Episode 96

The Emperor found it very intriguing that Jasper had someone in his heart. 

Jasper, who often appeared composed beyond his years, had completely fallen for someone.

The Emperor’s voice carried a lot of curiosity as she subtly inquired.

-It must be someone not easily won over if you’ve asked for my help. I assume this lady isn’t married?

“No, Your Majesty. After completing the mission, I will personally visit and inform you.”

-It seems you don’t want to reveal it right now.

“…”

-If you fail your mission, what do you think I’ll do to that woman?

“I highly doubt that will happen.”

Jasper responded calmly, but for the time being, he hoped the Emperor wouldn’t learn about Rose. Rose had a vulnerability in having compromised her nobility.

What was somewhat fortunate was that the Emperor had a favorable position regarding the noble law reform. Nonetheless, he couldn’t feel at ease until he made Rose entirely his.

-You’re quite a skilled liar for someone so stiff. 

The Emperor paused before changing the topic.

-Be careful. If you return injured, it’ll be difficult to navigate the court.

“Yes, I understand.”

Jasper finished the communication with the Emperor and slowly lay down on the bed. Staring at the ceiling absentmindedly, he unconsciously murmured.

“Rose… Bell…”

From the beginning, Jasper always felt that Rose was difficult. Aside from the difference in social status, acquiring Rose was an extremely challenging process. But, despite all the hurdles, what if he arrived at his destination, and Rose Bell wasn’t there?

When speaking with the Emperor, Jasper’s usually composed face now showed signs of anxiety. 

Edwin, the former spy, didn’t scare him at all, but imagining that Rose Bell didn’t like him sent an immediate sense of fear through him.

Jasper let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes tightly. He felt a strong desire to complete the mission quickly and return to the Empire as soon as possible. 

He needed to see Rose again and ensure her feelings didn’t wane.

* * *

Around that time, Rose’s voice echoed in the Berkley Academy’s laboratory.

“It’s finally perfect, senior.”

The item to be submitted for the contest was completed at last. 

They had gone through several tests to ensure its stability and fine-tuned the design. Thanks to their diligence throughout the summer, they had finished everything a few days before the deadline. 

Now, all that remained was to submit it, and their journey for the contest would come to a close.

Theo gently tapped Rose’s shoulder and spoke softly.

“Good job, Rose.”

“You too, senior.”

“You’ve worked hard. How about we go out for dinner like last time?”

“Oh… dinner?”

Rose didn’t respond immediately, pausing for a moment. When she focused on work, Theo’s presence didn’t make her uncomfortable at all, but in private moments, she sometimes felt awkward.

She was tense because she hadn’t yet made up her mind regarding Theo’s offer. 

A few days ago, while communicating with her mother, Anna, she relayed Theo’s proposal. Since then, her thoughts had become even more entangled.

“Sweetie, it’s a pity to see us two grow apart, but it seems like a great opportunity. If you go to the Republic, there will be no need to hold back anymore…”

Anna, instead of opposing Rose going to the Republic, actually wished for her to go with Theo to the Baskirk Republic.

“Even this senior Theo Lixston seems like a good man. Settling down there… If it turns out like that, as a mother, I couldn’t ask for more.”

“Mother, Senior Theo and I don’t have that kind of relationship.”

“Oh, really? My mistake. But if you decide to marry him, I’ll approve. He seems like someone similar to you. Get closer when you go to the Republic.”

Listening to Anna’s words, Rose felt like she was suffocating. She knew that her mother’s words were coming from a place of concern.

Anna probably wished that her daughter could live in a better environment and receive good treatment. She also likely hoped that Rose would have a strong partner by her side.

However, Rose’s mind was already filled with Jasper. 

As the summer vacation was coming to an end, she was getting more excited at the thought of meeting Jasper soon.

Theo watched Rose, who seemed lost in thought and then spoke.

“We can have dinner some other time.”

“Oh, yes, senior. Today, I… I want to rest in the dorm.”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

Theo smiled affectionately and then hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Rose, have you thought about what I proposed?”

Rose closed her eyes briefly before opening them. The topic had come up. 

With a complex expression, she let out a small sigh.

“Honestly, I’m still not sure.”

“I thought you’d accept it without a doubt. What’s causing you to hesitate?”

“In many ways… I don’t have the courage to leave where I was born, and also…”

Rose naturally thought of Jasper Conway but couldn’t bring herself to say his name out loud.

“Well, Rose, think it over carefully. Consider what’s the right path for you. Make your decision based on reason rather than emotion. That’s the way engineers live, isn’t it?”

