First new novel, Merchant Noble, is out (1/3 chapters for today)

 

 

Surprise Attack of Marquis Ivan

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The Laplace Kingdom was located at the far western end of the western continent where humans lived. A carriage entered the main gate of the kingdom’s capital, Horimas. The side of the carriage was scratched all over, and the wheels were falling off, making it very wobbly.

“Halt. Who goes there?” (??)

“It is the House of Baron Warden.” (??)

The crest was shown to the gatekeeper from the carriage window.

“My apologies. Please proceed.” (??)

“Thank you.” (??)

The carriage entered the city through the main gate. The townspeople stared at the ragged carriage as it passed through the city and entered the district where the noble houses were located. There stood a simple building at the far end, the residence of the House of Baron Warden, whose territory was located in the southeastern corner of the kingdom.

A young man leaped out of the carriage. He was Arc, the second son of the House of Baron Warden.

“Father, we’ve reached the mansion. Everything is fine now.” (Arc)

“Baron-sama! What on earth happened…?” (??)

Servants who had been left in charge of the house came out in a flurry. They were greatly surprised by the sudden and battered return, as there had been no communication.

“I’ll explain later. It doesn’t matter how much it costs. Just bring me the best doctor in the city.” (Arc)

Upon hearing this, the well-trained servants scattered into the town like spiders. Arc continued to give swift instructions.

“Brothers, carry Father into the mansion. I’m heading to the royal palace.” (Arc)

“Arc, are you sure you’ll be alright alone? Shall I accompany you?” (Tyr)

His older brother, Tyr, who had descended from the carriage, asked with concern.

“No, it will be more complicated if we go together. It’s easier to speak alone.” (Arc)

 

—

 

Despite suddenly seeking an audience with the ministers at the royal palace, Arc was called in without much delay. They likely understood the situation.

“Arc Warden-dono, acting head of the House of Baron Warden, please enter.” (??)

“Excuse me.” (Arc)

When Arc entered the large room, the ministers and clergies who were the core of the kingdom were assembled.

“Arc-dono, we’ve already received a report from Marquis Ivan, but for the sake of neutrality, we would like to hear the report from the Baron Warden’s side. Please proceed.” (??)

Arc took a deep breath and began to read the prepared report.

“Yes. Four days ago, Marquis Ivan led 3,000 troops and suddenly invaded our territory in the middle of the night. We hastily gathered our soldiers to counterattack but couldn’t withstand the surprise assault and were defeated. My father, the head of our House, was struck by an arrow during the chaos and is now being treated at our mansion, but his condition is quite serious.” (Arc)

Then, Arc continued while struggling to contain his anger.

“Why did Marquis Ivan, a fellow noble of the same country, suddenly invade us? We have no idea and are simply enraged. We demand an explanation and an apology from Marquis Ivan.” (Arc)

One of the ministers spoke while looking through some documents.

“According to Marquis Ivan, the House of Baron Warden was colluding with another country, which prompted the attack. Is this true?” (??)

“This is a complete falsehood. Do you have any evidence?” (Arc)

“The House of Baron Warden takes advantage of its location on the border to import large quantities of demonic goods from other countries and sell them domestically for huge profits.”

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

One of the clergies spoke, slightly blaming Arc, who was supposed to be the victim. While selling demonic goods wasn’t necessarily a problem, it wasn’t something praised by the church.

“We have indeed been importing demonic goods, but we have reported this to the kingdom beforehand and have been paying a substantial amount of tax to the kingdom.”

“When you were attacked by Marquis Ivan, you abandoned your people and fled. This is a dereliction of duty as lords. You may not understand this as merchants-turned-nobles, but turning your back and fleeing is disgraceful for a noble.” (??)

Another noble spoke. The term “merchants-turned-nobles” caused Arc’s face to twitch slightly. It was clear that buying a title with the wealth amassed from trade did not sit well with other nobles. In fact, the House of Baron Warden had very little interaction with other nobles and was treated as an outcast.

“As border lords, we were vigilant against invasions from enemy countries, but we never imagined we would be attacked by Marquis Ivan, a fellow noble serving the same kingdom.” (Arc)

As Arc calmly responded and deflected the accusations from the ministers and nobles, a government official entered the room. He whispered something to the minister sitting at the far end. The minister then turned to Arc.

“Arc-dono, it seems the condition of Baron Warden has suddenly worsened. You should return quickly.” (??)

Arc felt the blood drain from his face. Though his father’s condition was serious, he feared the worst. The minister summarized the discussion.

“Anyway, until it is clearly proven that the House of Baron Wardon was not colluding with another country as Marquis Ivan claims, we will withhold any judgment on your case.” (??)

As a son, he should return immediately. However, as a noble’s son and a merchant’s son, backing down now would mean defeat. He had to hold on somehow.

“What do you think?” (Arc)

“What?” (??)

Arc resolutely raised his head.

“The House of Baron was invaded by the House of Marquis, yet the House of Baron faces punishment. What will other barons and viscounts in the kingdom think of this?” (Arc)

“The House of Marquis invaded the House of Baron, yet the House of Marquis faces no punishment. What will other marquises and dukes in the kingdom think of this?” (Arc)

“….” (??)

The ministers fell silent. If the decision to punish the House of Baron Warden became a precedent, weaker nobles might lose trust in the kingdom, and stronger nobles might become reckless.

“I urge you to make a decision that will prevent the nobles of the kingdom from starting conflicts. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” (Arc)

Though it sounded almost like a threat, Arc bowed respectfully and exited the room.

In front of the mansion, his younger sister, Minerva waited anxiously for Arc’s return. When he arrived, she pulled him off his horse and led him inside.

“Onii-sama! Father… hurry!” (Minerva)

“Father!” (Arc)

Arc rushed into his father’s bedroom. Despite the doctor’s efforts, it seemed it was too late. Only the baron and his children remained in the room. Hearing Arc’s voice, the baron opened his eyes and, with his last strength, began to speak.

“My children, gather around. There is something I must tell you before I die.” (Warden)

“Father…”

The older sister, Yanna, leaned in close, determined not to miss a single word.

“Never be arrogant and always make the best decision. In the face of rationality, morality and value judgments are irrelevant. We became nobles with money, but at our core, we are merchants.” (Warden)

He reached out his hand to Arc, who grasped it tightly.

“Arc, I name you the next head of the House. The four of you must protect the territory together. I have tried to give you an education far superior to that of noble or common children. If you combine your strengths, you can become a ruler of great renown. Never quarrel and always cooperate!” (Warden)

The baron, who had spoken with a strong voice until the end, died as soon as he finished speaking. Who could have predicted such an end a week ago? The four children stood in the room, with only Minerva’s quiet sobbing breaking the silence.

 

(Please consider supporting at https://www.patreon.com/bayabuscotranslation)

Table of Content | Next Chapter