Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Zerold I’s Final Campaign
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Zerold I became the former king.
He appointed his second son, Louis, as king, and his eldest daughter, Casablanca, as viceroy, and abdicated the throne while still alive. The throne, which was often held by past kings for life, was abdicated while he was alive for only one reason. It was to prevent a succession dispute.
Traditionally, the throne of Laplace Kingdom was inherited by the eldest son. However, Zerold I’s eldest son, Leo, was a madman. If he inherited the throne, the kingdom would perish. Therefore, Zerold I made his second son the king while he was still alive to prevent a succession dispute after his death.
Calmly comparing his children and making a decision that went against a long-standing tradition was a wise judgment. As expected of a wise ruler who had stabilized the kingdom through a long reign. More than anyone, he himself understood that there was one last task for him. It was dealing with his eldest son, Leo.
Leo was stationed at the eastern end of the kingdom, tasked with defending against the neighboring countries. However, in recent years, he had not shown up at the Habarov Summons, which traditionally all nobles were called to, and it was clear he harbored hostility towards the kingdom. There were also reports from merchants that he was secretly gathering more weapons than necessary. Something had to be done quickly.
However, Leo was a member of the royal family. He was Zerold I’s eldest son and the man who should have been the crown prince. It was not possible to issue a subjugation order against a royal family member to the nobles. Also, he could not let Louis or Casablanca defeat their own brother. That would be no different from a succession dispute, and Zerold I’s abdication while alive would be meaningless. Moreover, if by any chance they were defeated, the authority of the king and viceroy would be lost.
Therefore, it was only possible for the subjugation of Leo to be carried out by Zerold I himself, who was a member of the royal family, his father, and someone who had already retired from active duty.
There was a knock on the door, and the Grand Chancellor, Rubel, entered.
“Your Majesty, the preparations for the meeting are complete.” (Rubel)
“Rubel. I am no longer Your Majesty.” (Zerold)
“My apologies, Your Highness. It is something I still can’t get used to.” (Rubel)
Rubel bowed his head, which was covered in white hair, with a wry smile. Impressed by his abilities after he lost the succession dispute within a baron household, Zerold had appointed him as a minister decades ago and entrusted him with steering the country’s politics as Grand Vizier. A significant part of Zerold’s reputation as a wise ruler was due to Rubel’s work.
“Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting.” (Zerold)
All the participants, except the former king, were already gathered in the meeting room.
“Father.” (Louis/Casablanca)
“Your Highness.” (??)
Louis, Casablanca, and the chief vassals stood up to welcome him. Since the king, viceroy, and the former king were all present, this meeting was not as hierarchical as usual, and it was held at a round table. The one who convened this meeting was Zerold. After dismissing the servants who had brought water and having the doors tightly closed, he immediately began to speak with a serious expression.
“Let’s get straight to the point. This is my last task. We will mobilize all the nobles in the kingdom to defeat Leo.” (Zerold)
Suddenly, a tense atmosphere flowed through the meeting room. He was the former king’s eldest son, and the current king and viceroy’s brother. He was a man who had become a troublemaker for the current royal family.
“Leo did not come to the Habarov Summons. There is also information that he is secretly gathering weapons. At this point, I must defeat him. And by mobilizing all the nobles to defeat him, I will make it my final achievement and have them pledge their loyalty to the new king and viceroy.” (Zerold)
After stating this, the former king glanced around at the participants, urging them to speak their minds.
“Everyone, speak your honest opinions without reservation.” (Zerold)
“A splendid decision. Eventually, someone must deal with Lord Leo. However, mobilizing all the nobles carries considerable risk.” (Rubel)
The first to speak was the Grand Vizier, Rubel. He admonished the former king. It was not uncommon for him to express his opinions to the king without hesitation as the Grand Vizier. Zerold often listened to his opinions and repeatedly made revisions and improvements. This had brought long-term stability to the kingdom. However, this time, the former king showed a blatantly displeased expression in response to Rubel’s admonition. This was quite unusual, considering that the former king had always listened sincerely to opinions, even when his own ideas were being refuted.
“What do the others think?” (Zerold)
He asked the chief vassals in a blunt voice.
“I also oppose mobilizing all the nobles. The chain of command would be disrupted, leading to great chaos even before the battle begins.” “If there are too many troops, the advance will be slow, giving the enemy ample time to prepare.” (??)
The other chief vassals also expressed opposition, like Rubel. Indeed, objectively speaking, not many advantages could be seen in a battle that involved mobilizing all the nobles.
“So, the ministers are opposed.” (Zerold)
The former king said in an increasingly displeased tone.
At this point, the attendees of the meeting understood. The former king, despite saying he wanted frank opinions, was actually seeking agreement. He was looking for opinions that were favorable to him, ones that would praise his plan as excellent, and that would suggest a bright future ahead.
“Father, I am in favor.” (Louis)
The first to grasp his intention was Louis. Because he was always attentive to the moods of the nobles, he was quick to catch on in situations like this.
“By mobilizing all the nobles, Father’s splendid dignity will be displayed throughout the kingdom. As a final battle, there is nothing more magnificent than this.” (Louis)
“Oh! Is that what you think?” (Zerold)
The former king, who had been in a foul mood, suddenly brightened up. He looked pleased with Louis’s flattery. Seeing this, Casablanca quickly raised her voice, unwilling to be outdone.
“I am also in favor.” (Casablanca)
“By mobilizing the nobles, we can weaken their power and preserve the strength of the royal family. I think it’s a wonderful idea, considering the future governance.” (Louis)
“Is that so, is that so!” (Zerold)
The former king became completely cheerful. He, then, turned to the chief vassals and began boasting about his children.
“The ministers have grown old. They’ve become worrywarts. It’s natural to become conservative with age. But look at these two! They are full of vitality and youthful energy. I am looking forward to the future of the kingdom.” (Zerold)
With things said this way, the ministers could no longer oppose. Only Rubel continued to resist, but he realized that it would only ruin the former king’s mood without achieving anything, so he finally agreed as well.
And so, it was decided that the former king would lead a campaign with all the nobles.
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