Chapter 6

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 6

Chapter Title: Meeting the Savior

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Enoch stared silently at the emperor's behavior. The emperor bore the exact appearance one might expect of a crown prince in his middle years, yet his personality differed greatly from the crown prince's.

"The crown prince seemed quite fond of Agatha Noblesse."

However, the emperor appeared far more interested in intelligence and gains.

"Well, if he truly cherished her, he wouldn't be contemplating political marriages even now while she's suffering..."

Suddenly, the protagonist of this tale floated into his mind.

A face smeared with blood, trembling hands clutching a sword tight.

Agatha Noblesse had a frail countenance that captivated him right in the heart of the battlefield.

Yet when they actually met, she had proven surprisingly resolute?

Even amid her feverish groans, she had focused on damage control.

The emperor, who had been mulling over Agatha’s next husband candidate with a faintly excited expression, suddenly lifted his head.

"Ah. Crown Prince, you may withdraw. Marquis Aratus, you've done well. To commend your merits, I shall grant you 3,000 kar of gold."

"I am deeply honored, Your Majesty."

Enoch promptly exited the emperor's office alongside the crown prince. The moment the door closed, Antoni roughly ruffled his hair.

"I thought we were safe for a while. Knew it would come to this."

"......"

"Ah, Marquis. You're free to go. We'll meet again with Agatha once she recovers. You worked hard today."

"Not at all, Your Highness."

Enoch turned on his heel and slowly made his way out of the imperial palace. News of Agatha Noblesse's assault had already spread far and wide, filling the surroundings with court officials and nobles.

"Milord!"

Outside the palace, the Aratus knights waiting at a distance raised their hands high. Having rushed straight from the battlefield, they were all caked in dirt and dust.

"Are you alright? Nothing out of the ordinary happened?"

Enoch shook his head as he took the reins from First Vice-Captain Leon Takran.

"Nothing special. Let's head back right away."

"Yes, sir!"

Amid countless stares, Enoch Aratus led his knights back to the mansion.

A day later.

News that the Aratus family had become Agatha Noblesse’s benefactor swept across the entire empire.

It was the Noblesse family, after all—known for paying overflowing compensation with their immense power and wealth.

This carried even greater repercussions than the emperor's decision to root out the attacker's backers.

Soon, letters from nobles began pouring into the Marquis Aratus’s residence.

This all unfolded just two days after the rumors spread.

Agatha lay feverish for a full three days before finally waking. It was sheer luck that the fall hadn't broken any bones, but the aftermath had hit her hard all the same.

Once her high fever broke and her wounds healed enough for comfortable movement.

Agatha was enjoying tea time in the palace garden with Crown Prince Antoni Roxiba.

It wasn't a scheduled event. Antoni had simply barged in unannounced.

"Stay a little longer."

"Why? Someone coming?"

"I invited Marquis Aratus. He sent word he'd come."

Before Agatha sat a medicinal tea known for purifying the blood; before the crown prince, a golden fruit tea. Antoni grumbled in dissatisfaction.

"You just woke up. Isn't this pushing it too far?"

"It's already too late. To avoid marrying some noble I dislike, I need to move fast."

The first thing Agatha did upon regaining her senses was assess the situation. As Noblesse’s sole heiress had nearly died, the emperor surely hadn't stayed idle.

As expected, he had declared he wouldn't overlook this incident, scolded at length—but also seized the chance to bring up her marriage.

He'd probably come broaching the topic directly within days.

"What about the candidates?"

"They're being narrowed down. Father seems especially keen on trade with the Eastern Continent this time."

Antoni sneered, rubbing the rim of his teacup. With the war over and new ports and territories secured, the emperor now eyed revenue from commerce.

It had been the war's purpose from the start, so it was only natural.

"For the Eastern Continent, they'd need an island as a hub."

"Exactly. So keep an eye on nobles with holdings there. If you're defying his will, you need a solid alternative ready, right?"

