Episode 108

Between Theo and Rose, there was a brief, heavy silence. Rose was taken aback by Theo’s expression, which she had never seen before.

‘Did you think I’d go to the Republic with you, senior?’

Theo, who usually acted nonchalant, now seemed extremely tense, as if he had never considered the possibility of his proposal being rejected.

After a moment of hesitation, Theo tried to soften the rigid set of his lips.

“Well, I get your point, Rose. You want to prove your abilities here. I’m glad I had a positive influence on your decision. But do you need to take the hard path?”

Theo’s voice was harsher than usual.

“I just want you to have an easier life in the Republic. I only wish the best for you.”

“I know why you made the offer, senior.” 

Rose replied with a firm voice. 

“I’m truly grateful. But I still want to start working in the Empire. Even if it gets tough and I end up in the Republic someday, for now…”

“Is it because you’re worried about what I said, that I like you?” 

“No, no.” 

Rose quickly shook her head. Theo was generally accepting of others’ opinions and a welcoming person, at least in Rose’s experience.

However, the Theo before her now appeared restless and anxious, as if he were backed into a corner. Theo sighed softly and pushed his black hair back.

“Don’t feel pressured, Rose. I genuinely consider you a great colleague.”

“Thank you… It’s not because of that reason.”

“Would you reconsider?” 

“I…,” 

Rose paused briefly, took a short breath, and continued.

“I want to stay in the Empire. There are too many precious people here.”

Starting from her family, her friends in Berkley, and Jasper Conway, Rose recalled the faces of her cherished ones one by one. It seemed impossible to leave them behind and go to the Republic alone.

Rose had a strong desire to become a successful engineer in the Empire, and to prove herself, even if it meant countering the numerous discouragements she had faced.

Since leaving Quilts and coming to Berkley, Rose’s goal has been to “survive in the capital.” So, no matter how rough and challenging the road, she was determined to endure it.

Theo remained silent for a while, then relaxed his tense expression. He returned with a gentler look and spoke softly.

“I understand. If that’s your wish, I can’t help it. I’ll have to find a new partner for Weir Company.”

Seeing Theo’s faint smile, Rose finally felt relieved.

It seemed like everything had worked out well up to this point. At least until now.

* * *

Edwin, leaning on the servant’s arm, took a few steps before coming to a halt. His lips parted, and he let out a gruff breath and an irritated groan.

“Darn it!” 

When his right leg didn’t cooperate as he wanted, Edwin needlessly snapped at the servant.

“Stop it.” 

The servant said, guiding Edwin back to the bed. Edwin reluctantly lowered his hand to signal the servant to leave quickly.

It had been almost a week since Edwin had started rehabilitation exercises. The effects of the poison that had entered his body were stronger than he had initially thought. 

He had barely survived, but he couldn’t escape the lingering effects. His leg had become numb, and his hip had stiffened. Without a cane or the help of others, he couldn’t walk properly.

Recalling the doctor’s words, Edwin grimaced. 

“If you work hard on your rehabilitation, you should be able to lead a relatively normal life. However, due to the difference in sensation between your right and left side, you may limp…,” 

The doctor had trailed off under Edwin’s piercing gaze.

Edwin let out a bitter laugh. Fighting was the only thing he had been good at, but with this weakened body, he couldn’t even hold a sword and maintain balance.

Abruptly, Edwin clenched his teeth. The tension in his jaw made the veins in his neck bulge.

If only Jasper had killed him decisively, he wouldn’t be experiencing this pain. Thanks to barely clinging to life, he had become vulnerable, subject to the whims of others.

As the days passed, Edwin’s anger grew. He resented the Emperor for her indifference, and he loathed Jasper.

Then, without warning, the door swung open, and the head of Dom Industries entered. 

Edwin, who was lying at an angle, only raised his head slightly and spoke in an irritated tone.

“Does our esteemed CEO not know basic etiquette? Do you lack a hand to knock?”

The CEO paid no heed to Edwin’s irritation and continued with his words. 

“We’ll be moving from here in a few days. To a safer location within the Republic. You’ll have to lay low for a while, Mr. Edwin.”

“Sure, sure. Occasionally shaking down our supporters through the communication network, right?” 

The middle-aged CEO faintly smiled as he gazed at Edwin.

“You’ve been getting more irritable because of your injured leg.” 

