In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 88

As expected, Count Cecil seized the moment while skillfully reading Emperor Carlos’s expression, and spoke firmly.

“Your Majesty, this is a matter concerning the authority and interests of the imperial family. Immediate action is required. I fear the trade negotiation rights may fall into the hands of the Kingdom of Atil if we delay.”

“I will look into the situation right away.”

“Before the investigation begins, Your Majesty must first revoke all trade negotiation rights granted to the Bailey family. That should come first.”

“Shouldn’t we understand the facts before taking action? I will confirm through the captain.”

“Your Majesty, Sir Eric is from the Bailey family. If justice is to be served fairly, the negotiation rights must be withdrawn first. Not just for Your Majesty, but for the Empire as well.”

The count looked Carlos in the eye without a hint of fear.

Carlos couldn’t refute his words. The count slightly lifted the corners of his lips, as if he had read the emperor’s thoughts perfectly.

“Do not worry, Your Majesty. I will take responsibility and investigate this matter thoroughly. But before that, I have one question. What will you do if this investigation reveals the misuse of power and corrupt character of Count Bailey?”

“If that happens…”

Carlos’s composed expression twisted slightly at the count’s subtle mix of mockery and threat.

Though the words were unpleasant, they had a point. At the tip of the arrow the count pointed stood Eric and Carlos himself, the two who had led this project.

Carlos knew the count’s snake-like tenacity all too well, and a shadow passed over his face.

After a moment of contemplation, Carlos spoke again.

“From now on, I entrust all trade negotiation rights, including those with the Kingdom of Atil, to the count. You no longer need my approval. I respect your judgment and will support your efforts.”

The count finally heard the answer he had been waiting for and smiled widely. Instead of replying, he placed his hand over his chest in a formal gesture.

Carlos then turned to the aide standing beside him and declared,

“Prepare a letter for Eric immediately.”

His voice was sharp and clear. Carlos looked displeased, but there was no other option.

Now was not the time for emotions. He needed to focus to avoid the danger that loomed ahead.

“The Emperor has revoked all of the trade negotiation rights?”

Eric looked up from the letter in disbelief. The palace messenger nodded.

“Yes, Captain! And not only that, His Majesty has ordered that the Bailey family completely withdraw from the steel business until the investigation is over.”

“An investigation?”

“His Majesty plans to personally investigate whether the Bailey family misused the trade rights for their own power.”

It was unexpected. Eric had assumed the palace would summon him soon, but everything was unfolding far too quickly, not like the emperor’s usual style.

The palace messenger lowered his voice after checking the surroundings.

“In truth, Count Cecil recently had an audience with His Majesty. Since then, the Emperor has been very on edge.”

The one who had found out about Edward’s dealings just after Archduke Charles. The one who had always coveted the Bailey family’s trade rights. The one who held a deep grudge against them.

Eric nodded, as if piecing the situation together.

“Captain, this is a private letter from His Majesty.”

The messenger took out a carefully hidden letter and handed it to Eric.

Reading through it, Eric saw it was a secret order from Carlos, asking him to return to the palace. The emperor wanted to hear the truth from him directly.

“I understand. I’ll prepare to leave soon. Tell His Majesty that.”

“Yes, Captain. We’ll be expecting you at the palace.”

As the messenger bowed and left, Eric let out a short sigh.

Just then, a knock came at the door. Aria had come in with tea.

After placing the teacup on the table, Aria looked at Eric’s somber face with concern.

Sensing her presence, Eric looked toward her.

“I’ll have to go to the palace soon. Something big is about to happen.”

“Something big…? Did something happen?”

“The Emperor seems to be cornered. Count Cecil pounced on Edward’s mistake immediately.”

“What?!”

Aria’s eyes widened. If it was Edward’s mistake, it must be about the steel business.

“Did something go wrong with the project?”

“I can’t say nothing happened. Edward plans to hand the business over to Archduke Stuart.”