It was challenging the absolute sovereign's decree. To push her agenda, offering a satisfying substitute was a given.

Agatha smiled and took up her quill.

"You'll help again this time, won't you? Let me know the moment specific candidates emerge."

"Using the crown prince as your spy? Bold move."

"I already gave you what you wanted, but you didn't even go hunting. Think of this as payback."

"Damn. Those bastards made me do double duty."

Right there, Agatha began filling out letters.

Instructing her vassals to plot new sea routes for Eastern Continent trade, investigate docking ports in Noblesse territory—their sizes if any—and more.

Antoni, platinum hair draped loosely as he slouched openly gazing at her letters, finally spoke.

"Who're you planning to marry this time?"

"Who knows. I didn't expect marriage to come this quick."

"Got anyone you like?"

"......"

This question, Agatha couldn't dismiss lightly.

"A man I like?"

Not some vague notion—a man she'd already fallen for hard. Unlike her fever-addled haze.

Suddenly, he came to mind.

His hair scattering like lapis lazuli in the sunlight, a face blending feral allure and refined beauty. Her ears flushed without warning.

She even recalled his low timbre at times.

-Even now, you're worrying about that?

Unlike his detached, ruthless hands, there had been a sweet undertone.

Enchantment took hold unbidden; Agatha thought of Enoch Aratus, cheeks tinting faintly before she shook it off. Her writing hand had stilled unnoticed.

"What? Looks like there is someone."

"Quiet."

"Who? Who is it? You said there were no decent prospects—not even including me?"

Agatha ignored him and finished her letters.

Until the completed missives were handed to her attendant maid, Antoni stared relentlessly—then deflated utterly.

"Fine. Handle it yourself. I won't help beyond naming the candidates."

"That's plenty."

Defining her bond with Enoch Aratus was her call.

She'd invited him to see him again, or to pin down this feeling properly—but soon, she'd pour all her focus into facing the emperor.

She wanted confirmation too.

Was this just a fleeting tremor from brushing death?

"Milady. Your invited guest has arrived."

"Bring him here."

Agatha straightened her attire and turned her gaze to the man entering behind the head steward.

Unlike before—deep hood, knight’s uniform—he now wore impeccable formal attire.

"...He wears suits well."

The thought crossed her mind. His steps were surefooted; legs visibly long, stride wide enough to close the distance in moments.

No need to see: his frame was forged in muscle. Skin fairer than a knight’s, yet the scar slashing his cheek lent unmatched ferocity.

Sword in hand, he reeked of blood; now, those impassive ash-gray eyes stirred strange heat in his austere aura.

"I'll head out now. Good luck, Agatha."

"...Take care, Your Highness."

Agatha, staring entranced, rose from her seat. Her heart thundered audibly.

"Can you call this a passing fancy?"

As Antoni crossed the garden, exchanging brief greetings with Enoch.

Agatha calmly schooled her features into a practiced smile. The man reached the table and pressed lips to the back of her hand.

"Thank you for the invitation, Milady."

"Welcome, Marquis. Was my invitation too belated?"

"Quite the opposite—I thought it came sooner than expected. Feeling better?"

"Much improved. Sit here."

The crown prince’s former seat was swiftly cleared; fresh refreshments laid out. The cloak he'd draped over her days ago had long since been returned to his aide, John Whitney, with thanks.

Agatha first placed her prepared recompense on the table.

"I invited you today to repay your aid back then. Please, have a look."

"......"

After a lingering gaze, the man’s eyes dropped. With a flick, neat fingers turned the first page.

Within lay compensations tailored to Aratus’s present needs, as Agatha saw them.

100,000 kar of gold.

Interest-free loans besides; grain supplies at fair prices to Aratus territories until the year’s wheat harvest via Noblesse merchants; even proposals to buy their specialty goods.

"This is what I prepared so far. If you need specific intel or items, just ask. I'll provide whatever I can."