Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Marie and Festival (1)
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Despite getting caught up in trouble and having a somewhat sour taste left from the pre-festival, the conference finally began the next day. Even though it was called a conference, it mostly consisted of ceremonial events, such as honoring nobles for their achievements and a collective investiture ceremony for those becoming new nobles.
During this, there was an announcement that caused a stir. The engagement of the king’s second daughter, Marie, was announced. Her fiancé was from the recently rapidly rising House of Marquis Raiha. Though Arc had never seen Marie’s face, she was said to be a very delicate and charming person. The House of Marquis Raiha must be very fortunate to welcome such a beautiful woman of status and honor.
Additionally, this also meant that Marie was now out of the running for the successor position. The remaining candidates were the eldest son Leo, the eldest daughter Casablanca, and the second son Louis. Louis, who was highly supported by the nobility, would likely become the successor. This would put the Warden Household in a slightly tough spot, as they were isolated among the nobles.
Although there was this surprise, the conference went on calmly, ending the first day without much excitement.
The Habarov-called conference was strictly historical and ceremonial. The main event was the dinner party. Once the nobles return to their mansions, they change into dazzling attire. Many nobles brought their sons and daughters along, as the event also served as a matchmaking opportunity.
The Warden Household, being in an uncomfortable position, had only Arc attending. There might be Yuna hiding somewhere, though…
“Everyone, thank you for coming once again. Thanks to you, the first day has ended smoothly. I look forward to your continued cooperation over the next few days.” (Zerold)
Behind the King, who was giving a toast, stood the King’s children. The light was too strong to see clearly, but it seemed there were only three of them. It appeared one of the four was not present.
“For now, enjoy yourselves and deepen your friendships. Cheers!” (Zerold)
As the dinner party began, the nobles erupted into lively conversations. Arc, of course, was left alone. Feeling too lonely, he looked for someone to talk to.
Among the King’s children, Louis was particularly popular. A crowd of nobles gathered around him. Although they were nobles themselves, they were influential ones like electors and marquises. It was clear they were trying to ingratiate themselves with the future king.
From a distance, the eldest daughter, Casablanca, who was Louis’s sister, looked at these nobles with disdain. Though she was considered the next most influential candidate after Louis in the succession race, she seemed to have no one around her except for her maid. Since he was there anyway, Arc decided to greet Casablanca. As a prominent candidate for the next successor, it would be good to have her remember his face.
“Are you Princess Casablanca?” (Arc)
“There’s no need for sympathy. Or did you come to laugh at me, standing out alone at the dinner party?” (Casablanca)
Despite only having greeted her, Casablanca responded with hostility. Indeed, she did seem pitifully out of place…
Arc received a highly antagonistic response from the start.
“No, I thought I’d found a fellow isolated person…” (Arc)
“Huh?” (Casablanca)
“I am Baron Arc Warden.” (Arc)
Intending to lighten the mood with humor, Arc was met with a response filled with unexpected anger, leading him to hastily switch to introducing himself.
“Warden… Ah, I see. You’re the ‘Merchant Noble’. I’ve heard rumors about you.” (Casablanca)
“It’s an honor.” (Arc)
The term “merchant noble” carries a condescending meaning from other nobles, but whether Casablanca was aware of this or not… Does she not know?
“No wonder you don’t seem like a typical noble.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca, having seen Arc’s complex expression, immediately corrected herself.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m actually complimenting you.” (Casablanca)
“Complimenting me by saying I don’t seem like a noble?” (Arc)
“Yes. Because I absolutely hate nobles.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s loud voice made nearby nobles turn in surprise. Even so, Casablanca did not stop.
“Really, what are nobles anyway? This country could be governed by the king alone. Why do people who aren’t even the king get to act so arrogantly?” (Casablanca)
Since Arc was also a noble, he wished she wouldn’t vent her frustrations to him as if they were comrades. However, she continued unabated.
“It’s true that ancestors might have had achievements. But just because of that, there’s no reason to grant special status to their foolish sons. I’m not saying all nobles are bad. It’s just that there are far too many nobles in this country! The royal family is becoming just a decoration!” (Casablanca)
Perhaps she doesn’t like the hereditary nature of the privileged class. It seems to me that the same could be said about the royal family…
Arc thought such things in his mind, but on the surface, he maintained a solemn expression while listening to Casablanca’s complaints. He certainly didn’t have the courage to argue with royalty.
“That’s why I respect those like your Warden Household who have earned their noble status through ability.” (Casablanca)
“Ah, thank you very much.” (Arc)
“Hey, you. Arc, was it? Why don’t we join forces to take down the nobility?” (Casablanca0
Seeming to take a liking to Arc, Casablanca flashed a broad smile and made a terrifying joke. Although she had been frowning all this time, she was quite beautiful when she smiled.
“Anyway, those guys…” (Arc)
“Princess Casablanca, this is a public occasion. You can’t say any more.” (??)
Finally, a maid stepped in to stop Casablanca as her mood had gotten increasingly animated.
“Wait! I’m not done talking yet. Let me go!” (Casablanca)
“No. No more.” (Maid)
The maid, showing strong resolve, defied her mistress’s command and tried to stop Casablanca. Taking advantage of the commotion with the maid, Arc managed to escape. The nobles looked at Casablanca with cold eyes. Not only was she already out of place but having gotten close to her had made Arc even more isolated. As he fled to the balcony, he found someone already there, enjoying the night breeze.
“We meet again.” (??)
The speaker was too dark to see clearly. However, the voice was familiar, and recently so. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, the face gradually came into view.
“Oh my, it’s you, Marie-oneechan.” (Arc0
Arc, unable to recall the name immediately, addressed her using the same name as the boy from the previous day.
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