Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)

 

 

Parting

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Leo’s soldiers pursued the fleeing enemies and entered their stronghold. It seemed Marquis Ivan even abandoned his base and fled. He probably thought some other nobles would shelter him.

In the cities conquered so far, Leo’s soldiers had subjected them to looting, violence, and arson. However, since this town was under the Marquis’ territory and was rather prosperous, it secured its safety by offering a large amount of food and gold coins.

Leo’s soldiers continued capturing the scattered enemy soldiers and returned to camp. In cases where they couldn’t catch the fleeing soldiers, they would abduct townspeople instead.

Amidst all this, Arc was summoned by Leo.

“Alright, Arc. Go after the Marquis who fled with Leopold.” (Leo)

“Yes, Your Majesty.” (Arc)

Did Leo know about the grudge between the Warden Household and Marquis Ivan, and still purposely assign Arc to chase after him? Or perhaps, in his own way, Leo was being considerate toward Arc.

As if saying, “You can do whatever you want with Marquis Ivan”. Correction. It was not consideration. It was probably meant as a reward. Leo must have seriously assigned this to Arc as a reward. That’s the kind of person he was.

Together with Yulia and one other, they rode through the mountain path. They had only entered a random thicket opposite to the direction of Leo’s army, but there were clear signs that a large group had passed through just before them. The marquis was probably up ahead.

“Wow, Arc-kun, you’re amazing. To have Leo-sama remember your name so quickly.” (Leopold)

Leopold, with a body like a child’s, spoke with a tone that was far from childlike, a sticky, drawn-out way of speaking.

“My name?” (Arc)

“That man is bad at remembering people’s names… no, rather, he’s not even interested in remembering them. It’s a wonder just how little interest he has in other people.” (Leopold)

“Now that you mention it, I don’t recall Your Majesty Leo ever calling anyone by name.” (Arc)

“I bet there aren’t even five people whose names he remembers. Even Kureo hasn’t had his name remembered yet.” (Leopold)

“Is that so? Even though he’s his closest aide.” (Arc)

“For you to have your name remembered so quickly, that’s quite something. Maybe even faster than me, Leo-sama’s number one disciple. For him to recognize you, that’s really impressive.” (Leopold)

Leopold spoke with a grin. For some reason, Arc felt a little uncomfortable.

It was the same back when he was a merchant. Rather than obviously rough-looking men, it was often the more insidious types like this who would turn out to be trouble.

“Oh, I can see them now. The enemy’s backs.” (Arc)

When Arc squinted his eyes, he could see soldiers through the trees. There were about 50 of them. Since none of them were on horseback and they were fleeing on foot, Arc managed to catch up faster than expected.

Leopold released an arrow. It was incredibly fast. Moreover, upon seeing the arrow fly, Arc realized for the first time that Leopold had released two arrows at the same time.

“Gah!” (Enemy soldier)

A soldier screamed and collapsed as an arrow pierced his back. However, the other soldiers kept fleeing without stopping to help.

“Protect the Marquis!” (Knight)

Perhaps making up his mind, a knight who had been fleeing turned around, drew his sword, and charged at them. The knight, clad in luxurious armor, was difficult for Leopold’s arrows to penetrate.

“I’ll handle this.” (Yulia)

Arc was startled by the knight, who was charging forward despite being struck repeatedly by arrows. But Yulia, who was behind him, rode her horse forward. Just before crossing paths with the knight, Yulia leapt off her horse and, before the knight could react, she struck him in the head with her sword.

“Whew!” (Leopold)

Leopold playfully teased Yulia, who had taken down the knight with stunning precision.

After that, the remaining soldiers were all taken down one by one by Yulia and Leopold.

Arc spotted someone trying to escape through the trees. There was no doubt. The golden armor gleamed, and the cape dyed in beautiful blue. That was a noble. It had to be Marquis Ivan. Abandoning his subordinates who were desperately fighting to cover him, he was attempting to flee.

Arc circled around to avoid getting caught up in Yulia and the others’ melee and pursued the Marquis. After a while of riding, he saw the Marquis taking a rest. Even from a distance, it was clear the Marquis was quite fat and couldn’t run much longer.

