Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Summons
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A week after Rishu and the pioneers had departed for Forth Town, news arrived for Yuna from a member of the Sheeb Order in the capital. Arc had been expecting it.
“…Arc-sama, I have a letter from the capital.” (Yuna)
“Ah, it’s finally here.” (Arc)
The letter from the capital contained only a single phrase, ‘Habarov Summons’.
The Habarov Summons. Named after King Habarov, the founder of the kingdom, who summoned nobles to the capital unexpectedly to test their loyalty. Over time, the practice had become more formalized, now occurring once every four years. It had turned into an event where all the nobles gathered in the capital to discuss political and economic issues and to socialize at banquets.
Honestly, Arc didn’t want to go to this summons.
Rumors were swirling that King Zerold I, the current king of the Laplace Kingdom, was considering abdication. With four children, the possibility of a succession dispute was not insignificant, and Arc didn’t want to get entangled in such conflicts. Moreover, he was too busy developing the Mikanda region to spend time at leisurely banquets in the capital.
However, attending was a traditional duty of the nobility. Despite his complaints, Arc knew he had to go. The capital was far from Mikanda, so he needed to leave as soon as possible. While it was no longer a race to show loyalty by arriving first, being late was still unacceptable.
With this in mind, Arc had to select companions for a small, swift group to accompany him to the capital. After some thought, he decided to take only the four people currently in the room. His bodyguard, Yulia, the Order member, Yuna, and his sister, Minerva.
“Yuna, Yulia, and Minerva.” (Arc)
“Huh, me too?” (Minerva)
Minerva was surprised by Arc’s words. She didn’t have any specific tasks to accomplish at this summons. The Mikanda region, on the other hand, was filled with challenges. However, a trip to the capital could be a good change of pace for the overworked Minerva.
“Yes. Since coming to Mikanda, we haven’t had much time to be together, have we?” (Arc)
“You don’t need to worry about that.” (Minerva)
Minerva thought Arc was concerned because of her recent quarrel with Rishu. She felt very embarrassed. But in reality, that was about 60% of the reason.
“Tyr can manage things while we’re away. How about a trip to the capital for a change?” (Arc)
“Well, since you’ve invited me, I’ll go.” (Minerva)
Minerva finally relented. She felt guilty about leaving her work in Mikanda, but she was also delighted at the prospect of a trip with her brother. Her face was lit with joy. By the time she was packing for the trip, she was even humming.
—
A week before the Habarov Summons in the capital city of Horimas in the Laplace Kingdom. At the royal palace.
King Zerold I and Grand Chancellor Rubel were waiting for the great nobles. The great nobles were distant relatives of the royal family, the four dukes of the kingdom. As Electors, they had significant influence in choosing the next king.
“The Electors have arrived.” (Rubel)
“Let them in.” (Zerold)
Four Electors entered the ‘King’s Chamber’. This room was used for important meetings.
“Thank you all for coming. Soon, the Habarov Summons will bring nobles from all over the kingdom here. As I have mentioned before, I intend to retire from being king and pass on the responsibility to my children with this Habarov Summons.” (Zerold)
Without preamble, the king moved straight to the main topic. The issue at hand was the succession that would determine the kingdom’s fate.
“I have four children. The eldest son, Leo, the eldest daughter, Casablanca, the second son, Louis, and the youngest daughter, Marie. I want to choose the next king from among them, but I would like to consider the opinions of the Electors as well. Let’s keep this informal. Feel free to speak your mind.” (Zerold)
The king said this and waited for their opinions, but the Electors, being polite, said nothing. Therefore, the king decided to ask their opinions about each child in turn.
“Let’s start with the eldest son, Leo.” (Zerold)
The moment Leo’s name was mentioned, the Electors all made grim faces. One of them spoke on behalf of the others.
“Leo-sama possesses overwhelming power in terms of military power. As a general, he is among the top in the kingdom. However, on the other hand, he has a violent side, finds joy in causing suffering to others, and it’s not hard to imagine he could become a tyrant.” (??)
The Grand Vizier gave a glance that seemed to suggest this was an exaggeration, but the king could only nod. Being the first child and a son, Leo had been indulged throughout the kingdom. As a result, he had become a selfish and extremely angry individual when things did not go his way. While he had a natural talent for military force, his character turned that talent into nothing but fear.
