The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 78
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 78: Entering the Palace (2)
The Emperor had three wives.
When he decided to have heirs, he welcomed three empresses simultaneously.
There was no distinction between primary wife and concubines.
All held the same position as empresses.
They were all mana-compatible.
The first wife, Empress Choi, bore only two sons.
Born in consecutive years, the Crown Prince and Second Prince had been rivals since childhood and still fought as adults.
The second wife, Empress Yeon, had one son and two daughters.
The Third Prince, First Princess, and Third Princess.
The third wife, Empress Ju, had two sons and one daughter.
The Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Second Princess.
Today, Honda Mitsui and Kim Woong-bang were in front of Gate 2 to meet the second wife, Empress Yeon.
They hadn’t come alone.
Honda Kazuo, Kim Woong-bang’s father-in-law and Mitsui’s father, had also come with them.
The Japanese forces within the Empire were all trying to align themselves with Empress Yeon.
Empress Yeon’s late father was a Japanese general who had changed his family name to Yeon.
The Emperor had accepted her as an empress as part of his ethnic integration policy.
Honda Kazuo and Mitsui’s group had come to align themselves with Empress Yeon.
They had barely managed to secure an appointment after persistent efforts, even though she rarely granted audiences.
But Kim Tae-ju had entered the palace through Gate 1 as soon as he arrived.
Mitsui had been waiting since morning.
And that wasn’t all.
Her husband Kim Woong-bang’s attitude.
The way he looked at Kim Tae-ju.
His tender feelings toward Kim Tae-ju.
It was driving Honda Mitsui insane.
“You seem upset.”
“…No, I’m just angry.”
Her father Honda Kazuo had approached and casually struck up a conversation.
“That’s understandable. We’re desperately waiting for our names to be called at Gate 2 to align with Empress Yeon, while that bastard went in for a private audience with the Emperor.”
His voice seemed somewhat provocative.
“I’m curious what Kim Tae-ju will discuss with the Emperor.”
Kazuo continued talking regardless of whether his daughter was listening.
“He has everything. He must have made a lot of money, has a successful company, has followers… But there’s one thing he doesn’t have.”
Only then did Mitsui look at her father and speak.
“What? What doesn’t he have?”
“Land. A foundation where he can build his own power base.”
“…Hmm.”
Mitsui realized what her father was trying to say.
“H-he’s already been cast out. He and my husband are strangers now.”
“Family records can be restored by filing an appeal with the court.”
“That’s a finished matter that can’t be reversed.”
“If Kim Tae-ju asks the Emperor for help, can you stop it? He has a lot of money. If it goes to trial, he’ll definitely win. Which side do you think the judges will take?”
“…”
Suddenly!
“General Honda Kazuo’s party from Kyushu Domain, please enter the palace through Gate 2.”
Kazuo chuckled and began walking.
“Think about it carefully. But you don’t have much time.”
Actually, Honda Kazuo wasn’t too worried.
Whatever Kim Tae-ju discussed with the Emperor.
Because he knew well what condition the Emperor was in.
Only a very small number of people knew.
The Emperor who hadn’t shown himself even during the Black Demon Dragon’s northward advance.
There were rumors that his illness was very serious.
To the extent that he couldn’t carry out daily activities.
He didn’t have much time left to live.
Even if Kim Woong-bang died in an accident, the Emperor wouldn’t have the luxury to care.
When the Emperor died, the Empire would fall into the quagmire of succession struggles—that would be the perfect opportunity to leave Kyushu Domain and settle in Paju.
* * *
Tae-ju entered through Gate 1 under the secretary’s guidance.
He had met his father.
But he felt indifferent.
He held no resentment whatsoever.
Rather, he wished for his father’s happiness.
Was there anything special about it?
How many people lived after cutting ties with their parents?
Perhaps when a very long time had passed, when his emotions had diluted, he might visit once.
But not now.
Since he had become independent, he needed to take care of those who followed him first.
That’s why he had come to the Imperial Palace.
He had researched information about the Emperor in advance.
The Emperor’s estimated age of 200 years.
Yet his appearance supposedly looked like a middle-aged man in his forties.
He had also secured information not known to the public.
Through a phone conversation with Igor Baranov from the Leaders Club.
– There are various speculations about why His Majesty hasn’t appeared in public for the past few years. The most credible among them is information that His Majesty is battling illness.
Battling illness—a Grand Master? What kind of disease could it be?
– I don’t know the exact name of the illness either. But judging from the movements of the Crown Prince, other princes, and relatives by marriage, the possibility is very high.
Igor was referring to the succession struggle.
– If His Majesty were in good health, there would be no reason for them to fight each other. The Club has already split into factions.
He would find out when they met.
Whether he was truly ill or just pretending to be.
While having these various thoughts.
“We’ll take the elevator.”
He went up to the top floor of the Imperial Palace Tower.
Through winding corridors to an iron door blocking the front.
