Chapter 70:

After the chaotic dinner had passed, one unwelcome guest had left, but three more remained.

It was a headache, but Elric had to resolve whatever was at hand.

“It was quite a spectacle. I didn’t know Valentina was such a delightful person,” Elric remarked late at night in the reception room, after sending Tyria back to her room.

Elbus, to whom he narrowed his eyes in visible annoyance, merely shrugged nonchalantly.

“Would I have come here if I had known? It’s all a remarkable coincidence.”

“That’s hardly something I want to hear.”

But that didn’t mean he didn’t understand why they had come. As mentioned before, Elric was sensitive enough to the news of the west to somewhat anticipate their objectives.

“Your Highness, it’s been a long time.”

Elric gave a small nod.

Only then did the third prince, Credon Mahir, who had been sitting with his legs crossed, remove his bowler hat.

Blond hair, red eyes.

The handsome man with sleek features exhaled deeply before responding.

“It has been a long time, Kasha.”

“You know that’s not my name anymore, don’t you?”

“What I need is that name.”

For Elric, this was the second meeting since the imperial banquet years ago.

Years had passed, but that blunt personality seemed unchanged.

“Can I take that man with me first?”

Credon pointed at Edward, who was fidgeting with some snacks.

“Hm?”

After cocking his head, Elric eventually drew a sly smile.

“Are you going to make me feel left out like this? I came here with a purpose too.”

“Isn’t your business with Valentina?”

“Oh dear, sir. I already admitted my mistake, didn’t I?”

Edward raised his eyebrows as if unjustly accused.

Indeed, Edward had apologized as soon as Ygrett left. He had emphasized several times that the whole incident was an accidental mistake and clarified that there was no malice intended.

But could that really make him look favorable?

Even if it was a mistake, it had led to an accident, and that couldn’t be denied.

Furthermore, the feelings towards him were already not very favorable.

“You should be thankful this happened within the manor walls.” Elric expressed his feelings succinctly.

At that, Edward’s face fell flat.

However, he didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving quietly.

“Ah… I have no allies here.”

“If you know that, perhaps it’s time for you to leave.”

Edward pointed at Credon and Elbus.

“Let’s be frank. You came here to recruit Elric, didn’t you?”

“I’m not foolish enough to discuss such matters with a military leader of a rival nation.”

“The answer is already clear, isn’t it?”

A sharp tension flowed between Credon and Edward.

Elric furrowed his brow.

“…If that was the case, a letter would have sufficed.”

He did not want his peace disturbed.

The thought of returning to the battlefield was also fading.

Yet here he was, drawn into inviting these people into his domain, leaving a sour taste in his mouth.

What was all this fuss about, just to gain an advantage?

“Please leave. There’s nothing to discuss.”

As Elric was about to rise from his seat:

“What if we really need to discuss something important? It’s a crucial matter.”

“I agree. It’s a matter of life and death.”

Credon and Edward were in agreement.

At this point, Elric couldn’t help but be curious.

‘Is there something happening on the battlefield that I’m unaware of?’

No, if there truly was something he didn’t know, it would likely be related to the empire.

Edward’s goal was probably to protect Zerdia, the major shareholder, and maintain a state of stalemate on the battlefield.

Having spent a long time on the battlefield, Elric knew.

The absence of information was as frightening as anything else.

It was necessary to listen.

His decision was made.

“…Let’s hear what the prince has to say.”

“And me?”

“You may leave. I’m not inclined to hear your business.”

“What?”

Panic bloomed on Edward’s face.

He scratched his head and sighed deeply, then leaned forward.

“I’m not here to be as direct as him. I also have no intention of holding anyone on the battlefield.”

His immediate response was an offer, in other words, a proposal for a deal.

Edward’s proposal was simple yet profound: “Just swing your sword once on the battlefield, wherever it may be—you know where. If you do this for us, we’ll make sure you’re well compensated. If you wish, we can take measures to ensure you’re never involved in battlefield matters again. I’ve said it before, haven’t I? I oppose the idea of you returning to the battlefield.”

It was essentially a plea to save Zerdia.

The conditions attached were indeed tempting to Elric, especially since they implied protection against incidents like today’s, under his own name.

After the troubles he had already faced, it was natural for him to hesitate.

Edward, sensing this, deepened his smile and looked over confidently at the imperial side.

However, his smile was short-lived.

“Ha…!”

Elbus, who had been quietly listening until now, chuckled.

His smile was tinged with his characteristic slyness.

‘What could possibly be so amusing?’

Just as Elric began to wonder, Elbus spoke up.

“Look here, friend.”

“None of the rewards you’ve offered actually benefit him in any real way, do they?”

A look of confusion spread across Elric’s face.

Edward’s forehead creased with tension.

Amidst this, Elbus remained nonchalant.

“Look here, Goldsmith.”

“What is it?”

“Hmm, how should I put this?”

Tap, tap.

Elbus tapped his cheek with his index finger, then flashed a sly smile.

“You’ll have to deliver on what you’ve promised, whether Elric steps onto the battlefield or not.”

“What?”

“That friend of yours is your shareholder.”

“What are you talking about…”

Edward’s expression went blank.

A passing thought struck him.

‘Wait a minute.’

The relaxed demeanor of Elbus.

Kasha’s seemingly clueless face.

The mention of a shareholder.

And the silent 6% stake in EW known as KS.

As soon as the puzzle pieces clicked into place regarding KS, Edward’s mind raced.

“Kasha. Kasha. KS?” The conjecture completed itself in a moment.

“What are you talking about?”

“I told you. I invested the money you entrusted to me.”

Elbus gestured towards Edward with a nod.

“It’s in there.”

Suspicion turned into certainty.

Edward acted swiftly. He slid off the sofa and gracefully knelt on the floor, embodying the picture of deference.

His posture could have been taken straight from a textbook.

“So you were here?”

Edward looked up at Elric with a desperate gaze, like a puppy that had found its lost owner.

“Shareholder…?”

To Edward, ‘shareholder’ and ‘lord’ were synonymous.

Whining faintly, Edward’s eyes sparkled with earnestness.

Recruitment and agendas aside, his primary concern now was to make a good impression on his shareholder.