Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Second Night’s Dinner Party
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“Marie won’t be coming tonight.” (Casablanca)
On the second night of the dinner party, Casablanca’s voice came from behind Arc, who was waiting on the balcony.
The venue was alive with the fervor of nobles congratulating Louis, now Louis I. Among them, Louis I, with his face flushed from drink, laughed heartily. The nobles surrounding him included electors, marquises, and counts. They were all prominent figures. They laughed greedily, as if to say that the era of their dominance had begun. Especially with Louis I, who lacked firm beliefs or strong opinions, it was clear that they saw him as an easy puppet to control.
In contrast, Casablanca, now the viceroy, remained isolated, much like the first night. No nobles approached her, and Arc, having been subjected to the nobles’ complaints the previous night, decided not to engage with her tonight. However, since Casablanca had initiated the conversation, he had no choice but to respond.
Arc forced a polite smile and rubbed his hands together.
“Princess Casablanca, congratulations on your appointment as Viceroy.” (Arc)
Casablanca ignored Arc’s imitation of nobles who seemed to dislike her and stood beside him, gazing out into the dark night.
“Not that I’ve been officially appointed yet. But I appreciate the congratulations. Although, realistically, I probably won’t hold much actual power.” (Casablanca)
“I expected all the power to be concentrated in Louis-sama’s hands, so to be honest, I was surprised by your appointment as vice-queen.” (Arc)
“Yes, I was surprised too. But this is what Otou-sama decided. It means he acknowledges my views to some extent.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s casual tone masked her genuine happiness. Unlike her brother, who had faced criticism from the nobility for his beliefs, Casablanca had been chosen for the viceroy position, which likely bolstered her confidence in her convictions. As a noble, Arc found this situation a bit unsettling.
“By the way, don’t try to evade the topic. Marie won’t be here.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s direct gaze made it clear she wouldn’t be easily misled. Arc, maintaining a composed expression, feigned ignorance.
“I had the honor of greeting Princess Marie here yesterday.” (Arc)
“Is that all?” (Casablanca)
“What do you mean?” (Arc)
“Marie caught a cold.” (Casablanca)
A cold?
Arc realized he had likely overexerted Marie by making her run around, which could have led to her illness.
“She has a cold? I hope she’s alright.” (Arc)
Arc exaggerated his concern, though internally he was analyzing the situation calmly. His natural lack of emotional fluctuation made his exaggerated reaction seem more credible. While Arc himself might be the cause of Marie’s illness, he preferred not to delve into that.
“I think she’ll recover after a day of rest. But a night breeze alone shouldn’t cause a cold.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca persisted, either knowingly or unknowingly.
“Also, Marie looked very happy.” (Casablanca)
“Happy?” (Arc)
“She seemed genuinely joyful even while bedridden. You might not understand what I’m saying.” (Casablanca)
So, Marie was happy? Had she no regrets?
Arc turned his face away, reddening slightly as he recalled the events of the previous night. He couldn’t help but remember the warmth of Marie’s body.
Yesterday, when I was kissing her, I got excited and ended up pushing her down, and, how should I put it, we did it.
Despite Marie’s initial discomfort, she gradually responded with affection, and we both reached their climax together. At the end, when we were holding each other breathing heavily, an indescribable sense of happiness welled up inside us.
“You’re the one who tricked my sister, aren’t you?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s tone was half-joking, yet her smile hinted at a deeper curiosity.
“Absolutely not.” (Arc)
“Currently, she’s resting alone in her room. Would you like me to tell you where it is?” (Casablanca)
Arc was taken aback by Casablanca’s unexpected offer. Her gentle smile was a stark contrast to her earlier stern demeanor. She looked like a sister genuinely wishing her sibling’s happiness, rather than someone who had previously criticized the nobles.
Was she trying to share her joy at becoming vice-queen with her beloved sister?
However, Arc fought against his desire to take advantage of Casablanca’s kindness. He had neither the courage to visit the ailing Marie nor the willpower to resist her gentle advances if she were to seek him out. There was a risk he might be swayed by her, and that could lead to complications. Furthermore, their previous encounter was meant to be a one-time event. Continuing to see her would only stir feelings for someone already engaged.
“No, I’ll just pray for Marie-sama’s speedy recovery.” (Arc)
Casablanca’s expression clearly showed disappointment at Arc’s response.
“You’re spineless.” (Casablanca)
“I agree with you.” (Arc)
Arc spoke with a self-deprecating smile, recognizing his own weakness. Casablanca handed her drink to a maid, stretched with a sigh, and then playfully revealed…
“It’s a shame. I actually hoped you would steal Marie away and then clash with the House of Marquis Raiha.” (Casablanca)
Arc could hardly believe his ears. He glanced cautiously at Casablanca.
Her previously warm expression had vanished, replaced by a face that seemed as if it had always harbored this coldness. Though her mouth was smiling, her eyes were devoid of warmth, reflecting the unsettling lights from the hall.
Ah, so that’s it.
Arc’s perception of Casablanca crystallized. She was someone who held firm beliefs and would stop at nothing to see them realized. Arc knew well the type she resembled. It was none other than himself.
“Princess Casablanca, you are on this side, aren’t you?” (Arc)
Arc’s mutterings went unheard by anyone and disappeared into the pitch black darkness.
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