Chapter 7
Chapter 7.
“I still think it's excessive. I believe interest-free loans and the merchant guild's help would be sufficient.”
“Does my life truly hold no value of 100,000 gold kar?”
“……”
His aide gasped at the sheer scale of the sum. However, both Enoch and Agatha, the parties involved, gazed at each other calmly.
‘Of course, he's the only one truly calm.’
Agatha hid her faintly trembling eyes by looking down.
“……This is also the amount set as compensation for the reason I can no longer hire you, Marquis, and the Aratus Knights, after I initially requested your services.”
The man, after a moment of thought, finally placed the document on the table.
“Do you no longer require protection?”
“Yes. I believe I will be getting married soon.”
Though it felt a little bitter.
Agatha quickly accepted the current situation. It wasn't a matter that could be resolved by refusing to marry, and now that things had come to this, finding a husband might not be a bad idea.
Meanwhile, she was also assessing the probability of this man becoming her seventh husband.
He was already the head of a family, with only a younger sister as his kin.
His personal combat prowess was outstanding, and he commanded a strong knightly order.
Although she couldn't be entirely sure as he had only just arrived in the capital, she had heard no rumors of him having sticky fingers.
‘He will surely be included in the list my retainers prepare.’
So, would she propose marriage to this man this time?
‘I heard he's only twenty.’
Agatha, who had always been the one to choose, never once found herself in a situation where she was being chosen, and she fell into a state of unfamiliar contemplation.
“His Imperial Majesty, Warmilai II, the Sun of the Roxbard Empire, is arriving!”
In that instant, Agatha, who had been frowning, reflexively smiled as her eyes met Enoch's.
It was a somewhat early arrival, but only the Emperor could know the Emperor's movements.
“We greet the Sun of the Empire.”
The Emperor, who had been entering the garden, paused upon spotting Enoch, then quickly approached and sat down.
“Rise. I came to see Agatha, but Marquis Aratus is here as well?”
“Yes. I was invited by the young lady for tea.”
“Tea is good. May I stay for a moment as well, Agatha?”
“Of course. It is an honor for me, Your Majesty.”
While new refreshments were being prepared, the Emperor asked Agatha various questions about her condition.
While his greed was problematic, the Emperor fundamentally did care for Agatha.
Whether that affection was for his goddaughter or for the sole heiress of the Nobilis Family, she couldn't tell.
“But why are you here amidst your busy schedule?”
“Work. I am diligently searching for the masterminds behind those who dared to harm my goddaughter, and I have come to discuss the subsequent matters.”
“Ah.”
Despite the unexpectedly early appearance, Agatha saw it as a signal that the Emperor's plans were progressing smoothly, like a ship with a favorable wind.
She had already heard through the nobles that the beasts who had attacked her had their strongholds completely destroyed, and that the families behind them were being pursued using evidence found there.
This would lead to the demise of several relatives who had aggressively sought her life.
With the Emperor having firmly established his imperial authority, there was only one thing left for him to focus on. The Emperor leaned towards Agatha openly.
“Agatha. You must have heard the news? The beasts have all been executed, and the nobles who instigated the attack are all being apprehended by me, not a single one left.”
“Yes. I am truly grateful to you, Your Majesty.”
“So, Agatha.”
Here it comes. The Emperor's blue eyes, so like Antony's, glinted.
“Wouldn't it be about time to consider your next marriage? After an incident like this, I cannot help but worry about your safety.”
“Isn't it too soon?”
“Too soon? It's only been two months since your divorce. Given your circumstances, that's more than enough consideration for propriety.”
Agatha, conscious of the Emperor, didn't look back but momentarily focused on Enoch beside her.
Nobles could hold ceremonies the very next day after their spouse's death due to circumstances.
However, she hadn't wanted to show such a blatant display.
Yet, on the other hand, she also wanted to show her current situation without concealment. Agatha smiled faintly.
“Do you perhaps have someone in mind?”
“Of course! I have already found several candidates! If you approve, I can arrange a meeting immediately.”
She knew it. They said he coveted tax revenue through trade, so he must have already had candidates in mind.
She suspected Antony would likely visit with a precise list of candidates within a few days.
