Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)

 

 

Return

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Arc returned to Mikanda after about two weeks of travel, accompanied by Yulia and the Tadont couple. Yuna was expected to arrive later, once the hierarchy of the Order had stabilized.

Minerva was waiting upon their return to Mikanda. The mansion now had wallpaper and carpets laid out. Before Arc departed, it was literally a ruin covered in dust, but now it had been significantly renovated. Maids and butlers dispatched from the Warden Household’s mansion in the capital had already arrived and were busy moving about. What was once a lonely mansion now felt like a solid “home,” infused with the warmth of people.

“Welcome back, Onii-sama. I’m relieved you returned safely.” (Minerva)

“Ah, Minerva, I’m back.” (Arc)

“Yanna-oneesama is still on her investigation, but I expect both her and Tyr-oniisama to return in a few days. Please rest until then.” (Minerva)

“Thank you.” (Arc)

Arc sank into a plush sofa. He encouraged Yulia, who was tired from the long journey, to sit beside him. The Tadont couple seemed to be quite tired, partly due to their age, so he prepared a room for them to rest. Minerva took the drinks that the maid had brought for Arc and Yulia and placed them on the table. There was a loud thud.

“I see you’ve hired quite an impressive bodyguard.” (Minerva)

“Hm? Oh, that’s Yulia, a female gladiator. Yulia, this is my younger sister, Minerva.” (Arc)

“I’m Yulia. Nice to meet you.” (Yulia)

Minerva diverted her gaze from the bowing Yulia and glared at Arc with a hint of annoyance.

“Did you choose her because she’s cute?” (Minerva)

“Huh?” (Arc)

“Did you choose this woman just because she’s cute?” (Minerva)

“What are you talking about?” (Arc)

Arc was bewildered by why his sister was suddenly angry. Minerva, in turn, pulled the drink in front of Arc towards herself and gulped it down in one go.

“Well, if you always have a bodyguard with you, better to have a cute woman than some rough man, right?” (Minerva)

“Minerva… are you upset?” (Arc)

Minerva broke into a wide smile, a very pleasant expression. But whenever she smiled like this, it usually meant she was upset.

“No, not at all. I’m simply admiring how you went off to the capital alone to have fun and buy women while others are tirelessly trying to reform this territory.” (Minerva)

Minerva excelled in everything she did, possessing both a gentle personality and abundant talent. However, when it came to Arc, she could be quite stubborn in her beliefs.

“Minerva… that’s not it. I recognized Yulia’s talents.” (Arc)

Arc said with a hint of exasperation, to which Minerva smiled at Yulia.

“Then, Yulia-san… was it? I would like to spar with you.” (Minerva)

“I don’t mind.” (Yulia)

Although Arc tried to object, citing Yulia’s fatigue, she surprisingly agreed without hesitation.

If she’s motivated, there’s no helping it.

Arc nodded at Minerva.

Minerva hummed a tune as she went to fetch wooden swords. Her face beamed with a smile, but the maids passing by sensed an unusual aura and hurriedly averted their eyes.

They met in the garden, each wielding a wooden sword. Minerva’s smile disappeared. Yulia had intended to go easy to avoid hurting Minerva, but seeing Minerva’s serious expression, she abandoned that notion.

If this goes wrong, won’t I end up losing?

“Let’s begin.” (Minerva)

“Yes.” (Yulia)

As Yulia nodded, Minerva lunged forward. Yulia managed to dodge her unexpectedly swift strike and tried to counter, but Minerva had already moved.

“Here I am, Yulia-san.” (Minerva)

The moment she heard the voice from behind, Yulia leaped forward without looking back. A sword swished above her head. For a while, Yulia dodged Minerva’s attacks and waited for a chance to strike back.

“Is that all? You’ve been running away this whole time.” (Minerva)

“I’m just getting started.” (Yulia)

Yulia replied with a slight smile.

Indeed, Minerva was skilled and elegant. She must practice swordsmanship diligently every day. But that’s all there was to it. Her swordplay was skilled but lacked weight—she had never cut a person before.

“Raaaah!” (Yulia)

Yulia launched a serious counterattack. Startled, Minerva momentarily froze, her body tensed. Yulia didn’t miss the opportunity. She swung her sword towards Minerva’s head and tackled her while Minerva was trying to defend. Minerva let go of her sword, flew through the air, and slammed into the ground.

“I… I yield.” (Minerva)

“Minerva, are you alright?” (Arc)

Arc approached and helped Minerva up from the ground.

“Yes.” (Minerva)

As Minerva got up, her earlier vigor seemed to have disappeared completely. She grabbed Arc’s arm and apologized in a weak voice.

“Onii-sama, I’m sorry for blaming you due to my own misunderstanding.” (Minerva)

“You do have a tendency to misinterpret things and go off the rails sometimes. Just be more careful.” (Arc)

Minerva’s strength lies in her ability to promptly apologize when she realizes she’s at fault. Arc kept his reprimand light.

“Also, Yulia-san. I’m sorry for doubting your abilities.” (Minerva)

“Oh no, please! It’s really not…” (Yulia)

Yulia hadn’t expected to receive such an apology from a noble, so she waved her hands in a fluster.

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