The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 26

The moment I heard Lady Noella’s story, countermeasures were already forming in my mind. I had been summoned at the prince’s request. Given her past circumstances, this wasn’t a problem that could be ignored.

“Leave it to me.”

When I gave that response, I had already formulated a plan of action. I would mobilize all the connections and experience I had cultivated as a merchant to protect them.

First, detailed fact-finding. I headed to the Adventurer’s Guild.

They were the adventuring team exclusively contracted with our merchant house. For someone to make a direct request without going through our house was clearly abnormal. I needed to hear the details about how this came about.

When visiting the guild, I made an appointment in advance. With this kind of problem, one should avoid actions that might provoke hostility.

“Master Anctuan, my apologies for taking your valuable time today.”

“Not at all, I’m grateful you could make time for me.”

The one who greeted me was Guild Master Baron. The deep wrinkles etched on his forehead and his expression, different from his usual calm demeanor, clearly showed he was troubled.

We faced each other in his office. Perhaps to demonstrate that the guild bore no hostility toward our merchant house or me, Baron began explaining the details with careful consideration.

“Truthfully, it was a sudden order from the royal family. We’re quite perplexed ourselves. We have no desire to damage our relationship with Master Anctuan, but we cannot defy the royal family either.”

From his words, I understood the guild was also acting under forceful orders with little choice. Unable to refuse for fear of trouble with the royal family, he bowed deeply without hiding his apologetic feelings.

“Master Baron, please don’t concern yourself. We’re in the same difficult position. Would you permit us to cooperate on this matter?”

At my proposal, relief appeared on Baron’s expression. It seemed we could work together.

“Of course. If anything, we would appreciate your assistance.”

“Then let’s explore whether we can politely decline their request. The designated party specializes in dangerous missions and isn’t suited for escort or ceremonial duties. Could we use that as grounds to somehow manage this?”

His aim was likely poaching. I sensed that, but the other side hadn’t detailed their reasons for the summons. So perhaps we could shift focus from that while revealing their true purpose. For that, we needed to prepare reasons to refuse the request.

“I see. Indeed, they are experts in monster subjugation with numerous achievements. But royal family escort is a different matter entirely.”

“Additionally, what about using ‘difference in status’ as grounds? ‘We are unworthy of interacting with members of the royal family.’ ‘They are adventurers who help common citizens. For lowly commoners to directly meet His Highness would be presumptuous beyond their station. We are too humble and unqualified for such an audience.'”

Baron nodded at this proposal. A good idea. We would somehow steer the conversation toward refusal. So, Lady Noella could avoid meeting the prince.

“Excellent. Indeed, even the royal family cannot force such matters.”

We devised a detailed strategy. I would take full responsibility for dealing with the royal messenger. The guild would emphasize their professional unsuitability while bringing status issues to the forefront. A plan to handle this with dual defenses.

After concluding our discussion and leaving the Adventurer’s Guild, I headed to a noble I was acquainted with. This noble was friendly even to a merchant like me and was also a reliable business partner. The trust built through years of transactions was solid. He might be able to help with this situation.

I was shown into the noble’s mansion and waited in his study. When he entered, he showed slight surprise upon seeing me.

“Anctuan? Is there some urgent matter?”

I bowed respectfully and explained the situation. Hearing my story, he showed confusion, deep wrinkles forming between his brows.

“What? The prince showing interest in adventurers. What could he be thinking?”

“Perhaps he intends to poach them as military assets.”

At my speculation, he clearly displayed displeasure. Not toward me, but rather toward the prince.

“That’s utterly improper. Trying to poach people from common citizens just because they have ability goes against common sense. Normally, one would select from the royal guards or seek cooperation from the temple.”

“My apologies. I thought you might feel that way.”

“If any problems arise, I’ll voice my concerns as well. Even for royalty, excessively discourteous behavior cannot be overlooked. Anctuan, I understand your position. It must be a difficult judgment call as a merchant, but stand by your principles.”

“Your gracious words are most appreciated.”

His words were very reassuring. Using royal and noble societal norms as a shield, we might be able to counter the prince’s demands. As a merchant, my efforts to cherish such connections were paying off.

Several days later, after thorough preparations, I met with the royal messenger. Facing me in the merchant house’s reception room, the messenger appeared in formal attire bearing the royal crest, sitting with a posture that seemed to look down on me.

“Anctuan of the merchant house. Refusing His Highness’s summons is quite bold.”

Though his tone carried the condescension typical of nobility, his eyes also seemed mixed with confusion. Using my merchant-honed ability to read people, I probed his true intentions.

“I am deeply honored to receive an audience despite my unworthiness.”

I bowed politely while maintaining a gentle smile. Showing maximum courtesy to avoid arousing suspicion.

“Now, let’s discuss this matter. While we respect His Highness’s intentions, this being such a sudden summons, we remain unaware of the detailed reasons. First, tell me why you wish to refuse the request.”

Though the messenger’s words were arrogant, he too seemed perplexed. Probably acting on the prince’s sudden orders without fully understanding the details.

“Thank you for your understanding. We too are striving to comply with His Highness’s wishes, but first we wished to accurately understand his intentions.”

The messenger frowned but eventually relaxed his posture slightly.

“Truthfully, His Highness heard rumors about those adventurers and became interested. Though I haven’t been told details, he likely wishes to borrow their power in some capacity.”

We were beginning to obtain interesting information. At this rate, we might resolve this problem without endangering Noella and the others.

“I humbly submit that our adventurers specialize in commoner missions and are ill-suited for palace duties. We fear it would be blasphemous for those of differing status to have an audience with His Highness.”

The messenger pondered briefly, then surprisingly nodded.

“I cannot say I don’t understand. I shall convey that to His Highness.”

Smiling inwardly, I decided to gather more detailed information. Using the negotiation skills honed as a merchant, I would definitely overcome this difficult situation. I must absolutely fulfill the trust Lady Noella placed in me.