Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Princess, to Mikanda
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Casablanca persuaded the staff of the Warden Household, who had evacuated from the royal capital, and somewhat forcefully accompanied them to the Warden territory. After a week, she finally arrived near the Warden territory.
At night, as Casablanca sat on a tree stump to rest, an elderly man who had served as a butler in the Warden Household’s mansion in the royal capital came to report, bowing respectfully.
“Casablanca-sama. It seems the escort from Mikanda will arrive shortly.” (Elderly Man)
“Mikanda?” (Casablanca)
“My apologies. Mikanda refers to the Warden territory.” (Elderly Man)
“I see. Thank you.” (Casablanca)
After the elderly man returned to the carriage, Casablanca exhaled and gazed up at the midnight sky. As the night was indeed cold, Casablanca and Seven huddled together to keep warm. Other than the crackling of the campfire, nothing could be heard.
“I shouldn’t be saying this, but I feel a little at ease.” (Casablanca)
As Casablanca gazed at the beautiful starry sky, a voice came from among the troops. Though she thought everyone was asleep, it seemed only the 5th unit, Martina, was awake. She was watching Casablanca, whose face had grown calm for the first time in a while.
“That’s right. I wonder when the last time I left the royal capital was.” (Martina)
Casablanca smiled. Until now, there hadn’t been a single day of peace, whether due to her relationship with the nobles or with Leo. However, ironically, only now, while on the run, did she feel like she could forget her status and relax for the first time in a long while.
“They say the others will take care of the night watch tonight, so let’s go to sleep.” (Casablanca)
With that, Casablanca fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, the group’s escape was drawing to a close. The Warden Household’s escort had arrived for them.
“We have been waiting under the orders of the lord. I am Yanna Warden. This is Rishu, an adventurer and also the mayor of the Forth Town.” (Yanna)
“I am the elder sister of the lord, Baron Arc Warden.” (Fran)
The 1st unit, Fran, immediately whispered into Casablanca’s ear. The noble family relations were drilled into her mind. Hearing that she was the elder sister of a noble, Casablanca dismounted from her horse and gave a bow.
“I’m sorry for barging in all of a sudden. I’m Casablanca, the kingdom’s viceroy. Though with the recent chaos, everyone has probably forgotten I ever held that position.” (Casablanca)
“Not at all, we welcome you, Casablanca-sama.” (Yanna)
Yanna and the others knelt on the ground, offering their utmost respect to the royal family.
Afterward, the adventurers, including Rishu, carried the luggage and led the way, making the journey smoother at least until they reached the border of Mikanda territory.
“It’s huge… the top is covered by clouds.” (??)
“How big…” (??)
The Casablanca Seven were all overwhelmed. Even Casablanca herself was at a loss for words. A great mountain range loomed as if dividing the world. It was embarrassing for her as royalty, but she had no idea such a massive range existed in her own country.
“Beyond this mountain range is Mikanda. Crossing these mountains is quite a challenge, but we will take the simplest route currently known. I ask for your understanding.” (Rishu)
Rishu chose his words carefully while watching Casablanca’s expression, but surprisingly, she seemed in high spirits.
“Hehe. Right now, it may be a wall standing in our way, but once we cross it, it will be a fortress that protects me. Not bad at all. Let’s go.” (Casablanca)
Deep down, she could not shake her fear of Leo. However, this mountain range seemed to her like a natural ally.
Afterward, the group took two days to cross the mountains and finally entered the Warden territory.
“This is the First Town. It is the central city of the Warden territory.” (Yanna)
Led by Yanna, Casablanca finally entered the town. Unlike the other towns she had seen during inspections, there were no walls. Instead of a castle gate, there was a somewhat large watchtower, under which the other members of the Warden Household, except for Arc, were waiting to greet them.
“Casablanca-sama. We’ve been expecting you.” (Tyr)
The two people at the front bowed their heads. Yanna introduced them.
“This is my younger brother, Tyr, who is in charge of military affairs, and my younger sister, Minerva, who is in charge of education.” (Yanna)
“Your Highness, it is rare for a noble family to run their domain with the cooperation of siblings.” (Fran)
Fran quickly added more information to Casablanca, who was unsure of what to say.
“Rather than concentrating power in one person, they govern their territory through the bond between siblings. That’s truly a wonderful thing.” (Casablanca)
“Thank you.” (Minerva)
A large crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of Casablanca. Amidst the masses, adventurers organized the people, leading them down the cleared path. Beyond the large square stood an especially large building, which appeared to be both the town hall and the Warden Household’s mansion.