Soon he would meet the Emperor.
As he approached, the door slid open automatically.
Inside was a small room surrounded by white walls on all sides.
“We’ve arrived. I’ll stop here.”
“What? We’ve arrived…?”
As Tae-ju entered, Seo Pil-myeong closed the outer door and left.
Simultaneously.
Whirrrrrr!
The wall panel opened.
Then the scene beyond the wall appeared.
A middle-aged man sitting up with only his upper body raised on a central bed surrounded by numerous medical devices. And Secretary Geum Su-ho standing guard beside him.
‘Their security is certainly thorough.’
It was the Emperor’s quarters, so how could it not be?
It wasn’t just a simple room.
It felt like some kind of intensive care unit.
‘So the rumors were true.’
Geum Su-ho spoke in a stern voice.
“Show proper respect to His Imperial Majesty. Kneel down immediately…”
“Ah!”
The Emperor stopped Geum Su-ho.
“That’s enough. Why force others to do what you don’t even do yourself?”
“I did prostrate myself flat at first though?”
“You don’t do it now.”
“But Chairman Kim is meeting you for the first time, so why the unfair treatment…”
The Emperor didn’t even listen to the end of Geum Su-ho’s words and raised his hand to call Tae-ju over.
“Cough cough, th-there, don’t just stand there awkwardly, come closer.”
“Yes.”
“I’m not feeling well, so I’ll keep this brief.”
After catching his breath for a moment.
“You must have heard from Secretary Geum, but I wish to grant you the position of Lifetime Mayor of Gurye. Don’t feel burdened. It’s the same as granting a fief…”
The Emperor got straight to the point upon meeting.
But Tae-ju couldn’t hear the Emperor’s words.
The nauseating smell that had been wafting over since a while ago.
The ugly, sticky stench of demonic energy that only he could smell.
‘Could it be that the Emperor is…’
No.
It was quite different from what emanated from Demons.
Normal mana was mixed in as well.
‘Was it forcibly injected?’
That was highly likely.
It would also be the reason he was bedridden.
The Emperor stopped mid-sentence and looked at Tae-ju with puzzled eyes.
“Is there something bothering you? You don’t seem to be paying attention to what I’m saying.”
“Ah! I apologize.”
He was here for an audience with the Emperor regarding the Lifetime Mayor of Gurye position, but.
‘Let me check this out.’
I have to do what needs to be done.
“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold…”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“May I ask you one thing?”
“Don’t be formal, ask comfortably.”
“Is the reason for your illness because of Demons?”
Both the Emperor and Geum Su-ho were startled.
“…H-how did you know?”
“I can smell demonic energy from Your Majesty.”
“Huh, smell… I’ve heard about that, but then didn’t you suspect me of being a Demon?”
“I can distinguish that much.”
The Emperor nodded and admitted it.
“That’s right. I was struck while fighting a Demon. Like a reckless fool who didn’t know his place in the world, I got my comeuppance.”
Honestly, it was shocking.
A Demon with enough power to do this to the Emperor, who was acknowledged as the Empire’s strongest, existed?
“There are stakes of demonic energy that bastard left inside my body. They’re embedded in my mana road, heart, and inside this head. Like time bombs.”
I think I understand what he means.
It’s the same method I used when I directly dealt with Lee Gi-eon.
“Do you remember the letter I sent you as a warning?”
“Yes.”
“I know you recently apprehended a Demon at Hapbin Correctional Facility. But you must be careful, very careful. Don’t underestimate Demons. I don’t want to lose the Empire’s talent.”
“…”
“You don’t need to worry. You didn’t come here because of my illness.”
The Emperor seemed like a better person than expected.
I could glimpse the bearing of a ruler.
‘Should I cure him?’
If he remains healthy, the Empire will be stable.
‘If I push through with Honweonmusangdokryeongong…’
A method of grasping the Emperor’s pulse points and injecting toxic energy through his mana road to forcibly destroy the demonic stakes.
But the Emperor’s body was too weak for that.
I’d need to destroy them with powerful force, but I’m not sure if he could withstand it.
There are two ways to remove the stakes.
Either resolve them with one’s own abilities, or have the one who left the mana retrieve them.
‘Though there is one more method…’
Actually, the most certain method.
‘Good thing I brought it.’
The Emperor will probably be different after today.
The Emperor changed the subject.
“What do you think? Will you accept the position of Lifetime Mayor of Gurye? I still haven’t heard an answer.”
Right.
I still haven’t decided even now.
The burden of increased responsibility was daunting, but on the other hand, I also wanted to develop Gurye, which had become my second hometown, into the Empire’s greatest city.
“I’m worried whether my abilities can handle a large city like Gurye.”
“Hahaha, you’re more than capable. Excessive modesty is hypocrisy. Even if you fall short, you’re already someone blessed with good relationships.”
Well, when it comes to relationships, I wouldn’t lose to anyone.
