Merchant Noble is out (3/3 chapters for today)
Warden Household Council
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After delivering Hangue and the other merchants to the territory of Baron Kreitz, Arc returned to Mikanda. Although the kingdom was in chaos following the defeat, Arc’s swift decision to retreat allowed the Warden army to return without any losses. Arc was certain that this defeat would drastically change the kingdom’s fate. Specifically, it would lead to the collapse of royal authority and usher in a world where nobles would compete in a brutal struggle for power. As a lord, Arc was now responsible for navigating this treacherous sea.
“…Arc-sama, everyone is here.” (??)
“Understood.” (Arc)
A month had passed since the defeat of the royal army. Leo had entered the capital, and the kingdom was still in turmoil. Amidst this confusion, Arc gathered the leaders of the Warden territory at his mansion in the First Town. Among the attendees were his siblings, Yanna, Tyr, and Minerva, along with the mayors of various towns, such as Guselb, Ragonne, and Rishu.
“I’ve called everyone here to discuss what’s happening in the kingdom and to decide the path the Warden territory should take.” (Arc)
Arc began speaking, but the attendees cast puzzled glances at one another. Standing next to Arc was a woman they didn’t recognize. However, those who paid attention to the jewelry she wore would have noticed the resemblance to what Yuna and Ult wore. This woman was from the Sheeb Order.
“As some of you in the Warden Household already know, this is Lina, a senior member of the Sheeb Order. Normally, Yuna or Ult would act as intermediaries between the Warden Household and the Sheeb Order, but due to the sheer amount of information this time, Lina is here to speak directly.” (Arc)
Arc introduced her to the group. She wore the Order’s simple linen robes and looked youthful, though as a senior member of the Order, she was likely well into her thirties. Arc respectfully addressed her with ‘-san’ honorific.
Unlike Yuna and the others, Lina did not gather information directly. Her role was to collect reports from the Order members dispatched across the kingdom, including Yuna, and analyze the bigger picture. She probably had the most comprehensive ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the situation in the kingdom.
“First, Zerold, the former king, has passed away.” (Lina)
Her opening words were delivered so matter-of-factly that everyone was stunned. Lina seemed to prioritize the most important news, which was correct for a report, but the bluntness of it was startling.
“Although nobody has been found, there’s no confirmation of his survival from the merchant, royal, noble, or foreign information networks. It’s most likely he lost his life amid the chaos of the battle.” (Lina)
The former king was dead. This alone warranted a week of deliberation.
Who would unite the forces opposed to Leo? What would become of the relationship between the nobles and the royal family? What would happen to the dignity of the royal house?
However, Lina didn’t wait for Arc to process all this and continued with her report in her usual calm manner.
“After entering the capital, Leo has remained there. Additionally, both Casablanca and Marie are still in the capital.” (Lina)
“Marie… is the Princess safe?” (Arc)
“For now, she is being afforded some level of freedom.” (Marie)
Arc instinctively asked about Marie’s safety. He had once shared an intimate moment with Princess Marie during the Habarov Summons. As the youngest of the royal family and possessing a kind-hearted nature unfit for a ruler, Marie was less likely to get caught up in the power struggles of her siblings. However, Leo was a dangerous man, the type who wouldn’t hesitate to harm his own sister. Arc could only hope she remained unharmed.
Everyone except Minerva, who had accompanied Arc to the royal capital at that time, looked puzzled. They were wondering why Arc was so concerned about Princess Marie. However, since Lina continued speaking without acknowledging the question, the meeting pressed on.
“Back to the main point. Due to the disruption of trade routes, supplies have stopped flowing into the capital, and the city’s security is rapidly deteriorating. It’s becoming an extremely dangerous area. Many residents have fled, and the population, which once numbered around 200,000, has now been reduced to about 100,000. The majority of those who fled have become refugees, and their presence is causing unrest in neighboring noble territories.” (Lina)
Lina continued her briefing.
“The only member of the royal family who managed to escape, Louis, is being sheltered by Elector Count Lacian. He is discreetly contacting the major nobles, seeking support to defeat Leo, whom he labels a usurper.” (Lina)
“I see. So, this boils down to a struggle for the throne between Louis and Leo. It’s safe to assume that the civil war will continue until one of them falls.” (Tyr)
Tyr said. It was true that there was no way Leo could simply become king unopposed. Louis and Casablanca would resist, and even if they were subdued, the nobles wouldn’t sit idly by. It was essentially Leo versus everyone else in a brutal power struggle.
“Thank you, Lina-san. And I agree with what you say, Tyr-niisan. Now, I want to hear everyone’s thoughts on our strategy for managing Warden Territory moving forward.” (Arc)
“Could we get a status report from each town? I’ve been in the Third Town for some time, so I’m not familiar with the situation elsewhere.” (Yanna)
“Good idea. Let’s hear the current state of each town first.” (Arc)
At the request of Yanna, who was concentrating on the industrialization of the third city, we decided to start with a report on the current situation in each town. The mayors began their reports with nervous looks on their faces.
The mayor of the second town, Guselb, reported that agricultural development was proceeding smoothly, with new farmlands being actively cultivated. The Third Town was steadily progressing toward becoming an industrial hub. As more artisans were recruited from across the kingdom, concerns about integrating them with the local population remained. However, Yanna’s presence in the third city, assisting the mayor, Ragonne, provided stability.
The Fourth Town, still under construction, was a massive project. Under the leadership of Rishu, merchants and adventurers were cooperating, and construction was moving along steadily. Arc had confidence in Rishu’s leadership, so the only concern for the Fourth Town was its financial sustainability.
“It sounds like everything is progressing smoothly for each towns.” (Yanna)
“Now that we have a clearer picture, let’s discuss Warden Territory’s strategy moving forward. I’d like to hear everyone’s opinions.” (Arc)
Seeing Yanna nod, Arc got down to business.
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