Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Return
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As the Casablanca group departs for the royal capital, the Warden army also prepares for their return.
“Well then.” (Arc)
Arc suddenly prostrates himself in front of the Warden army, who were loading weapons and supplies onto the horses.
“I am sorry for making you fight for my personal reasons. And, I was able to marry Princess Marie safely.” (Arc)
The lord suddenly bowing was enough to surprise everyone. Yulia hurriedly helped Arc up.
“Congratulations, Arc.” (Tyr)
“Congratulations, Arc-sama!” (Yulia)
Tyr was the first to congratulate, followed by Yulia, Hal, Randal, Laika, and the others.
“When I was told to prepare for the deployment, I didn’t understand what you were trying to do. But in the end, it went well.” (Tyr)
Since it was a surprise attack, and the opponent’s holy knights were few, consisting mostly of amateur followers, the Warden army’s casualties were minimal, only slight scratches. Tyr was very pleased with the result, and he was in a good mood.
The Warden army had left Mikanda without much rest, arriving here almost in one breath. As a result, both men and horses had been pushed to their limits, but now it was resolved safely.
“Everyone, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” (Arc)
“Your Highness Marie. We also welcome you wholeheartedly.” (Tyr)
As they were about to return to Mikanda together, everyone hesitated and cautiously greeted Marie.
—
On the return journey to Mikanda.
“Arc-sama. What’s wrong? You look troubled.” (Yulia)
“Ah. There are probably some troublesome procedures ahead.” (Arc)
Since it was a royal marriage, typically a wedding ceremony would be held with the entire country involved. However, given the current situation, with many nobles and citizens exhausted, holding a lavish wedding would provoke unnecessary resentment from the people. Unfortunately, they would not hold a ceremony but only announce the fact of the marriage.
Since Marie was a Saintess, she should not have been able to marry. However, since she had been dismissed as a Saintess, the legitimacy of the marriage would be fine in this regard. For the Warden Household, who were isolated among the nobles, to marry Marie might bring about troublesome issues. However, Arc trusted that Casablanca would handle the responses to the king, Louis, and the other nobles.
What about the Church?
The unprecedented act of murdering the High Priest was a major issue, but Casablanca did not seem particularly worried. Since the Warden Household’s involvement had not been made public, Arc didn’t care much about it. However, there was a much more significant concern in Arc’s mind compared to these political problems.
Arc carefully asked Yulia, with the utmost caution so that others, especially Marie, would not hear.
“Hey, Yulia. If we hadn’t come to Marie’s aid, would Casablanca-sama have been able to save her?” (Arc)
Yulia thought for a moment before answering awkwardly.
“No, Marie-sama would have been burned alive.” (Yulia)
“I thought so.” (Arc)
Yulia gasped.
“Could it be that Casablanca-sama purposely delayed the rescue?” (Yulia)
Arc made a grim face.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think that’s it. But, considering the situation, it’s understandable to suspect so.” (Arc)
Casablanca’s group appeared right after Arc had completed the rescue. If they had moved more quickly, they might have reached Marie before she faced danger. However, even though Marie is Casablanca’s sister and a member of the royal family, the possibility of her usurping the throne is close to zero. For Casablanca, she should not be an inconvenient person to be alive.
The only benefit Casablanca might have in Marie’s execution would be the chance to destroy the Church in one fell swoop. Since the royal family would be executed because of Cyan’s rampage, the Church could be dealt with as a regicide, using whatever means necessary. In this case, it was clear that they had managed to eliminate Cyan by trying to kill Marie.
Would she really let her sister die for such a reason? Just like Leo… no, she was Leo’s sister after all.
“Casablanca. I thought she was just a calm person, but perhaps her foresight was a bit lacking.” (Arc)
Until now, they had gotten along as outcasts, but from now on, Arc would have to watch carefully.
—
On the way back to the royal capital, Casablanca had a serious look on her face as she thought deeply. Seeing this, Fran hurriedly approached.
“Casablanca-sama?” (Fran)
“Fran. What do you think of Arc?” (Casablanca)
After thinking for a moment, Fran answered honestly when asked about her impression of Arc.
“Yes, he is a man of great courage and has high abilities. He is truly the perfect match for Marie-sama.” (Fran)
“Forget about such formalities. You understand what I’m trying to ask, right?” (Casablanca)
Fran quickly began to process what Casablanca meant by this question.
“…He has an astonishing ability to gather information. It would be dangerous to make him an enemy.” (Fran)
“Where did he get this information from? I didn’t know that Marie might be in danger until I received the Chief Priest’s letter.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca was amazed by Arc’s speed, reaching the eastern part of the kingdom so quickly after realizing Marie’s crisis.
How was he able to act so quickly? Where did he get his information?
“Could there have been a spy inside the Church?” (Fran)
“I don’t know. But one thing is certain.” (Casablanca)
They both thought for a while, coming up with various possibilities, but all were mere speculations. What was certain was that Arc possessed an incredibly wide-ranging network of information and overwhelming mobility.
“If we have him as an ally, he’s reliable. But if we make him an enemy, he’s terrifying.” (Fran)
“In that sense, I’m glad he married Marie-sama.” (Fran)
Since Marie, a royal, was his wife, Arc would not be able to do anything as drastic as attempting a coup. Also, with the excuse of worrying about his sister Marie, Casablanca would be able to keep an eye on him.
“Yes. As long as he doesn’t try to use Marie to claim the throne, my relationship with Arc will be unbreakable.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca said this, though her expression still showed concern.
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