“Look at me. Even though I’ve been stuck in this place for years, the Empire runs peacefully. You just need to use people well. It’s enough for you to just provide policy direction.”
At the Emperor’s words, Tae-ju made his decision.
“Yes, I’ll accept it.”
“Good thinking.”
Let’s gain power.
The power to stand firm and proud without budging even when all kinds of storms come.
“A victory celebration will be held soon. You’ll be contacted about it too. I’ll attend by whatever means necessary, and I’ll officially appoint you as mayor then.”
“I am deeply honored.”
Tae-ju bowed his head and then placed the bag he brought on the table.
“This is…”
“What’s this?”
“It’s a tribute. I couldn’t come empty-handed when meeting Your Majesty for the first time.”
“…Is it deer meat by any chance? I was actually wanting to thank you. Because of that, my appetite returned and I regained some strength.”
“It’s not deer meat. It’s something better. I put two in there. Please share them with Secretary Geum.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s really precious… you couldn’t obtain it even if you offered hundreds of millions. And it might help with Your Majesty’s condition…”
“What on earth is it?”
Anyway, the business was finished.
After briefly exchanging pleasantries, Secretary Geum escorted Tae-ju outside.
“I’d appreciate it if you kept His Majesty’s condition secret. If anyone asks, just say he’s still in good health.”
“Don’t worry, Secretary Geum.”
Tae-ju left the Emperor’s Quarters.
Geum Su-ho casually asked the Emperor.
“How is it?”
“It’s as amazing as I heard. Just by looking at it, I can tell. Even if I had fought it when I was in good condition, I couldn’t guarantee victory.”
“How is it that Your Majesty only thinks about fighting? Even though you’re suffering like this because of it.”
“…Stop talking nonsense and just open the bag.”
Geum Su-ho shook his head and opened the bag.
Then an amazing fragrance filled the room.
“What is it?”
“It looks like peaches. They’re very large too.”
“…Peaches?”
The Emperor looked slightly disappointed.
“Chairman Kim is smaller-minded than I thought. I expected him to give me some elixir at least.”
“Tsk tsk, he raked in money like crazy from this war, and this is all he gives….”
“Still, the fragrance is nice. Bring it here.”
Geum Su-ho carried the bag and placed it in front of the Emperor who was leaning against the bed.
“Oh! They’re this big, you should eat one too.”
“I’ll take one when I leave later.”
He wasn’t particularly interested.
They said it was precious, but it was just a peach after all.
‘Well, considering the thoughtfulness of bringing it….’
The Emperor took out one of the two peaches and brought it to his mouth.
Crunch.
Juice bursting in his mouth.
Slurp.
The Emperor tilted his head and chewed once more.
Crunch, munch munch.
From now on, he didn’t take his mouth off it at all.
Crunch, crunch, crunch….
A peach mukbang scene.
He was eating it so deliciously.
Gulp.
Watching him, Geum Su-ho’s mouth also began to water.
‘He said one was mine, right?’
Geum Su-ho sneakily reached out and grabbed the bag’s handle.
But at that moment!
Grab!
The Emperor stopped eating the peach and grabbed Geum Su-ho’s wrist.
“What are you doing right now?”
“One is mine, you told me to try it earlier, didn’t you?”
“When did I say that?”
“…What?”
The Emperor’s attitude suddenly changed.
“What’s with that look? You’re looking at me like I’m a thief.”
“Chairman Kim also said to share it….”
“I didn’t hear that.”
“….”
How could he be so shameless!
But the Emperor had realized why this peach was precious.
“I’m older than you and my body isn’t well, yet instead of getting me more of this precious thing, you’re trying to steal it from me? Didn’t Chairman Kim say it would help me!”
“No, but still….”
“Sigh, I’ve lived too long. I should have died back then, now I’m just alive causing trouble for others.”
“…Please have it all.”
Only then did the Emperor smile with satisfaction.
He had already finished one and was holding the remaining one in his hand.
Crunch, crunch, crunch….
Finally, Geum Su-ho spoke up.
“Um, j-just one bite….”
Of course, the Emperor pretended not to hear.
Though he had shared a long friendship with Geum Su-ho, this was something he absolutely couldn’t give up.
This incredible peach was definitely not ordinary.
The moment he bit into it, auspicious energy spread throughout his body.
‘It’s incomparable to when I ate elixirs.’
In his years of battling illness, his body had never felt this light.
He felt like he could get up from bed right away.
‘Huh, did I already finish it all?’
The Emperor wouldn’t know.
That this was a Seondo (Immortal Peach).
That it was a fruit from the Immortal Realm containing immortal energy.
No matter how faint, immortal energy had the characteristic of repelling impure and evil energies.
It was a natural enemy of the inevitably turbid mana of demons.
So in the stake of demonic energy that was firmly lodged in the Emperor’s mana load.
Crack!
Microfractures were forming.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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