared.

Moments later, only Eleanor and Rick remained in the room.

Rick spoke, trying to console her.

“We don’t have enough power yet to challenge the imperial family, so we had no choice…”

“When did I give my accountant permission to speak in an important meeting?”

There was a sharp edge to Eleanor’s tone. Gripped by uncontrollable anger, she clenched the fabric of her skirt.

“You are my attendant. Instead of humiliating me in front of everyone, you should have explained why my opinion was valid.”

“If your opinion was really valid, I would.”

“What?”

Eleanor’s pupils constricted.

“But When I judged the situation, my opinion didn’t align with Miss’s”

Rick adjusted his slightly askew newsboy cap with an innocent smile. Seeing this, Eleanor finally let out a cold, cutting remark.

“Return your position as an accountant and get out of this group.”

Rick, a bit surprised, put his luggage down and left the meeting room just like the other nobles.

Eleanor was once again left alone, feeling like a trash she had experienced before. Her father and mother’s deaths, the humiliation she suffered at the social party by Nox von Reinhaver. All the shameful experiences she’d faced flashed through her mind.

“I need someone to protect me.”

Lost in despair, Eleanor made a quick decision. She hadn’t expected her remark to provoke such a displeased reaction from the nobles. For her, rejecting the direct lineage of the imperial family… This was a situation that revealed a critical weakness, threatening the existence of the merchant group itself. Maybe, there are many forces that will try to assassinate or attack her. In addition, gathering a large force to protect herself would be difficult. Anyway, it will be difficult to completely trust them.

In an irrational state, She placed her hand on the communication crystal. She had no choice but to call someone.

The one person who had saved her without asking for anything in return. Shane.

——————————

“Please protect me during the [Joint Martial Arts] practical session.”

When I first heard those words from Eleanor’s lips, I thought to myself.

‘Is this a dream? Is it because of dream that it felt so hazy?’

I couldn’t help but think that way. Eleanor was someone who rarely showed her emotions. She was a natural-born merchant.

Even if millions of gold coins were coming and going right before her eyes, she wouldn’t lose her composure and instead enjoyed the situation. That was the Eleanor I knew…

‘There must be a certain variable?’

There must be a reason for her change. A crack began to form in her Golden Mask, which was called “Fox of Gold”. That was likely influenced by the butterfly effect I had triggered too.

I gently set my teacup down and asked cautiously.

“Is someone trying to harm young miss?”

I had no choice but to ask carefully.

After all, it was true that I had helped her several times recently, both inside and outside the academy. It was all done under the guise of Shane, completely concealing the use of [Supreme Black Sword], using only the [Moonlight Sword]. But was that enough for Eleanor to trust and rely on me in such a dangerous situation? That was another matter.

But, Eleanor calmly continued

“As you’ve probably noticed by now… Yes. In fact, it would be more accurate to say there are many. As merchants, once gold is involved, we can’t help but get our hands dirty.”

Her words carried a sense of emptiness, and her tone was unlike her usual self. I couldn’t help but feel slightly confused.

‘You aren’t this kind of character, aren’t you?’

“I can’t see your attendant, Rick, as well.. It seems everyone is quite busy at the moment.”

“I fired him. So please refrain from mentioning Rick.”

What?

Did she just say she fired Rick at this point? To think this happened when chapter 3 of the story haven’t even started.

My danger sense kept sending a signal.

‘If what she says is true, Eleanor might really be in danger. No, actually, this episode is already dangerous, but the risk might be greater than I anticipated.’

This was a big issue. one that wouldn’t be easy to resolve no matter how much I thought about it. Even as I quickly thinking about it, Eleanor’s words kept flowing.

“You’re so strange.”

“Yes? What do you mean by that?”

I was taken aback by Eleanor’s sudden words, and before I knew it, I was stammering.

Eleanor remained calm as she continued.

“I’ve met countless people who lie to my face. Maybe that’s why I can tell when someone is lying to me. But you, you’ve never lied to me. How is that even possible?”

“That’s…”

It was because of Yoochan, in other words, Shane’s persona, influencing me. And because I knew that lying wouldn’t work in front of Eleanor. There was no point in lying in front of [Genius of Acting]. But to think that had won her favor.

I hadn’t anticipated this kind of development coming.

“So, will you save me?”

Eleanor, as if become a little composed, asked in her usual elegant, foxy tone. In fact, I had no other option, so my answer was already decided.

“If I can be of help, I will.”

“Alright, then let’s prepare a new contract…”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ve already promised to protect you, haven’t I?”

No, why so, Shane.

As I watched Shane take the conversation in his own direction again, I realized just how dangerous the persona, that wasn’t not the ruffian personality of Nox. Don’t say these noble-sounding words. Especially to someone who could see through lies! Please.

But Shane kept talking, unaware of my feelings.

“I’ll keep my promise. I’ll make sure nothing dangerous happens to you.”

“…Alright.”

It was a bit cringy, but I repeated to myself that it would all work out in the end. There was no other way. I’d have to protect her anyway. It’s not absurd to be a little more open about helping her. She’s an important character to let die here. She hasn’t done anything wrong, and she’s changed quite a lot recently. And my personality wouldn’t easily allow me to just let her die.

… As I thought of that, the moment I was about to step outside to get ready..

“Can I ask you one thing?”

“…Of course.”

“Is the reason you’re not wearing the necklace I gave you because you don’t trust me yet?”

I immediately turned around. It was the keepsake of her mother that she had given me. But I hadn’t used the artifact because it could reveal my location.

When I turned, I saw something in Eleanor that I’d never seen before. It was like she wanted to rely on me, but she couldn’t, as if forcibly enduring it. She looked like a weak girl in her mid-teens.

I froze, staring at her for a moment.

As if she already knew it all, she opened her small mouth and spoke to me.

“I knew it.”

As she spoke that, she gave me a bitter, sad smile—an awkward, pained expression that left me unable to respond. I could only storm out and leave the room.

After all, I know all too well that I’m not the kind of person someone can rely on.