Arc approached and called out, his throat dry with tension.

“Are you Marquis Ivan?” (Arc)

“Oh, what are you?” (Marquis Ivan)

“I am Baron Arc Warden.” (Arc)

“A Baron, is it? Hurry and help me!” (Marquis Ivan)

Perhaps he couldn’t imagine that any noble would side with Leo, or maybe he hadn’t received any information from the surrounding nobles. The marquis seemed to think Arc was an ally. And the moment he heard the title of baron, his attitude became arrogant.

Arc gasped.

How could this be? The marquis didn’t remember. He didn’t remember the Warden Household.

As Arc stood there, dumbfounded, the marquis grew irritated by his inaction and raised his voice slightly.

“What is it? Do you want a reward? That’s how it is with lowly nobles. Fine, fine. If you save me, I’ll petition His Majesty Louis to make you a viscount. Look, isn’t that enough? Now, quickly, give me your horse.” (Ivan)

Ignoring the marquis’ words, Arc muttered as if in a trance.

“Does the name Warden sound familiar to you?” (Arc)

“Huh? Warden? …!!!” (Ivan)

The Marquis’ face instantly contorted with shock.

It seemed he remembered after all. Strangely enough, Arc felt a bit happy. No, considering the shock he felt at being forgotten, perhaps it wasn’t so strange after all.

“It’s been a while, Marquis Ivan. Though this is our first time meeting face-to-face.” (Arc)

“Why are you here? Don’t tell me…” (Ivan)

“Yes. I am now serving under His Majesty Leo.” (Arc)

The Marquis’ face turned pale.

Ah, I’m glad I ended up under Leo.

Arc truly thought that from the bottom of his heart. His brothers’ hardships, the harassment from other nobles, the fearful looks from the commoners, the worry about Leo’s potential downfall. All of it seemed insignificant now. Arc felt genuine happiness deep inside.

“As you probably know, my father passed away in the attack a year ago, and I succeeded him.” (Arc)

“W-wait. Are you seeking revenge? But that attack was sanctioned by His Late Majesty Zerold! Didn’t you all receive a new territory?” (Ivan)

It was true that the invasion of the former Warden territory had been retroactively approved by the kingdom. Although it was completely unjust, taking revenge for that would be considered rebellion not only against the Marquis but also against the kingdom.

However, what of it? The current king was Leo, and Arc was favored by Leo. Who would dare punish Arc for breaking an agreement made in the previous king’s era? And more importantly, it wouldn’t be Arc killing the Marquis. It would be “His Majesty Leo’s army”.

Seeing the steely look in Arc’s eyes, the Marquis became even more frightened and began to grovel for his life.

“I-I understand! I will return the former Warden territory to you. I’ll petition His Majesty to restore them to you. I’ll compensate your late father. I’ll do anything, so please, just spare my life!” (Ivan)

“Marquis Ivan, I don’t need the former Warden territory. This is my farewell to the past. I will live as the lord of Mikanda. Goodbye.” (Arc)

With that, Arc swung his sword down.

It was the first time he had killed someone directly, but since the Marquis was groveling, it was easy to decapitate him.

Without glancing at the marquis’ rolling head, Arc turned to leave, only to find Yulia standing rigidly.

How long had she been there? She must have seen it all. So, what? He did what was just.

Despite his inner turmoil, Arc wiped the blood from Yulia’s face with a cloth.

“Yulia, you’re covered in blood.” (Arc)

“Arc-sama, it’s all splattered blood. I’m not injured at all. The enemy soldiers have been wiped out.” (Yulia)

“I see. As expected of you, Yulia.” (Arc)

Arc said, continuing to walk.

He couldn’t say it to her face, but now that their backs were turned, he could ask.

“Do you despise me?” (Arc)

There was a brief silence.

“Arc-sama saved me. How could I ever despise my savior?” (Yulia)

Yulia spoke surprisingly clearly.

As Arc turned around, Yulia also turned to face him.

“But…” (Yulia)

Their eyes met. Yulia’s eyes were slightly filled with tears.

“It feels like Arc-sama has gone a little far away.” (Yulia)

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