Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
King’s Abdication and New Monarch
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
The following day, the council of nobles entered its second day. The King with his face flushed from a hangover, greeted them cheerfully.
“Last night’s banquet was truly splendid. I hope that the bonds between the kingdom and the nobility will grow even stronger and deeper. Now, let us move on to today’s main topic.” (Zerold)
The king’s expression then turned serious as he spoke.
“By now, many of you may already know, but I have decided to step down from the throne.” (Zerold)
Although most of the nobles had already heard whispers of this, the announcement still sent a murmur through the hall. While many had anticipated the king’s abdication, hearing it directly from the monarch himself brought a sense of reality to the situation, confirming what they were 99% sure of, but couldn’t fully believe until now.
“Of course, for the sake of the kingdom’s stability, I plan to remain as an advisor for a few years, but I will pass the throne to my child.” (Zerold)
As Arc listened to the king’s speech, his mind raced, considering the future of the royal family.
The successor would almost certainly be the second son, Louis. The eldest son, Leo, who didn’t even attend the Habarov Summon, and the second daughter, Marie, who is set to marry into the House of Marquis, were out of the question. It would come down to a contest between the eldest daughter, Casablanca, and the second son, Louis. Given Louis’ good relations with the nobility and his expected support, he seems the most likely choice. On the other hand, if Casablanca were named as the successor, many nobles would find it difficult to accept.
Arc’s thoughts mirrored those of the kingdom’s nobility. Everyone believed without a doubt that Louis would ascend to the throne. This was evident from Louis’s popularity and Casablanca’s unpopularity at last night’s banquet.
Unaware of Arc’s internal deliberations, the King spread his arms and declared…
“Now, the next king of the Kingdom of Laplace, come forward.” (Zerold)
Louis stepped out from behind the curtain. The nobles, showing no surprise, began to applaud. But then, the applause wavered. To everyone’s astonishment, Casablanca followed Louis into the room.
Why are they both here?
Arc and the other nobles exchanged puzzled glances.
Could it be a coregency? No, that’s unprecedented in history.
As the nobles’ confusion grew, the king revealed the surprise.
“I hereby designate my second son, Louis, as the next king. And my eldest daughter, Casablanca, will serve as viceroy to assist him.”
The applause ceased abruptly. Everyone was straining to catch every word the king spoke.
A viceroy? Princess Casablanca as viceroy!?
The nobles couldn’t hide their shock. A wave of confused murmuring swept through the hall. Louis and Casablanca bowed as they were introduced. A lone noble, as if remembering his manners, resumed clapping, and soon others joined in.
Arc couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
He had never heard of a viceroy system before. It was likely a first in the kingdom’s history.
The creation of this role, seemingly for Casablanca’s sake, was likely the King’s subtle form of resistance. By making Louis, who had strong support from the nobility, the King, while placing the notoriously combative Casablanca as viceroy, the King was signaling that he wouldn’t allow the nobles to have their way entirely.
The shock of Casablanca’s appointment as viceroy was overwhelming, but for the Warden Household, which often found itself isolated among the nobility, this could be seen as a blessing.
Louis stepped forward to give his address. His dissatisfaction was evident in his expression and demeanor. Perhaps, it was Arc’s imagination. After all, Louis had been fully prepared to become king, only to find his sister watching over him as viceroy. One could understand his frustration.
“I am Louis, your next king. As Louis I, I intend to work hand in hand with all of you nobles to further develop the kingdom. I ask for your cooperation.” (Louis)
“Long live Louis I! Long live the king! Long live the king!” (??)
Whatever the circumstances, Louis would indeed be king. The nobles, regaining their composure, began to chant their blessings repeatedly.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 