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

 

 

Casablanca Sets Out

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The news that the remaining nobles had fled to the Lureid Kingdom and were preparing to invade the Laplace Kingdom alongside the king and Louis quickly reached Casablanca’s ears.

“Louis fled to the Lureid Kingdom, of all places.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca was taken aback by the unexpected news about her brother.

“No wonder we couldn’t find him despite searching the entire kingdom.” (Fran)

Despite efforts to locate him by placing a bounty on his head and conducting searches throughout the kingdom after his defeat and Casablanca’s ascension as queen, Louis had remained missing.

Had Casablanca not even considered the possibility of his seeking asylum in Lureid? No, the truth was likely that she had forgotten about him entirely amid her grueling workload.

“It can’t be helped. Let’s focus on preparing for battle.” (Casablanca)

Once informed of the potential threat of invasion from the Lureid Kingdom, Casablanca acted swiftly. Under her command, a considerable military force was already on its way to the border. It was fortunate that the kingdom’s soldiers had not yet disarmed after their recent battles with the nobles.

“Casablanca-sama, the entire army has completed its deployment.” (??)

“I thought we wouldn’t make it before the enemy arrived, but we managed to get here ahead of them.” (Casablanca)

In just one week after receiving the invasion warning, the Laplace Kingdom’s army had successfully reached the border and established defensive positions. Though the Lureid Kingdom likely intended to invade a weakened Laplace, they would now face battle-hardened soldiers lying in wait.

“Alright, we’re heading out too.” (Casablanca)

After receiving reports that the troops were in position, Casablanca finally departed the capital. While the other members of the Casablanca Seven had already headed to the battlefield, Casablanca herself was accompanied only by Fran, Arc, and a small escort.

 

—

 

“??” (Arc)

Shortly after leaving the capital, Arc sensed something strange. There was a smell. A strong odor, like the intensified scent of grilled fish. Sniffing, Arc turned around and saw black smoke rising from beyond the city walls.

It was coming from the direction of the royal palace!

“Fran-san! The royal palace is on fire!” (Arc)

Startled by Arc’s exclamation, both Fran and Casablanca turned to look back. However, unlike Arc, the two seemed remarkably composed. They didn’t even slow their horses, let alone consider returning to the capital.

“Oh, it’s not the royal palace that’s burning. It’s fine.” (Casablanca)

“Indeed. Let’s continue.” (Fran)

Casablanca and Fran didn’t seem concerned at all. Only Arc kept glancing back, his eyes narrowing. Alongside the black smoke, faint flickers of red flames could also be seen. It wasn’t the royal palace that was burning but the large tower standing next to it.

“No way…” (Arc)

Arc was left speechless.

That tower was where the nobles who had surrendered to Casablanca in this conflict. That was where the former nobles were being confined. Now he understood why Casablanca and Fran had been so indifferent. They had known about the fire. No, they hadn’t just known. They had set the fire. Casablanca had.

“Eliminating threats from behind. It’s standard practice in warfare.” (Casablanca)

Seeing Arc’s pale face, Casablanca spoke matter-of-factly, her expression unchanged.

“Was the amnesty a lie?” (Arc)

Arc asked Casablanca, his voice trembling unconsciously.

“Arc, you’re a merchant, yet you say strange things. Keeping the nobles alive would bring no benefits, only drawbacks. From a rational perspective, eliminating them is the best course of action.” (Casablanca)

“From a cost-benefit standpoint, I understand that. But didn’t you issue an amnesty guaranteeing their safety in exchange for surrender…?” (Arc)

“Oh, did I?” (Casablanca)

“Huh?” (Arc)

Arc was stunned by Casablanca’s feigned ignorance.

Was she denying the existence of the amnesty? Had she gone mad?

But seeing her unwavering gaze, Arc felt as if he were the one losing his grip on reality. He vividly recalled the details of the amnesty he had seen just days ago. It was supposed to ensure the safety of the surrendered nobles on a first-come, first-served basis. This wasn’t a dream. The amnesty had existed.

“Do you not remember the orders you issued yourself?” (Arc)

“Hey, Fran, did I issue an amnesty?” (Casablanca)

“No, there’s no record of it.” (Fran)

Arc pressed further, but Casablanca and Fran played dumb.

What, then, had their conversation in her chamber been about just days ago?

“But the document is circulating.” (Arc)

“It’s a forgery.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca dismissed it without hesitation.

“I know nothing about it.” (Casablanca)

Once again, Arc was left speechless. The amnesty had promised safety to 20 nobles. If she had executed those beyond the initial 20, Arc might have reluctantly understood. But to burn the entire tower and execute all the surrendered nobles, he hadn’t anticipated such a move. Casablanca was now pretending the amnesty had never existed. Turning back once more, Arc could only stare blankly at the raging flames rising from the direction of the capital.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @

Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter