Chapter 38

The third princess, Anais, stood before the investors in the form of a prisoner.

It was not something she had done of her own free will. “What’s the point of cracking down on investors when it’s all over anyway?”

Anais had merely acted on Siena’s orders.

Though she wanted to refuse, she could not bring herself to do so. Siena had warned her of what might happen if she did not cooperate.

“I’ll help you receive a lighter punishment if you do as you’re told. With luck, you might just be confined to a monastery. Of course, you can refuse if you want. It could be interesting either way. I’m only doing this because Alan told me to.”

…It seemed Siena was expecting her refusal, leaving her no choice but to comply.

Anais didn’t trust Siena’s promise to help.

However, she was certain that refusing would result in something much worse than confinement. Already at rock bottom, she didn’t want to fall into the abyss below.

Her task was to confess her sins before the investors.

In essence, it was a public confession. Though it felt like being tortured, it was still better than being publicly disgraced and pilloried.

‘Just get it over with.’

Anais began to speak in a submissive tone.

“However confused you may be, please listen to me.”

“Your Highness!?”

“…Just listen.”

With her eyes cast downward, she mechanically listed her offenses.

…

Everything Alan Medoff and Siena Carlisle had warned about turned out to be true.

Ma-hwang was indeed a dangerous ingredient not to be used recklessly.

Taking more than a certain amount could leave one’s life in the hands of the gods.

Knowing all this, she had started the business without proper testing, and so had they all by investing in it. The consequences were unavoidable.

Anais concluded with her eyes tightly shut.

“Sir, or rather, to everyone… Unfortunately, the production and distribution of health syrup will be halted from today.”

“But, then what about a contingency plan…?”

“There won’t be one. To my shame, I can no longer guarantee the future. I might even be confined soon. I apologize for the unintentional losses caused, but it would be wise for all of you to reflect. …Unless you want to end up like me.”

With that, the public confession was over.

Reactions varied.

Some stared in disbelief, others looked into the void, gripping their waists. Even a cute old man whispered conspiratorially. Almost everyone remained composed except for Professor Bobby who suddenly burst into tears.

‘Do they not yet realize what’s happened?’

As Anais wondered, someone approached her.

“Your Highness, the Third Princess?”

It was Marquis Riquius, once the right-hand leader of Anais’s faction.

Anais stared at him, expecting nothing but routine condolences. After all, they had shared a connection for several years.

“Yes. What is it, then?”

But Marquis’s words were not words of comfort.

“Thank you, Your Highness. By the way, will the cultivation and use of Ma-hwang itself be prohibited?”

“What?”

Anais’ eyes widened in disbelief.

“Are you looking for business opportunities when I could be confined to a monastery soon?”

Whether it was monastery confinement or house arrest, it was like a personal hell for Anais who had lived a life of luxury. Monastery confinement was worse since it involved a vow of celibacy.

Both were cruel punishments that would wither away her life.

‘What is he thinking? Is he out of his mind?’

A situation she could scarcely comprehend. However, Marquis Riquius smiled faintly and gently advised Anais.

“Your Highness is only seventeen. Do you really think Empress Lianhua will just sit by and watch? In about one or two years, confinement will likely be overturned upon her request. Please don’t worry too much.”

Who had driven her to this fall, and yet gave such a suggestion? Despite Anais’ hesitation, she decided to hear him out.

“Health syrup was the first business Your Highness started. It can’t just end like this. Admittedly, there were mistakes at the beginning, but with collective wisdom, improvements are possible. We need to minimize the risks while keeping the efficacy.”

“So?”

“If we stabilize the business, Your Highness’s return will be smoother. Please tell me, will Ma-hwang itself be prohibited?”

It was impossible to entertain such a request.

Anais scanned the room for any other reactions.

Despite their dejected expressions, their eyes pleaded with her with a sense of desperation. Some were even praying with clasped hands.

The meaning of their behavior was clear.

‘They intend to continue the business after I’m gone.’

It was evident that they planned to carry on with their money-making schemes, possibly using even techniques she had shared (though at the time, she hadn’t thought of them as such).

No matter how money blinded people, it seemed they had lost all compassion. Anais felt the hatred she felt for Siena even pale in comparison.

How could she have trusted such people in her business? A mocking laugh escaped her lips.

“Your Highness? Are you feeling okay? You’re pale.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“If so, that’s a relief…”

“Relief? Sure. Whether it’s house arrest or monastery confinement, what does it matter. In the end, I’ve lost to Siena and Alan Medoff anyway. It’s just sad that I’ve danced to their tune until the very end.”

Thanks to the investors, the next step became easier.

In the next moment, Anais sighed and looked at the lieutenant of the military police.

“There’s someone outside… bring him in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

That someone? Murmurs rippled through the investors but only briefly.

The entry of a man into the lobby silenced the room.

“Roughly heard. It seems they resonate with the Third Princess.”

The daring man who made such a remark, Alan Medoff, had arrived.

Did he consider the stock exchange the heart of finance? His attire was immaculate.

He was not a likable character; it wasn’t that he wasn’t handsome but rather the aura of menace he carried. His looks were decent.

Yet, in his hand was a worn-out mace.

Anais dropped her head, resigning herself to let things be.

**

The moment I entered the exchange, all eyes turned toward me.

Originally, I wanted to leave the cleanup to Siena. It’s only right to give the tough roles to my lord, isn’t it?

But I intervened because of a request from the Emperor directed to Siena. He could not bear the thought of Siena directly orchestrating the downfall of her younger sister.

Siena couldn’t refuse such an order either, and so it had naturally fallen to me. Not that there was anyone else to take my place.

‘Right. Maybe it’s better this way.’

I tightened my grip on the familiar morning star before looking around at the investors. I hadn’t brought it to use, but one could never be too sure.

“Why are you bringing a weapon into the exchange..?”

I ignored the dumbfounded whispers and went straight to the point.

“Each of you appear to have lingering interest in Ma-hwang despite the Third Princess’s fall. Are you planning to start new businesses?”

“Is that…illegal?”

“It could be made illegal but I’d rather not. Ma-hwang has overwhelming efficacy for asthma, coughing, and sinus issues. Moreover, with your discretion, the harm could be minimized.”

Yeah. Honestly, a complete ban would be tough.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to police them.

“You’re free to start your businesses. However, I’d like to make one thing clear. If you jump into the business, I will immediately prepare a Ma-hwang-based product.”

“What?”

“To be precise, I will manufacture and distribute ephedrine. You could say ephedrine is like morphine. Morphine derives from opium but is ten times as effective. Ephedrine surpasses Ma-hwang as well.”

By this point, everyone seemed to understand what I was saying.

The investors’ faces hardened rapidly. Still, while they were already in this situation, I decided to drive the point home.

“I assure you, competing with me will lead to your inevitable downfall. The losses will be far greater than this time around.”

No response came.

It didn’t seem like they couldn’t comprehend my words. Given my track record of successfully manufacturing morphine for military use, no one would consider my words a bluff.

‘They’re probably wondering if I’ll really go through with it.’

Eventually, one of the investors vocalized that doubt.

“So, we can’t, but you can?”

“Sure, you could interpret it that way. I know methods to make money without killing people. There’ll be no random street sales or syrup mixing.”

“The Imperial Court won’t allow this…!”

“I have confidence in garnering the support of both Siena and Empress Lianhua. Consider why the Third Princess agreed to stand before you.”

“…”

The faces of the people looking at me began to twist in expressions of resentment, disbelief, and maybe envy.

From my perspective, using state authority to crush the birth of a competitor cartel might seem unfair—but it was necessary. Advising them politely would have been futile.

In this case, outright intimidation was the best option. For a clearer message, I pointed the morning star towards Anais.

“Her Highness stands here because she ignored my advice. Entering this market will lead to greater harm than what she’s facing.”

Some of the twenty-six investors stared blankly at what was likely stock certificates of Chandler syrup.

Factually, they were now worthless. A few investors began to weep as their last hope faded, but I ignored them.

Better them suffer than let unscrupulous people proliferate.

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