“So… he’s selling it to the Kingdom of Atil? The count must know that would be bad for the Bailey family…”

“It’s certainly not in our favor. Count Cecil wouldn’t miss a chance like this. He holds a grudge against Edward over the broken engagement.”

Aria couldn’t believe Edward’s decision. It felt like he was pushing the Bailey family off a cliff with his own hands.

Now, she understood why Eric had to return to the palace.

But there was no telling when he’d be back once he left. Just knowing she wouldn’t see him for a while made her feel empty inside.

Eric looked up at her, as if he could read her feelings.

“So, you can make that face too.”

“What face…?”

“A sulky one.”

He smiled gently, then pulled Aria onto his lap by her wrist.

As she lost balance and instinctively touched his chest, she quickly pulled her hand back.

She tried to get away, but the more she struggled, the more tightly Eric wrapped his arms around her waist.

As he leaned in, his dark hair brushed against her chin.

Then, his quiet voice whispered in her ear.

“Don’t run from me. I feel like I’m finally breathing again, and I don’t want that to stop.”

Aria, unable to reply to his sincere words, simply looked down quietly.

The room was filled with silence, broken only by birds chirping by the window.

Eric’s steady breathing could be heard now and then.

When Aria’s hand accidentally touched his chest, the unfamiliar sensation made her face blush deeply.

Her body, pressed so close to his, began to react uncontrollably.

Especially every time his firm hand around her waist moved slightly, her body flinched in response.

She didn’t necessarily want to escape his arms—rather, she wanted to escape this ticklish feeling that kept drawing her in.

The scent of Eric from under his shirt brushed past her nose. It was rich and familiar.

She quietly studied his sleeping face. His tousled hair moved with the breeze, revealing a glimpse of his sharp eyes and elegant nose.

Just the thought that this man was hers made her smile without realizing it.

Then, suddenly, their eyes met. Eric had opened his languid blue eyes.

Aria, startled from being caught staring, quickly shut her eyes.

Eric gently tapped her forehead with his finger.

Unable to hold back anymore, Aria opened her eyes slightly, only to find Eric looking at her playfully.

“Are you trying to avoid me, or are you trying to tempt me? If it’s the latter, I could kiss those lips any time.”

A mischievous smile spread across Eric’s face. Embarrassed, Aria pushed him away.

“Please let me go now.”

But instead, Eric pulled her even closer and leaned in, until their noses nearly touched.

“Do you really want me to let you go so easily?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“When I’m at the palace, I’ll really miss things like this.”

At the mention of the palace, Aria’s mind went blank. She finally gathered her thoughts and replied,

“Let’s talk about that after you return.”

“Your face got darker.”

“W-what do you mean darker? Of course you have to go to the palace. Especially now. I’ll have plenty to do here, too.”

“So you’re saying you won’t think about me at all while I’m gone?”

Eric spoke with a hint of disappointment as he studied her face closely.

“I promised before, didn’t I? That I’d take you to the palace.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“I want to go with you. If you’re willing.”

Take her to the palace? Aria was left speechless.

Eric’s eyes grew deeper as he looked at her.

“I can’t leave you here alone. Honestly, I’m worried. Who knows what Edward might do while I’m gone.”

“But…”

“Going to the palace is dangerous. There’s a risk your identity might be discovered. But it’s still safer than staying here.”

“I’m not sure if it’s okay. I heard even nobles have trouble entering the palace. Can I really go?”

“Of course. You’re my wife. No one’s identity is more certain than yours. It’ll be easier than you think.”

At the word “wife,” Aria’s brown eyes trembled slightly.

Really, what reason did she have to hesitate? Being by Eric’s side was enough.

Perhaps it was the soft light in Aria’s eyes—Eric gently placed a hand on her right cheek.

Then his gaze fell to her full, red lips.

“Instead of worrying about meeting the Emperor, I’m thinking of you first.”

He kissed her lips lightly, then pulled away.

“Don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll protect you.”

Eric’s gaze softened as he looked at her.

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