Casablanca’s group entered the top floor of the town hall, into a large room labeled “Lord’s Chamber,” where Arc was waiting.
“Casablanca-sama. We have been expecting you. I am Arc Warden, the lord of Mikanda.” (Arc)
“It’s been a while, Baron. Wasn’t it at Habarov’s banquet that we last met?” (Casablanca)
“Please, do call me by my name, not by my title. We, as a whole territory, welcome you, Casablanca-sama.” (Arc)
“Thank you, Arc. I hope I’m not causing too much trouble.” (Casablanca)
The greetings ended unexpectedly quickly. Arc didn’t ask why Casablanca had fled the capital or why she had come to such a rural area. Perhaps he already knew. In any case, a large guest room had been prepared for Casablanca’s group. Whether it had been hastily arranged or not, large beds for everyone were ready. Exhausted from the long journey, Casablanca and her group threw themselves onto the beds with only minimal changing.
While everyone rested, only the 1st unit, Fran, left the mansion. Something about the Warden territory felt off to her. She had been thoroughly educated to support Princess Casablanca. This included knowledge about each territory’s population size, agricultural production, and industrial output.
For Fran, her image of the Mikanda region was simply that of a ‘huge but rural’ area. It had vast fertile lands and various minerals, but the large mountain range had left it undeveloped.
Thus, the increased population was unexpected. Something must have changed since the Warden Household became the rulers of Mikanda. After all, they were originally merchants. Land development should come naturally to them. Fran had to see with her own eyes if Casablanca could truly ally with the Warden family.
As soon as Fran exited the mansion, a young woman who had been standing at attention in front of the mansion approached her. Judging by her attire, she was an adventurer. Though Fran’s instincts as a professional made her wary of being approached by a stranger, the woman was all smiles, so Fran returned the bow for now.
“You must be Fran-sama of the royal guard! I have been ordered by the lord to show you around the city today. I am Mia, a third-class adventurer! The lord has instructed me to reveal everything as we deepen our relationship with Casablanca-sama, so please feel free to ask anything. Though I am just a humble adventurer, I was born and raised here in Mikanda! Is there anyone who knows this land better than me? No, there is not!” (Mia)
“Uh, um. Thank you. I’ll be in your care.” (Fran)
Shaking hands vigorously, Fran nodded, a little overwhelmed by Mia’s energy. However, what intrigued her more than the adventurer standing in front of her was how they knew she was about to leave the mansion. She had intended to scout around under the pretext of taking a walk, but this adventurer had come to meet her. It was as if the Warden Household was fully aware of Fran’s habits or tendencies.
But since she was being guided anyway, she might as well ask questions openly. After all, the Warden family and Casablanca weren’t enemies.
“This town is quite new, isn’t it?” (Fran)
“Yes! Our territory recently opened a university. I’m not part of the upper echelon, so I don’t know the details, but I’ve heard that Minerva-sama wanted to build a school for officials, Tyr-sama a school for soldiers, and Rishu-sama a school for adventurers. The result was a university that combines all three!” (Mia)
A university, huh…
Fran had noticed there were a lot of young people here for such a rural area, and now she understood why. It was because different kinds of schools had been built.
“Could such a thing really be established so easily…?” (Fran)
“We in Mikanda were surprised as well. Even Tyr-sama and Rishu-sama thought it would take years of preparation. But Minerva-sama was different. She clearly inherited the merchant’s blood!” (Mia)
“What method did she use?” (Fran)
“Oh, nothing too complicated. They simply appealed to the people who were afraid of the chaos in the kingdom, saying, ‘Mikanda is this safe.’ They also emphasized the variety of career paths available whether becoming an official, an adventurer, or a soldier. That’s how the best students and teachers from all over the kingdom gathered here.” (Mia)
“I see.” (Fran)
Fran, who had been suspicious that Mia’s role might be to keep an eye on her, gradually realized that Mia was genuinely just a guide. The Warden Household had arranged this out of goodwill toward Fran.
“Mikanda will continue to grow! I’ve lived here all my life, so I can say with certainty: Mikanda will surely become a great noble family that supports the kingdom from its foundation!” (Mia)
Watching the excited Mia, Fran couldn’t help but feel a little stirred.
This Warden Household is indeed a remarkable noble household. It hasn’t been long since they came to Mikanda, yet they’re already laying the groundwork for growth. Her Highness Casablanca has made quite the connection with an extraordinary noble family. We absolutely must not let go of this fortune. Whatever it takes, we must bring the Warden Household into Casablanca’s camp.
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