Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Conclusion
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After much deliberation, Casablanca issued an “amnesty decree” thanks to Fran’s persuasion. This decree decisively turned the tide of the noble coalition army’s grand rebellion. The following day, Arc, heading to the battlefield, immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere.
“What’s going on? The enemy isn’t attacking.” (Randal)
Randal remarked with a puzzled expression. Up until now, whenever Arc deployed his troops, the nobles would immediately follow suit, and battles would break out swiftly. However, though their camps remained set up, the nobles weren’t making any moves. They were watching each other, waiting.
“It seems they’re observing the situation.” (Randal)
“Yeah, but not us. They’re watching their fellow nobles.” (Arc)
Arc could clearly grasp the nobles’ thoughts from the opposite camp.
Are any of their comrades yielding to Casablanca’s amnesty and withdrawing from the battlefield? Are the other nobles truly not surrendering and still intending to fight?
The nobles’ mutual suspicion was almost palpable.
“This… we can win without fighting.” (Arc)
Arc decided to prod at the already fragile unity of the nobles just a little.
“Yuna.” (Arc)
“… Here I am.” (Yuna)
“Spread a rumor among the enemy. Say that the Southern Margrave has switched sides to Casablanca.” (Arc)
“… Understood.” (Yuna)
They decided to spread false information that the Southern Margrave had yielded to the amnesty decree.
The Southern Margrave governed the kingdom’s southernmost edge. For the Warden forces, who had begun their noble suppression campaign from the northwest, the Southern Margrave’s territory was practically the endpoint of their mission. Being a margrave, he held superior military power compared to other nobles, and in this rebellion, he stood as a de facto commander-in-chief of the western noble coalition.
The rumor of his defection was more than enough to further accelerate the nobles’ distrust and paranoia. The rumor spread like wildfire.
“Is it true the Southern Margrave has renounced his title?!” (??)
“No, he personally denied it!” (??)
“Anyone can say anything with words!” (??)
“Even while fighting alongside us, he might be secretly sending envoys to the royal palace.” ??)
Such conversations began to ripple across the nobles’ camps.
Then, the nobles arrived at a certain realization.
What if, while pretending to fight alongside us, some are secretly surrendering to Casablanca? Even the noble I’m speaking to now might already have reached out to the royal palace. After all, the amnesty is granted on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Could it be… am I the only one sincerely fighting the kingdom’s army?!
The nobles desperately tried to dismiss this notion. However, with the royal court never revealing the names of those who had surrendered, any doubts that arose in their hearts could not be dispelled. These suspicions only grew and festered, with no means to quash them. Thus, the fragile unity of the nobles further cracked under the weight of this rumor and gradually collapsed without a single battle being fought.
“Arc-kun, I have a question. May I?” (Rishu)
“What is it, Rishu?” (Arc)
“If these nobles were so eager to receive amnesty, why didn’t they side with Casablanca from the beginning, like you did?” (Rishu)
“Good question.” (Arc)
Indeed, given that nobles like Arc had aligned with Casablanca from the start, it seemed irrational for the others to have initially rebelled, only to now clamor for clemency.
But nobles are such creatures.
Arc decided to explain.
“It’s because nobles are fools.” (Arc)
“Huh?” (Rishu)
“Nobles are inherently foolish. They think of nothing but self-preservation all day long. That’s why, when they see an advantage, they all rise up in rebellion. Then, when they perceive Casablanca’s side as superior, they pivot to seeking amnesty.” (Arc)
“I see.” (Rishu)
“From the perspective of self-preservation, their actions, seemingly erratic at first glance, are consistent. Initially opposing Casablanca-sama, and now wagging their tails at her. It’s all part of their singular focus on survival.” (Arc)
After his explanation, Arc summoned his entire army. With the enemy already mired in mutual distrust, this was the perfect moment to strike.
“Randal.” (Arc)
“Yes, Milord.” (Randal)
“Take Laika and charge into the enemy’s center. That alone should shatter their cohesion. Don’t pursue them too deeply. Just cause chaos and then retreat.” (Arc)
“Understood.” (Randal)
“Rishu, once Randal divides the enemy, wipe out their left flank.” (Arc)
“Got it.” (Rishu)
“I’ll attack the right flank. This will decide the battle. Stay vigilant, everyone.” (Arc)
With that, Arc gave the command to his entire army.
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