Chapter 18
“So Lady Marceline’s merchant house mainly deals in fruit?”
“Yes. Since the crops are grown directly in our territory, you can trust their quality.”
“Damn it, who cares about quality? Just having something edible during the cursed winter is a blessing!”
The man, who introduced himself as the lord of the small Melton territory, grumbled.
“And those blasted merchants—always looking out for their own profit! Even when I tell them the price is too high, they won’t budge!”
“You’re absolutely right.”
Somehow, the conversation shifted to shared merchant grievances. Even though it was their first meeting, the two talked like old friends.
“So what do you say—how about signing a direct supply deal with our territory?”
“A-Are you serious?”
“Of course. But since the livelihoods of my people depend on this, I’d like food prices to be kept at the previously agreed level. Though considering the special circumstances, I’m willing to adjust to a slightly higher rate.”
“O-of course! I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
How heartwarming.
More nobles approached Esha, offering their hands. One after another, contracts were signed.
And it wasn’t just the warmth of the banquet hall that made it feel this way.
At the same time, a string of messages appeared:
– You have successfully imprinted the image of the Marceline merchant house in people’s minds.
– You have prevented the bankruptcy of the Marceline merchant house.
– You have prevented famine in Melton.
– You have prevented famine in Ramos.
– You have prevented famine in Anemone.
– You have significantly reduced winter famine-related deaths.
Next came the achievement rewards:
– You have created a pivotal moment in history.
– Calculating curse alleviation based on achievement contribution…
– Curse of Forgetting alleviated by 17%.
– One person has regained full memories.
– One person has regained partial memories.
Two people again.
Who remembered me this time?
I couldn’t help but feel excited.
After the three-day banquet ended and the guests had all gone—
“Why did you side with me?”
Laura leaned against the terrace railing with her arms crossed.
“Because it was the right thing to do.”
Asel answered firmly and calmly.
“I knew you were innocent. How could I ignore that?”
“I see.”
Laura replied lightly, bowing her head.
She seemed to laugh it off, but a trace of resignation was unmistakable.
Asel couldn’t bring himself to ask—how many times had this happened to her before? How many times had she endured this alone?
Asking might make it seem like he was trivializing her pain.
At the same time, one thought crossed his mind.
“Maybe…”
Maybe you are the one I’ve forgotten.
Lately, Asel had felt the gaps in his memory. He wandered the palace, hoping to find some trace of what he had lost.
And then he discovered that room.
A room filled with letters written, rewritten, then crumpled and thrown away.
Presents that were never delivered, left to gather dust.
A room filled with the quiet warmth of someone’s affection.
There was only one possible conclusion—
He once loved someone.
Could it have been… her?
But Asel shook his head.
No, it’s too early to assume anything.
Nothing was clear yet. Letting emotions lead to conclusions would be reckless.
“…Your Highness?”
Maybe he was silent too long.
Laura turned to look at him with eyes so clear, he couldn’t even guess what she was thinking.
Asel quickly tucked his emotions away.
“It’s nothing.”
He didn’t want to wound her by revealing disordered thoughts.
“Nothing at all.”
Meanwhile, Laura had been watching, wondering—
Still not this time?
She curled her lips bitterly.
She’d secretly hoped he was one of the two who remembered.
But again, Asel wasn’t one of them.
At the same time, she grew curious.
Then who did remember me?
At that same moment—
Esha was in her carriage, organizing contracts.
Not just one or two—but five full contracts.
All from lords requesting food supply deals for the winter.
Now that I think about it, people say having the documents ready in advance keeps everyone honest.
Even verbal promises needed to be recorded and labeled as formal agreements for a reason.
She hadn’t known that from the beginning. Someone had once taught her.
But who was it?
Every time she tried to remember, a strange tightness and headache clouded her thoughts.
“Are you alright, my lady?”
When she instinctively touched her forehead, her knight Loren asked with concern.
She started to wave it off—but then—
– Someone has regained partial memories.
Unfamiliar letters flashed before her eyes—then suddenly, her memories came rushing back.
[“Why not run a merchant house yourself?”]
A gentle yet firm voice echoed in her ears.
[“Pleading your case won’t make middlemen sell things cheaper. And they won’t suddenly turn over a new leaf either.”]
The speaker was a woman.
But when Esha tried to recall her face, it was like looking at a smudged painting—only a vague shadow.
From her casual tone and mannerisms, Esha could guess the woman was close to her own age.
Nothing more.
[“Instead of sitting around waiting for the merchants to starve you out, shouldn’t you try something? I think that suits your temperament better.”]
And then Esha realized.
Yes, that’s right…
Even the very idea of becoming a merchant house owner hadn’t originally been hers.
There was someone…
Someone who pulled her through all this.
But she’d forgotten.
How pathetic…
“My lady?”
“Wait.”
When Esha stood up, Loren followed.
“Please wait here.”
There was something more urgent than telling him she was okay.
She jumped out of the carriage and walked.
No destination in mind—just letting her feet guide her.
“P-please wait!”
And then she saw the person she was looking for.
“Is something the matter?”
Laura Leweis turned around.
Esha had called out on impulse, not even knowing what she’d say.
But when Laura met her eyes with that cool, unreadable expression, Esha flinched.
Laura wasn’t aware of it, but her impassive face could be unnerving.
Combined with all the rumors surrounding her, it was intimidating.
Esha briefly considered making up an excuse and walking away.
But then—she remembered what she had to say.
“Th-thank you…”
Yes. No matter who it was—
Even if that person was labeled a villain—gratitude had to be expressed.
That too… was something she once taught me.
Laura blinked in surprise—and then suddenly smiled.
“If you mean earlier, there’s no need to thank me. I was only returning the favor after you defended me in front of the princess.”
“But… you were the one who did it first.”
Laura paused mid-step.
“I heard you. When you told the princess she was being delusional.”
“Oh dear, I didn’t think anyone would hear that.”
Caught red-handed.
Her tone was light, feigning embarrassment, but her expression looked softer than ever.
So warm and kind, it was hard to believe this was the same woman plagued by malicious rumors.
Then why… why doesn’t this feel unfamiliar?
Esha wondered if she was losing her mind, feeling nostalgic for something lost.
Maybe… this was the real Laura. A side no one had ever seen.
As the image of Laura overlapped with a shadowy figure from her memory, Esha felt something stir inside her.
She wanted to get closer to this woman.
Even if it’s just a tiny thread connecting us—
Perhaps the start could be simple. A small excuse involving money.
“Please tell me what you want. Whatever it is, if it’s within my ability, I’ll make it happen.”
Laura thought deeply for a moment.
Despite the weight of the pause, her answer was simple.
“Apples.”
Real apples? Not gold-plated ones? Not a jewel shaped like one?
Laura added,
“Or other fruit. That’s fine too.”
It finally hit Esha that Laura was serious. She stood frozen, mouth agape.
Laura chuckled.
“My baby loves fruit.”