“He is, for better or worse, like a child. Indeed, he lacks the qualities needed to lead the people as a king.” (??)
“Now, what about Marie?” (Zerold)
Next came the youngest, Marie. At this, the Electors were convinced. The king was asking about candidates with no potential first. Consequently, they began to give opinions that would align with the king’s views.
“Marie-sama is full of compassion, cherishes the people, empathizes with the weak, and is greatly loved by many. Among the King’s children, she likely has the most popular support from the public. Her relationships with her siblings are also good, so there is almost no possibility of a civil war among the siblings after she becomes Queen. However, that is also a significant weakness. Marie-sama is too kind. A person who would give her own fur coat to a nearly naked beggar from her carriage is not suited to be a Queen who must look after all the people.” (??)
The king agreed.
“Marie is a kind child. I do not want her to bear the responsibility and pressure of being a king.” (Zerold)
While the king had tried to interact with his three other children as a king, he had treated his youngest, Marie, with ordinary paternal affection. Marie, having received straightforward love, grew up delicately, and marriage proposals from nobles all over the kingdom are pouring in. As a father, he wished for her to live happily as a noble’s wife rather than suffering as a queen.
“Additionally, Lady Marie has close ties with the church. If she becomes Queen, the already substantial power of the church will become even stronger.” (??)
Marie seemed to have a natural affinity with the church. She was very close with them, but this was not ideal for the king. Preventing religious influence from interfering in politics was necessary.
At this point, the king fell silent for a while. It seemed he was unsure which of the remaining two candidates to discuss next. In other words, he was also unsure whether to choose one of the remaining two as the king.
Eventually, the king spoke slowly.
“Let’s talk about Casablanca.” (Zerold)
The Electors began to speak.
“Casablanca-sama possesses extensive knowledge in politics, administration, and military matters. Additionally, she has practical experience managing a territory as a lord. I believe she could demonstrate stable leadership even as a queen.” (??)
“Managing a territory and managing a kingdom are worlds apart, but you are right. What are her shortcomings?” (Zerold)
“Her worst issue is her relationship with the nobility. Casablanca-sama harbors intense hatred and hostility towards the nobles. If she were to become Queen, the nobles throughout the kingdom would be dissatisfied.” (??)
“Why does Casablanca hate the nobility so much?” (Zerold)
The king gave a wry smile. The one and only fatal flaw of Casablanca is her hatred of the nobility. It might be more accurate to say she despises them. It seems she holds the belief that ‘everything in the kingdom must be governed by the king’. While this sentiment was understandable, in the Kingdom of Laplace, where 80% of the land is governed by nobles, conflict with the nobility is disastrous.
“Indeed, it is a critical flaw. Cooperation with the nobility is indispensable for managing the kingdom.” (??)
“Lastly, tell me about Louis.” (Zerold)
When Louis’s name was mentioned, the Electors began to speak animatedly. It seemed they all held Louis in high regard.
“Louis-sama is not only exceptionally capable but also maintains good relations with the nobility. If Louis-sama becomes king, the nobles will be pleased.” (??)
They said nothing about Luis’s shortcomings. Well, he likely had no major flaws. The king did not need to be exceptionally talented, but he couldn’t be foolish. Building and maintaining good relationships with the vizier and the nobility is a crucial role.
“I understand. I appreciate your honest opinions.” (Zerold)
The king stood up, thanked them, and escorted the Electors to the door. Once they had all exited, he closed the door to prevent any sound from leaking out and then asked the Grand Vizier.
“Rubel, what do you think of the Electors’ opinions?” (Zerold)
“Even though they are Electors, they are still just nobles. Their opinions can be considered those of the nobility.” (Rubel)
“So, the nobility supports Louis.”
“Indeed, Louis-sama seems to maintain good relations with the nobility. However, there is concern that this may lead to an excessive increase in the influence of the nobility.” (Rubel)
“Louis is too closely tied to the nobility. If he becomes king, there is a risk that the government could be completely taken over by the nobles.” (Zerold)
For the nobility, it was only natural to support Louis, who was most friendly with them. On the other hand, the interests of the nobility did not always align with those of the kingdom. The danger of making Louis king lies in that fact.
“Louis, who relies heavily on the nobility, and Casablanca, who intensely despises them. If only we could mix these two and get a balanced ruler.” (Zerold)
The king spoke his true feelings with a wry smile.
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