Rose nodded heavily at Theo’s words.

‘Make your decision based on reason rather than emotion…’

Should she forget Jasper and leave for the Republic? 

She wondered if struggling with this dilemma was a foolish endeavor. The weight of Rose’s inner turmoil cast a shadow over her face, growing darker by the moment.

* * *

Jasper Conway was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to deal with Edwin. 

He couldn’t just finish Edwin in front of a crowd; this mission had to be discreet.

When it comes to quietly taking someone’s life, poison is the most useful tool. The synthetic chemical compound Jasper had received from the Emperor could stop a person’s heart within one minute. 

Those who died from this poison appeared to have suffered acute cardiac arrest, making it nearly impossible to detect the toxin in a post-mortem examination with current technology.

Edwin, unaware of Jasper’s intentions, continued to enjoy himself in the underground bar of the hotel. He spoke with excitement.

“Oh, did I win? There are days like this.”

Jasper deliberately lost in the card game to excite Edwin, but he displayed a feigned expression of annoyance.

“I’m a bit tired today.”

“I should quit while I’m ahead when I’m in a good mood. Did I win today?”

Edwin chuckled and, getting up from the table, placed a beret on his head. Jasper rose and approached him.

Edwin turned to Jasper and spoke.

“I’m off to a place where you won’t like.”

“Where’s that?”

“To meet women!”

Edwin had spent most of the money he’d won in Valloch on entertainment and women. He wandered around the red-light district like it was his second home, away from the bustling city.

Jasper couldn’t stand the thought of going to the red-light district, but today, he had no choice but to stick close to Edwin. Every time Edwin invited him to come along, Jasper refused. 

However, today, he had to follow Edwin closely.

With an indifferent tone, Jasper spoke.

“Maybe I should come along today.”

Edwin was surprised, his eyes widening. 

“What’s gotten into you, my lord?”

“You kept insisting we should go together, so I got curious.”

“So, you’ve decided to become a man.”

Edwin laughed while putting his arm around Jasper’s shoulders. Jasper made an effort not to reveal his discomfort.

‘What on earth is this guy up to?’

Considering Edwin’s relatively calm demeanor, it was strange for someone who had betrayed the Emperor and fled. He seemed to have nowhere else to go after his failed attempt to seek asylum in the Republic.

Late at night, Jasper and Edwin left the hotel together. 

As they headed toward the outskirts of the port city where the red-light district was located, the street lamps became sparse, and the streets narrowed.

Jasper walked behind Edwin, looking for an opportunity to attack him. Edwin was excited, having had a few drinks and taken money from Jasper.

Edwin rambled on.

“Right, I might leave this place soon.”

“Why?”

“Life in Valloch isn’t bad, but I’m starting to think about finding a stable job.”

“You mean, you’re thinking of getting a job?”

“It’s not confirmed yet. Oh, it could be a big one if things work out.”

“Where is it?”

“Do you know Dom Industries?”

Edwin glanced sideways at Jasper and whispered. 

Dom Industries was a recently emerging manufacturing company. Jasper vaguely recalled hearing the name in the newspapers.

‘Is he planning to sell our technology to them?’

It was still a conjecture, but it was clear that Edwin had been in contact with Dom Industries.

‘Is there a company trying to steal the Empire’s technology?’

Or perhaps Dom Industries was unaware that the technology Edwin was trying to sell had originated from the Imperial Research Lab. If this were revealed later, it would create a significant stir.

‘But Edwin must be aware, right? Is he unconcerned as long as he makes a lot of money right away?’

Jasper couldn’t believe that Edwin had worked as part of the Imperial Royal Shadows. 

He was far from cautious, and his demeanor was too light-hearted. Jasper began to doubt whether he had truly been a member of the Royal Shadows. 

After all, the Emperor was skilled at lying convincingly when needed.

However, Edwin’s true identity was not the most crucial issue. What mattered was completing the mission and achieving the desired outcome.

Coincidentally, Edwin and Jasper entered a deserted alley. 

Jasper quietly reached into his jacket pocket. Edwin was still in high spirits.

“When you first go to the red-light district, you might feel a bit nervous, but I’ll show you everything, so don’t worry…”

Thump. 

A cold metal object touched the back of Edwin’s head. He stopped in his tracks, his excitement fading as he bit his lip. 

Jasper was standing just one step behind Edwin, holding a small pistol to the back of his head. The sound of chambering a round echoed through the quiet alley.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“Stay still.”

Jasper’s voice was chilling.