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

 

 

Louis

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“It’s been a week since I issued the mobilization order to all the nobles! Why hasn’t anyone shown up yet?” (Louis)

As the rebel army led by Casablanca approached day by day and the nobles failed to make any moves, Louis’s face lost its composure more and more. Finally, he lashed out at his minister.

“What about that duke?! That marquis?! That count?! Why hasn’t anyone come?!” (Louis)

One noble claimed to be gathering soldiers and couldn’t come yet. Another noble said they were too ill to participate. Such responses were still among the better ones. Many nobles outright ignored the royal decree and didn’t even send a reply.

Ordinarily, ignoring a royal decree would mean not just the dissolution of a noble house but execution for the entire family. Despite this, ignoring the summons suggested they believed Louis couldn’t possibly defeat Casablanca.

“After all, it is significant that Casablanca’s side is supported by the Church forces, and the Warden Trading Company is distributing money and gaining popular support.” (Minister)

The minister analyzed the current situation. However, the minister refrained from pointing out the most critical reason to Louis. Telling him wouldn’t help anything since it would only enrage him. In essence, the nobles no longer found Louis useful.

Louis had retained their support only because he prioritized relations with the nobles, unlike Casablanca. However, during the Rizz-Frizz incident, he abandoned the nobles being executed by the Church, thus, losing their trust. Being deemed useless after that was inevitable.

“Damn those nobles, remember this! Fine, I’ll do it myself! Summon the royal guards!” (Louis)

Louis was now desperate.

The royal guards were a military force directly under the king’s command. The soldiers chosen for this unit were among the finest in the kingdom. This force consisted of about 2,000 men, which could be a sufficient match against Casablanca. However, the circumstances this time were different.

“T-that’s the thing… The royal guards are refusing to participate in a conflict between members of the royal family.” (Minister)

“What did you say…?” (Louis)

The previous royal guards were decimated in the battle between King Zerold I and Leo. The current royal guards were newly reassembled just last year. Unlike the previous elite unit, which held the frontlines to the end, allowing the king to escape Leo’s assault, the current guards were a different entity entirely.

The guards were now filled with young aristocrats chosen through connections. They lacked combat experience, prided themselves on their stylish uniforms, and were content to boast about being royal guards. They had become a lowly group. For these sons of nobles, if the nobility refused to fight, they had no reason to fight for Louis either. Despite being called the royal guards, they promptly refused to engage in battle.

“What am I supposed to do now…? Casablanca will arrive at the capital soon.” (Louis)

It was at this moment that Louis finally realized. He was incapable of doing anything without the nobles. His authority thus far had only existed thanks to them. The nobles had supported him because he had provided them with favors. Now that Louis could no longer offer anything, he was of no use. The nobles’ loyalty had been his personal virtue. Having genuinely believed this until now, this revelation was too much for him to bear. Louis’s spirit was completely broken.

“We can no longer expect any support from the nobles. Our only option is to flee.” (??)

Louis, who had collapsed into his throne, nodded feebly at the minister’s suggestion.

 

—

 

“The nobles seem unwilling to act for Louis, and even the royal guards have refused to fight on his behalf. Reports suggest that an isolated Louis has abandoned the capital and fled eastward.” (??)

This information arrived just as Casablanca’s forces neared the capital.

Casablanca’s camp erupted in cheers.

“It worked perfectly, Casablanca-sama!” (Arc)

The gamble had paid off.

Progressing slowly gave the enemy time to prepare. However, by continuously showcasing Casablanca’s growing forces throughout the kingdom, they had deterred reinforcements to Louis’s side and successfully isolated him.

“Everyone, form ranks! Looting in the capital is strictly prohibited. Any soldier who violates this rule will be excommunicated and burned at the stake!” (Casablanca)

As Arc inadvertently broke into a smile, Casablanca maintained her composure and gave strict orders to her army.

“Fix your uniforms. Everyone, advance into the city!” (Casablanca)

Thus, the uprising that began in Mikanda led by Casablanca culminated in the bloodless capture of the capital, Horimas, about two weeks later.

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