Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Return of Title
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At the coronation ceremony, Casablanca ascended to the throne as the long-awaited queen. Arc had warned her not to hastily confront the nobles, but in conclusion, this advice was not heeded. No, perhaps for her, spending a peaceful year was enough waiting.
In any case, she acted. An action that would turn all the nobles into enemies. For one year, the peaceful newlywed life Arc had spent with Mary in Mikanda was shattered by a single letter.
“I have come, Casablanca-sama.” (Arc)
“Arc. It’s been a year. And you’re the first among the nobles to arrive.” (Casablanca)
In just one year, she seemed to have completely acquired the dignity of a queen. Casablanca greeted Arc, who had rushed to the royal capital, with a haughty attitude. Arc handed over the royal decree from the capital with trembling hands.
“Receiving this kind of order, I rushed here, nearly falling off my horse. What exactly does this order mean?” (Arc)
Although he tried to suppress his anger, it wasn’t enough, and his tone inevitably turned sharp. However, Casablanca, unconcerned with Arc’s anger, called for Fran.
“As you can see. Fran, explain it to Baron Warden.” (Casablanca)
“As stated in Her Majesty’s command, it is the return of titles. For the balanced development and equal citizenship of the Kingdom of Laplace, all nobles in the kingdom are ordered to return their titles. Since Baron Warden has appeared in the royal capital, it is deemed that you have accepted this order and agreed to return your title.” (Fran)
What Fran pointed to while explaining was the same decree Arc held in his hand. It was the “Decree of Title Return”. Casablanca had demanded the return of titles to the monarch from all nobles in the kingdom. This order was one to erase the status of “noble” from the Kingdom of Laplace, effectively turning all nobles into enemies.
“Nobles will not obediently comply with such a reckless order. It will cause another civil war.” (Arc)
“If the nobles rebel, we will simply crush them with our forces.” (Fran)
Fran answered confidently.
“Do you know what Casablanca-sama has been doing for the past year since her ascension?” (Fran)
“No, I do not.” (Arc)
Arc had heard that she was inspecting the provinces. However, he did not know the details.
“She was consolidating the royal domains. As you know, even within the royal domains, half the territories were loyal to Louis-sama, and the other half to Casablanca-sama. By means of force at times, money at others, and even by executing corrupt governors, she brought them all under her control. Now, all the royal domains swear allegiance to Casablanca-sama.” (Fran)
So, that was what it was. This was new information for Arc as well. If all the royal domains were under her control, she would possess more extensive land and population than any noble. Certainly, with such power, it was not unreasonable for her to judge that she could afford to oppose the nobles.
While listening to Fran’s explanation, Arc continued thinking, and Casablanca, who had been watching him closely, rose from the throne. She approached him, as if urging a decision.
“That’s why, Arc, preparations to fight the nobles are complete. Now, what will you do? Will you obey the order, or defy it?” (Casablanca)
If he chose to defy, he would be killed. She was the kind of person who wouldn’t take into account their past special relationship or the fact that he was her sister’s husband. To her, it would be nothing more than “disposing of a noble to be defeated here and now”. Of course, Arc had prepared himself for this when he came to the royal palace. The isolated Warden Household had no choice but to follow Casablanca, no matter how reckless the path.
“Casablanca-sama and I share the same destiny. We are in the same boat. If there is an order to return my title, I will gladly comply.” (Arc)
When he reaffirmed his support for Casablanca, the tension in the room eased. Apparently, even Casablanca’s side wasn’t entirely sure Arc would side with her this time.
“Um, just for reference. What happens if one returns their title?” (Arc)
Arc had no intention of letting go of Mikanda, which he had continued developing with substantial funding. He could throw away the façade of nobility as much as he wanted, but he was determined not to relinquish his practical control over Mikanda.
“You cease being a noble and become a governor. Therefore, Arc-sama will continue governing Mikanda on behalf of Her Majesty, as its governor.” (Fran)
“I see. So, the name changes, but the substance remains mostly the same.” (Arc)
“Well, even I wouldn’t suddenly take it all for myself.” (Casablanca)
“That’s a relief. I’m glad.” (Arc)
At least, she acknowledged his continued rule. For Arc, as long as he could continue governing Mikanda, losing his title meant nothing. However, for other nobles, it was a completely different matter. It was an act that trampled on their long-standing pride as nobles. Resistance would inevitably arise. But this was precisely Casablanca’s aim. To provoke the nobles into rebellion and crush them all at once.
The chaos of the kingdom, which began when the previous Zerold I was defeated by his eldest son Leo and was further exacerbated by the power struggle among Leo, Louis, and Casablanca, as well as the interference of religious forces, was about to culminate in its final dance. That was a death game between Casablanca and the nobles.
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