Agatha lowered her gaze plaintively.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“You promised me freedom in choosing my marriage once I became an adult.”
“Y-yes, that's right. But given the situation, don't you need to marry? You'll need protection from attacks if you command a knightly order, and it will be easier to threaten relatives by using your husband as a proxy…”
The Emperor's words all held merit. That was why Agatha had married until now.
However, from now on, she had to choose her own marriage partners. If she were swayed by the Emperor's will even once, it would continue to be so.
Most importantly, the partners the Emperor chose were, as always, not suitable men in her eyes.
Agatha tilted her head, consciously avoiding looking to the side. Her cheeks felt strangely warm.
“I understand that, but isn't there no need to rush?”
“……”
“I will get married. I won't forget your consideration. However, perhaps I can find a better partner and propose it to you, so please wait just a little longer.”
‘I will marry, and if you give me the choice, I can bring you even greater benefits.’
As always, the Emperor had undoubtedly been waiting for these words.
After pretending to ponder for a moment, the Emperor lowered his voice slyly.
“Agatha. You mean that, don't you?”
“Of course. I have always been sincere.”
“Very well. If that is truly your wish, then so be it. Then, do as you please until I have executed all those behind this incident. However, if I am not pleased, you will have to marry the person I choose. Do you understand?”
“I will do my best, Your Majesty.”
Agatha did not give a definitive answer this time either. If the proposal she had prepared or the man didn't please the Emperor, she intended to devise another plan.
Checking the time, the Emperor rose from his seat.
“Yes, then I shall take my leave, knowing that. Take care of yourself.”
“Farewell, Your Majesty. I will see you soon.”
“Indeed. Ah, Marquis Aratus. It was good to see you. Let us have a meal together sometime.”
With Enoch offering a slight bow, the Emperor departed busily. As he had made time in his schedule, it could be said he had stayed for a considerable while.
Agatha, taking a moment to breathe, pulled the proposal document she had set aside back towards her.
“Shall we continue our conversation now?”
“……”
As she was about to sit down again, there was no response from the man. Agatha looked up at him, puzzled.
“Marquis?”
Enoch blinked slowly. His first impression had been of fragility, his subsequent impression of strength, and today, he had shown the astonishing ability to manipulate the Emperor. This woman felt new to him.
However, she was still overexerting herself.
Enoch, seeing her visibly pale after the exchange with the Emperor, picked up the proposal document from his standing position.
“I will take this and review it again.”
“Are you leaving already?”
It was truly rare for Agatha to try and hold someone back.
The man, who had been staring intently, slowly raised his hand and gently touched his cheek.
“Your complexion is not good. Please go inside and rest, my lady.”
“……!”
Agatha, who had been standing blankly, reacted belatedly after he turned away.
“Thank you for your consideration. I will send another invitation in a few days.”
The man nodded lightly and disappeared outside the garden with his aide.
Only then did Agatha place her hand on her burning cheek.
With those indifferent eyes.
The consideration, dropped casually like him adjusting her cloak, felt strangely, achingly sweet.
“……I think I like him.”
She was undeniably smitten.
Judging by how she was already looking forward to their next meeting.
Upon returning to his mansion in the capital, Enoch Aratus immediately summoned his retainers.
He entered his study and sank into his chair, deep in thought.
The butler, who followed him in, quietly prepared tea.
His aide, John, hesitated before placing the proposal document on the desk.
The desk, which had been neatly cleared that morning, was now piled high with an enormous number of letters.
Enoch, raising his head at the fragrant tea aroma, frowned.
“I hope my prediction is wrong.”
“Your prediction is correct. These are the new introduction letters that arrived today.”
Agatha Nobilis was no exception. He too had been hounded by introduction letters for eligible young ladies for the past few days.
“Don't worry, Master. There are also introduction letters for young lords. This one is addressed to Lady Isabelle.”
“……”
Enoch reached for the teacup placed by the butler, Ben, without a word.
The battlefield had never been easy, but considering the current circumstances, there were times he felt a sense of clarity when he was wielding a sword.
He, who was only now restoring his family to its rightful place, felt this way. How busy must Agatha Nobilis, who stood at the center of power, be?
