Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)

 

 

New Spark

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After the amnesty decree was issued, everything unraveled quickly. The nobles’ united front collapsed in no time. Once one noble withdrew from the front lines, small and medium-sized nobles began to leave the battlefield one after another. Even the great nobles, such as counts and margraves who intended to fight to the end without yielding to Casablanca, were shaken by the situation and ultimately fled.

Thus, Arc, advancing from the east, and Tyr, advancing from the west, peacefully entered the final destination, the Southern Margrave’s castle.

 

—

 

“Arc Warden, I return the Laplace Kingdom’s flag entrusted by Her Majesty the Queen and hereby report the conclusion of the western front.” (Arc)

“Arc Warden, your great efforts are commendable.” (Official)

Arc formally reported to the royal court. He had splendidly lived up to Casablanca’s expectations, crushing the nobles. Though the battles were continuous, the Warden army’s casualties were not negligible. Compensation for the families of fallen soldiers and rewards for injured soldiers incurred considerable expenses. Arc hoped for appropriate rewards from the royal family.

“A commemorative reward for your victory will be presented at a later date.” (Fran)

Fran’s words brought Arc relief. It seemed even Casablanca held to the common practice of granting rewards. Later, as usual, they moved to Casablanca’s private chamber. Since Arc outwardly held the position of Mikanda’s provincial governor, he couldn’t openly propose policies like a minister. Instead, they maintained the guise of casual conversations in her private room.

“What about the other fronts?” (Arc)

In response to Arc’s question, Fran answered instead of Casablanca.

“The northern front, with few nobles to begin with, was won easily. The eastern and southern fronts faced difficulties, but the amnesty decree fractured the nobles’ alliances, leading to a complete collapse, similar to the west.” (Fran)

“Casablanca-sama, you made an excellent decision with the amnesty decree.” (Arc)

Arc shifted his gaze to Casablanca and praised her decision.

“It couldn’t be helped. It’s vexing to pardon some nobles, but desperate times call for desperate measures.” (Casablanca)

“What became of the noble factions?” (Arc)

Arc turned back to Fran for an answer.

“Before the war, there were 49 noble families.” (Fran)

“I see.” (Arc)

“During the battles, 11 families were eradicated. 3 in the west, 1 in the north, 3 in the east, and 4 in the south.” (Fran)

Fran wrote “49 – 11” on a piece of paper.

“Quite a few, indeed.” (Arc)

This was a war of annihilation. It was a fight for survival between the royal family and the nobles. Unlike previous battles that ended when the enemy admitted defeat, this war allowed no mercy. Neither side held back in their attacks. Massacres of nobles who raised white flags reportedly occurred across the regions.

“Of the remaining 38 families, 32 surrendered and renounced their titles, accepting the amnesty decree.” (Fran)

Fran added “-32” to the equation.

“That’s a lot. Since only 20 families qualify for amnesty…” (Arc)

It seemed more nobles surrendered than the amnesty could accommodate. Since the amnesty was granted on a first-come, first-served basis, there was legitimate justification to punish latecomers. It was a favorable outcome for Casablanca.

“The surrendered nobles are under house arrest in the capital until their punishment is decided.” (Fran)

Fran approached the window as she spoke. Arc followed her gaze and saw a large building resembling a dormitory. It was a prison for political offenders, where the nobles were confined. House arrest meant they had relative freedom, which was a relief.

“That leaves six families.” (Fran)

Fran brought out a map of the kingdom and marked the territories of the nobles still resisting.

“Given their stubborn resistance, are they great nobles?” (Arc)

“Yes, exactly. They’re prominent figures like marquises and counts.” (Fran)

“Well, since most nobles have already surrendered, even if they’re great nobles, they should be fairly easy to defeat, right?” (Arc)

Arc spoke without much concern.

He assumed these great nobles had merely missed the timing to surrender and no longer had enough forces to stand alone. However, an awkward silence filled the room. Fran and Casablanca seemed uneasy.

“??” (Arc)

Arc couldn’t understand the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Have I said something inappropriate?

He began to worry.

“Did I say something strange?” (Arc)

“Well…” (Fran)

Fran hesitated, but Casablanca interrupted her.

“That’s not exactly the case.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca traced her slender, elegant finger across the map. Her finger moved from the capital through the eastern part of the kingdom, stopping outside Laplace’s borders.

“The great nobles have sought help from the Lureid Kingdom.” (Casablanca)

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