“You thought I’d lose my temper over that? I’ve lived my whole life wielding a sword, but with this body…,” 

“If you cooperate quietly, you’ll hold the Empire in your hands, not just a sword.”

Edwin snorted. He had become increasingly skeptical ever since hearing that his leg couldn’t be perfectly treated.

“Sure about that? Not some kind of con? What can a mere businessman do to control the Empire?”

“That’s precisely why we need you. If a mere businessperson like us tries to take control of the Empire, not everyone would accept it. But you have legitimacy. Be thankful to the former Crown Prince who gifted you with a face so similar to the current Emperor’s.”

The CEO lowered his head as if in prayer, touching his forehead with his fingertips. 

“You have a way of speaking that infuriates people.”

“It’s one of the virtues of a businessman.”

The CEO glanced at his wristwatch before continuing. 

“Things are going well on the Empire’s side. We’ve managed to infiltrate the upper echelons. Quite a few mid-level executives are struggling with their connections due to their unfavorable relationship with Weir Company.”

“Why should I work with those people?”

“Most of them are connected to the syndicates. Weir Company is so concerned about its reputation that it avoids dealings with syndicates. So, they’re reluctant to get involved with them.”

“So when you want to do something dirty in the Empire, you’ll seek help from the syndicates, right? Hypocrite.”

“I’m just trying to gather as many dissatisfied people with the current state of the Empire as possible. Is it wrong to increase the number of allies?”

Afterward, Edwin listened to the additional stories that the CEO shared with one ear while letting it pass out the other. He knew that he had no choice but to work with Dom Industries for now and become their puppet, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel any affection for the CEO.

‘A money-crazed man. Still just a commoner.’

From the very beginning, Edwin felt that the CEO didn’t respect him, despite their different backgrounds. Using his noble lineage as a mere means to bolster his power within the upper ranks was also unsettling.

The CEO talked for quite a while, and then, it seemed like he was about to leave. Edwin spoke up behind the CEO.

“Hey, how long do I have to hide?”

“You’ll get some fresh air at the right time. To gain the trust of the supporters, you’ll have to meet them in person.”

“And what if I get exposed to the Emperor and end up losing my head?”

The CEO slowly turned around to face Edwin. His usually inscrutable face now showed a hint of tension.

“That’s a possibility. But does that mean you should give up the gamble when the stakes are so high?”

“….”

“Considering that you’ve stolen Imperial technology and escaped, you seem to have a penchant for gambling. It’s just that your head isn’t on straight.”

“This guy…”

“Fortunately, I have my wits about me. I’m looking forward to the day when I can address you as ‘Edwin’ and not ‘Mr. Edwin.’ That will be soon.”

The CEO checked his wristwatch, furrowed his brow, and hastily left the room. Edwin, with a contorted face, watched him for a moment and then let out a deep sigh, lying back on the bed.

Well, whether he liked it or not, he was doomed to live an ordinary life one way or another. It was the last high-stakes gamble of his life, and Edwin had no choice but to jump into the game. 

The card in his hand was just one, but it was incredibly powerful, the lineage of the Imperial family. That one card held such immense power.

* * *

This year, the fall in Berkley had a much more bustling and exciting atmosphere than in previous years, thanks to the rumors of a massive upcoming fall festival. 

The hours available for the general public to participate had increased, and it seemed like more people were eagerly looking forward to the festival, not just the academy students, but also many people from the capital.

Thanks to this, Briley was even more determined to make the club booth a success. With her friends excited and supportive, Rose also pitched in eagerly.

After her earlier lecture ended, Rose headed straight to the club Room. As she entered, she saw Rebecca and Briley huddled over a desk, looking quite serious.

Rebecca raised her head when she sensed Rose’s presence.

“Hey, Rose. What brings you here at this hour?”

“My professor had some business, so the lecture ended a bit early. You guys were here. What’s up in the general education lecture…”

Rebecca and Briley still had time before their classes. Briley, with determination, added.

“You can skip a day.”

“Oh, well.” 

Rose replied, awkwardly laughing at the idea she wouldn’t have considered herself. She put her bag down and approached her friends, and that’s when she noticed Briley’s drawing. 

Briley was working on the illustrations for a pamphlet called “A Guide to the Perfect Capital Date.”

As Rose looked at the drawing, she couldn’t help but admire it. The cityscape, the meticulously drawn map… Briley’s skills were quite impressive.